EPCOT Theme Park Guide – Walt Disney World

EPCOT is Walt Disney World’s second-oldest theme park and “a showcase to the world of the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise.”

After more than 40 years, EPCOT is still a celebration of human achievement, technological innovation, international culture, and the natural world, all brought together across World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.

Even though its vision has changed since the park’s opening, it continues to entertain in ways other theme parks can’t. There is something so comforting and majestic about watching Spaceship Earth from across the lagoon, and we still love strolling around World Showcase, through all 11 unique countries.

In this post, we’ll share with you everything there is to know about EPCOT in Disney World, including all the attractions, restaurants, shows, characters, and what you need to prepare for your visit.

Even though EPCOT has changed immensely in the last few years, it’s still well worth a visit during your trip and shouldn’t be skipped. Rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’ Across America, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth are musts.

Not to mention all the time you’ll want to spend in all the amazing countries like Japan, France, Germany, and Mexico.

We’ll share with you the history of the EPCOT theme park at Walt Disney World, help you get tickets and parking, and let you discover World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and all the different pavilions in World Showcase.

Before we get started make sure to read these other useful resources we’ve put together on EPCOT to help you plan your visit:

• Best EPCOT Rides & Attractions
• EPCOT Park Hours
• EPCOT Lightning Lane Guide

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest updates on all the newest EPCOT additions as well as vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Overview

• Location: Walt Disney World, Bay Lake, Florida, United States
• Opened: October 1, 1982
• Areas: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase
• World Showcase Countries: 11
• Rides: 11
• Dining: 57 permanent named places to eat or drink
• Status: Operating
• Operated By: Walt Disney World Resort
• Estimated Park Capacity: Approximately 110,000

What is EPCOT?

EPCOT is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake near Orlando, Florida, USA. It was the second theme park built at the resort and is themed after human achievement through technological innovation and international culture.

Disney’s EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982. It has a unique design and can feel like multiple theme parks built into one, with four distinct areas and smaller subareas called pavilions.

The four areas are World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. EPCOT has 11 true rides along with numerous shows, films, exhibits, walkthroughs, interactive experiences, shops, restaurants, character greetings, and entertainment options.

Originally, EPCOT was planned by Walt Disney himself to be a prototype of a utopian city of the future. This city would be on the cutting edge of American enterprise and have an urban city center, schools, residential areas, and more.

Walt’s concept of EPCOT however was abandoned after his death in 1966, and the project developed into a second theme park at Walt Disney World to go along with the Magic Kingdom .

Where is EPCOT Located?

EPCOT is one of the 4 theme parks at The Walt Disney World Resort. Some people get confused about the parks, but it is not Disney World itself, but part of the larger resort.

When looking at a map of Walt Disney World, EPCOT is almost in the exact middle of the property. The official EPCOT address is: 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

To the East of EPCOT is the Disney Springs area. To the North, Disney’s Magic Kingdom. To the West are the EPCOT-area hotels. And to the South is Hollywood Studios and nearby Disney World Resort Hotels.

What does Epcot Stand for?

The acronym EPCOT stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” and is the name Walt Disney gave to his utopian city of the future.

When the park opened in 1982, its official name was “EPCOT Center.” That name continued until 1994 when “Center” was dropped from the title and it became just “Epcot.”

You also may have noticed the name Epcot is sometimes capitalized and sometimes not. From 1994 to 2019 it was written as “Epcot.” Then ahead of the major changes coming to the park, Disney announced it would now be written in all caps as “EPCOT.”

What is EPCOT known for?

All Walt Disney World theme parks are known for something. When you think of the Magic Kingdom you think of characters and fantasy. Hollywood Studios, movies, and the film industry. Animal Kingdom is obviously themed around nature and animals.

What about EPCOT? What is it known for?

EPCOT was created around the idea of human achievement and ingenuity, science, and technology. While those messages are not emphasized nearly as much as they were in years past, they are still woven into the park’s attractions.

Of course, when you think of EPCOT you think of Spaceship Earth, the iconic geodesic sphere located at the front of World Celebration (the former Future World). EPCOT is also known for the 11 countries around World Showcase Lagoon with their themed dining and shopping areas.

In recent years, EPCOT has become the “Festival Park” in Disney World. Four seasonal festivals run at different times throughout much of the year, attracting foodies and many locals who come to EPCOT as a “weekend hang-out spot.” Exact dates and offerings change annually.

Buying Tickets

The first thing you need to do to go to EPCOT is buy park tickets. That requires figuring out how many days to go for.

At this time, we recommend visiting EPCOT for at least one full day during your trip. While it somewhat depends on what type of group is visiting, one day is usually enough to experience the major attractions and spend time in World Showcase.

If you are visiting with adults, love the food festivals, or want to explore the countries and cultural attractions at a relaxed pace, you might want to consider visiting EPCOT for two days.

You also might want to consider purchasing a Park Hopper Ticket, which allows you to visit multiple parks in one day. That can come in handy with EPCOT if you are staying at one of the nearby hotels.

We love to go to a different park or stay at the pool during the day, then head to EPCOT for dinner, and we do this multiple times each trip.

Both Single and Multi-Day tickets are currently available for dates from January 1 through October 31, 2027. EPCOT one-day Base tickets currently range from $129–$214 before tax for that partial-year window. November and December 2027 dates and prices have not been released yet, so $214 should not be treated as the final full-year ceiling.

