EPCOT Theme Park Guide at Walt Disney World Resort
With your Walt Disney World tickets or Disney and Universal Combo tickets, 'out of this world' is well within reach and travelling around the globe takes no more effort than travelling around the block! Immerse yourself in a journey of discovery through the ever-evolving world of EPCOT, where the marvels of the universe and diverse cultures from around the planet come together and come to life.
What is EPCOT?
EPCOT stands for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, and was Walt Disney’s grand project, not so much a theme park as a living, working, technology city. Sadly, he died before he could create a working model of his vision, but 11 years after the opening of Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT Center (as it was then known) began to take shape.
Happily, the combination of Future World and World Showcase was a winning one for EPCOT, and it quickly gained a reputation as Walt Disney World Resort’s more grown-up attraction, while still providing plenty of interest for children. Today, it features both memorable rides, fabulous architecture and cultural story-telling from around the world.
EPCOT is now also known for its festivals throughout the year, from the International Food and Wine Festival to the International Festival of the Holidays. Each one brings exclusive food and drinks, events and experiences to the park, making every visit unique!
Included in the cost of your EPCOT tickets, you’ll experience futuristic fun and Disney imagination, combined with the wonder of diverse cultures and the natural world. Visit 11 countries all in one day and experience an adventure unlike any other.
Lands in EPCOT
World Celebration
Step into a global community built on connection and communication as soon as you enter EPCOT. Home to the giant geodesic sphere that is the park’s famous icon, World Celebration is the perfect welcome into the park.
Don’t miss:
- Discover the history of human communication on Spaceship Earth
- Cool off with a refreshing drink or two at Club Cool
- Get all your must-have merchandise at Creations Shop
World Discovery
Explore the wonders of science and technology in our world and beyond. Take a trip into space for a relaxing lunch or a thrilling exploration mission, or team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy on a first-of-its-kind roller coaster.
Don’t miss:
- Dine among the stars at Space 220 Restaurant
- Blast off to an unforgettable soundtrack on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Design your own test vehicle and take it for a spin on Test Track
World Nature
Discover the wonders of our own planet and the natural world around us, as told by some of your favourite Disney Characters through shows, attractions, walkthroughs and more. You can even see where the vegetables you’ll be eating for lunch were grown!
Don’t miss:
- Travel the world in less than 10 minutes with a ride on Soarin’ Around The World
- Dine with Mickey and his friends at Garden Grill Restaurant - a buffet location that slowly spins as you eat!
- Try to stay dry as you walk through Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
World Showcase
Take a trip to all four corners of the world and discover the cultures, cuisines and characters of 11 different countries. Each pavilion around the World Showcase Lagoon is entirely unique, having been inspired by the architecture of its host country.
Fun Fact - all the cast members working in the World Showcase pavilions come from the host countries, and they’re all more than happy to tell you more about their culture!
Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
Italy
The American Adventure
Japan
Morocco
France
United Kingdom
Canada
Rides and Attractions in EPCOT
Rides
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 42”/107cm
- Lightning Lane Single Pass or Virtual Queue
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest ride at EPCOT and it’s an attraction like no other. As you make your way on a quest across the galaxy, you’ll experience the first-ever reverse launch in Disney Parks history with a groundbreaking ride vehicle that can rotate 360-degrees! It really is out of this world!
Fun fact! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world!
Spaceship Earth
- Ride/Attraction Type - Dark Ride
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Spaceship Earth is a slow-moving 16-minute ride through time and space. Audio-animatronic scenes depict the stirring story of human communication from the dawn of recorded time to the 21st century's cyber age. Over a dramatic 63-piece orchestral and 24-vocal musical score, famed actress Dame Judi Dench relays the story of how each generation of mankind has paved the way for the next.
Fun fact! It’s not just about the inside of Spaceship Earth. Make sure you head to the front of the park once it starts to get dark to see EPCOT’s icon lit up in different colours.
Mission: SPACE
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 40”/102cm
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
What’s it like to be an astronaut? You’ll find out on Mission: SPACE! As one of the most thrilling rides at EPCOT, you’ll blast off on either a full force NASA-style mission to Mars or by orbiting the Earth on a more gentle ride through space.
