Understanding Epcot – 10 Things You Need to Know

It’s easy to rush through explaining Epcot when it’s our favorite park and a place we visit often! But, for a newcomer to Walt Disney World or someone that’s never been to Epcot before, it’s common to wonder what this theme park is really all about! Here are ten things you need to know when it comes to understanding Epcot.

1 – A Theme Park and Beyond

Epcot has undergone reimagination in the past, and right now, in present-day, that reimagining is as vast as it’s ever been! Initially known as EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), Epcot still holds true to Walt’s vision from the beginning. Currently, Walt’s dreams of Epcot are being shaped and formed to keep Epcot innovative and engaging for every person that visits. It’s a park full of entertainment, attractions, global experiences, achievements, and some of the very best cuisines around. It’s not your typical amusement park with attractions and burgers! Instead, in Epcot, you’ll find it’s more of an experience with attractions that immerse guests into the story, entertainment that wows, international encounters that seriously make you feel like the world is right at your fingertips, and food and beverages that will have you coming back for more. Epcot is a theme park and beyond!

2 – There are Now Four Neighborhoods

Future World is now gone and there are four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. Each “world” or neighborhood holds different attractions, entertainment, and experiences to match the overall theming of the “world”. For example, World Nature is home to the current The Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land Pavilion, which includes Soarin’ Around the World, Living with The Land, and Awesome Planet. The story here is all about Nature! Each neighborhood provides interactive experiences meant to engage the mind in fun and unforgettable ways.

3 – It’s BIG!

While Epcot isn’t the largest of the four Disney World theme parks (Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest), you’ll still feel like you’ve walked around the world by the end of your day. Epcot’s roughly 300 acres await with pure excitement around every corner. Prepare yourself and your family for your Epcot visit by walking around your neighborhood to get in shape! This is also a great time to break in comfortable walking shoes before arriving at the park. The good news is there are several places to take breaks in Epcot so young and old can rest their legs as needed.

4 – A Park for the WHOLE Family

A common misconception is that Epcot is only for adults. With two kids of our own and several nieces and nephews, we can assure you Epcot is for all ages! Sure, we’ve enjoyed several adults-only visits at Epcot, where attractions weren’t a priority, and a slow stroll around the World Showcase was our preference. On the flip side, we’ve had days where our kids are hurrying from one attraction to the next to try to get it all in! Your toddler will be fascinated by The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush. Kids will be singing along to Frozen Ever After. Tweens enjoy building a car and then testing it out on Test Track. Teens can take on the thrills with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE. Mom and Dad can soar through the sky on Soarin’ and delight in a drink or two around World Showcase. Grandpa and Grandma can ride along with Living with The Land and take in all the entertainment the park offers. The best part is that while you can break down these attractions into age groups that may appreciate them the most, many of the Epcot attractions and experiences are for the whole family!

5 – Lightning Lane Attractions & Virtual Queues

If you plan to use the paid Lightning Lane service at EPCOT, understand and be prepared so you know how and what attractions you want to book for the day. There are different Lightning Lane paid options that include different attractions. First, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for the day of your visit. This costs anywhere from $15-$39 per day, per person. With Multi Pass, you can access the Lightning Lane at several attractions at EPCOT. Disney Resort guests can purchase and make their selection seven days in advance for their entire length of stay. Non-resort guests can book three days in advance. Guests can book up to three initial attractions. Once you visit one attraction, you can book another one, and so on. Also, note that you can only use the Lightning Lane for each attraction on the list once. You cannot book another return window for an attraction you’ve already used for Lightning Lane that day.

See the list below for the Multi Pass attractions at EPCOT.