Disney World park tickets use dynamic pricing, which means the cost changes depending on the date you go. If you want to save money, go during a less expensive period. If you go on or close to a holiday, you will usually pay more.

The best place to buy tickets is a trusted reseller or the official Disney World website. Be careful when buying third-party tickets to EPCOT. Some resellers offer discount tickets that cannot be used. Our Discount Disney World Tickets Guide explains what to look for and how much you can save.

Our favorite place to get discounted tickets is Orlando Vacation. Readers of this site will find they usually have the best deals and will save you the most money, which is never a bad thing! We also highly recommend Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets.

For more info on Disney tickets in general, ticket types, prices, and tips, read our Disney World Tickets Guide.

How Much Does EPCOT Cost?

EPCOT is a wonderful place to visit, but like all Disney Parks, it isn’t cheap.

Tickets aren’t your only cost when visiting EPCOT. You also have to consider food, shopping, parking, and any optional Lightning Lane purchases.

Food costs vary greatly based on how much you eat and whether you prefer table-service meals, quick-service restaurants, or festival booths. Food in EPCOT can easily cost $40–$100 or more per person per day.

If you have a car, standard parking is currently $35 per car or motorcycle.

If you are going to EPCOT for the whole day, plan on spending roughly $180 to $300+ per person, depending on your ticket date, meals, shopping, parking, and extras.

Read our post on How Much Does it Cost to Visit Disney World? for a more detailed breakdown of vacation expenses and budgeting.

Park Pass Reservations

Theme Park Reservations are no longer required for most guests with standard date-based tickets. They may still be required for Annual Passes and certain older, special, or non-date-based admission types.

You need valid park admission before making a reservation when one is required. Read our post on How to Make Disney World Park Reservations for a detailed walkthrough of the system.

Park Hours

EPCOT park hours vary by date and can change as your visit approaches. A common current schedule is around 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, but openings and closings can be earlier or later during holidays, busy periods, special events, and other operating changes.

Attractions, restaurants, shops, entertainment, and individual World Showcase pavilions can operate on schedules that are shorter than the park’s official hours, so do not assume that everything opens and closes at the same time.

Early Theme Park Entry – This benefit continues throughout 2027 and lets eligible registered hotel guests enter the park 30 minutes before the general public each day. Participating attractions can change.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours – On select dates, eligible guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and certain partner hotels can stay in the park for two hours after regular closing. The park, weekday, and participating-attraction lineup can change, so always check the live calendar.

Special Events – Hours also vary when EPCOT is running Disney After Hours or another separately ticketed event.

Disney generally publishes a rolling schedule and may extend initial hours as a date approaches. Check the official Walt Disney World Hours & Events Calendar when planning, again shortly before your trip, and in My Disney Experience on the day of your visit.

EPCOT’s Four Areas

The front half of EPCOT used to be called Future World and was divided into Future World East and Future World West. After decades with the same name, it was reorganized into 3 separately themed neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. Together with World Showcase, these make up EPCOT’s four current areas.

The overall themes of science, technology, human achievement, international culture, and the natural world are explored through the park’s various pavilions. Each pavilion has its own architectural style, attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Let’s take a brief look at each one…

World Celebration

This is the first part of the park you walk into from EPCOT’s main entrance. It includes Spaceship Earth and stretches through the center of the park toward World Showcase.

• Spaceship Earth – Located at the front of the park, this 180-foot geodesic sphere is the symbol of EPCOT. It also houses a classic dark ride that takes guests through the history of human communication.
• Club Cool – This popular spot lets you sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the world, and it’s entirely free.
• Creations Shop – EPCOT’s flagship merchandise shop has one of the largest selections in the park.
• CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza – Opened in June 2024, these spaces serve as a central location for festivals, entertainment, character greetings, and other activities.
• Dreamers Point – This landscaped area behind Spaceship Earth is home to the Walt the Dreamer statue.
• Imagination! – Here you’ll find Journey Into Imagination with Figment, the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, and ImageWorks.

World Nature

World Nature occupies much of the former Future World West and is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world.

• The Land – Focuses on agriculture, ecology, and humanity’s interaction with the planet. It’s home to Soarin’ Across America, Living with the Land, Awesome Planet, Garden Grill, and Sunshine Seasons.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Originally called The Living Seas, this pavilion focuses on ocean life and exploration. It features a Nemo-themed omnimover ride, Turtle Talk with Crush, and one of the largest saltwater aquariums in the world.
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This walkthrough experience lets guests interact with playful water features while learning about the natural water cycle.

World Discovery

World Discovery occupies much of the former Future World East and focuses on science, technology, transportation, space, and intergalactic adventure.

• Test Track presented by General Motors – The former location of the World of Motion pavilion is now home to the third version of EPCOT’s high-speed car ride, which explores automotive innovation before ending with the famous outdoor speed loop.
• Mission: SPACE – This pavilion focuses on space exploration and includes both the Green and Orange versions of the simulator attraction.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – This indoor storytelling roller coaster occupies the former Universe of Energy pavilion.
• Space 220 Restaurant – Located next to Mission: SPACE, this restaurant simulates dining 220 miles above Earth.

World Showcase

World Showcase consists of 11 country pavilions, each uniquely themed to represent its culture, architecture, cuisine, shopping, attractions, and entertainment. Think of it as a permanent world’s fair that’s always on display.

The 11 pavilions are located around the large man-made World Showcase Lagoon and connected by the World Showcase Promenade. The perimeter of the lagoon is approximately 1.2 miles (1.8 km) long.

