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10 Essential Experiences You Must Have At Walt Disney World’s Epcot

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Credit: Disney

Epcot in Walt Disney World is an amazing park that combines the wonder and advancement of technology with the beauty of nature and the cultures of the world. The front portion of the park is home to Future World where nature and technology are united through thrilling and classic thrill rides sure to amaze guests. The rear of the park is home to World Showcase which features eleven different pavilions which countries of the world to life through culture, cuisine, history, architecture, entertainment, and attractions. With so much to see and do on a day in Epcot, guests might find themselves overwhelmed when attempting to decide which are the absolute must see experiences. With everything from thrilling technological based attractions to the chance to travel the world, there are some experiences in Epcot that simply cannot be missed. Here are the ten essential experiences all guests must have when enjoying time in Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

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1. Spaceship Earth

One of the most recognizable attractions in Walt Disney World can be found just inside the main entrance to Epcot. Future World is dominated by a massive structure called Spaceship Earth which is a geodesic sphere covered in thousands of futuristic silver triangles. The attraction of the same name found inside brings guests on a journey from the beginning of time to modern day to celebrate the history and advancement of technology. Guests board Time Machines and travel through important moments like the burning of Rome, the Renaissance, man landing on the moon, and even the future. With an interactive element that gives guests a personalized glimpse into their futures, Spaceship Earth is an essential experience to enjoy in Epcot.

2. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

Also found in Epcot’s Future World is a thrilling attraction that is sure to thrill guests who love vehicles and speed. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet brings guests into the design lab where they are able to create their very own SIM cars by controlling the shape, tires, appearance, and features. Once their designs are complete, guests board cards and hit the track to test their custom vehicles in Power, Efficiency, Capability, and Responsiveness. With the chance to achieve the high score and a thrilling outdoor joy ride, guests are sure to love Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.

3. Mission: SPACE 

Located next door to Test Track Presented by Chevrolet is an attraction that allows guests to be astronauts for a day in a thrilling adventure to Space. Mission: SPACE brings guests into the International Space Training Center where they have the chance to train as astronauts for the very first mission to the red planet. Guests can choose to be on the more intense Orange Team (Mission to Mars) or the tamer Green Team (Orbits Earth) and assume the rolls of Navigator, Pilot, Engineer, and Commander, assuming critical responsibilities that are necessary for the mission. With plenty of thrills and unexpected turns along the way Mission: SPACE can’t be missed!

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4. Soarin’ Around the World

One of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World can be found in the lower level of The Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World. Soarin’ Around the World invites guests on an epic hang gliding adventure over some of the most recognizable and beautiful locations in the world. Guests can soar high over locations like Sydney Harbor, the Great Wall of China, Monument Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, and more while enjoying unique scents and unexpected twists. The final scene even offers guests an unforgettable view of somewhere pretty familiar which can’t be skipped!

5. Living with the Land

Across from Soarin’ Around the World on the lower level of The Land Pavilion is another attraction that showcases the power and diversity of the land. Living with the Land is a calm boat ride that first shows guests how the land can thrive in all sorts of extreme and different environments. The attraction then brings guests on a beautiful tour of greenhouses where all sorts of vegetation and plant life are growing in new and innovative ways. Living with the Land is definitely an essential experience when visiting Epcot.

6. Journey into Imagination with Figment

An attraction in Future World invites guests to set their imaginations free in order to see the world in a better way. Journey into Imagination with Figment brings guests into the Imagination Institute for a tour of their sensory labs with Dr. Nigel Channing. After a few mishaps, the loveable purple dragon Figment takes over the tour and showcases how imagination works best when set free. With plenty of whimsical scenes and hilarious jokes, Journey into Imagination with Figment is a must do!

7. The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Fans of the Pixar classic film Finding Nemo definitely need to enjoy a stop in one of the largest pavilion in Epcot. The Seas with Nemo and Friends features an attraction of the same name that brings the story from the film to life through animatronics, special effects, and special projection that makes it look as though Nemo, Dory, and the gang are swimming with real marine life. The attraction is one that simply cannot be missed when enjoying time in Epcot.

8. World Showcase

Guests who plan on spending time in Epcot simply must aim to dedicate a ton of time to World Showcase in order to truly appreciate it. While many guests go quickly through the eleven pavilions found there, they tend to miss out on amazing details and hidden corners that help to bring those countries to life. Guests who want to fully enjoy World Showcase should be sure to take their time when wandering through the pavilions and pause to soak in the atmosphere, culture, and details along the way.

9. World Showcase Attractions

In addition to the wonderful details, World Showcase is home to several attractions, some of which often go overlooked by guests. In the Mexico Pavilion, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros brings guests on a humorous tour of Mexico with Panchito and Jose as they search for Donald. The Norway Pavilion is home to Frozen Ever After which brings the insanely popular film Frozen to life as guests visit Elsa’s palace for a summer celebration. Reflections of China can be found in the heart of the China Pavilion and features a wonderful film that showcases the culture and people of the country. The France Pavilion invites guests to enjoy Impressions de France which features beautiful views of iconic locations in France paired with classical French composers. Finally, the Canada Pavilion is home to O Canada! which features a three hundred and sixty degree film to fully immerse guests in the spirit and history of Canada.

10. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

No day in Epcot is complete without guests gathering around World Showcase Lagoon to enjoy a showing of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The show combines beautiful music, laser lights, special effects, fireworks, pyrotechnics, a massive globe and much more to tell a beautiful story of our global community. Since Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is so popular, guests definitely should line up early to score the best spot possible to enjoy this can’t miss Epcot experience.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.