EPCOT
Opened in 1982, Epcot is the second-oldest park, and it was designed to celebrate humanity’s achievements with a look towards the future. The goal of EPCOT was to both educate and entertain guests (AKA “edutainment”). EPCOT is about twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, so put on your best walking shoes.
Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball) is the centerpiece of the park. The geodesic sphere also hosts a dark ride attraction, Spaceship Earth, that takes guests on a time-traveling experience.
For now, EPCOT consists of World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. For us old-timers, the front part of the park will always be Future World.
Hours
Depending on festivals, Extra Magic Hours, and other special events, the hours at EPCOT can vary.
World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature is usually opened from 9 AM to 9 PM.
World Showcase is usually opened from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Harmonious is usually shown at 9 PM.
You will want to consult the daily schedule for your specific opening and closing times. Some spots in World Showcases, such as Frozen Ever After (Norway) and Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France) open at 9 AM.
World Celebration
With the transformation of EPCOT ongoing, World Celebration is a bit of a hodgepodge of walls and closed buildings. There are a few attractions and dining options that are opened in this area.
Attractions:
- Spaceship Earth
- Journey Into Imagination
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Dining:
- Connections Cafe – Starbucks
- Connections Eatery
Shopping:
- Pin Traders – Camera Center
- Gateway Gifts
- Club Cool
- Creations Shop
World Discovery
World Discovery is home to the newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Space 220 is another new dining establishment in the park.
Attractions:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Mission: Space
- Test Track
Dining:
- Space 220
- Space 220 Lounge
Shopping:
- Treasures of Xandar
World Nature
As you may imagine, the pavilions and attractions are connected with nature. The Land Pavilion and the Seas are a few of the leftover remnants from Future World.
Attractions:
- Awesome Planet
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Living with the Land
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Seabase
Dining:
- Chip n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at the Garden Grill Restaurant
- Sunshine Seasons
- Coral Reef Restaurant
Shopping:
- Sea Base Gift Shop
Showcase Plaza
Dining:
- Traveler’s Cafe
Shopping:
- Disney Traders
- Plaza Towers
- Port of Entry
World Showcase
World Showcase highlights the culture, art, architecture, and entertainment of eleven different countries. Each of the dedicated pavilions surrounds the World Showcase Lagoon.
Mexico
Attractions:
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caberellos
Entertainment:
- Mariachi Cobre
Dining:
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Choza de Margarita
- La Cantina de San Angel
- La Cava del Margarita
Shopping:
- Plaza de Los Amigos
- El Ranchito Del Norte
- La Princesa de Cristal
- La Tienda Encantada
Norway
Attractions:
- Frozen Ever After
- Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet
Dining:
- Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe
Shopping:
- Puffin’s Roost
- Wandering Reindeer
China
Attractions:
- Reflections of China
Dining:
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Lotus Blossom Cafe
- Joy of Tea
Shopping:
- Yong Feng Shangdian
The Outpost
Dining:
Refreshment Outpost
Shopping:
- Village Traders
Germany
Dining:
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Sommerfest
- Karamell-Kuche
Shopping:
- Der Teddybar
- Die Wehnahts Ecke
- Glas und Porzellan
- Kunstabeit in Kristall
- Weinkeller
Italy
Dining:
- Tutto Italian Ristorante
- Via Napoli Ristorante & Pizzeria
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Gelateria Toscana
Shopping:
- Il Bel Cristallo
- La Bottega Italiana
The American Adventure
Attractions:
- The American Adventure
Entertainment:
- Voices of Liberty
Dining:
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse
- Fife & Drum Tavern
- Funnel Cake
Shopping:
- Art of Disney
- Heritage Manor Gifts
- Camera Center
Japan
Dining:
- Teppan Edo
- Tokyo Dining
- Kabuki Cafe
- Katsura Grill
Shopping:
- Mitsukoshi Department Store
Morocco
Dining:
- Spice Road Table
Shopping:
- Souk-al-Magreb
France
Attractions:
- Impressions de France
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-along
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Dining:
- Chefs de France
- Les Vins des La Chefs de France
- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Las Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie
- Le Creperie de Paris
Shopping:
- L’Espirit de la Provence
- La Signature
- Les Vins de France
- Plume et Palette
- Souvenirs de France
- Caricature Stand
International Gateway
Shopping:
- World Traveler
United Kingdom
Dining:
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
- Rose & Crown Pub
Shopping:
- Lords and Ladies
- Pringle of Scotland
- Sportsman’s Shoppe
- The Crown and Crest
- The Queen’s Table
- The Tea Caddy
- The Toy Soldier
Canada
Attractions:
- Canada Far and Wide
Entertainment:
- Alberta Bound
Dining:
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
Shopping:
- Northwest Mercantile
- Trading Post
Festivals
EPCOT is jokingly known as the “Festival Park” for its many special events throughout the year. There are four “signature” events hosted at EPCOT, including:
Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Mid Winter
This celebration showcases culinary, visual, and performing arts in various forms for the entire family.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Early Spring
Spring blossoms in the air as EPCOT transforms into a world of color during this celebration of flowers, food, drinks, and live music.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Late Summer/Fall
Iconic culinary treats delight guests as they dine around World Showcase for this popular festival.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: Fall/Winter
The annual festivities celebrate the holiday traditions of the World Showcase countries with live music, storytellers, seasonal lights, and plenty of holiday treats.
Transportation
EPCOT can be reached by several modes of transportation around WDW property, including:
Walk: For those lucky to stay at Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, or the Swan and Dolphin resorts, EPCOT is within walking distance. You will enter near the International Gateway entrance.
Boat: Guests at those same resorts or coming from Hollywood Studios can take one of the Friendship Boats that will take you directly into the entrance at the International Gateway.
Skyliner: The newest form of transportation will drop you off near the International Gateway entrance. You can travel to EPCOT from Hollywood Studios or one of the Skyliner resorts, such as the Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Riviera Resort.
Bus: Disney Transportation is free, and you can take a bus from any Disney theme park or resort. The buses will drop you off right at EPCOT’s entrance.
Monorail: From the Ticket and Transportation Center, you can travel to EPCOT by monorail. This option will allow you to “park-hop” from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.
Car: If you prefer your own transportation, then there is plenty of parking at the EPCOT parking area. If you are a guest at one of the WDW resorts or an Annual Passholder, then parking is free. Otherwise, you can expect to pay a parking fee.