Test Track
- Ride/Attraction Type - Thrill Ride
- Height Requirement - 40”/102cm
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Design a virtual concept car and put it to the test on this thrilling, high-octane attraction. Rev through rough terrain and obstacles along the winding circuit. Accelerate through straightaways, manoeuvre switchbacks through inclement weather, hug curves banked at 50-degree angles and scale hills 3 storeys high reaching speeds up to 65 miles per hour!
Soarin' Around the World
- Ride/Attraction Type - Simulator Ride
- Height Requirement - 40”/102cm
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Take flight on a breezy, airborne adventure as you hang glide above the breathtaking wonders of the world. See the majestic Swiss Alps, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India like you never have before. No mountain is too high. No landscape is too far.
Living with the Land
- Ride/Attraction Type - Boat Ride
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
In this beautiful and educational boat ride, you’ll float through massive greenhouses and scenes depicting farming throughout the world. As you drift past fish farms and an array of fresh fruit and vegetables you’ll learn about the innovative ways that the Walt Disney World Resort horticulturalists are helping to further the future of agriculture.
Fun Fact! The crops that you see on this ride are all real fruit and vegetables and are served throughout EPCOT at restaurants including Garden Grill and Sunshine Seasons. You can’t get much fresher than that!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Ride/Attraction Type - Dark Ride
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a ride inspired by the characters from the Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo. Board a "clamobile" and gently descend below the waves into a colourful underwater world where Nemo and his friends explore tropical reefs, discover ancient shipwrecks, meet beautiful sea creatures and avoid lurking peril.
Turtle Talk with Crush
- Ride/Attraction Type - Interactive Show
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Go under the sea and have a conversation with Crush, the sea turtle from Disney Pixar's Finding Nemo, as well as a few friends from Finding Dory too! Using his high-tech ‘hydrophone’, Crush can communicate directly with little dudes and dudettes in the audience about anything that’s on their minds. Pick his brain about marine biology, his friends, his favourite food or life in general—it’s totally up to you!
Awesome Planet
- Ride/Attraction Type - Short Film
Experience the wonder of nature and learn more about how important it is for us to protect it in this 10-minute short film. Created in partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, Awesome Planet features incredible imagery from all over the world, enhanced by effects like wind, water and scents to tell the story of our planet.
Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Ride/Attraction Type - Dark Ride
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Imagination is a blast with Figment! Join this playful purple dragon and Dr Nigel Channing on a journey around the Imagination Institute where you’ll learn all about the five senses. All your expectations will be turned upside down as you smell, see and hear your way through the sensory labs.
Don’t miss: While you’re waiting in the queue, take a look at the names on the doors inside the Imagination Institute - there might be a few fictional scientists that you recognise.
Frozen Ever After
- Ride/Attraction Type - Boat Ride
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Voyage to Arendelle aboard an ancient Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the wintery world of Frozen. Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some ‘boulders’ - a.k.a. Kristoff’s family of trolls, before bracing for the cold of Elsa’s ice palace. Behold the wonder… and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and a few more Frozen friends.
Reflections of China
- Ride/Attraction Type - Circle-Vision Film
One of three spectacular Circle-Vision 360° films across the World Showcase, Reflections of China takes you on a journey through the provinces of China. Float down the Yangtze River, marvel at the Peking Opera Company’s acrobatics, explore the city of Shanghai and trek along the Silk Road to the Forbidden City.
The American Adventure
- Ride/Attraction Type - Show
- Height Requirement - None
Audio-animatronics of Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain and more will help tell the story of America, guiding you through events including the Declaration of Independence and the Civil War.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- Ride/Attraction Type - 4D Simulator
- Height Requirement - None
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Shrink down to the size of a rat in this 4D adventure based on Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille! Scurry around a busy kitchen, take cover in the store cupboard and get chased through the walls of Gusteau’s restaurant as you experience life from Remy’s point of view.
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
- Ride/Attraction Type - Circle-Vision Film
Become fully immersed in the beauty of Canada’s natural world in this 360-degree Circle-Vision presentation. As the music swells you’ll be transported to the Great White North for a 12-minute journey through mountains, plains and cities.
