Is Epcot Worth It?

Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow — better known by its acronym, Epcot — is a theme park at Walt Disney World that allows you to explore the wonders of science and technology as well as nature and connect with a global community.

Although the concept park might not be the first choice for those who visit Disney World, it doesn’t mean that it should be skipped altogether. Epcot is where some of Disney’s newest rides, a huge nighttime spectacular and world-themed restaurants are located.

So, without further ado, let’s discuss whether visiting Epcot is worth it.

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What is Epcot?

If your main goal of visiting a theme park is to ride as many rides as possible, you might be disappointed to hear that Epcot doesn’t have that many attractions.

The park is divided into four neighborhoods:

• World Celebration.

• World Discovery.

• World Nature.

• World Showcase.

Each neighborhood represents a theme, such as architecture, beauty of the natural world, culture, cuisine, human interaction and connection, science and technology, and space.

Rides and attractions at Epcot

Epcot has some of the newest attractions for Disney fanatics, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Here are some of the key rides and attractions at Epcot:

• Disney Fab 50 Character Collection. In time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary, discover Disney’s 50 beloved characters cast in gold placed across all four theme parks at World Disney World, including Epcot.

• Frozen Ever After. Come aboard a Norwegian vessel and enjoy your favorite songs from “Frozen” as you cruise across the waters of Arendelle.

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Jump into intergalactic action while helping the Guardians of the Galaxy on this enclosed hybrid coaster.

• Mission: Space. Learn what it’s like to be an astronaut on this thrilling ride into open space.

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Visit the famous kitchen, dining room and even Gusteau’s restaurant from Remy’s perspective on this 4D ride.

• Soarin’ Around the World. Prepare for liftoff as you’re about to take in aerial views of the world’s most famous landmarks in this flight motion simulator in front of a 180-degree Imax screen.

• Spaceship Earth. Travel back in time to witness how our ancestors created the world on this 16-minute Omnimover-style ride.

• Test Track. Hop into the driver seat of a Chevrolet and hold onto the steering wheel as you go for a spin of the automobile design center and then for a speed test at a race track in a simulation car.

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Team up with Dory and Marlin in the search for Nemo under the sea and make sure to watch out for sharks.

• Harmonious. This 20-minute nighttime spectacular put together with the use of floating screens, dancing fountains, lights, lasers and fireworks will wow even the least impressionable of the parkgoers.

Note that most of the rides listed above do not have a height requirement; excluded rides are Mission: Space, Test Track, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Soarin’ Around the World.

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Festivals at Epcot

Besides attractions, Epcot is where the following seasonal events and celebrations take place. Many of these festivals are considered a must-do at Epcot:

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Unlock your inner creativity and immerse yourself in the culinary, performing and visual arts.

• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Celebrate holidays around the world during a joyous time of the year.

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Watch your favorite characters come to life in the form of topiary displays in the gardens across the park.

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Go on a culinary tour of the world by enjoying food and beverages from six continents.

Other activities that the park offers includes:

• Fireworks.

• Live performances, including shows featuring acrobatics, music and drumming.

• SeaBase, an aquarium.

• Unique internationally-inspired food and shopping.

» Learn more: How to plan a trip to Walt Disney World

How much does a ticket to Epcot cost?

A standard one-day theme park ticket for guests ages 10 and above starts at $109 and goes up to $159 plus tax; it gets you access to one of the four parks in World Disney World:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• Epcot.

• Magic Kingdom Park.

However, you can add a Park Hopper option that lets you visit more than one park on the same day. Note, though, that entry to the second park isn’t available until 2 p.m. Park Hopper tickets range from $174 to $224 plus tax, depending on the day of your visit. You must select a specific date before purchasing a one-day ticket.

A multiday ticket allows you to visit multiple parks during your stay, though these tickets are still only valid for one park per day. Multiday tickets start at the following prices and go up, depending on the date of your visit:

• Two or three days: $107.

• Four days: $106.

• Five days: $91.

• Six days: $78.

• Seven days: $69.

• Eight days: $65.

• Nine days: $60.

• 10 days or more: $56.

Park Hopper and water park add-ons are available on multiday tickets as well.

​​» Learn more: Is the Disney Park Hopper worth it?

Why Epcot is different than the other Disney parks

Here are a few reasons you should visit Epcot.

It’s more than just roller coasters

If you prefer sightseeing and eating food to rides, then Epcot is more your speed. The park has a unique design and some of the best restaurants at Disney World. And if you visit during the Epcot International Food & Wine festival, you’ll have no shortage of food and drinks from around the world to try.

If you’d like an adult beverage between all the fun, cheers to you because Epcot restaurants — including Biergarten Restaurant, Choza de Margarita and Fife & Drum Tavern — serve alcohol.

It might stay open later than other parks

Depending on when you go, Epcot can have a later closing time than the other parks at Disney World. Say you purchase a Park Hopper ticket and pick the Magic Kingdom as one of your parks, but it closes at 6 p.m. during your visit.

What’s there to do after? Head to Epcot, which is open until 9:30 p.m., and continue the fun there. (Closing times vary.)

It's great for adults

As stated above, it's got great adult beverages. It tends to stay open later than other parks. Where it lacks a mass of kiddie rides like carousels, it makes up for it with, shall we say, more refined attractions. Living with the Land is like "it's a small world" for plants, inspiring gardeners to level up their vegetable game. The country pavilions have video tours that might inspire you to plan an additional trip.

Maybe it's just the wide walkways, but it seems to have fewer strollers. Consider Epcot the best Disney theme park for adults.

It’s well connected to the other three parks

Epcot is well connected to the other three parks, so if you’re park hopping, Epcot makes a good second destination. Take a Monorail to Magic Kingdom Park, a boat or a Disney Skyliner to Disney Hollywood Studios or a bus to all three.

Is Epcot worth it?

If you’re a thrill seeker and enjoy the rides that a typical amusement park offers, then spending a whole day waiting in lines for Epcot rides on a one-day park ticket probably isn’t worth it. However, if you’re going to spend multiple days at Disney World or you're adding on the Park Hopper option to a day ticket, then yes, Epcot is definitely worth a look.

Is Epcot fun? For the right visitor, yes.

If you’re into rides more than general theme park merriment and atmosphere, we suggest skipping Epcot, as it doesn’t offer as many thrills. However, families, foodies and world’s fair enthusiasts will likely enjoy their time at this concept park.

Featured image courtesy of Walt Disney World.