Everyone loves a good top ten list. And our family has a favorite EPCOT’s Top Ten.
EPCOT has so much to offer; from around the world dining and shopping to unique and clever attractions.
EPCOT is the reason our family likes to purchase park hopper tickets — we always seem to end up at EPCOT multiple times during our stay.
For those of you who think EPCOT is only for adults, think again! When my son was 7, he declared EPCOT his favorite park. When my daughter was in her teens, we couldn’t get her to leave. She loved the shopping and being able to meet Cast Members from other parts of the world.
In typical Disney style, there is something for everyone at EPCOT!
#1 – The Cast Members Around World Showcase
The first of EPCOT’s Top Ten is a visit with the Cast Members around World Showcase. World Showcase features 11 countries and they are, by and large, manned by Cast Members from those countries. Walt Disney World sponsors a cultural exchange program with paid internships. International Cast Member then share a bit of their customs and culture with EPCOT guests. Each trip I have our children think of 3 questions to ask the Cast Members. Servers in the restaurants, clerks in the shops or special event Cast Members will be happy to share with you what they miss most about home, their favorite foods, or what they like most about their time in the US.
#2 – Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
Join forces with Agent P and solve mysteries around World Showcase. Although the Disney website says this adventure is geared towards kids, tweens, and teens, I’d say this activity is most enjoyed by the 12 and under set. My son LOVES this activity and has shown up for duty at most of the six recruitment centers. (Mexico, China, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom) As a parent, I’ve enjoyed assisting, as you can learn new things about each country and see things that are easily overlooked. There is rarely a wait to participate. Just show up at a recruitment center, get your special phone and you’re off! Each activity takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
#3 – Test Track
Design your own car and then take it for a spin, testing its capability against other designers. After experiencing how your car handles braking, sharp turns and sudden stops you’ll test your ride at a top speed of 64.9 mph on the outdoor track. When the ride is over you’ll see how your vehicle performed against others, and see the newest cars on the road today. The perfect attraction to enjoy with your child, especially the teens in your party.
#4 – Soarin’ Around The World
Experience the sensation of flight. Soarin’ takes you over breathtaking world wonders: the pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Swiss Alps, Eifel Tower, and more. Riders are suspended over the ground as you “hang glide” over picturesque scenes across the world.
#5 – Turtle Talk With Crush
This is an interactive event with Crush and Walt Disney World guests. Located in The Seas Pavillion, guests talk with Crush, ask questions and Crush will even ask a few questions himself. Each experience is unique. An attraction I thought my kids had outgrown, it was one of the first things they wanted to do on our last trip. They didn’t want to sit up front, of course, but they enjoyed the interaction of Crush with the other guests. It’s safe to say, this appeals to all ages.
#6 – The JAMMitors
Running into the JAMMitors is an EPCOT’s Top Ten must. You’ll find The JAMMitors hanging around in Future World East, jamming to an entertaining drum beat with a little comedy sprinkled in. Their show lasts about 10 minutes and you’ll find them throughout the day. We typically run into them while waiting for our kids on Mission Space.
#7 – Mission Space
Mission Space is a space simulator, where you can experience what astronauts experience in space during liftoff, hyper-sleep, zero gravity, and landing. There are two options, Orange (intense) and Green (less intense), On the Green version, the centrifuge/zero gravity aspect is eliminated and is more like a mild simulator ride. The full version (Orange) is a thrill ride in every sense of the word and is very popular among teenage guests. Each experience is unique, with every guest assigned a role (pilot, navigator, engineer, and commander) to play. Choices made during your mission create your adventure.
#8 – Frozen Ever After
Take a boat ride through a frozen forest to see your favorite Frozen characters. Located in the Norway pavilion, the attraction opens before most of World Showcase. This is a highly popular attraction, so if you’re a Frozen fan, worth the FastPass.
#9 – Living With The Land
This pavilion is located in Future World West and features Soarin’, Living with the Land and Circle of Life. The Garden Grill is one of our family’s favorite character meals; a rotating restaurant serving fresh, locally grown (as in, right at EPCOT) produce. It doesn’t get any fresher than that! Look for Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale to visit you while you dine.
#10 – (The Light Show Around World Showcase Lagoon) – Currently EPCOT Forever!
Rounding out our EPCOT’S Top Ten is the nighttime show around World Showcase Lagoon. Illuminations was one of our favorite evening shows at Walt Disney World. As EPCOT goes through an epic transformation, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth will be updated with a new nighttime extravaganza. And the temporary replacement, EPCOT Forever!, doesn’t disappoint. Part fireworks, part laser show, part musical, complete with choreographed kites, it’s a beautiful nighttime display. One of the best viewing spots is in the front of World Showcase, just as you enter from the front of the park. This area is currently used for FastPass holders. France and the bridge between France and United Kingdom are also good areas to try. If you can snag a dinner reservation about 30-45 minutes before the show, Rose & Crown in the United Kingdom pavilion is a great spot to eat and see the show if you request outdoor seating.
EPCOT has something for every age. From thrill rides to exotic dining to family-friendly attractions. It’s a park that belongs on every itinerary!
What is on your EPCOT’s Top Ten list?
(Couldn’t be included in our EPCOT’s top ten is/was Spaceship Earth. It is the first attraction you’ll see walking through the gates at EPCOT. But it will be undergoing a major overhaul beginning next month. Catch it while you can! Here you’ll travel through time experiencing the development of communication from cave drawings to the space age, narrated by Dame Judi Dench.)
