12 Rookie Mistakes That People Make At Walt Disney World’s Epcot

Epcot is one of the 4 major theme parks at Walt Disney World. It is home to a ton of fun attractions and the World Showcase. If you haven’t been to Epcot before, then you will definitely want to check out this list of the top 12 rookie mistakes that people make when they visit Epcot:

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12. Thinking the park isn’t as exciting for kids.

There are many guests that think of Epcot as more of an “adult” park rather than a theme park that is fun for kids. That is definitely not the case. There great attractions that the kiddos can ride, plus shows. There are also activities in the World Showcase, including crafts at each pavilion. They will have a blast!

11. Eating in Future World instead of World Showcase.

Future World definitely has some great food options, but in my opinion the best food options are found in the World Showcase. With cuisine from so many different countries to choose from, you can sample a lot of fabulous, authentic food. You definitely don’t want to miss that. It is definitely OK to sample food and drinks “around the world”.

10. Not making FastPass+ reservations when you can.

You are able to make FastPass+ reservations in advance of your trip. If you are staying at a Disney resort, then you can start making them 60 days in advance of your trip. If you are staying somewhere else and have already purchased your park tickets, you can make them 30 days in advance. You want to make them as early as possible to get the attractions that are much harder to get.

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9. Missing out on the second entrance to the park.

Some guests may not realize this, but there are actually 2 different entrances to the park. There is the main entrance that has you enter via Future World. This is the entrance that most guests use, especially guests traveling on the Monorail, Disney bus or driving their own car. There is a second entrance that is accessible via water transportation. The entrance lets guests enter at World Showcase in a totally different section of the park than the main entrance.

8. Not arriving prepared for how much walking you will do at the park.

If you walk the entire loop at Epcot, it is an over 3 mile walk. That doesn’t count walking through attraction queues, back tracking, exploring areas, etc. This definitely means that you will do a LOT of walking while you are there. You should make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes so that you aren’t miserable!

7. Skipping the various shows and performances in World Showcase.

There are a ton of great shows and performances at each of the pavilions. There are acrobats in China, a fun street performer in Italy, drum beats in Japan and so much more. These shows are performed at certain times, so you have to check the Times Guide so that you don’t miss out.

6. Not coming prepared for character meet and greets.

Guests may not think of Epcot as a park that has a lot of meet and greets, but that would definitely be wrong. There are meet and greets all over the park in Future World and World Showcase. Norway at World Showcase is the home to Elsa and Anna from Frozen, one of the most popular meet and greets. You will definitely want to have your autograph books and cameras ready.

5. Missing out on the events and festivals.

Epcot usually has a fun event or festival going on like Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, Festival of the Arts, or Festival of Holidays. Some guests skip Epcot on repeat trips because they feel like they have already experienced it all. That would be a mistake since the park is always changing and the festivals are amazing.

4. Arriving late to the park.

It is definitely a good idea to get to the park as early as possible. You can enjoy all the Future World attractions with fewer lines and then venture to World Showcase when it opens at 11AM. There is so much to do an experience at Epcot that you’ll appreciate the extra time.

3. Not making dining reservations for table service restaurants.

Dining at Walt Disney World is extremely popular. Many of the restaurants book up way in advance, making it almost impossible to get a reservation. It is a good idea to snag your reservation as early as you can. You can start making dining reservations 180 days in advance of your stay, so plan early!

2. Not experiencing each pavilion in the World Showcase.

Each and every pavilion has something great to offer. The experiences are unique and themed to the country. There is also a video in most countries that take you on a tour of that country and its culture. You definitely don’t want to bypass any of the pavilions and make sure to see them all.

1. Leaving the park early.

The park has a nighttime spectacular every evening. You definitely don’t want to miss the fireworks, pyrotechnics, water, floats, projections and more that create an amazing show. It is a great idea to hang back and be one of the last to leave the park, too. The walk around World Showcase in the evening is beautiful, especially with fewer guests around.