World Showcase countries in clockwise order from World Celebration:

• Mexico
• Norway
• China
• Germany
• Italy
• The American Adventure
• Japan
• Morocco
• France
• United Kingdom
• Canada

For a more in-depth look, read our full guide to EPCOT World Showcase Countries.

Rides & Attractions

EPCOT currently has 11 true rides, plus shows, films, exhibits, walkthroughs, interactive experiences, and entertainment. It doesn’t have as many traditional rides as the Magic Kingdom, but several of Disney World’s best attractions are here.

Known as much for dining, festivals, and exploring as for rides, EPCOT rewards guests who take time to experience both its headliners and its slower-paced pavilions.

• Further Reading: EPCOT Rides & Attractions Guide

Here is the current attraction lineup grouped by area:

World Celebration

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Spaceship Earth

World Discovery

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mission: SPACE
• Test Track presented by General Motors

World Nature

• Awesome Planet
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Living with the Land
• Soarin’ Across America
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush

World Showcase

• The American Adventure (American Adventure)
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (France)
• Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 (Canada)
• Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure
• Frozen Ever After (Norway)
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico)
• Impressions de France (France)
• Kidcot Fun Stops (Every pavilion)
• Reflections of China (China)
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France)

EPCOT Must Do’s

There sure are a lot of attractions to enjoy in EPCOT, but which are the best ones? What are the ones you absolutely must do when you visit? Here are some of our favorites:

World Celebration

Spaceship Earth – The very first attraction you run into when you enter EPCOT is one of our absolute favorites, Spaceship Earth. Yeah, there is an actual ride inside that huge geodesic sphere, and it is one of the few classics that remain from opening day.

This is a 15-minute-long dark ride taking you through the history of human communication from prehistoric times all the way to the 21st century. Everything about this ride is fantastic, from the musical score and narration by Judi Dench to its timeless scenes.

World Discovery

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – This storytelling roller coaster is one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions. Join Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket, and friends as you fly through the cosmos to save the galaxy in this fun and groundbreaking experience.

Test Track – Test Track is now operating in its third version. We love this iteration of the attraction and find it to be a big upgrade over the previous 2.0 version.

Mission: SPACE – Discover the thrill of space travel and what it’s like to be an astronaut in this centrifugal space simulator. We guarantee you’ve never felt G-forces like this before. Choose between the Green or Orange version depending on how intense you want the ride to be.

World Nature

Soarin’ Across America – One of the best rides in Disney World, Soarin’ simulates what it’s like to hang-glide over some of the most famous and picturesque locations in the United States. This limited-time presentation debuted in 2026, and Disney has not announced its ending date.

Living with the Land – Definitely, one of the more low-key rides in EPCOT, Living with the Land brings you on an informative boat ride around the world and shows you how scientists are coming up with new solutions to sustain the Earth’s growing population.

You also get to see first-hand the techniques used by Disney’s horticulturists and some of the produce grown for restaurants in the park.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment – We know it’s a shell of the beloved original attraction, but we always have to stop in and see Figment when in the park. Learn about the five senses and see what kind of trouble this loveable purple dragon gets into.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This walkthrough attraction takes guests on a self-guided exploration trail where they can play with water and see its natural cycle presented in a ton of unique ways.

World Showcase

Frozen Ever After – Fans of the Disney classic will not want to miss this dark boat ride in the Norway pavilion. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends on a trip through the Scandinavian countryside and into Arendelle.

Impressions de France – Our favorite of all the EPCOT movies is the captivating look at France and the French culture in Impressions de France. Whether it’s taking a hot-air balloon over the Loire Valley, visiting castles in the French countryside, or the bustling streets of Paris, we never get tired of this film.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Shrink down to the size of a rat and take a trip with Remy through Gusteau’s restaurant as all the madness unfolds. Guests ride in trackless vehicles through a mix of physical sets and updated 2D screen scenes.

The American Adventure – Take a trip through American history with Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. You’ll also enjoy the American Heritage Gallery in the lobby with incredible African-American art and history on display.

Read our guide to the top attractions at Walt Disney World to see where all of the EPCOT rides rank.

Lightning Lane Multi and Single Passes

Disney has eliminated the FastPass+ system and replaced it with three paid products: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Disney Genie remains a free planning service in the My Disney Experience app. Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you make up to three advance selections from participating attractions, with additional same-day selections available after you begin redeeming them. Single Pass is a separate one-time purchase for designated high-demand attractions, while Premier Pass provides one-time access to participating Lightning Lane attractions in one park without booking individual arrival windows.

Lightning Lane has a big impact on your EPCOT visit whether you use it or not. While Multi Pass may not be as essential here as it is at some other parks, it can be a big help if you have limited time or want to reduce waits for the most popular rides.

Purchases and selections are made through My Disney Experience beginning at 7:00 am Eastern. Eligible Disney Resort and select hotel guests can generally book seven days before check-in for the length of their stay, up to 14 days. Other eligible date-based ticket holders can generally book three days before their first eligible park day or ticket period.

For the initial EPCOT Multi Pass selections, you can choose one Tier 1 attraction and two Tier 2 attractions, or all three from Tier 2.

Tier 1 attractions include:

• Frozen Ever After
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Test Track

Tier 2 attractions include:

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Soarin’ Across America
• Spaceship Earth
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Best Lightning Lane Rides:

Test Track, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After are the strongest Tier 1 priorities for most guests. Soarin’ Across America, Mission: SPACE, and Spaceship Earth are also useful selections depending on your family, return times, and rope-drop plan.

After redeeming a Multi Pass selection—or after its arrival window passes—you can add another available selection, subject to availability. Guests with Park Hopper benefits may also select an available attraction in another park after the first redemption.

The only Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction at EPCOT is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. It can be purchased without Multi Pass, and guests may purchase up to two Single Passes per day. Guardians also has a standby queue.

Prices vary by date. EPCOT Multi Pass has historically ranged from approximately $15–$37 per person, with a dated price of $18 on August 31, 2026. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind had a dated Single Pass price of $19 on August 29, 2026. Always check My Disney Experience for your date.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides one-time access to participating Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions in EPCOT without booking individual arrival windows. It is significantly more expensive, so compare it with Multi Pass plus a Guardians Single Pass before purchasing.

Read our Lightning Lane Guide for more tips and specific EPCOT touring strategies.

Entertainment

Just like in any Disney theme park, entertainment options are numerous in EPCOT. Between concerts, character meets, street performers, live music, and an epic nighttime spectacular, there is more to experience than can be done on just one trip.

Fireworks

Luminous – The Symphony of Us made its debut on December 5, 2023. While it’s definitely a step up from the temporary EPCOT Forever, it still doesn’t reach the heights of the long-running IllumiNations for us. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, we were sadly disappointed with Luminous.

It is still a stunning and beautifully delivered show with impressive water elements, spectacular fireworks, and moving songs that we think most guests will love. Showtimes can change, so check My Disney Experience on the day of your visit.

Shows, Street Performers and Musical Acts

• ¡Celebración Encanto! (CommuniCore Plaza) – Join Mirabel and members of the Madrigal family for an energetic sing-along featuring songs from Encanto.
• Acrobatico! (France) – A silent mime and acrobat performs impressive balancing acts with a French-waiter theme.
• Max and Aydar (World Celebration) – This Masters of Variety duo performs plate spinning, juggling, comedy, and audience participation.
• JAMMitors (World Celebration) – This high-energy percussion group turns trash cans, brooms, and other cleaning supplies into musical instruments.
• Mariachi Cobre (Mexico) – Enjoy the warm melodies of traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico.
• Voices of Liberty (The American Adventure) – This a cappella vocal ensemble performs patriotic and American classic songs in the pavilion’s acoustically impressive rotunda.
• Command Performance (United Kingdom) – A lively British rock cover band.
• Rotating Cultural Musicians and Bands – Additional musical groups perform throughout World Showcase, CommuniCore Plaza, the Canada Mill Stage, the Germany gazebo, and EPCOT’s seasonal festivals.

Entertainment acts, locations, performance days, and showtimes change frequently. Check the official My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for the current schedule.

Characters

EPCOT is one of the best parks for meeting a wide variety of Disney characters. Here are many of the characters you may find throughout the park:

World Celebration

• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy – Mickey & Friends at CommuniCore Hall
• Daisy Duck – Near Dreamers Point or another posted location
• Figment – ImageWorks
• Joy – Imagination! Pavilion
• Pluto – Location can vary
• Disney Visa Character Experience – Near ImageWorks for eligible cardmembers; the character lineup varies

World Discovery

• Star-Lord – Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

World Nature

• Moana – Near Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

World Showcase

• Donald Duck – Mexico
• Anna and Elsa – Royal Sommerhus in Norway
• Mulan – China
• Snow White – Germany
• Jasmine – Morocco
• Belle and Princess Aurora – France
• Alice, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh – United Kingdom
• Asha – World Showcase Plaza

Character Dining

• Garden Grill Restaurant – The typical lineup includes Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale.
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Features a rotating lineup of Disney Princesses.

Characters, locations, appearance days, costumes, and times can change without notice, and surprise characters sometimes appear. Always check My Disney Experience on the day of your visit for the current lineup.

Dining

Maybe more so than in any Walt Disney World theme park, EPCOT is known for its food and drinks. Nothing is better than a stroll around World Showcase Lagoon and dining at one of its dozens of authentically-themed restaurants.

No matter if you are looking for a sit-down meal or something on the go, this park has you covered. You might even just spend the whole day snacking around World Showcase enjoying the best snacks at EPCOT.

EPCOT currently has 57 permanent named places to eat or drink, including 21 table-service operations, 25 quick-service, snack, stand, and cart operations, and 11 permanent lounges and specialty bars. Disney’s official directory may show a higher total because it also counts festival marketplaces, dining packages, events, and locations that fit more than one category.

Quick Service Dining

• Connections Café (World Celebration; EPCOT Starbucks)
• Connections Eatery (World Celebration)
• Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris (France)
• Katsura Grill (Japan)
• Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Norway)
• La Cantina de San Angel (Mexico)
• La Poutinerie (Canada area)
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)
• Lotus Blossom Cafe (China)
• Pizza al Taglio (Italy; seasonal)
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (The American Adventure)
• Refreshment Outpost (between China and Germany)
• Sommerfest (Germany)
• Sunshine Seasons (World Nature)
• Tangierine Café (Morocco; limited festival-style menu)
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop (United Kingdom)

It’s easy to find a quick meal in EPCOT, and many of the locations are really good too! Disney sometimes classifies bakeries, kiosks, seasonal windows, and beverage stands as quick service, so the exact category totals can look different depending on the list.

Quick service meals come in handy when you don’t want to waste too much time with a sit-down meal and want to get back to the attractions as soon as possible.