Character Meet and Greets at EPCOT
Want to meet some of your favourite Characters during your visit to EPCOT? There is a selection of exciting meet and greets with your favourite characters throughout the whole park, including:
| Character | Meet & Greet Location |
|---|---|
| Alice | United Kingdom, World Showcase |
| Anna and Elsa | Norway, World Showcase |
| Asha | World Showcase Plaza |
| Belle | France, World Showcase |
| Donald Duck | Mexico, World Showcase |
| Mickey Mouse and Disney Pals | Mickey & Friends, World Celebration |
| Mulan | China, World Showcase |
| Pluto | Near EPCOT Entrance, World Celebration |
| Princess Aurora | France, World Showcase |
| Princess Jasmine | Morocco, World Showcase |
| Snow White | Germany, World Showcase |
| Star-Lord | Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, World Discovery |
| Winnie the Pooh | United Kingdom, World Showcase |
Dining and Restaurants in EPCOT
Snack Locations in EPCOT
At EPCOT you can try snacks from across the world, from maple flavoured popcorn in Canada to traditional Skolebrod (school bread) in Norway. Eating and drinking around the world is one of our favourite things to do in EPCOT and these are the snack locations you can visit to do that too! If you have a Disney Dining Plan or Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, many of these snacks can be purchased for 1 snack credit - just look for the purple Disney Dining Plan logo on the menu!
Connections Cafe
Start your day at EPCOT with an iced coffee or refresher from this Starbucks location selling drinks, pastries, and cakes.
The Land Cart
Fruit and vegetable platters, hummus and Mickey pretzels are on the menu at this snack stop for a light refreshment.
Choza de Margarita
Grab a refreshing fruity margarita or snack on some empanadas and tostadas while exploring the impressive Mexico Pavilion.
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
Delicious Norwegian pastries and desserts, including custard-filled rolls, cinnamon flatbreads, chocolate pretzels and creamy rice pudding.
Joy of Tea
Pick up a refreshing iced or hot tea, or a fruity speciality cocktail, as you make your way around the World Showcase Lagoon.
Sommerfest
Grab a bratwurst or a soft pretzel from this snack location to keep you going on your world travelling adventures.
Gelateria Toscana
A cup or a cone? Whichever you choose you’ll be delighting in the gelato and sorbet served up at this kiosk.
Fife and Drum
Turkey legs, pretzels and root beer floats will have you channelling your inner American at this on-the-go location.
Block and Hans
Here savoury pretzels can be washed down with a variety of ales, ciders and mead as you relax in the grounds of The American Adventure.
Funnel Cake
A sweet, crispy and delectable treat, served up here with powdered sugar, ice cream or chocolate sauce.
Kabuki Cafe
Try a refreshing, sweet milk topped, Kakigori (shaved ice) or grab a California roll to enjoy while watching the Taiko drummers.
Oasis Sweets and Sips
Take a taste of Morocco on the go with an assortment of fragrant pastries or a frozen mint tea.
L’Artisan des Glaces
Delicious and sweet frozen treats, including ice cream and sorbets, in waffle cones, brioche buns or macarons.
UK Beer Cart
Grab a refreshing beer or cider to cool you down in the Florida heat while walking through the beautiful gardens of the United Kingdom.
Popcorn in Canada
Pop over to this cart for some delicious maple-flavoured popcorn, the only place you can get this at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Quick-Service Restaurants in EPCOT
Whether you’re looking for a Mexican restaurant or some delicious British fish and chips, there are quick service dining options at EPCOT to suit the whole family. If you have a Disney Dining Plan or Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, you can use 1 quick-service dining credit to get 1 entrée and 1 drink.
Sunshine Seasons
Sample the wonders of The Land Pavilion! From flatbreads to noodles, there’s something on the menu here for everyone.
La Cantina de San Angel
Take in the magnificent views across World Showcase Lagoon while eating nachos, tacos, churros and more.
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Orange chicken, potstickers, egg rolls and fried rice are just some of the Chinese favourites on the menu at this quick-service location.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts and Barbecue
This restaurant is a salute to all things barbecue, serving up ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket alongside mac and cheese and baked beans.
Katsura Grill
A spot of tranquillity in the middle of a Japanese garden, serving sushi, noodles and salad for a quick and tasty meal.
Tangierine Cafe: Flavours of the Medina
Kebabs, flatbreads and hummus are on the all-new menu at this quick-service restaurant, as well as a few seasonal offerings.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
You’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide variety of baked goods and desserts here, including croissants, baguettes and croque monsieurs.
Yorkshire County Fish Shop
A true British classic. Tuck into some fish and chips while looking out over the World Showcase Lagoon.
