Epcot gives you a lot of freedom. But without a plan, that freedom can turn into missed opportunities.

That’s where this guide comes in.

I’m going to walk you through the must-do experiences at Epcot so you can balance the rides, the food, and the exploration – and leave feeling like you experienced the park, not just wandered through it.

• Before You Start Exploring
• The Rides Worth Your Time
• Beyond the Ride Queues
• Eating and Drinking Your Way Around the World
• Stay for the Show
• Easy-to-Miss Magic
• When the Park Transforms
• Building Your Perfect Epcot Day
• How I’d Spend a Day at Epcot

Before You Start Exploring

Epcot is very spread out, and because there are only a handful of major attractions, wait times can build quickly. So rope drop strategy is going to be key.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are two of the more popular rides that people will head towards when they first arrive in the park. Depending on which entrance you use, your rope drop strategy may look very different.

If you are coming from the main entrance, then it will be closer for you to head to Guardians. If you are entering from the Skyliner at the International Gateway entrance, then you will be coming into the park right next to Remy’s, so you will want to head there.

If you want to skip the morning crowds with the popular rides, then another good time for lower waits is during the fireworks.

If you are not concerned with beating the crowds, then I would highly suggest using the empty park to explore.

Ethan and I did this the last time we went. We went straight to Moana’s Journey of Water, and we were the only ones in the experience, so we got to take our time and really explore it.

Of course, even though Epcot is much more than rides, there are a few attractions that deserve a spot on every first-timer’s must-do list.

The Rides Worth Your Time

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

It’s your turn to save the galaxy on this twisting and turning coaster through space. Some people absolutely love it and some people walk off saying “never again.” In my opinion, it’s worth trying at least once to see which side you’re on. Unless you already know you’re prone to motion sickness, then it may be best to skip this one.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Guests get to join Chef Remy on an adventure through Gasteau’s restaurant. As you race through oversized kitchens and dining rooms, you’ll experience the world from a rat’s perspective using a combination of screens, special effects, and detailed sets. This is one of Epcot’s most popular attractions, so it’s worth prioritizing early in the day if it’s high on your must-do list.

Frozen Ever After

You can take a trip to Arendelle and explore the world of Frozen on this gentle boat ride. There are a few drops, so you may get a little wet on this one.

While Epcot has some fantastic attractions, some of the park’s best moments happen away from the ride queues.

Beyond the Ride Queues

Character Meet & Greets

Just like the other parks, there are a wide variety of characters to meet throughout Epcot. And you’ll find many of them in their home countries, which makes the experience that much more fun.

Here is the list of who you might run into at Epcot:

• Mickey and Friends (Disney Visa Cardholders Experience)
• Winnie the Pooh and Alice (UK)
• Anna and Elsa (Royal Sommerhus)
• Asha (World Showcase Plaza)
• Belle and Aurora (France)
• Donald (Mexico)
• Figment (ImageWorks)
• Mulan (China)
• Pluto (Main Entrance)
• Jasmine (Morocco)
• Snow White (Germany)
• Star-Lord (Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind)

Characters and their locations can change, so check the My Disney Experience app during your visit.

Exploring Each Country Pavilion

Disney has done a great job of making the kids want to learn about each country. They have provided Kidcot Fun Stops where kids can pick up a memento from each country that immerses them into the culture and traditions of each place.

Don’t think exploring is just for the kids though. There are a lot of hidden exhibits, galleries, and details to explore in each country that the adults will be just as excited to see what each pavilion has to offer.

Exploring the World Showcase inevitably leads to another Epcot tradition: eating your way around it.

Eating and Drinking Your Way Around the World

I’m not even going to begin to try to list out all the great snacks that Epcot has to offer because we’d literally be here all day.

But there’s a reason people try to take on the challenge of snacking or drinking around the world.

Each country provides food inspired by its culture, and when the international festivals are going on, there are even more exciting snacks and drinks to try.

Here are just a few of the most popular that you may want to add to your list:

Drinks

• La Cava Avocado Margarita – Mexico
• Frozen Viking Coffee – Norway
• Orange Slush – France

Snacks

• School Bread – Norway
• Almost anything from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie – France
• Maple Popcorn – Canada

Restaurants

• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Italy
• Le Cellier Steakhouse – Canada
• Garden Grill – The Land Pavilion
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop – UK

Sit-down meals are great here, but I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s best to save room for all the snacks. Just know you probably won’t have room for both. Either way, if you leave the park hungry, it’s your own fault.

Once you’ve eaten your fill, Epcot still has plenty to offer beyond attractions and snacks.

