Top 10 Things To Do At Disney's Epcot

Epcot is the most underrated Disney Theme Park. Most visitors do not believe there is much to do here. In the last couple of years Epcot has become my family’s second favorite place to visit. Several new attractions have been added and the food choices in the World Showcase are wonderful. This is a list of our favorite things to do at Epcot.

1. Soarin’

Soarin’ is located in the Land Pavilion. It is a simulated hang glider ride in which guests soar over various landmarks across the country. The combination of scenery and special scent effects have made this attraction a family favorite. Height requirement-40”. Fast passes available. Tip: Try to be seated in the first row so that other guests’ legs are not dangling over your head.

2. Test Track

Test Track is the fastest attraction at Disney. Guests take a ride in a futuristic test car through the GM testing facility and shown how different testing procedures are done. The final test is the race around the track with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Height requirement - 40”. Fast passes available. Tip: The line for this attraction can become extremely long. A separate single rider line is available and much quicker if you do not mind riding with other guests.

3. Mission: SPACE

This ride is not for the weak at heart. (Barf bags are located on the main attraction.) Due to the number of guests who became sick after riding this ride, Disney introduced a “half-throttle” version. This attraction simulates a space shuttle take-off that then sling-shots around the moon and finally lands on Mars. Riders are exposed to G-forces of up to 2.4 which is more than twice the force of gravity on earth. It is a very intense ride. Height requirement - 44”. Fast passes are available. Tip: As soon as the park opens head to Mission: Space and get a fast pass. Then go ride Test Track.

4. Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is located in the “Big Ball” that is the icon for Epcot. Guests take a journey through time as audio-animatronics characters show the history and future of global communication. In July of 2007, Disney imagineers began a major remodel of the ride. The second half of the ride when the guests begin their descent is almost completely new. The remodel was completed in February of 2008. Tip: Since this is the first attraction upon entering the park most guests ride it first and the line becomes long. Wait until later in the day and you will be able to ride with almost no wait.

5. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

This is one of several 3-D shows at Disney. The premise is that Wayne Szalinski, played by Rick Moranis, is receiving the Inventor of the Year Award for his Shrinking Machine and you have been invited to attend the ceremony. Because the device will be demonstrated guests must wear their “safety goggles.” Several mishaps occur including the shrinking of the entire audience. There are some great 3-D effects along with some other special surprises. Fast passes are available but are usually not needed as the theater holds a large amount of guests at one time.

6. Turtle Talk with Crush

This is one of the newest attractions at Epcot. Guests are ushered into a small theater. Little dudes get to sit on the floor in front of the digital underwater screen. Big dudes have to sit on the benches behind them. Soon Crush appears and begins to totally interact with the little ones including a question and answer session. The entire show is very humorous. Tip: Ask Crush what his favorite food is.

7. The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Nemo & Friends is really for the younger ones but is a beautiful attraction. Guests ride in a clam shell under the sea while watching scenes from Finding Nemo. The last section of the ride features a real aquarium with special screens that still show Nemo and some of his friends. The effect is pretty cool.

8. Journey Into Imagination with Figment

This attraction is located in the Imagination! Pavilion next to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Guests are taken to five labs in which they explore the five senses. The entire ride is hosted by a purple dragon named Figment and has special appearances by Dr. Nigel Channing (also in Honey, I Shrunk the Audience).

9. Tour World Showcase

Many Disney guests by-pass the World Showcase because they think there is not much for children to do. While this is somewhat true remember this is Disney World. There are two things that you can do to keep your children entertained while you tour the areas. Each country now has a special spot for children called Kidspot. At the first country you visit (Mexico or Canada depending on the direction you go) visit Kidspot and get a paper mask on a stick. Kids can decorate their masks with crayons and markers available at the spot. As you visit each country look for the Kidspot area. The host will stamp the mask as you visit and add attach a special paper cut out representing that country. This is a completely free souvenir for your child and they love doing it. Secondly, you can buy a passport kit from any of the shops. They cost around $10 and include a passport, stickers and a button. At each country’s Kidspot, the host will stamp the passport and write a little note to the children. Kid’s can then place the stickers in the book. There are also some great photo opportunities in the Showcase.

10. Eat International Cuisine at a World Showcase Restaurant

Each country in the World Showcase has a restaurant. This is a great opportunity to try something new and different. All of the restaurants are included in the Dining Plan. Advanced reservations are highly suggested but many times during lunch there is no problem with a walk-in visit. Tip: If you have a party of picky eaters try Teppan Edo in Japan. The chefs cook at your table and you can’t go wrong with the menu of chicken, steak and shrimp. Even the pickiest eater will enjoy the food.