Table-Service and Buffet Restaurants in EPCOT
One of our favourite things about the restaurants in EPCOT is that all the servers are natives of the pavilion countries, and one of the best ways to learn about their cultures is during a table service meal. Whether you want lunch with princesses, teppanyaki cooked right in front of your table, or fine French cuisine, you’ll find it here. These restaurants can be booked in advance (up to 60 days for Disney Resort hotel guests and up to 30 days for ticket-only guests) and we’d recommend booking as early as possible as they are very popular. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can use 1 table service credit (unless specified as being worth 2 credits) to get 1 entrée, 1 dessert, and 1 drink, 1 buffet, or 1 set menu.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Chefs de France
Coral Reef Restaurant
Garden Grill Restaurant
La Crêperie de Paris
La Hacienda de San Angel
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Monsieur Paul
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose and Crown Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Space 220 Restaurant
Spice Road Table
Takumi Tei
Teppan Edo
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
EPCOT Festivals, Entertainment and Experiences
Entertainment in EPCOT
Luminous - The Symphony of Us
In this nightly fireworks display fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers bring to life Disney classics in a completely new way. Designed for viewing across 360 degrees, you can experience Luminous - The Symphony of Us from anywhere around the World Showcase as you watch classic Disney Characters at the centre of it all, brought together with an original composition of both new music and tunes from the Disney songbook.
| Where does Luminous - The Symphony of Us take place? | World Showcase Lagoon - this means you can see the show from anywhere in World Showcase! |
| When is Luminous - The Symphony of Us? | Showtimes will vary depending on EPCOT opening hours and seasonal events. Check the Walt Disney World Resort app on the day of your visit for up-to-date timings. |
EPCOT Festivals and Events
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Each autumn, global marketplaces line the walkways around World Showcase, featuring a selection of food and beverage samplers based on each host country’s traditional cuisines. Celebrity chefs give cooking demonstrations, special dining events are on offer, food and wine lectures and seminars are well worth attending, and hands-on training courses are geared toward beginners as well as serious foodies. And to top it all off, various well-known bands add an extra high-energy touch with Eat to the Beat concerts, held three times daily at the American Gardens Theatre.
Take a look at our guide to the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival to plan your trip.
| When does the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival take place? | Usually between August and November - check back for specific dates for 2025 |
| How much is admission for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? | The festival is free with regular park entry; additional fee for food and drink samples and special events |
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Every spring, EPCOT bursts into full bloom for the International Flower and Garden Festival. Whimsical topiaries featuring Disney Characters fill the park, along with spectacular floral set pieces and Global Gardens, a walk-through butterfly house and special children’s play areas. Around the World Showcase, outdoor kitchens offer the freshest seasonal dishes and drinks, and at the American Gardens Theatre the Garden Rocks Concert Series brings some well-known names in music for evenings of great entertainment.
Take a look at our guide to the 2025 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival to plan your trip.
| When does the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival take place? | March 5th to June 2nd 2025 |
| How much is admission for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? | The festival is free with regular park entry; additional fee for food and drink samples and special events |
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The year begins at EPCOT with the International Festival of the Arts, a celebration of all things culinary, visual and performing arts. Galleries and featured artists, interactive chalk drawings, paint-by-numbers walls, and beautiful photo ops can be found throughout the park. On top of all that, the most stunning food and drink samples are available from the festival food studios around World Showcase. Every day, guests can also get a taste of Broadway at the American Gardens Theatre, as real DISNEY ON BROADWAY stars take to the stage.
Take a look at our guide to the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to plan your trip.
| When does the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts take place? | 17th January to 24th February 2025 |
| How much is admission for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts? | Free with regular park entry; additional fee for food and drink samples and special events |
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
From Christmas to Kwanzaa, the holidays are celebrated differently across the world, but they’re all celebrated at EPCOT. Holiday kitchens serve seasonal treats around the World Showcase, including a special themed Holiday Cookie Stroll, and the park is decked out in beautiful decorations. But the highlight of the holiday season at EPCOT is arguably the Candlelight Processional, telling the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and a full choir made up of Disney Cast Members.