Choose up to one experience from this group:

•     Frozen Ever After
•     Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
•     Soarin’ Around the World

Choose your other two experiences—or all 3—from this group:

•     Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
•     Journey into Imagination with Figment
•     Living with the Land
•     Mission: SPACE
•     The Seas with Nemo & Friends
•     Spaceship Earth
•     Turtle Talk with Crush

A second option for purchasing Lightning Lane is the Single Pass. The attraction below is NOT included with your Genie+ purchase and must be purchased separately, with pricing ranging from $7-$25 per attraction per person. Lightning Lane selections for the top-tier individual attractions will also be made seven days ahead of time for resort guests and three days in advance for non-resort guests. These can be made across multiple theme parks (great for those who have the Park Hopper Option). 

Lightning Lane Single Pass Attraction:

1. 1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

A third option is for Deluxe Resort guests only. Guests who purchase the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, will give guests one entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction at any time in the theme park they are visiting that day. This includes attractions included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, but with Lightning Lane Premier Pass, guests do not need to select an entrance time. Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be a “premium offering,” and prices will vary based on the date and theme park guests are visiting. Guests can expect to pay anywhere from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax) for the new offering.

At Walt Disney World, when Lightning Lane Premier Pass launches, it will be available to purchase up to seven days in advance. It will only be valid for use in one park of the guest’s choice per day. The first date it will be available is October 30, 2024.

Keep in mind that you do not have to purchase either of these options to enjoy these attractions. 

6 – Don’t Skip the Entertainment!

Epcot has impressive attractions that we, of course, would suggest as must-dos. However, we will say that Epcot boasts a LOT more than just the attractions. Especially as you travel around the World Showcase, be sure to make time in your day to stop and see the entertainment. Each of the eleven pavilions features some form of entertainment, from films to performers and beloved characters. A few of our favorites include the Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure Pavilion, Anna and Elsa in Norway, and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in France. You may not be buckled into a ride vehicle, but these entertainment doses add to the Epcot experience.

7 – A Variety of Cuisines

And that is a huge understatement! If we were to ask you what your favorite type of food is, would you say American? Chinese? Mexican? Or how about German?! Honestly, it’s amazing that you can visit one park and let your taste buds sing the praises of dishes from around the globe.

Along with the great variety of cuisines, the desserts and beverages pair beautifully with the main dishes. You can try these bites at quick-service restaurants and kiosks if you want to eat on the move. Or you can reserve a meal at one of the many table-service restaurants. Try booking your reservation 60 days in advance, as restaurants fill up!

8 – Epcot knows how to put on a Festival!

Epcot hosts a party for every season; each is just as incredible as the next! First is the Festival of the Arts (mid-Jan. – late Feb.), which celebrates the arts. The Flower & Garden Festival (early Mar. – late May) boasts topiaries and flowers galore. International Food & Wine Festival (August – late November) celebrates the taste of global cuisine with food and beverages. Finally, the Festival of the Holidays (late Nov. – Dec.) is loaded with international holiday experiences. Each festival is celebrated with specialty food, beverages, entertainment, and experiences. Plus, they are included in your park admission! Just be prepared to purchase any food, drinks, or seminars/classes you may be interested in.

9 – Best Resorts and Easy Access

If you’re looking to stay close to Epcot, you’ll want to know that a few resorts in the Epcot area make for easy access in and out of the park – plus, it’s great being close for mid-day breaks. You can walk or ride a boat to and from Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resorts. You can also catch the Skyliner easily to and from Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation. Epcot is unique because it is the only Disney World park that offers five kinds of Disney transportation, including walking paths, boats, buses, Monorail, and Skyliner. Disney transportation is complimentary, so take advantage of it when you can!

10 – What’s New!

There are so many new and exciting things to experience at Epcot. Three new films are already in place, including the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Canada’s Far & Wide, and Awesome Planet in the Land Pavilion. Two new restaurants are now open, including Space 220 and La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion. The new family-friendly Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is open, and “Luminous the Symphony of Us,” the new nighttime spectacular, is a fantastic way to end the day. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open! Finally, the newest experiences are not to be missed, like Dreamer’s Point and Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana!