DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
EPCOT at Walt Disney World isn’t just about festivals, food, and drinks—though they are a huge part of the experience. Over the years, EPCOT has grown its ride offerings, providing Guests with a mix of educational, entertaining, and thrilling attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re an EPCOT regular, knowing which rides to prioritize can make all the difference in your day.
We’ve categorized the rides into “Best” and “Worst” based on overall enjoyment, entertainment value, and the experience they offer. Let’s dive into the rides you can’t miss and those you might want to skip.
Worst Rides at EPCOT
Not all rides at EPCOT deliver the same level of excitement or innovation. While these attractions may not be “bad,” they don’t stand out compared to other offerings in the park.
1. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Located in the World Nature area of EPCOT, this ride retells the story of Finding Nemo as Guests board “Clamobiles” and search for the adorable clownfish. While it’s charming to see characters from the movie, the ride lacks the wow factor you might expect at EPCOT.
Disney Imagineering had the opportunity to blend the ride with the spectacular aquariums housed in the pavilion, but the experience feels underwhelming. Unless you’re traveling with young children who love Finding Nemo, you might want to skip this one.
Credit: Disney
2. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Figment is a divisive character at EPCOT. While some adore this playful dragon, others find the ride confusing and dated. Located in the Imagination Pavilion, this attraction takes Guests through sensory labs at the Imagination Institute.
Little ones may enjoy the silly antics of Figment, but adults often leave scratching their heads. If you’re short on time, this is one ride you can likely skip.
3. Mission: SPACE
For thrill-seekers, Mission: SPACE offers two ride experiences: the intense “Orange” mission and the milder “Green” mission. While the concept of simulating a space mission is exciting, the ride’s intense motion can lead to nausea for many Guests.
The seating and overall experience feel restrictive, and motion sickness is a common complaint. Unless you’re a die-hard space fan, there are better attractions to prioritize at EPCOT.
4. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Located in the Mexico Pavilion, this slow-moving boat ride follows Panchito and José Carioca as they search for Donald Duck. While the hand-drawn animation and nods to Mexican culture are nice touches, the ride feels dated and could use an upgrade to reflect Disney’s storytelling capabilities.
If you’re pressed for time, you might want to skip this and enjoy other attractions in the World Showcase instead.
Credit: Disney
Best Rides at EPCOT
These attractions showcase EPCOT at its best, combining creativity, technology, and immersive storytelling. Whether you’re seeking thrills or a family-friendly adventure, these rides are worth experiencing.
1. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The newest addition to EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, is located in the France Pavilion. This trackless 4D ride shrinks Guests down to the size of a rat as they scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen alongside Chef Remy.
With stunning visuals, clever storytelling, and a mix of laughs and thrills, this family-friendly ride is a must-do. You can access it via a virtual queue or purchase an individual Lightning Lane pass for guaranteed entry.
2. Test Track
For Guests who love speed and competition, Test Track is a highlight of EPCOT. Before boarding, you get to design your own virtual car, which is then tested on the ride.
The ride itself is a thrilling journey through various conditions, culminating in a high-speed loop. The interactive element of designing your car adds a personal touch, making it a favorite for families and thrill-seekers alike.
3. Soarin’ Around the World
Few rides capture the wonder of travel like Soarin’ Around the World. This breathtaking attraction takes Guests on a hang-gliding adventure over landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The use of scents, motion, and stunning visuals creates an immersive experience that never fails to impress. It’s a must-ride every time you visit EPCOT.
4. Spaceship Earth
Housed within EPCOT’s iconic geodesic dome, Spaceship Earth tells the story of human communication, from ancient times to the present day.
This slow-moving ride is both educational and nostalgic, offering glimpses into the history of innovation. While it may lack thrills, its timeless appeal and historical significance make it a must-do for every Disney fan.
Credit: Disney
5. Living with the Land
Located in the World Nature area, Living with the Land takes Guests on a boat ride through Disney’s innovative greenhouses.
This attraction offers a fascinating look at sustainable farming and features crops that are used in Disney’s own restaurants. It’s a peaceful and informative ride that stands out for its unique approach to storytelling and education.
6. Frozen Ever After
Step into the world of Arendelle with Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion. This boat ride immerses Guests in the magic of Frozen, featuring beloved characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf.
The stunning visuals and catchy songs make it a hit with fans of all ages. It’s a perfect blend of Disney storytelling and technology, and it’s a ride you won’t want to miss.
Plan Your EPCOT Day
With so many attractions to choose from, it’s essential to prioritize your time at EPCOT. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Use Lightning Lane: Maximize your time by skipping the lines on popular attractions.
- Plan Around Festivals: EPCOT is known for its festivals, so consider incorporating time to enjoy the food, drinks, and entertainment.
- Arrive Early: Start your day at rope drop to experience popular rides with shorter wait times.
- Explore the World Showcase: Beyond the rides, the pavilions offer incredible cultural experiences, dining, and entertainment.
