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Your complete guide to Epcot

EPCOT is a celebration of innovation, culture, and adventure, where guests can travel the world, explore the future, and indulge in incredible food—all in one day. From thrilling attractions and global festivals to stunning nighttime spectaculars, EPCOT offers a unique blend of education and entertainment that’s truly out of this world.

Let's get down to business

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STARTING YOUR DAY AT EPCOT

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ATTRACTIONS

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EPCOT
WITH LITTLES

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EXAMPLES & FAQs

AVOID WAITING IN LINES

DINING

LET'S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING

Did you know that over 21 million people visit the Magic Kingdom each year?

When to visit Epcot

DAYS TO AVOID

WEEKENDS
Many locals visit Epcot on the weekends to enjoy the Festivals.

DAYS TO AIM FOR

According to data research, the best days to visit Epcot are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Use this free Crowd Calendar to see date specific crowd levels.

DATES TO AVOID

Major holidays, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July. New Years Eve is one of the most crowded nights of the year
Opening day of new attractions or festivals

Before you plan your entire day at Magic Kingdom, you first need to decide when to go.

Epcot is Disney World's 2nd oldest park and home to the annual festivals that brings over 12 million visitors each year. It is one of the busiest parks in Disney World!

Before you plan your entire day at Epcot, you first need to decide when to go.

Starting your day

STAYING ON PROPERTY

STAYING OFF PROPERTY

How your start your day at Epcot all depends on where you are staying during your Walt Disney World vacation.

Your morning timeline

Early Entry

Getting to Epcot from your Resort

STAYING ON PROPERTY

Getting to Epcot from your Resort

One of the amazing benefits you get with staying on property is that you get free transportation throughout Disney World property. Your resort may have 1 or a couple different options to take to Epcot. In addition, whichever transportation you use will determine which entrance you will use.

find your resort

epcot entrances

Front Entrance

International Gateway

The "Main Entrance" at the front of the park (closest to Spaceship Earth (the "Epcot ball."

The "Back Entrance" that will take you directly into World Showcase.

Early Entry

Early Entry is a great perk for those staying on property! This allows you to get into Epcot 30 minutes before the park opens and ride some of the most popular rides without a long wait.
Find the Cast Member with an Early Entry sign to have them scan a ticket, Magic Band, or Magic Mobile for 1 member of your party, and they'll let you in.

Only the front part of Epcot (World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature) and some parts of World Showcase are open for Early Entry. Here's all the included attractions:

take note!

Britt's pick

FRONT OF EPCOT

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Mission: Space
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Soarin' Around the World
Spaceship Earth
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Test Track (closed for refurbishment)

WORLD SHOWCASE:

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Frozen Ever After

either World Showcase option is a great choice!

Your morning timeline

Head to the park from your resort hotel and immediately get in line for the Early Entry rope drop

PARK OPENING

The rest of the park opens to all guests.

90 MIN BEFORE PARK OPENING

Transportation to Epcot start running

60 MIN BEFORE PARK OPENING

Early Entry begins in select areas.

30 MIN BEFORE PARK OPENING

tip!

CHECK THE MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE APP FOR THE OFFICIAL PARK OPENING TIME

Your morning timeline

Getting to Epcot

STAYING OFF PROPERTY

Getting to Epcot

Drive and park at the lot or take the legendary Monorail to get this park!

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PARKING COST

Standard Parking:
$25 per day
Preferred Parking:
$45-$50 per day

Getting to Epcot

Drive and park at the lot or take the legendary Monorail to get this park!

02

TRANSPORTATION & TICKET CENTER (TTC)

Once you arrive at the TTC, you can take the Monorail to Epcot, which opens 90 min before park opening.

Getting to Epcot

Drive and park at the lot or take the legendary Monorail to get this park!

03

Uber/lyft/minnie vans

If you decide to use a ride share service, like Uber or Lyft, the driver will still drop you off on the side of where the resort buses drop off near the front entrance.

Your morning timeline

Head to the park and immediately get into the "rope drop" line upon entering

90 MIN BEFORE PARK OPENING

TTC Opens

60 MIN BEFORE PARK OPENING

Rope drop your first attraction

PARK OPENING

tip!

CHECK THE MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE APP FOR THE OFFICIAL PARK OPENING TIME

ROPE DROPPING

verb
To enter the park (or part of the park) upon opening. The Cast Member physically holds a rope and drops it to allow entry.

Using Early Entry: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After
Not Using Early Entry: Soarin' Around the World

Attractions to Rope Drop

WORLD CELEBRATION

World Celebration is the neighborhood directly after the Front Entrance of Epcot. It features the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction inside the park icon, affectionately referred to as the "Epcot Ball" by most. The neighborhood honors global human interaction and connection, including communication, imagination, creativity, and the visual and culinary arts.

EPCOT NEIGHBORHOODS: ATTRACTIONS & SHOWS

Epcot is made up of 4 different areas, or "Neighborhoods." Each Neighborhood features uniquely designed decor, food, attractions (rides), and shows that reflect the theme of Neighborhood. Learn about each neighborhood's attractions & shows below ⬇️

Attractions

Entertainment

Spaceship Earth
Journey info Imagination with Figment
Meet Beloved Disney Pals at Mickey & Friends

Disney + Pixar Short Film Festival

WORLD NATURE

Located in the front western section of Epcot, World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, wonder, and balance of the natural world. This neighborhood is home to the second-largest aquarium in the U.S., along with other attractions and entertainment that make learning about nature both fun and engaging.

EPCOT NEIGHBORHOODS: ATTRACTIONS & SHOWS

Attractions

Entertainment

The Seas with Nemo & Friends
The Seas exhibits
Living with the Land
Soarin' Around the World (40")

Turtle Talk with Crush
Awesome Planet

WORLD DISCOVERY

This neighborhood is located in the East, front area of Epcot and focuses on space, science, technology and intergalactic exploration.

EPCOT NEIGHBORHOODS: ATTRACTIONS & SHOWS

Attractions

Entertainment

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (42")
Test Track (40")*
Mission Space (40")

*Temporarily closed through 2025

WORLD SHOWCASE

Arguably the most popular neighborhood in Epcot, World Showcase features 11 unique pavilions, each representing a different country and showcasing its art, cuisine, history, and architecture.

EPCOT NEIGHBORHOODS: ATTRACTIONS & SHOWS

Attractions

Entertainment

Frozen Ever After
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Gran Fiesta Tour
Meet Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus

Beauty and the Beast Singalong
Impressions de France
Reflections of China

EPCOT FESTIVALS

Festival of the Arts

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is where creativity takes center stage—literally. Held each winter, this festival celebrates visual, culinary, and performing arts with stunning displays, interactive experiences, and, of course, some of the most Instagram-worthy food Disney has ever dreamed up. From chalk artists bringing sidewalks to life to Broadway-caliber performances that make you want to break into song, it's a feast for the senses (and your camera roll). Just be prepared to debate whether that colorful dessert is too pretty to eat—spoiler alert: it’s not.

Mid Jan - Late Feb

EPCOT FESTIVALS

Flower and Garden Festival

Spring has officially sprung when Epcot bursts into bloom for the Flower & Garden Festival. This festival transforms the park with breathtaking topiaries, vibrant flower beds, and outdoor kitchens serving up fresh, garden-inspired eats. Whether you're here to admire Disney character-shaped plant masterpieces or snack your way through a menu that feels like Mother Nature’s personal cookbook, there’s something for everyone. Just watch out—you might leave with an uncontrollable urge to start a home garden (or at least buy a cute succulent).