Our favorite quick service restaurants in EPCOT are:

• Katsura Grill
• La Cantina de San Angel
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
• Connections Café and Eatery
• Tangierine Café

Any one of them would be a great meal for you and your family.

Make sure to take advantage of Disney’s Mobile Ordering service which allows you to order your food ahead and skip the lines at quick service restaurants.

Read our post on the Best EPCOT Counter Service Restaurants to see where to eat when you are looking for a quick meal.

Table Service Dining

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway)
• Biergarten Restaurant (Germany)
• Chefs de France (France)
• Coral Reef Restaurant (World Nature)
• Garden Grill Restaurant (World Nature)
• La Crêperie de Paris (France)
• La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico)
• Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada)
• Monsieur Paul (France)
• Nine Dragons Restaurant (China)
• Rose & Crown Dining Room (United Kingdom)
• San Angel Inn Restaurante (Mexico)
• Space 220 Restaurant (World Discovery)
• Space 220 Lounge (World Discovery)
• Spice Road Table (Morocco)
• Takumi-Tei (Japan)
• Teppan Edo (Japan)
• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Japan)
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy)
• Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy)
• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy)

EPCOT has 21 table-service operations when its restaurant and lounge dining options are counted separately. Most are located around World Showcase Lagoon, but several are also found in World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

There are 2 character meals: Garden Grill and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Character lineups can change, so check the current details before booking.

Our favorite table service restaurants in EPCOT are:

• Chefs de France
• Le Cellier
• Takumi-Tei
• Teppan Edo
• Via Napoli

Read our post on the Best EPCOT Restaurants to see where and what to eat when you visit.

TIP: A common strategy is to book one of the restaurants and then exit in time to watch the fireworks show at the end of the night. Some of the restaurants even have fireworks viewing areas as you are dining.

Like in all the theme parks, make sure you make advanced dining reservations ahead of time, especially for the character meals or Le Cellier as they book up fast. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance which we recommend.

Read our guide to Disney Advance Dining Reservations for more info.

Food Stands, Carts & Snack Locations

• Block & Hans (The American Adventure)
• Canada Popcorn Cart (Canada)
• Club Cool (World Celebration)
• Cool Wash (World Discovery)
• Fife & Drum Tavern (The American Adventure)
• Funnel Cake (The American Adventure)
• Gelateria Toscana (Italy)
• Germany Bier Hovels (Germany)
• Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Kiosks (4 EPCOT locations)
• Joy of Tea (China)
• Kabuki Cafe (Japan)
• Karamell-Küche (Germany)
• L’Artisan des Glaces (France)
• Norway Snack Stand (Norway)
• Oasis Sweets and Sips (Morocco)
• Rose & Crown Beer Stand (United Kingdom)
• Swirled Showcase (World Showcase Promenade)
• World Celebration Popcorn Cart (World Celebration)

Swirled Showcase occupies the former Traveler’s Café location. It is a permanent booth serving soft-serve treats year-round, with additional seasonal festival items.

Bars & Lounges

• Block & Hans (The American Adventure)
• Choza de Margarita (Mexico)
• Enoteca Castello (Italy)
• Garden House (Japan)
• GEO-82 (World Celebration; guests ages 21 and older)
• Germany Weinkeller (Germany)
• La Cava del Tequila (Mexico)
• La Maison du Vin (France)
• Mitsukoshi Sake Bar (Japan)
• Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom)
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy)

Drinking Alcohol

Unlike the Magic Kingdom, drinking alcohol is very easy to do in EPCOT, with an almost endless variety of beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits available. This is hands-down the best Disney World park for alcohol.

The World Showcase pavilions feature regional beverages, so you can taste many different drinks from around the world. Most of the year there is also a festival happening in EPCOT, providing more opportunities to try smaller samples as you make your way around the park.

Some guests participate in the “Drink Around the World” challenge and get an alcoholic drink from each country. If you do this, pace yourself, drink plenty of water, eat along the way, and remember that offerings and operating hours can change.

Shopping

Just like dining, there are an endless number of shops and stores to explore in EPCOT, which can be quite dangerous to your wallet.

EPCOT isn’t full of your typical Disney merch, but all of the shops in World Showcase feature crafts, apparel, and souvenirs specific to that country. That means every shop you go to will be completely different and sell gifts you otherwise wouldn’t be able to find unless you actually go to that country.

For that reason, it’s also the best park to buy a gift for someone who isn’t the biggest Disney fan as you will find completely non-related merchandise.

Some of our favorite shops in EPCOT include:

• Mitsukoshi’s Department Store – This famous Japanese store is the highlight of shopping in EPCOT and sells everything from Japanese snacks and candies to handbags, scarves and kimonos. Don’t forget the sake bar in the back or take your chance at finding a pearl in a live oyster.
• Plaza de los Amigos – This is the most beautiful shopping experience in EPCOT as it is set inside the Mexican pyramid and is designed as an open-air market at night. You might as well stop in at La Cava while you are there and take a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour.
• **Creations Shop –** If you are looking for classic Disney World merchandise in EPCOT, this flagship store is where you need to go. It carries one of the park’s largest selections of current EPCOT and Disney merchandise.

Special Events & Experiences

EPCOT is big into events. During much of the year, there is some kind of festival happening in the park. The festivals include food and drink marketplaces, entertainment, activities, merchandise, and other offerings spread throughout World Showcase and the park’s three front neighborhoods.

