Dreaming of soaring over the world, exploring the depths of the ocean, or blasting off to Mars, all in a single day? Then you're likely planning a trip to Epcot! Epcot isn't just a theme park, it's a celebration of human innovation and international culture, and at the heart of that celebration are its incredible attractions.
Knowing the rides available at Epcot allows you to maximize your time, tailor your experience to your interests and thrill level, and ultimately create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned Disney veteran or a first-time visitor, understanding the diverse ride offerings is crucial to planning the perfect Epcot adventure. From gentle boat rides through international pavilions to exhilarating high-speed test tracks, there's something for everyone.
Which Epcot rides are right for me?
Which rides at Epcot are best for young children?
Several rides at Epcot are well-suited for young children, focusing on gentle experiences and engaging themes. These include Journey into Imagination with Figment, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, and Living with the Land. These rides offer a blend of education and entertainment without intense thrills, making them ideal for families with smaller kids.
For the youngest visitors, the key is avoiding rides with height restrictions or those known for sudden drops or fast speeds. Journey into Imagination with Figment is a lighthearted ride through the senses with the playful character Figment. The Seas with Nemo & Friends is another great option, taking guests on a submarine adventure to find Nemo, and features a massive aquarium at the end that's always a hit with kids. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, found inside the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase, is a gentle boat ride featuring Donald Duck and his friends, filled with vibrant scenery and catchy music. Finally, Living with the Land, located in the Land Pavilion, provides an educational and calming boat tour through various ecosystems and agricultural displays. While Test Track and Mission: SPACE are popular, they are too intense for young children. Soarin' is popular with slightly older kids, but its height requirements might exclude younger children. Ultimately, parents know their children best and can consider their child's tolerance for movement, darkness, and loud noises when deciding which rides to experience. Consulting a park map and checking height restrictions beforehand is always a good idea.What are the thrill rides at Epcot?
While Epcot is generally known for its educational and immersive experiences, it does offer a few attractions that qualify as thrill rides. These primarily consist of Test Track, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Mission: SPACE (Orange Mission). These rides provide varying levels of excitement, from simulated high-speed car testing to a spinning centrifuge that simulates space travel.
Epcot has evolved over the years, incorporating more exciting elements alongside its traditional focus on technology and global cultures. Test Track puts guests in the driver's seat, simulating rigorous vehicle testing and culminating in a high-speed outdoor lap reaching speeds up to 65 mph. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a high-speed indoor roller coaster with a reverse launch, rotating cars, and a fun soundtrack. Mission: SPACE offers two distinct experiences. The Orange Mission is the more intense option, employing a centrifuge to simulate the G-forces experienced during a rocket launch. The Green Mission is a less intense, non-spinning simulation offering a gentler journey around Earth. While the green mission is much tamer, the orange mission definitely qualifies as a thrill ride due to the potential for motion sickness and the strong G-forces. Choosing between the green and orange missions allows guests to select the experience that best suits their tolerance for intensity.Does Epcot have any water rides?
Yes, Epcot does have one traditional water ride: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, located in the Mexico Pavilion of World Showcase. While not a thrilling water coaster, it's a gentle boat ride through scenes inspired by Mexican culture and featuring the beloved characters Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles.
While Gran Fiesta Tour is the only ride that would be considered a "water ride" in the classic sense (a ride where you're on a boat traveling through water), other Epcot attractions offer watery elements. For example, the Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion includes a large aquarium, though not technically a ride, it is a water-themed walk-through attraction. It's important to note that even though Epcot isn't heavily focused on water rides like some other Disney parks (such as the Magic Kingdom, with Splash Mountain, or Animal Kingdom, with Kali River Rapids), the park's immersive experiences and attractions offer a wide range of entertainment for all ages and preferences. Epcot's focus tends to lean more towards education, culture, and innovation, so while you may not find major water thrills, you will find other engaging rides and attractions.What rides are located in World Showcase?
World Showcase in Epcot features two rides: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, located inside the Mexico Pavilion, and Frozen Ever After, located in the Norway Pavilion.
While World Showcase is largely focused on cultural experiences, dining, and shopping that represent 11 different countries, these two rides offer a bit of traditional Disney-style entertainment amidst the immersive atmosphere. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is a gentle boat ride that follows Donald Duck's adventures through Mexico. Frozen Ever After is a boat ride that takes guests on a journey through Arendelle, featuring characters and songs from the popular Disney film "Frozen." It's important to note that World Showcase prioritizes ambiance and cultural immersion over thrill rides. Most of the attractions are films, live performances, and exhibits. The inclusion of these two rides provides a family-friendly element that complements the overall experience.What rides are temporarily closed at Epcot?
As of October 26, 2023, there are currently no rides that are listed as being temporarily closed at Epcot. All attractions are currently scheduled to be operating as normal.
However, it's always important to check the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website on the day of your visit for the most up-to-date information. Ride closures can occur unexpectedly due to maintenance issues, technical difficulties, or inclement weather. Checking these resources will ensure that you are aware of any last-minute changes to ride availability and can adjust your plans accordingly.
Keep in mind that even if a ride isn't listed as "temporarily closed," it may still experience intermittent downtime throughout the day. This is typical for theme park attractions and can be due to short-term technical problems or necessary adjustments. Patience is key, and it's often worth checking back later to see if the ride has reopened.
Which rides at Epcot have the longest wait times?
Generally, the rides at Epcot with the longest wait times are Test Track and Frozen Ever After. These two attractions consistently draw the largest crowds due to their popularity and unique experiences. Test Track allows guests to design a virtual car and then test its capabilities on a simulated track, while Frozen Ever After is a beloved dark ride based on the popular Disney film "Frozen."
Wait times at Epcot are influenced by a number of factors including the time of year, time of day, and overall crowd levels in the park. Holidays, school breaks, and festivals significantly increase attendance, leading to longer waits across all attractions, but especially at the most popular rides. Furthermore, wait times tend to peak in the middle of the day, so arriving early or later in the evening can sometimes reduce the amount of time spent in line. Utilizing Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections can also help to minimize wait times for these high-demand attractions. Beyond Test Track and Frozen Ever After, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure frequently experiences long wait times, although Lightning Lane availability can significantly impact this. Soarin' is also a popular attraction that tends to have longer waits, particularly in the afternoons. The popularity of these rides is often a blend of their innovative technology, immersive theming, and broad appeal to guests of all ages.Are there any new rides coming to Epcot soon?
Yes, there are exciting new rides and attractions on the horizon for Epcot. While specific opening dates can fluctuate, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in May 2022, and Test Track is currently undergoing a re-imagining with expected reopening at an unannounced later date. Further announcements regarding future additions are always possible.
Epcot has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, with a focus on enhancing and updating existing areas as well as introducing new experiences. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a thrilling indoor roller coaster offering a unique ride experience, and its popularity demonstrates Disney's commitment to innovative attractions. Test Track is temporarily closed for a substantial overhaul intended to bring a fresh perspective to the design process of future vehicles. Keep an eye on official Disney Parks Blog announcements and reputable Disney news sources for the most up-to-date information on ride openings and future developments at Epcot. Due to the scale of projects and various potential delays, announced timelines are always subject to change.So, that's the rundown on the rides at Epcot! Hopefully, this helped you plan your adventure and get excited for all the fun to come. Thanks for checking it out, and be sure to come back for more tips and tricks to make the most of your Disney vacation!