Guide to the Best Epcot Attractions

Epcot at Sunset at Disney World
Photographed by Michael of Countdown to Magic

In this article, I’m going to list all of the attractions (rides, shows, and overall entertainment) that’s available to you at the Epcot theme park.  I will list all of the attractions based on location.

Epcot is separated into two fairly large locations—Future World and The World Showcase.  Future World holds many of the parks  most popular rides, while The World Showcase consists of attractions and country-specific pavilions (which can contain everything from rides to gift shops to restaurants).

Disney’s Future World Attractions:

1) Spaceship Earth: You would never guess it, but “Spaceship Earth” resides inside the geodesic sphere (or, for lack of a better phrase, that “big ol’ giant golf ball”).  The name might sound intimidating, but this is a slow moving ride that lasts approximately sixteen minutes.  It takes you through the history of how earth has evolved over centuries, and is narrated by the great Judi Dench. 

Towards the end of the ride, you have the ability to create your own interactive future by engaging with a computer screen built into your ride vehicle.  This is a slow, relaxing ride and although it’s changed quite a bit over time (it used to be narrated by Jeremy Irons, for instance), it still remains one of my favorite attractions.

Spaceship Earth Disney World in Epcot

Once you exit Spaceship Earth, you enter Project Tomorrow, an interactive area for kids of all ages. Here, you can participate in a driving simulator game or learn what you can do to better manage power and energy.

Spaceship Earth:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults
FastPass+ is offered

Project Tomorrow:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults

You can also learn more about the history of Spaceship Earth narrators here.

2) Ellen’s Energy Adventure (Universe of Energy): This ride is all about science, with a mix of comedy thrown in here and there.  In fact, this ride features Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy.  You’ll even get to see Alex Trebeck make a cameo in the show’s opening sequence.

Mixing the element of a movie with a physical, moving ride that features animatronic figures, this is an admittedly old ride (this is Ellen and Bill Nye circa the 90s!) and a LONG ride (block out a good 45 minutes to do this ride—good if you need to beat the heat…bad if you’re worried about missing your FastPass+ return window for another attraction).

*Note* This ride officially closed in August of 2017. In fact, I recently wrote an in-depth article counting down all of the permanently closed Disney World rides that I would love to see return again (and the Universe of Energy made the list).

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for kids and adults.

3) Mission: SPACE: This ride simulates how it might feel to be an astronaut shot off into space.  This attraction uses centrifugal motion simulation to create the feeling that the visitor is weightless once they are “blasted into space.”

But, this ride actually generated complaints of motion sickness by guests, and in 2006, Disney began offering riders the option to jump onto a less-intense version of the ride (meaning, no centrifugal motion simulation, or spinning), although your simulation vehicle does still move around.

Now, Mission: Space is broken down into two sections.  If you get into the Green line, you will board a ride that’s not as intense and likely won’t make you feel nauseous.  If you opt for the Orange line, you will get the ride as it was originally intended.

Personally, I’ve been to theme parks that featured centrifugal motion simulators, and they did make me feel a bit sick.  For Mission: SPACE, I made a beeline to the Green line and had a perfectly fine experience.  This ride is about five minutes in length.

This attraction also features an Advanced Training Lab section, where kids can create and email video postcards to their friends and family, or use a jetpack to explore the surface of Mars.

Mission: SPACE:
Height Restriction: 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
FastPass+ is offered

Advanced Training Lab:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults.


(Video by iThemePark)

4) Test Track: This attraction allows riders to design their own vehicle in the Chevrolet Design Studio.  You then board a six passenger “Sim Car” and take it out for a test run on a “Sim Track.”  As the ride progresses, you will get to see how well the car has handled certain individual challenges.  This ride went through a refurbishment in 2012, as the attraction previously put guests in the mindset of what it might feel like to be inside a car as it went through certain automobile checkpoint evaluations.  This ride is four minutes long.

Height Restriction: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for kids, tweens, teens and adults.
FastPass+ is offered

5) The Seas With Nemo and Friends: This ride sees guests jump aboard “clam-mobiles,” as you’ll get to witness characters from “Finding Nemo” magically swim right alongside real marine life that reside inside a 5.7 gallon saltwater aquarium.  Inside the massive water tank are 65 different species of marine life.  This ride lasts approximately four minutes.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends is not just a dark ride that features “clam-mobiles,” but a pavilion unto itself.  The pavilion offers not just the self-titled ride, but a Sea Base where you can view the aquarium, Turtle Talk With Crush (an interactive attraction that features an animated Crush answering questions from kids live—yes live), the Coral Reef Restaurant (where you can see the aquarium while you eat), a gift shop, and one-of-a-kind experiences like Dolphins in Depth, Epcot DiveQuest, and Epcot Seas Aqua Tour.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults.
FastPass+ is offered

Sea Base:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults.