The idea is to walk, eat, and drink your way through the various areas of the park and be able to sample a wide variety of things. Each event has a slightly different theming being inspired by horticulture, the arts, the holidays, or just plain food!

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

One of our favorite festivals, this event is a showcase of art featuring Disney artists both historical and current. Even the small plates at the various marketplaces are beautifully created and works of art themselves.

There are also plenty of interactive activities for young and old alike, all centered around art.

The EPCOT Festival of the Arts generally takes place during the winter (usually January and February). However, exact dates, artists, menus, and entertainment change each year.

Read our Full Guide to the EPCOT Festival of the Arts for more information.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is a unique experience because you can walk around the park and look at the dozens of Disney topiaries, flower beds, gardens, and interactive exhibits.

There is no time of the year when EPCOT looks more beautiful than during the Flower and Garden Festival! There are also dozens of food and drink marketplaces with completely unique themes and offerings to enjoy.

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival generally takes place during the spring (usually from March through May and occasionally into June). However, exact dates and offerings vary from year to year.

Read our Full Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival for more details and reviews.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

EPCOT’s most famous festival is the one that attracts foodies for miles and miles. This is Disney’s celebration of food as 30+ different food and drink marketplaces are set up throughout the park, and it offers the widest selection of food and drink of any EPCOT event.

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival generally takes place from late summer through the fall, but exact dates, marketplaces, menus, and entertainment change each year.

Read our Full Guide to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival for more details and reviews.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

This is a typical EPCOT festival but themed to the holidays and the cultures and traditions of each nation. There are unique holiday kitchens, menus, and merchandise throughout the park.

Some events here include concerts, the Candlelight Processional, and the storytellers.

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays generally runs from late November through December, but exact dates and offerings change each year.

Disney After Hours at EPCOT

This separately ticketed event runs on select evenings and offers access to popular attractions with lower crowds, plus select snacks and beverages. Dates, hours, prices, and participating attractions change, so check Disney’s current event listing.

What’s New at EPCOT?

EPCOT has undergone one of the largest transformations in its history. The major redevelopment is substantially complete, but several recent additions and attraction updates are still important for visitors to know about.

• Test Track 3.0 – The third version of Test Track opened with new scenes focused on automotive innovation, while preserving the attraction’s famous outdoor speed loop.
• Soarin’ Across America – This limited-time film debuted in 2026 and replaced Soarin’ Around the World for the current presentation. Disney has not announced an ending date.
• GEO-82 – This adults-only lounge inside Spaceship Earth opened in 2025 with cocktails, small plates, and views over World Celebration.
• Frozen Ever After Updates – The attraction reopened in 2026 with updated Audio-Animatronics figures.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – The attraction now uses updated 2D visuals instead of its former 3D presentation.
• CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza – These World Celebration spaces host festivals, entertainment, character greetings, and other seasonal activities.
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This self-guided walkthrough attraction lets guests interact with water while learning about its natural cycle.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – This remains one of EPCOT’s biggest recent additions and arguably the best attraction in the park.

We have enjoyed Journey of Water. It’s not a ride, but it is an adorably done walkthrough experience that the whole family can explore at its own pace.

We also love the current version of Test Track. While we loved the original Test Track and World of Motion before it, the 2012 version significantly hampered the overall guest experience. Test Track 3.0 is very enjoyable and, in our opinion, much better than the previous version!

See the following posts for the latest news on EPCOT and Walt Disney World additions:

• EPCOT Changes – Expansion Project Details & Updates
• New Disney World Rides – Everything Coming in the Next Few Years
• Walt Disney World Construction Updates

Tours & Experiences

EPCOT offers some amazing tours and special experiences that give you a completely different perspective on the park. Availability, schedules, prices, and eligibility can change, so check Disney’s current EPCOT tours listing before booking.

Behind the Seeds – Go behind the scenes in EPCOT’s greenhouses at The Land pavilion and see up close how Disney uses innovative techniques to grow crops. It’s educational, fun, and usually one of the more affordable tours at EPCOT.

EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest – Certified scuba divers can explore the massive aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends and get a closer look at its marine life and coral environment.

Additional tours and seasonal experiences may be offered during EPCOT’s festivals, but their availability can change from year to year.

EPCOT Tips

Whether you are a long-time vet of EPCOT or going for the first time, here are some of the most important tips to know before you go.

Best Days to Visit EPCOT

Any day is a good day to visit EPCOT, but some still are better than others.

Weekends can be busy because EPCOT is a popular place for locals to eat, drink, and enjoy the festivals. However, no weekday is guaranteed to be the best or worst.

Festival schedules, holidays, special events, operating hours, and the overall resort crowd level can matter more than the day of the week. Check the current calendar and choose the date that best fits your priorities.

Make sure to read our post on The Best Times to Go to Disney World which takes into consideration all the factors and breaks it down month by month.

Have a Plan

With so much to see and do at EPCOT, you need to be prepared and that means having a good plan before visiting.

Make a list ahead of time of everything you want to do (attractions, entertainment, characters, etc). Also, make sure to make reservations for any restaurant you want to eat at and write down any snacks to try throughout the day.

Prioritize the most important ones and do them first. Don’t leave them until the end because things can come up and you might not be able to do it all.

You can get Lightning Lane Multi Pass if you want to skip the lines on your favorite attractions and get there early to rope drop the other popular ones.

If you are only going to EPCOT for one day, we recommend making it a full day, which means getting an early start. You will get more done in the first 2 hours than the following 4, so be there at the park opening to take advantage.