Early March - Early June

EPCOT FESTIVALS

Food and Wine Fest

If you’ve ever dreamed of eating your way around the world without needing a passport, the Food & Wine Festival is your perfect excuse. Every fall, Epcot turns into a global tasting adventure, featuring dozens of food booths serving up small plates and drinks from around the world. Pair that with live music, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations, and you’ve got a foodie's paradise. Pro tip: pace yourself—because nothing’s worse than hitting “food coma” before you even make it past France.

Late August - Late November

EPCOT FESTIVALS

Festival of the Holidays

‘Tis the season for festive eats, twinkling lights, and storytelling traditions from around the world at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays. This winter celebration brings holiday cheer with seasonal dishes, live performances, and the iconic Candlelight Processional, where a celebrity narrator retells the Christmas story with a full choir and orchestra. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa in the Germany pavilion or watching Santa-like figures share their country’s holiday traditions, this festival is pure yuletide magic. And yes, eating cookies from every Holiday Kitchen is absolutely a valid way to celebrate the season!

Late November - December

FIREWORKS

Luminous: the Symphony of Us

Epcot’s nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, is a breathtaking blend of fireworks, fountains, and music that celebrates the connections we share as humans. With a powerful original score and beloved Disney melodies woven throughout, this show turns World Showcase Lagoon into a dazzling symphony of lights and color. Expect goosebumps as the sky erupts in a stunning display of storytelling through sight and sound. Just be warned—you might get a little teary-eyed (but don’t worry, it’s just “firework dust,” right?).

BEST PLACE TO WATCH

Best places to watch

For the best view of Luminous: The Symphony of Us, my top pick is the spot between the two gift shops at the front of World Showcase—Port of Entry and Disney Traders—where you’ll get a perfectly centered view of the lagoon. But if you’re looking for other great vantage points, the Japan pavilion is a solid choice, offering an elevated perspective that makes the fireworks even more dramatic. Want to enjoy dinner with the show? Grab a table at Shiki-Sai Sushi in Japan or Spice Road Table in Morocco for a meal with a magical view. And if you’re planning to make a quick exit through the International Gateway, anywhere in Canada or France will give you a great show and an easy path out before the crowds. Wherever you watch, just be ready for the grand finale—it’s a real jaw-dropper!

VIP VIEWING SPOTS

VIP Viewing Spots

If you're looking for a more private or lower crowd experience, you may want to pay for a special ticketed Enchanting Extra. Examples include:

A Fireworks dining package at Rose & Crown
A Fireworks cruise
A Disney World VIP Tour

OTHER WAYS TO WATCH

Other Ways to Watch

If you want to catch Luminous: The Symphony of Us without an EPCOT park ticket, here are some great viewing spots at nearby resorts and dining locations:

Any of the Crescent Lake Resorts (Boardwalk, Beach/Yacht Club, Swann and Dolphin
Dine at Topolino's Terrace at the top of the Riviera Resort
(If you time it right) Ride the Skyliner

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips and Tricks

If exiting at the International Gateway, stand near France
If exiting at the Front Entrance, consider hanging out for a bit to avoid the mass exodus
Make sure to check the MDE app for the most accurate show time, as it will change periodically

BACK TO THE MAIN INFO

EPCOT After Hours

Special ticketed after hours ticket to Epcot
Exclusive food and drink options
Low wait times
Complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select bottled beverages
Dates vary and, but are usually on select nights from Feb-Sep of each year
Can enter Epcot as early as 4 pm with applicable ticket

AFTER HOUR EVENTS

AVOIDING THE LONG LINES

While most of Epcot's attractions have typically lower wait times compared to other parks, it also has some of Disney World's most popular attractions (I'm looking at you, Cosmic Rewind 👀) with some of the longest wait times.

Tips for avoiding long lines:

Stay on property and/or stay at a Deluxe Resort

Staying on property (and some Good Neighbor Hotels) allows you to enter into Epcot 30 min early, which allows to ride up to 2 attractions before park opening, and lower wait times. Staying at a Deluxe Resort also allows you to visit certain parks on select nights for 2 hours after closing. This should allow you to ride quite a few attractions with lower wait times.

