Epcot, our very own Experimental-Prototype-Community-of-Tomorrow, originally was designed to house Walt Disney’s futuristic and fully functioning community. Before the park was even open that original idea was scrapped. Instead, Epcot has become a beloved theme park combining the future of our world and cultures from all over the world.
Before I dive into my 4 Epcot Must-Dos, I have to tell you a secret.
I didn’t love Epcot at first.
I thought Epcot was boring. It lacked the flash and excitement of the Magic Kingdom. I wanted rides and character shows, not countries and the future. Oh, how I wish I could have explained to young Meghan that she was missing out. Epcot has so much more than what first meets the eye.
As I’ve grown, I’ve really come to love Epcot and with each visit become more fascinated with it’s concept. For example, where else in the world can you travel to 11 different countries in one afternoon? No where! Especially after traveling to different parts of Europe, I began to love and appreciate all the details worked into each World Showcase country’s tapestry.
Epcot has become a mini-vacation within a vacation for me as I explore World Showcase and Future World! Epcot has so much more to offer and in order to have a well-rounded trip I always want to complete these 4 Epcot Must-Dos. Come explore some of my favorite Epcot offerings with me.
Take a Picture with Spaceship Earth
Ah, the iconic giant golfball!
Did you know the big ball you see when you first walk into EPCOT is a ride? Tucked inside of the Epcot ball is a dark ride called Spaceship Earth. It’s a timeless ride, one that gives us a look at where we have been and where we are going.
Side Note: I’d like to take a minute to ‘Thank a Phoenician’ if any of you are reading this blog…
No matter how many times I have been to Epcot, I love grabbing a picture in front of Spaceship earth. Many of the shots I own are at night, when Spaceship Earth is illuminated.
However, my favorites by far are of the photographs right when you walk into the park. You scan your magic band and then bam, there it is: Spaceship Earth. You know you have arrived at Epcot. To mark the start of your adventure, you must stop and take a picture. It’s a right of passage and a way to indicate the start of your Epcot adventure!
Eat Around the World
Epcot is known for it’s two ‘lands’. Future World, which is home to Mission Space, Test Track and a variety of futuristic adventures. World Showcase rounds out the other half of Epcot. It’s home to 11 different countries: USA, Japan, Morocco, France United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Germany and Italy.
Included in the different country pavilions are rides, shows, and most importantly: food!! As I’ve mentioned in other posts, my family tends to eat a plant-based, whole foods diet primarily. It can be difficult to maintain that lifestyle when out, but Disney makes it fairly easy. I have found this to especially be true when ethnic food is involved. Yum!
Enter World Showcase and it’s variety of options! Each country dishes up it’s own unique menu that is reflective of what is served it’s native land. I seem to have luck at each country finding something that fits in with the plant-based, whole foods diet. The absolute best, in my opinion, is Morocco. From the falafel to the hummus and everything in between, I love the options at Morocco. Plus, Princess Jasmine hangs out here…
Ride Frozen Ever-After
I’ll admit, the first time I ever rode Frozen Ever-After was in 2018. I was able to get onto the ride during the Wine-and-Dine 1/2 Marathon After Party because the wait time was only 30 minutes. In the past, every time we visited Epcot, I attempted to score our family a Fastpass+ reservation, but always came up short. By the time we made it over to World Showcase and the Stand-by cue, it was always a 210+ minute wait, if not more. Much, much too long to wait for with my 2 or 3 year old at the time. And for me, if I’m honest. Kudos to those of you who can handle the long lines.
When I was finally able to ride, Frozen Ever-After didn’t disappoint! I’m already a big fan of the movie, so I had a feeling I’d be won over by the ride. Arendale comes to life as you walk through the cue before you board the actual ride. Then you travel to an icy land full of sparkle and, you probably guessed it, the music from the famed Frozen movie. Then, when frozen fractal is spinning all around, you might feel an icy splash…I mean, blast.
Ride on the Test Track
Test Track is a 1/2 dark ride with a little bit of open-air speed thrown in for good measure. It is a very unique concept ride where you are able to pretend you are testing out the cars of tomorrow for General Motors. In recent years, they have added an additional step to the ride, allowing you to design your own car. Then, you can take your creation for a spin and compare your car’s specs to the other passenger’s cars.
For me, Test Track brings elements of nostalgia and excitement together into a wonderful attraction. Being from Michigan, we are very familiar with the big American automotive companies. As a matter of fact, I have run on the roads surrounding the Ford Proving grounds during many training runs. That’s how close I am to re-life test track action! I have never been able to drive on the actual proving grounds (obviously), but being able to ride Test Track has brought me as close as I can get.
Plus, my whole family loves this ride, so it’s always been a favorite.
In Summary
While these are my 4 Epcot Must-Dos that are available every day, I do have seasonal favorites like the various festivals held at Epcot. The festivals aren’t available every day (although Epcot does cram them in throughout the year!) I would also include Illuminations, the nighttime spectacular held at Epcot as one of my must-do activities, but it’s final show is just around the corner. So, without the festivals and fireworks, my four favorite things to complete at Epcot are listed above.