Eat…A Lot!

Sure EPCOT has great entertainment and some can’t-miss rides, but the main attraction here is the Food and drinks!

If there is a festival going on during your visit, we suggest carving out some space in your day to try some of the best snack offerings available. Take a good 2-3 hours of your day to just stroll your way around World Showcase Lagoon eating and drinking.

EPCOT also has the best in-park dining of all 4 Disney World theme parks, so make sure you take time to stay for a meal or two.

Go at Night

Make sure to visit at night. This goes for EPCOT, as well as ALL the Disney theme parks. Nighttime is much better for so many reasons.

For one, you don’t have to deal with the sweltering heat in the evening like you do during the day. Daytime in EPCOT can be especially brutal since there are very few shaded areas around World Showcase. It’s hard to enjoy the cheddar cheese soup from Canada when it’s 95 degrees out, but a little easier when the sun isn’t beating on you.

You also need to make sure you stay in EPCOT to see the fireworks show. Since you will follow our previous advice to stay for dinner, the timing is perfect. Finish up your meal and then find a spot around World Showcase lagoon for the show!

Drink Lots of Water

EPCOT is an extremely hot park, which means you are going to get dehydrated very quickly. To fix that, drink as much water as you can throughout the day.

All the quick-service restaurants in EPCOT give out paper cups of free ice water, so make sure you stop by often, especially if you are drinking alcohol.

What Can I Bring With Me Into EPCOT?

When visiting EPCOT, guests are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park, as long as they are for self-consumption, are not in glass containers, and do not require heating, refrigeration, or temperature control.

Normally, we would recommend you bring some small snacks with you like chips, candy, and granola or protein bars so you don’t have to spend money on those things at the park.

The food in EPCOT is so good however, we say unless you are on an extremely tight budget, forget it and leave space for the snacks in the park!

We do recommend bringing some bottled water with you, however, especially if you prefer it to Florida tap water.

Bring a backpack with you to hold any important items you need, but don’t pack too much. Wearing a backpack all day is tiring, especially in the heat so pack light.

Definitely wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing A LOT of walking!

For more planning tips EPCOT as well as the other parks, check out 150+ Best Disney World Tips.

Transportation to EPCOT

Transportation to EPCOT will vary depending on where your hotel is located. EPCOT has two entrances: the main entrance near Spaceship Earth and the International Gateway between the United Kingdom and France pavilions. Some of your transportation options include:

• Bus
• Disney Skyliner
• Monorail
• Ferry Boat (Friendship Boats)
• Car
• Ride Sharing (Uber or Lyft)
• Walking

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, free transportation is provided to Disney theme parks for all guests. This is one of the best reasons to stay at a Disney World hotel. No matter which one you take (monorail, bus, ferry boat, etc), they are all complimentary.

Buses – Bus transportation is available from most Walt Disney World Resort hotels that do not have another direct EPCOT connection. EPCOT-area resorts generally use walking or Friendship Boats, while Skyliner resorts use the International Gateway. We tend to avoid buses when a direct alternative is available, but actual waits and travel times vary. Leave at least 30–45 minutes and allow more time during busy periods.

Disney Skyliner – Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera Resort are all connected to EPCOT’s International Gateway by the Skyliner. It is a fun and convenient way to get there, but travel time depends on your resort, transfers, weather, and current operations.

This can be extremely crowded at night and if you try to get on right after the fireworks, you could be waiting in line for an hour or more. Because of that, we like to take our time and stroll EPCOT until much of the crowds have left and the line ends up being much shorter.

Monorail – Traveling to EPCOT by monorail is possible if you are staying at one of the Magic Kingdom-area resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Friendship Boats – Friendship Boats connect EPCOT’s International Gateway with Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin hotels. Travel times and frequency vary by route, weather, and time of day.

Walking – Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, and Swan and Dolphin Hotels all are conveniently within walking distance of EPCOT’s back entrance at the International Gateway.

Ride-Sharing – This can be done from anywhere in Walt Disney World with a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Car – If you live locally or are taking a car to EPCOT, parking is easy to do and located in the EPCOT parking lot. Read our Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World for all the pros and cons.

Parking

If you are bringing a car to EPCOT, you’ll need to leave it in the parking lot outside the park. Parking is easy to find even on the busiest of days.

Here are the latest EPCOT parking prices.

• Standard parking for a car or motorcycle costs $35 per day.
• Preferred parking for a car or motorcycle costs $50–$60 per day, depending on the date.
• Oversized vehicle parking costs $40 per day.

These prices were checked for the 2026–2027 refresh and can change, so verify Disney’s current rates before your visit.

The EPCOT parking lot is huge, but trams are provided to bring guests from the lot to the front of the park. From there you can walk to the entrance.

We recommend reading our Disney World Parking Guide for prices and more in-depth info.

Best Hotels to Stay at Near EPCOT

If you are like us, you will be going to EPCOT multiple times during your trip, and to make that easier, it’s better to stay at one of the nearby EPCOT resorts.

If you are going to EPCOT multiple times on your trip, staying close by will save you valuable travel time getting there.

This also allows you to go early in the morning, and head back to your resort for a mid-day nap if you need one.

Staying at an EPCOT resort also means access to dozens of amazing restaurants within walking distance of your room. Go to another park in the morning and afternoon, then make dinner reservations at one of the EPCOT restaurants and catch the fireworks.

We do this probably 3-4 nights each trip and have a blast!