Tips for avoiding long lines:

Single Rider Lane

If only one person in your party wants to ride an attraction, they can use the Single Rider Lane at participating attractions to skip the regular standby line and ride solo. Currently, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is the only attraction at EPCOT offering this option. However, Test Track will also feature a Single Rider Lane when it reopens sometime in 2025.

Tips for avoiding long lines:

Ride During Odd Times

You can usually experience pretty low waits before the park closing, as most people are getting in their spots for the fireworks.

Tips for avoiding long lines:

Buy Lighting Lanes

You can pay extra to enter into the Lightning Lane for most Epcot attractions. Read more on that below ⬇️

LIGHTNING LANES INFO

Tips for avoiding long lines:

Disability Access Service (DAS)

Certain guests with physical/cognitive disabilities may qualify for the DAS at Disney World. This program allows qualifying guests to enter into the Lightning Lane for certain attractions. See more info here.

Lightning lanes at EPCOT

I won't go into the all the deets about lightning lanes. Honestly, there's just too much to fit into this guide! You can find an in depth overview in my Lightning Lanes Guide. But to make a long story short...

⚡️ Lightning Lanes are the new "skip the line" program at Disney World.
⚡️ You can purchase SinglePass, MultiPass, and/or PremierPass Lightning Lanes for each park day.
⚡️ I personally feel like you can get away with purchasing MultiPass or PremierPass for Epcot, but I highly recommend SinglePass for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

See the Lightning Lanes guide for the most accurate and up to date info on Lightning Lanes at Epcot!

DINING IN Epcot

Quick Service

and near

📱 Mobile Ordering available
💖My fave!

Connections Eatery 📱💖
Connections Cafe (Starbucks)
Sunshine Seasons 📱
La Cantina de San Angel
Choza de Margarita
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
Lotus Blossom Café
Joy of Tea
Sommerfest 📱💖
Via Napoli Pizza al Taglio
Regal Eagle Smokehouse 📱💖
Funnel Cake Stand
Block & Hans
Fife & Drum Tavern
Katsura Grill 📱
Kabuki Café
Garden House
Tangierine Café
The Spice Table
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie 💖

Epcot is the park famous for "eating and drinking around the world." On top of all the amazing food & drink options during the festivals, Epcot has some pretty great dining options offered year round.

L'Artisan des Glaces
Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris
Yorkshire County Fish Shop 📱
Refreshment Outpost
Refreshment Port 💖
Cool Wash 💖

Table Service

and near

🐭 Character Dining
💖My fave!

Space 220 and Space 220 Lounge
Coral Reef Restaurant
San Angel Inn Restaurante
La Hacienda de San Angel
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 🐭💖
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Biergarten Restaurant
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Teppan Edo
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya 💖
Takumi-Tei
Spice Road Table
Chefs de France 💖
Monsieur Paul
Rose & Crown
Le Cellier Steakhouse 💖

Festival Booths

and near

Eating at the EPCOT festivals is basically an Olympic sport—but with way more cheese and far fewer training requirements. Many guests skip traditional quick service or table service meals altogether and opt to “eat and drink around the world” instead, grazing on small plates and festival-exclusive drinks from the global marketplaces. Each festival brings a unique menu, from artistic bites at Festival of the Arts to sizzling barbecue at Food & Wine, making every visit a new culinary adventure. Just remember to pace yourself—because while you might think you’re done, there’s always room for one more dessert… or at least a festival-exclusive cocktail!

CURRENT FESTIVAL BOOTHS

Caribbean Beach

Riviera

Swan & Dolphin

Beach & Yacht Club

Boardwalk Inn

Nearby resorts

Epcot has several resorts nearby that have also have incredible dining options. Each resort has snack stands, quick service, and table service places that match the theming and vibes of the resort. There's no admission fee to visit or dine at resorts, so I highly recommend you making them part of your visit, if possible!