Stay for the Show

Luminous The Symphony of Us

Epcot fireworks are something else, because instead of having a dedicated viewing spot where you may miss part of the show like at Magic Kingdom, you can pretty much see this one from anywhere around World Showcase Lagoon. Though some spots offer better views than others.

Since the show is on the lagoon, you get a mixture of fireworks, fountains, music, and lights that truly creates a finale that feels uniquely Epcot.

Live Music/Performances Around the Park

Live performers can be found throughout Epcot, so you may stumble upon quite a few just walking around the park.

Beyond the headline attractions and nighttime spectaculars, Epcot is full of smaller experiences that are easy to overlook.

Easy-to-Miss Magic

Living with the Land

Lately, I feel like more and more people are appreciating this underrated experience where you get behind-the-scenes access to see how Disney uses new growing techniques to produce food for the park. Any plant or farm lover will be thrilled with this relaxing ride.

Moana’s Journey of Water

I truly become a kid again when I go through this one, no matter how many times I go. You literally get to play with water as you learn about the water cycle. Just like Moana, you get to see the personality of the water throughout the trail and even get to see Te Fiti.

SeaBase Aquarium

Hidden at the end of The Seas with Nemo & Friends is the home of thousands of marine animals in one of the largest man-made ocean environments. This aquarium allows guests to watch some of the coolest ocean creatures and provides a nice cool place to get away from the crowds.

If those hidden gems weren’t enough, Epcot also transforms throughout the year thanks to its seasonal festivals.

When the Park Transforms

Epcot offers many different seasonal festivals that bring so much fun and creativity to the park. But they can also distract from what Epcot itself has to offer. So, if you are limited on time, you may have to choose what you are going to prioritize: the festival or the park.

Let me reassure you though, there are no wrong choices here!

International Festival of the Arts

The International Festival of the Arts generally takes place from late January to mid-February.

During the festival, guests will get to see some amazing visual, culinary, and performing arts throughout the park.

International Flower and Garden Festival

The International Flower and Garden Festival is a must for plant lovers. Guests get to see amazing topiaries featuring their favorite Disney characters as well as dozens of outdoor kitchens and live music throughout the park.

Guests can generally experience this festival from early March to early June.

International Food and Wine Festival

In late August through late November, guests can go on a culinary adventure across six different continents during the International Food and Wine Festival.

Epcot is known for having amazing food from around the world, and during the Food and Wine Festival the possibilities for great food become almost endless. Make sure you bring your appetite.

International Festival of the Holidays

Guests get to celebrate holiday traditions from all over the world during the International Festival of the Holidays from late November to late December.

Building Your Perfect Epcot Day

If you only have one day to tackle Epcot, good luck.

But seriously, you will have to determine where your priorities lie and know that you won’t get to do everything Epcot has to offer in just one day.

If you are traveling with kids, I would suggest Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as well as a walk through Moana’s Journey of Water. Character meet and greets may be a must for you as well, especially with younger kids. And give yourself a break from the crowds by booking a sit down meal sometime throughout the day.

If you are traveling with just adults, then you may want to prioritize going during one of the festivals that Disney offers. Food and Wine is especially fun for adults because the food and beverage options offered are geared more towards an adventurous palate. I would also recommend spending time truly exploring World Showcase. Beyond the food and drinks, there are little details in each pavilion that make you feel like you are visiting the country you are in. And as far as rides go, you should definitely try Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for a fun thrill.

If this is your first visit to Epcot, focus on experiencing a little bit of everything. Ride Guardians, explore World Showcase, watch Luninous, try a few unique snacks, and leave time to simply wander. Epcot is one of the few Disney parks where some of the best memories happen between the attractions.

How I’d Spend a Day at Epcot

If I had to narrow it down to my ideal day at Epcot here is what it would look like:

Festival

• International Food and Wine Festival – the food options are like nothing else during the Food and Wine Festival. I find myself trying dishes that I wouldn’t normally eat.

Rides

• Living With the Land – this may not be the most thrilling ride in the park, but it’s one I ride every single trip. It’s relaxing, unique, and feels like classic Epcot.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – this one is so much fun, if I’m not having to wait, I’m riding this.

Tell me what your Epcot itinerary is in the comments.

Because Epcot is one of those parks that you will want to slow down a little and enjoy. With so much to explore, you will need to have a plan, but you may just make some of the best memories in the unplanned moments.

There is no such thing as a perfect Epcot day. But if you celebrated human achievement, global cultures, and technological innovation, then I’d say you took full advantage of your day at Epcot. And if you’re planning the rest of your Disney trip too, be sure to check out my other Must-Do Guides for the rest of Walt Disney World so you can make the most of every park.