EPCOT Hotels within walking distance include:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Our favorite EPCOT area hotel to stay at is the Beach Club. We’ve been going there for decades now, and it is super convenient for all the reasons we mentioned above. Plus it has a sweet pool, the best in Disney World!

If you are on a budget then we recommend the Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, or Art of Animation. They are farther away, but easy to get to from the Skyliner.

Our ranking of the Best Disney World Resorts will help you understand the pros and cons of each resort and make the best choice for your family.

EPCOT History

Imagine if Walt Disney had been alive to see the EPCOT project through to completion. It’s very likely it would be very different than the theme park we have today.

That’s right, Walt Disney’s vision for EPCOT was not for a theme park, but for a cutting-edge, utopian city. A place where American industry could thrive and real families would live and work.

Hence the acronym EPCOT…Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

The project was going to be built as part of the Walt Disney World Resort complex near Orlando, Florida.

Concept art for the EPCOT project shows that it would have been built in a huge circle, with the commercial and business areas in the center, community buildings, schools and recreational areas outside that, and finally residential areas on the outer perimeter.

Walt’s dream was to put automobile traffic underground and have monorails and PeopleMovers be used as the transportation above ground.

In order to gain the proper financing for the EPCOT project, Disney first agreed to build a Disneyland-inspired park first, this became the Magic Kingdom.

Unfortunately, Walt Disney never even got to see that built as he died in 1966, 5 years before the opening of Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney Productions did not want to be in the city-building business and decided to turn the project into a second theme park for Walt Disney World, yet keep it in theme with Walt’s original idea.

Many principles established by Walt served as the backbone of ideas that would later become EPCOT Center. Even adding the word “Center” into the name was a reference to Walt’s vision.

Disney finally settled on the idea of combining technology, science, and human achievement, with a permanent World’s Fair of sorts, which also was a big interest of Walt Disney.

Construction got started in 1979 and at the time it was the largest construction project on Earth. Problems quickly inflated the project costs to three times as much as the original projection called for and EPCOT was constructed for well north of $1 billion.

On October 1, 1982, Disney CEO Card Walker dedicated EPCOT Center and it opened to the public.

EPCOT Logo

The current EPCOT logo was introduced in 2019 and uses a font inspired by the original EPCOT Center logo, without the word “Center.” Disney also introduced individual pavilion logos with an old-school look and feel, and we absolutely LOVE them! They bring us back to the original EPCOT.

From 1996 through 2019, EPCOT used a different stylized logo before returning to a design that more closely reflects the park’s original identity.

Original EPCOT Center Pavilions

When EPCOT Center opened in 1982, it looked a whole lot different than it does today. Here are the original opening day pavilions and attractions:

Future World Pavilions:

• Spaceship Earth (1982 – Present)
• Communicore (1982 – 1994)
• Universe of Energy (1982 – 1996)
• World of Motion (1982 – 1996)
• Odyssey Center (1982 – 1994)
• The Land (1982 – Present)
• Journey Into Imagination (1982 – 1998)

The following were added later:

• Horizons (1983 – 1999)
• The Living Seas was added in 1986.
• Wonders of Life opened in 1989 with Body Wars and Cranium Command.

World Showcase:

• Mexico
• Norway (Opened in 1988)
• China
• Germany
• Italy
• American Adventure
• Japan
• Morocco (Opened in 1984)
• France
• United Kingdom
• Canada

Closed EPCOT Attractions

• Captain EO (1986 – 1994; 2010 – 2015)
• Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable (1995 – 2018)
• Communicore (1982 – 1994)
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure (1996 – 2017)
• Food Rocks (1994 – 2004)
• Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1994 – 2010)
• Horizons (1983 – 1999)
• Innoventions (1994 – 2019)
• Journey Into Imagination (1982 – 1998)
• Journey Into YOUR Imagination (1999 – 2001)
• Kitchen Kabaret (1982 – 1994)
• Maelstrom (1988 – 2014)
• Magic Journeys (1983 – 1986)
• Millennium Voyage (1999 – 2001)
• The Living Seas (1986 – 2005)
• Universe of Energy (1982 – 1996)
• Wheel of Fortune Live (2017 – 2018)
• Wonders of Life (1989 – 2007)
• World of Motion (1982 – 1996)

EPCOT Facts & Trivia

• EPCOT is 305 acres in size (1.23 km ² ), which is more than twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park.
• The parking lot is huge at 141 acres and can hold 11,211 vehicles.
• Spaceship Earth is made of 11,520 total isosceles triangles and weighs 15,520,000 pounds.
• There are 11 countries represented in World Showcase.
• Only 9 countries opened with the park in 1982. Morocco and Norway were added later in 1984 and 1988 respectively.
• EPCOT is home to Disney World’s fastest attraction Test Track, which speeds guests up to 64.9 MPH.
• The fruits and vegetables grown at the “Living with the Land” greenhouse are actually used as ingredients in EPCOT restaurants and festivals.
• There were plans to build a version of EPCOT at the Disneyland Resort called WestCot. Those plans fell through when the company ran into financial trouble in the 1990s. The land is the current home of Disney California Adventure.

FAQs

If you are going to any of the other Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, read our full guides to those below:

• Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park Guide
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park Guide
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Guide

If you are planning a trip make sure to read our Disney World Crowd Calendar which will explain when the least crowded time of the year is to visit.

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about EPCOT…

• What is your favorite thing to do at EPCOT?
• Which is your favorite EPCOT Country?
• What is your favorite attraction at EPCOT?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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