Turtle Talk With Crush:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for preschoolers and kids.
FastPass+ is offered


(Video by Undercover Tourist)

6) The Land: This pavilion features an eclectic mix of rides, dining, and shopping.  The pavilion’s biggest attraction is no doubt Soarin’, one of my favorite attractions at Disney World (I feel like I say this a lot).

Taking its entire concept from its Disneyland cousin, Soarin’ places guests inside a hang glider that simulates the feeling of flying over various landmarks.  The ride even takes advantage of your sense of smell, too!  This attraction is approximately 5 minutes long.

The Land also offers a boat ride about agriculture in Living with the Land, a twelve minute film about symbiosis called Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable (with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa), and a Behind the Seeds tour that guests can experience for an additional fee (this is a one hour walking tour about agriculture that allows guests the ability to interact with everything from plants to alligators).

The Land also offers a few dining options, including family fare such as The Garden Grill and even the Sunshine Seasons food court which features four stations: The Asian Wok Shop, Sandwich Shop and Bakery, Soup and Salad Shop, and Wood-Fired Grill Shop.  There are also shopping options at The Land, including the Green Thumb Emporium and the Soarin’ Tour Desk.

Soarin’:
Height Restriction: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for kids, tweens, teens and adults.
FastPass+ is offered

Living With the Land:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to adults.

Circle of Life:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for kids and adults.

7) Imagination!: The Imagination! pavilion features a couple attractions.  The first is Journey Into Imagination with Figment.  This attraction features the purple dragon named Figment, as he creates chaos on the day the Imagination Institute decides to host an open house for guests (that would be you!)

Following the Journey Into Imagination with Figment attraction, guests can partake in the interactive exhibit entitled ImageWorks: The “What If” Labs, which can be assessed once you exit the “Journey” ride.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is most suitable for preschoolers and kids.
FastPass+ is offered

ImageWorks:
Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is appropriate for preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.

8) Innoventions: The Innoventions pavilion features exhibits, games, and simulations that not only provide guests with lots of fun, but an educational experience, too.  Some of the attractions are:

StormStruck (presented by Federal Alliance for Safe Homes): Experience what it’s like to be right inside of a storm, while also learning what you can do to prevent disaster the next time your local meteorologist predicts stormy weather.

Habit Heroes (presented by Florida Blue and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield):  Be a part of a team and learn why it’s so important to begin living a healthy lifestyle.

The Sum of All Thrills (presented by Raytheon): Sure, we all go to Disney World to experience thrills, but what if you could not only create your own thrill ride, but then hop on board it for a test run?  That’s exactly what you get to do here at this Innoventions attraction.

-Colortopia (presented by Glidden): Explore the Color Lab, the Color Our World Studio and the Power of Color Theater to learn about all the fun ways that color affects our daily lives.

9) JAMMitors at Future World East: Watch the clean up crew have fun, jam, and make sweet music with unlikely items like trash can lids, metal buckets and plungers.

Ages: This is aimed at kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
Length: 10 minutes

10) Meet Disney Pals at Legacy Plaza West: Meet Disney characters, get autographs, and snap some iconic images of the Epcot geodesic sphere here.

Ages: Aimed at preschoolers and kids.

11) Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot: Kids can come and meet and snap images with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy.  FastPass+ is offered.

Ages: Preschoolers and Kids.

12) Meet More Disney Pals Near Epcot Character Spot: Come meet, hug, and snap images with Chip and Dale.

Ages: Preschoolers and Kids.

13) American Music Machine: Enjoy a five person a cappella group serenade you live at the America Gardens Theatre.

Ages: Tweens, Teens, and Adults.
Duration: 15 minutes

And now, here are the attractions and entertainment options that can be found at the World Showcase:

14) The American Adventure: Located in the American pavilion, The American Adventure is a stunning theater show that is one part movie, another part stage play–with 35 realistic-looking Audio-Animatronic figures.

