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Planning Your Day at Epcot: A Sample Itinerary

Welcome to Epcot!

Epcot, short for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is divided into two main sections: Future World and World Showcase. Future World focuses on technological innovations, while World Showcase showcases different countries from around the globe. Epcot is known for its iconic landmark, the giant geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth. It offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for families and Disney enthusiasts alike.

A large silver sphere behind a bright sky
Epcot's Iconic Geodesic Sphere

Popular attractions at Epcot

Epcot is known for its diverse attractions, from cultural experiences to thrilling rides. Here are some must-visit attractions at Epcot:

  • Spaceship Earth - An iconic geodesic sphere that takes you on a journey through the history of communication.

  • Test Track - A high-speed ride that simulates vehicle testing and lets you design your own car.

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - A one-of-a-kind omni-coaster providing thrills, music, and an all-time good time.

  • Soarin' Around the World - A simulated hang gliding experience that takes you on a breathtaking tour of famous landmarks worldwide.

  • The World Showcase - Explore 11 pavilions representing different countries, each offering unique cultural experiences, food, and entertainment.

An animated car design on a screen
Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

Morning activities at Epcot

Epcot opens its gates early in the morning for eager visitors. Arriving early allows you to explore the park with shorter lines and fewer crowds. Once inside, head straight to popular attractions like Soarin' and Test Track to experience them with minimal wait times. Grab a quick breakfast at Sunshine Seasons for a convenient start to your day. Spaceship Earth is a must-visit to learn about communication throughout history. Living with the Land offers a peaceful boat ride through innovative agriculture. Make the most of your morning by prioritizing these attractions before the park gets busier.

A water fountain in a big outdoor area
Epcot World Nature

Lunch options and dining experiences

Epcot offers a variety of dining options, from quick bites to full-service restaurants. Here are some popular lunch choices to consider during your visit:

  • Sunshine Seasons: A food court with diverse options like sandwiches, salads, and Asian cuisine.

  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Enjoy classic American barbecue favorites here.

  • Tangierine Café: Find delicious Mediterranean fare at this quick-service spot.

  • Garden Grill Restaurant: A character dining experience featuring farm-to-table meals with Mickey and friends.

These dining experiences can enhance your day at Epcot and provide a break to refuel before continuing to explore the park.


Exploring the World Showcase

The World Showcase at Epcot is where you can experience eleven different countries in one place. Each pavilion represents a different country, offering unique food, drinks, and entertainment. Start your exploration in the morning when the World Showcase opens to make the most of your day. Take your time strolling through each pavilion, immersing yourself in the culture, and trying out authentic snacks and beverages. Don't miss the live performances and demonstrations that capture the essence of each country. Remember to grab a Festival Passport to keep track of your journey and make it a point to chat with the Cast Members in each pavilion for insider tips and experiences. Epcot's World Showcase truly offers a world of adventure in one place!


Advantages of utilizing Genie+

Lightning Lane lets you skip long lines at Epcot, giving you more time to enjoy the attractions. With Genie+, you can reserve access to popular rides, shows, and character meet and greets ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time having fun. Each attraction has a different cost for Lightning Lane passes, so review the rates via the My Disney Experience app to make the most of your day at Epcot without the stress of long queues.

A bed of flowers with a rainbow in the background and a large paint tube and bucket
Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Evening entertainment and shows

During the evening at Epcot, you can enjoy a variety of captivating shows and entertainment. Luminous The Symphony of Us is a spectacular nighttime show that brings together fireworks, music, and lasers for a mesmerizing experience. The World Showcase also offers live performances from different countries, showcasing their culture through music and dance. Check the times for shows in advance to plan your evening accordingly.


Epcot Sample Itinerary

  • 9:00- 10:00 AM - Arrive at Epcot

  • 9:00-11 AM Experience Popular Attractions

  • Frozen Ever After

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

  • Test Track

  • 11:00-1:00 PM - Lunch at one of the following

  • Teppan Edo

  • Sunshine Seasons

  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse

  • 1:00 PM-2:00 PM - Walk around the World Showcase

  • 2:00 PM -5:00 PM - More Attractions & Experiences

  • Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

  • Living With the Land

  • Soarin' Around the World

  • Journey of Water - Inspired by Moana

  • Mission: Space

  • Germany- Karamell-Küche

  • 5:00 PM -6:00 PM - Spaceship Earth & Dreamer's Point

  • 6:00-8:00 PM -Dinner at Chefs de France

  • 8:00 PM -9:00 PM - Luminous The Symphony of Us


A red colored fish farm
Living With The Land boat ride

Shopping and souvenir options

Epcot offers a variety of shopping options, from Disney-themed merchandise to unique international goods. Some popular stores include Creations Shop, which has a wide selection of Disney souvenirs, and the World Showcase stores, where you can find items inspired by different countries. Don't forget to check out the gift shops in each pavilion for special mementos from your visit.


Conclusion and final tips

As you wrap up your day at Epcot, remember to take a moment to reflect on your favorite experiences and cherish the memories you've made. Here are some final tips to make the most of your visit:

  • Check for any nighttime shows or parades: Epcot offers spectacular entertainment in the evening that you won't want to miss.

  • Grab some souvenirs: Visit the gift shops to take home a piece of the magic and remember your day at Epcot.

  • Plan your transportation: To transition out of the park smoothly, make sure your transportation is planned, whether it is the monorail, bus, or rideshare.

  • Review your itinerary: Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for your next visit.

  • Share your experience: Consider sharing your Epcot adventures with friends and family to spread the joy of your visit.

With these final tips, your Epcot day will be unforgettable. We hope you enjoyed the Epcot sample itinerary. Explore more sample itineraries to plan your next Disney vacation with ease.

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