Hints & Hacks for a Day in EPCOT

Magic Kingdom is iconic Disney magic; I learn something on each visit to Animal Kingdom. Walking into the magic of the movies at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an excellent Disney Park experience. Still, my all-time favorite Disney experience will always be a visit to EPCOT. If you are looking for insider tips or the unofficial guide to EPCOT, this guide is for you. Sure, you know to hit staples like Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, but here are a Disney insider’s best hints and hacks for a day in EPCOT.

Ride Soarin’ Around the World

Don’t sleep on Soarin’ Around the World. This ride is on my must-do list. This hang glider simulator is so immersive and breathtaking that I ride it at least once on every visit to EPCOT. Soarin’ Around the World makes a great first ride of the day if you are visiting during extra magic hours or if you rope drop dash the ride after Park opening. The downside of this ride is, of course, the wait times.

As is typical with great attractions, the wait time can climb to well over two hours, so I suggest you visit the ride directly after Park opening, during extra magic hours, or using Disney Genie or lightning lane. But truthfully, this is one of the few Disney World attractions that I will endure long wait times for-  it’s just that good.

Located near Garden Grill in The Land Pavilion, this ride is a crucial part of the Disney experience. An adaptation of the Soarin’ Over California ride located initially at Disney’s California Adventures, this is a crowd-pleaser. Soarin’ Around the World takes Guests across the Bavarian Alps, and gives glimpses of the crystaline waters of Fiji, the Great Wall of China, and the sparkling Eiffel Tower. This world-circling journey ends at none other than EPCOT.

Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

If a reverse launch coaster with all your Avenger friends and a bangin’ soundtrack sounds like the perfect ride, you are in luck! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in 2022 and has provided Guests with a good time since it opened. Blast into the cosmos with Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Star-Lord to save the galaxy and have a great time!

@themeparktherapy

This ride is insane! #guardiansofthegalaxy #cosmicrewind #wdw #epcot #waltdisneyworld

♬ original sound – Zach | Theme Park Creator

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Sample Yummy Beverages

Drinking around the world at EPCOT World Showcase is a popular pastime for Guests. From Mexico to Canada, World Showcase is full of delicious beverages to choose from. Keeping my Disney budget under control usually means I reach for my refillable water bottle in the Parks.

In EPCOT, I disregard this rule. Enjoying the drinks in World Showcase is one of my must-do hints for a great Park day. There is a seemingly unending list of drinks you can enjoy in this Park. From wine, beer, and cocktails from around the world to alcohol-free mocktails and juices, there are some tasty ways to quench your thirst in World Showcase. Try at least one unique drink during your Disney vacation; you’ll be glad you did.

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Sip a Violet Sake

Want to enjoy a drink that tastes as good as it looks? Head to the Japan Pavilion. Get your camera ready because this is the most Instagramable drink in the Park. If I could only choose one cocktail to indulge in during a day at EPCOT, it would undoubtedly be Japan’s Violet Sake.

Sold at the Garden House stand in Japan, this cocktail is an excellent balance of fruity, fresh, sweet, and tart. It’s so satisfying you will not want to share, so be sure to purchase one to enjoy yourself. Take this beautiful violet-colored beverage with you strolling World Showcase or kick back on a bench in the shade to cool off while you enjoy it.

Try A New to You Food

Foodies love EPCOT for the international eats available in World Showcase. Talk about an ideal place to try new cuisine- World Showcase countries are it. Particularly if you are visiting during a festival season (EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, International Festival of the Holidays or International Festival of the Arts), there are plenty of small plates to try.

Today is your lucky day if you’ve always wanted to try a latke, cottage pie, or sushi. These and numerous other dishes are available for you to enjoy in a tasting-sized portion during your Park day. We all have our favorites. I never leave the Park without enjoying a chocolate mousse in France and Fish & Chips in the United Kingdom. But my biggest EPCOT culinary hack is to get outside your comfort zone by tasting new food!

Watch a Film

Pop onto the My Disney Experience app to check which countries around World Showcase have films for Guests. Especially during the hottest part of the day, taking breaks in the air conditioning to watch an educational or fun film about the countries in World Showcase can be a great idea.

Enjoy The Views

The pace of EPCOT is what I love most. Maybe it’s the food or the beautiful view of World Showcase Lagoon, but I feel most relaxed in this Disney Park. Because there are so many walk-through cultural exhibits, films, and pace-able activities, I tend to stop and smell the roses a bit more in this Park. My insider tip for this theme Park would be to take the time to enjoy all the aspects of the day and avoid getting so caught up in the bustle of attraction hopping that you miss enjoyable details of the Park.

Learn from the art and exhibits in each country, take the time to chat with Cast Members, and kick back to enjoy views of the flowers, architecture, and food around the Park. I promise these moments will make for great memories!

A Walt Disney World vacation is an unforgettable experience. So, book your Disney World tickets, strap on your magic band, and let’s have a great Disney theme Park day at EPCOT!