Epcot – or the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow – is, despite its wordiness, exactly that – Walt Disney World’s venture into embracing a fantasy of the future, while celebrating the world of today.
As you pass beneath Spaceship Earth – or the ‘giant golf ball,’ as some refer to it – you enter the Future World. Encompassing the front half of Epcot, in the Future World you’ll find the popular attractions Mission Space and Test Track, but also areas dedicated to agriculture and wildlife, with highlights including Soarin’ and the SeaBase aquarium. While the concept of the Future World is broad but consistent, much of the area seems at odds, with attractions either very new or very dated – though the recent removal of Ellen’s Energy Adventure has hinted that Disney is working on giving the Future World a new future.
To get the most out of a day at Epcot, resist lingering too long in the Future World. Prioritise Test Track or Soarin’ in your FastPass+ selections (usually this can be done online up to 7 days in advance) as wait times for Mission Space and Spaceship Earth are normally shorter. Soarin’, in particular, is a must-do. As the name suggests, riders are suspended in the air and literally soar above the natural landscapes of the USA.
The most charming and unique aspect of Epcot is the World Showcase, and if you’re only spending one day in the park, save ample time to explore it. The World Showcase consists of 11 large ‘pavilions,’ each of which represents a different nation – including retailers selling custom produce, cuisine and merchandise. Most pavilions have attractions which draw (sometimes loosely) from the culture of the pavilion – the most popular of which is Norway’s Frozen Ever After ride (another FastPass+ candidate, given the ‘Frozen Fever’ of many Disney guests). The World Showcase bears some of the most picturesque locations to meet characters, such as Mulan in China or Alice in the United Kingdom.
Three of the most notable pavilions are Mexico, Morocco and Japan. In Mexico, as you enter through to Plaza de Los Amigos, you enter a world in perpetual twilight – and even in the middle of the Florida sunshine, it seems as if dusk has fallen over a public square in Mexico. The Moroccan pavilion is extraordinary for its authentic architecture, interiors and shopping, and the Japan pavilion is a must-see for a wide tribute to all aspects of popular Japanese culture, from anime to sushi and temples.
If you have the alcohol tolerance, many enjoy ‘drinking around the world’ when at Epcot – basically, downing an alcoholic beverage at each pavilion in the World Showcase. It’s an effective way to ensure you experience each pavilion in some way (even if you won’t remember it later), though the drinks aren’t cheap and the same could be done with some of the small food offerings for sale in each pavilion. For dessert, the French pavilion is a must, and the evening should be reserved for watching Epcot’s lights and fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations.
Epcot is what Disney has to offer for those who don’t particularly like Disney –while characters are available to meet, it’s easy to spend a day at the park without seeing any of them. Epcot, while less ‘fantastical’ than normal Disney parks, still inspires the special feeling guests experience in Disney parks of transcending place and time.
Enjoy the adventure.
Wayward Wonders 