This attraction tells the story of America—well, at least a highly, highly condensed, mostly sanitary version of America.

I mean, it is Disney World, after all.

Still, you’ll meet historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Frederick Douglass, and Mark Twain, and you’ll no doubt be impressed with how skillfully Disney imagineers brought these luminaries we’ve only known in black and white images to life right before our eyes.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is for kids and adults


(Video by WDW News Today)

15) American Heritage Gallery: Also found at the American pavilion, the American Heritage Gallery houses a large collection of African-American art and artifacts from the personal collection of philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.

Opening in 2013, this exhibit is expected to stay at Disney World until 2016.  You can stop by and learn about the hope of poetic Phyllis Wheatley, or the courage of Harriet Jacobs, a woman who escaped from slavery and went on to publish an autobiography about her life as a slave.  Along with wonderful art and precious artifacts, certain areas of this exhibit feature narration by Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is for kids and adults

16) Bijutsu-kan Gallery: Inside the Japan pavilion sits the Bijutsu-kan Gallery, where guests can learn about ancient myths and legends that would ultimately give birth to the modern Japanese anime culture that people love worldwide.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

17) Gallery of Arts and History: Come appreciate beautiful arts and crafts at this gallery located inside the Morocco pavilion.  From jewelry to body art, this gallery shows off Moroccan culture and creativity.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

18) Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: Hop aboard a boat and float alongside Donald Duck and live-action footage of people and locations throughout Mexico, as this slow-moving ride is a visual treat and a great way to experience a taste of Mexican culture while also have fun and beating the Orlando heat.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is for preschoolers, kids, and adults


(Video by BigFatPanda)

19) House of the Whispering Willows: See for yourself what the clay cavalry built to protect China’s first emperor (Qin Dynatasy) in the afterlife.  197 soldiers, all with unique faces and unique facial expressions, are represented in this incredible replica on display at the China pavilion.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

20) Impressions de France: Inside the France pavilion, take some time out of your day to watch this 18-minute film about France.  See its charm and beauty, and experience everything from cyclists peddling through the country to the charm of a hot balloon ride on a clear afternoon.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

21) Kidcot Fun Stops: The World Showcase is an amazing experience, but there’s no doubt that it can be heavy on the…how shall I say this…the “cultured experience.”

In other words, if you’re not old enough to really appreciate the culture that the World Showcase is presenting to its visitors, you likely won’t enjoy yourself.

That’s especially true for kids, who (let’s be honest) aren’t exactly dying to go to Disney World to learn about China’s Qin Dynasty.  That’s why Disney has developed Kidcot Fun Stops at each and every World Showcase country.

Here, kids can complete fun, creative activities, like collecting stamps or making their very own souvenirs. 

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is for preschoolers and kids.

22) Mexico Folk Art Gallery: At the Mexico pavilion, you can check out Oaxacan culture by observing wood carvings, and even purchase your own spirit animal to take back home with you. 

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

23) O Canada!: The Canada pavilion features the O Canada! Attraction, where guests can walk inside a theater that features a 360-degree screen.  Once the show begins, an 18-minute film about Canada plays all around you, allowing your body to become immersed and engaged with the film no matter where you stand.  You’ll see things like the Toronto Film Festival in the film, as well as Horseshoe Falls.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

24) Reflections of China:  Whether you’re interested in ancient or modern day China, “Reflections of China” has you covered.  Inside the heart of the China pavilion, this attraction also features a 360-degree screen.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

25) Stave Church Gallery: Located in the Norway pavilion, you are likely expecting a “Frozen” attraction.  Well, it’s coming, and soon.  In fact, Disney shut down the old boat ride, Malestrom, to make way for the upcoming “Frozen” attraction.

Still, you can come and take a look at artifacts that helped inspire the hit Disney film.  You can also come take a look at the small-scale replica of the Gol stavkirke, or stave church, which was built around 1212 A.D.

Height Restriction: None
Suitable Age: This attraction is mainly aimed at adults

26) The British Revolution:  Whether it’s punk or psychedelic music, this four member band will make you want to jump up and dance.

Ages: Tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 30 minutes
Location: United Kingdom

27) Canadian Lumberjacks: Come watch lumberjacks toss and chop wood—and make a game of it, to boot.