Take a look at our guide to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays to plan your trip.
| When does the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays take place? | Late-November to Early-January - check back for specific dates for 2025 |
| How much is admission for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays? | The festival is free with regular park entry; additional fee for food and drink samples and special events |
Disney After Hours at EPCOT
Disney After Hours at EPCOT gives you access to a three-hour after dark experience with only a limited number of guests. Experience attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After with lower wait times, enjoy complimentary popcorn, ice cream, and select soft drinks, and meet exclusive Disney Characters as you stay in the park into the night!
| When does Disney After Hours at EPCOT take place? | Select dates 27th February to 25th September 2025. The event runs from 10pm to 1am, with park admission beginning at 7pm |
| How much are tickets for Disney After Hours at EPCOT? | A separate paid-for ticket is required for entry, in addition to any park tickets you may purchase. Prices will vary depending on the date. Book your Disney After Hours at EPCOT tickets here. |
Tours and Experiences at EPCOT
Behind the Seeds Tour
Get up close and personal with the Living With The Land attraction in The Land pavilion with a 1-hour chance to go backstage, inspect the alligator and fish tanks and see how Disney’s horticultural experts work their magic.
Suitable for guests of all ages. Valid theme park admission is required in addition to your tour booking.
EPCOT Seas Adventures DiveQuest
This 3-hour experience includes a 40-minute scuba-dive into the huge Caribbean Coral Reef within The Seas with Nemo and Friends, with a great look at the massive behind-the-scenes infrastructure.
Suitable for ages 10 and over - 10 to 12 year olds must be accompanied by a paying adult. All participants must already be SCUBA certified and have valid theme park admission in addition to your tour booking.
EPCOT Seas Adventures Dolphins in Depth
A 3-hour tour at the dolphin complex backstage at The Seas With Nemo and Friends, including a 30-minute interactive experience in the water and the chance to see a research and training session.
Suitable for ages 13 and over - under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Valid theme park admission is required in addition to your tour booking.
Hotels Near EPCOT
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Disney's Beach Club Villas
Disney's BoardWalk Villas
Key Information
EPCOT Opening Hours
- Park Hours - 8 AM up to 9 PM (times will vary depending on seasons and events)
Guests of select Disney Resort hotels may also enjoy early theme park entry and extended evening hours on certain days.
EPCOT Parking
- Standard Parking - $30
- Preferred Parking - $45, $50 or $55 per day (depending on season)
- Oversized Vehicle Parking - $30
Parking is free for Disney Resort hotel guests.
Directions to EPCOT
For guests of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you can get to EPCOT by bus, monorail or boat, and your driver will do all the hard work for you. You can also get to EPCOT using the Disney Skyliner from Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort If you’re driving, or walk to the International Gateway entrance from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
EPCOT is located near the centre of the Walt Disney World Resort; just exit the I4 onto Osceola Parkway and head north on World Drive until you get to Epcot Center Drive.
Address: 200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
What Should You Bring To EPCOT?
- A Camera - There are plenty of Disney PhotoPass photographers across EPCOT, but bringing your own camera will ensure you can easily capture all those magical family moments as they happen.
- Water - There are plenty of locations in EPCOT where you can get free tap water or bottled water, or you can get some free sodas at Club Cool, but on hot days it’s best to already have some on hand, especially for little ones.
- Your Phone - Not only will you want you phone to make plans on the My Disney Experience app, but you’ll also want to download the Play Disney Parks app for kids of all ages to explore the World Showcase pavilions in a fun and interactive way with the Kidcot Puzzle Hunt.
What Should You Wear in EPCOT?
While you’ll want to look your best for those seasonal EPCOT festival photo ops, you’ll also want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible as touring the world involves a lot of walking! Comfortable flat shoes are a must, and lightweight clothing will help to keep you cool in the Florida sun. A rain poncho is also advised to keep dry during those Florida showers!
Unfortunately, adult guests must NOT wear costumes into the park (unless you’re attending certain events) or masks that cover your full face, and you could be denied entry if you’re wearing one.
Buy EPCOT Tickets
Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket
Disney 7-Day Magic Ticket
Disney and Universal Combo Ticket + ONE day at Universal Epic Universe for 2025 Arrivals
Disney and Universal Combo Ticket for 2026 Arrivals
Orlando Freedom Ticket™ + ONE day at Universal Epic Universe for 2025 Arrivals
Orlando Freedom Ticket™ for 2026 Arrivals
Disney and SeaWorld Parks Combo Ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
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