EPCOT Rookie Mistakes You Should Avoid

If you are ready to take a trip around the World, learn about the world of science and nature, or enjoy fun and thrills, you need a day at EPCOT Park. This Disney Park has been home to new attractions and improvements over the last few years. You will undoubtedly want to taste food, experience new rides and snag a few cocktails at this iconic Disney Park. But you must know how to do EPCOT right to have the best day ever. Don’t make newbie errors that could disrupt your day. These are EPCOT rookie mistakes you should avoid.

Not Prepping for Walking

This is both a mental and literal must-do. EPCOT is more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, and after a few hours in the Park you will feel the difference. The walking involved during a day at EPCOT is no joke. Know that you will be doing a lot of walking during your Park day, even more than normal, if you plan on meandering around World Showcase to enjoy each country.

Comfortable shoes are essential at Walt Disney World in general. But wearing supportive shoes is necessary at EPCOT. Visitors usually log a few miles during a day-long visit to EPCOT. I love wearing a time-tested tennis shoes with socks for a Park day. Don’t risk blisters by going sockless, and be sure your kicks are comfy and have been broken in.

Forgetting About the Second Park Entrance

There are two entrances to EPCOT; the most frequented one leads Guests under Spaceship Earth into Future World while the second, known as International Gateway, releases Guests in World Showcase between th United Kingdom and France. Park ticket kiosk booths and an entrance gift shop are also available at International Gateway.

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♬ Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington, Jr.

This entrance has always been a Disney Resort Guest hot spot for those staying at EPCOT Resorts like Yacht Club Resort, BoardWalk Resort, Beach Club Resort, or Swan and Dolphin. This entrance is more well known today thanks to the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway. Still, the majority of Guests enter through the front of the Park, making International Gateway an excellent way to avoid the largest crowds and a way to have a new Disney theme Park entrance experience.

Skipping Out on Shows

There are some fantastic shows to enjoy at EPCOT. Street actors, musicians, bands, choirs, and cultural films are great activities to incorporate into your schedule. Watching a drum show in Japan, a Beetles cover band in the United Kingdom, or street actors in France is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in EPCOT. Snag a crepe (France), cocktail (Morocco), or shaved ice (Japan)to enjoy as you watch the shows.

Not Making An Attraction Attack Plan

Especially with new dining spots like La Crêperie de Paris and new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, now more than ever- you cannot go to EPCOT without a Park plan. Check out Disney Genie well before your vacation to decide if the extra cost is necessary for your group. Familiarize yourself with the Disney Parks app and virtual queue process. Take a look at Park maps to sequence your exploration plan as much as possible, this will help reduce needless walking in the Park.

Thinking EPCOT is Only an Adult Theme Park

True, there is plenty for kids-at-heart to enjoy at EPCOT, but little ones can find magic and fun too. A common misconception about EPCOT is that the Park is less kid-friendly than other Parks. Now more than ever, there are plenty of attractions and experiences for little ones to enjoy.

With attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After and Gran Fiesta Tour: Starring the Three Caballeros, there is plenty to enjoy. Not to mention there are some pretty incredible character meets at this Park. I’ve enjoyed meeting Belle, Jasmine, Anna, and Elsa over the years around World Showcase.

Kidcot activity stops in World Showcase are a great way to bring kids into the culture of the countries represented in EPCOT. Children will enjoy the music and shows around World Showcase and love exploring The Living Seas and other attractions around Future World.

Not Eating Cultural Food

Tasting cultural food in EPCOT is a vacation highlight for foodies. But other Guests may tend to stick to typical theme Park food like burgers and fries, even though they are in a culinary wonderland. When you are in EPCOT, always eat around World Showcase, not in a typical quick service restaurant. Sampling food and drink at quick service stands and shops around World Showcase allows you to break from the traditional popcorn and hotdog feel of theme Parks and enjoy foods you may not have access to otherwise.

Forgetting Character Meets

Photo opportunities around the world with Disney Princesses in their native land are an excellent way to spend time at EPCOT. Show guides at information booths and character meet time in the Disney Parks app. Tell Guests character meet and greet times and locations for favorite characters like Aurora, Mulan, Belle, and Jasmine. The beauty of World Showcase countries will shine through in every photo!

Thinking EPCOT is the Same Year-Round

 

EPCOT is a fantastic place for repeat visitors because it changes yearly. Holiday celebrations, festivals, classes, art exhibitions, and concert series are all draws to this Park. Visiting during the International Festival of the Arts, International Festival of the Holidays, International Food & Wine Festival, and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival are worth experiencing.

Park attractions like shows, shopping, educational classes, and music groups are constantly changing. My favorite Disney traditions are the Candlelight Processional at Christmas and the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. Plus, visitors during the International Festival of the Holidays get to meet Santas from around the globe! EPCOT always seems to have something new for Guests to enjoy!

Steer clear of these rookie mistakes, and you’ll have a phenomenal day in EPCOT!