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 20 minutes
Location: Canada

28) IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: Viewable from multiple areas and countries at the World Showcase, IllumiNations is a spectacular night show not to be missed.  The show, complete with fireworks, tells the history of our planet and is a feast for the eyes.  On top of that, the show is hosted by Jim Cummings—better known as the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 12 minutes
FastPass+: Yes

29) Jeweled Dragon Acrobats: You’ll see some pretty amazing, athletic, and no doubt acrobatic feats here, as a troupe from China will thrill you with what they can do with their body—particularly their strong arms and legs!

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults
Length: 20 minutes
Location: China

30) Mariachi Cobre: Playing music from Jalisco, Mexico, this mariachi band will perform traditional folk music and make you grin ear to ear.

Ages: Teens and adults.
Length: 25 minutes
Location: Mexico

31) Matsuriza: Experience the form and wonder of drumming—better known as Taiko—as a percussive troupe in the Japan pavilion gets in synch in an effort to give us some amazing drumbeats.

Ages: Kids, teens, adults.
Length: 15 minutes
Location: Japan

32) Meet a Wonderland Friend in the United Kingdom: Bring your child, or maybe just yourself, to meet Alice from “Alice in Wonderland.”

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: United Kingdom

33) Meet Belle in France: Beast is nowhere to be seen, but kids can meet and take pictures with Belle in the France pavilion.

Ages: Kids
Length: N/A
Location: France

34) Meet Donald Duck in Mexico: Who doesn’t want a photo with a sombrero-wearing Donald Duck?  Anyone?  Just as I thought—I’ll see you over in the Mexico pavilion for the photo-op.

Ages: Preschoolers, kids.
Length: N/A
Location: Mexico

35) Meet Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom: Located right in front of the United Kingdom pavilion, parents can come and bring their kids to meet Ms. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious herself.

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: Near the United Kingdom

36) Meet Mulan in China: Kids of all ages can come and meet Mulan at the China pavilion.

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: China

37) Meet Princess Aurora in France: You can meet Princess Aurora inside a regal gazebo in the gardens of the France pavilion.

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: France

38) Meet Snow White in Germany: Get your photo taken with Snow White, and see if she’s willing to dish a little dirt on Sleepy or Grumpy, too.

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: Germany

39) Meet Winnie the Pooh and Friends in the United Kingdom:  Here, you can meet the bear that’s in deep love with honey, as well as Tigger, in this fun meet and greet.

Ages: Preschoolers and kids
Length: N/A
Location: United Kingdom

40) Rose & Crown Pub Musician: Get a real taste of what a fun, upbeat and at times boisterous pub in the United Kingdom is like, as Epcot’s own resident musician will have you singing right alongside her.

Length: 45 minutes
Location: United Kingdom

41) Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro: Ever been interested in seeing some good, ol’ fashioned flag throwing?  Well now’s your chance in this fifteen minute outdoor show.

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 15 minutes
Location: Italy

(Video by Undercover Tourist)

42) Sergio: Sergio is a juggler and a mime, and he’ll entertain you and your children for the entire 20-minute show with his fun, easy-going personality.  Sergio will even manage to get a kid or two in on the act, too.

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 20 minutes
Location: Italy

43) Serveur Amusant: Watch incredible acrobats use their amazing skill and strong sense of balance to entertain, and at times thrill, guests at the France pavilion. 

Ages: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults.
Length: 20 minutes
Location: France

44) Viva Mexico: Dance to the sounds of a marimba, as an energetic band serenades guests.

Ages: Teens and adults.
Length: 25 minutes
Location: Mexico

45) Voices of Liberty: If you want a little American patriotism, look no further than the Voices of Liberty.  This a capella group performs inside the halls of The American Adventure attraction, and it’s a great and charming precursor to the audio-animatronic-centered show.

Ages: Teens and adults.
Length: 15 minutes
Location: America

46) Candlelight Processional: Okay, so this is a seasonal attraction.  You can expect to experience this wonderful 45 minute show in November and December.  But this attraction, which features celebrity narrators, a beautiful sounding choir and a whole lot of Disney World Christmas magic, is something that needs to be seen to be fully believe!

47) Frozen Ever After: This attraction took over the home of the gone but not forgotten ride “Malestrom.”  I could go on and on about this charming little ride, but let’s be real–you love “Frozen” just like the rest of humanity.  So just ride it–you’ll thank yourself later!  But if you need more information about this attraction, check out my review of it here.

For more information on Disney World Attractions.

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