Top Attractions List: Epcot

Moving along with the top attraction series we head to Epcot. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom has, by far, the most attractions. So, as we go to the other parks the lists may not be as long, because they don’t have as many attractions.

As with the Magic Kingdom list, there are some rides that are not on the list simply because I have not experienced them. I have not gone on Mission Space yet (too chicken), so this, I’m sure, would replace one ride on my list if you have been on Mission Space.

These are my top picks for Epcot, including both Future World and the World Showcase.

Top 10 List for Epcot

10. Living With the Land – This attraction is located in the Land pavilion. This is kind of like the PeopleMover, because there is rarely a line and it is a good ride for sitting and relaxing.

This slow moving boat ride will take you through the four greenhouses and you will get to see some pretty impressive vegetation. For instance, you might spot a Mickey shaped pumpkin! So while it’s a good ride to take when you just want to sit and relax, you will learn a little something too!

Also, be on the lookout for this Hidden Mickey.

9. Journey Into Imagination With Figment – I had to include this ride, since it is a classic. Well, it’s sort of a classic. The ride has been changed a few times, but Figment is in the ride again, so it’s a classic to me.

It is a slow moving ride, so it could be another good one for relaxing and escaping the heat. After you board the ride you will go through Dr. Channing’s sensory labs, where the five different senses are discussed. During the ride Figment comes in and messes up the doctor’s presentation. It’s cute and fun!

8. Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – I love any ride that incorporates Donald! This ride will take you through the Mexico pavilion and it is another slow moving boat ride. When Donald disappears, Jose Carioca and Panchito have to find him. Their search for him will take you through the beautiful scenery from ancient to modern day Mexico. I love this ride and try to make time for it every time we are in Epcot!

7. Turtle Talk With Crush – Even if you don’t have kids, I would recommend seeing this attraction. It is amazing that the kids in the audience actually get to talk to Crush and he can answer them! Disney’s technology is pretty cool and this is the perfect attraction for showing that.

When you arrive to the theater, you will have to wait until it is time to go in. There are aquariums with different kind of aquatic life in them that you can look at while you are waiting. Once it is time, the cast members will let you in the theater.

The adults sit on the benches and the kids sit in the front on the floor. The cast member will have the audience call for Crush, who will then swim onto the screen. Once Crush is there he will talk to the kids and call on them by the color of their “shell” (shirt color). It is pretty cool and the kids get so excited that they are talking to Crush!

6. Seas With Nemo and Friends – This is another attraction that you might pass up if you don’t have kids, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that. Disney’s cool technology has struck again with this ride.

Once you board your clam-mobile, you will take a ride through an actual aquarium. There is a story, of course, Marlin and Dory are once again trying to find Nemo. The impressive quality of this ride is that Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and other characters from the movie are seen swimming among the real fish! Try to spot all the computer animated characters among the live fish, it’s fun!

5. ImageWorks: The “What If” Labs – This is the area that you enter after the Journey Into Imagination With Figment ride. The reason I put this one so much higher on the list is because we had more fun in this area than on the actual ride.

The areas that were the biggest hits were where you can conduct music just by moving your hand and the “Stepping Tones.” Everyone really loved the “Stepping Tones,” which are tiles on the floor that you step on and each one plays a different instrument sound. This was by far the most popular part with my traveling party. Lots of fun!

4.Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Okay, this isn’t technically an attraction, but having experienced it for the first time this year I wanted to put it on the list. This is an event that is very popular and people plan their trips around Food & Wine so they can experience all the delicious food and drinks from around the world. We definitely had lots of fun and are planning to return for another Food & Wine.

There are extra booths set up around World Showcase and the booths are all different countries from around the world. The prices for the bites and drinks are reasonable and you can always share so you can taste more. I would highly recommend attending Food & Wine at least once.

For more information you can check out the full review.

3. Spaceship Earth – This ride is very easy to spot. It’s in the giant golf ball that represents the park. Yep, it’s inside and it’s pretty cool how it’s set up. This is another slow moving ride and one that doesn’t usually have a line.

Once your board your ride vehicle you will embark on a 16 minute journey that will take you through the history of communication, starting with the caveman painting on cave walls. When you are done with your journey you will find yourself in a fun interactive area with games and activities fit for all ages. Make sure to take a digital picture of yourself and email it to family and friends! This is one classic that is always on our list of attractions to see!

2. Soarin’ – Love this attraction and I love that the idea for the ride set-up came from an old erector set that one of the Imagineers had! This ride started out in Disneyland, but it was so popular that they brought it to Disney World too.

When it is your turn to board, you will strap yourself in to one of the seats. Then, when it is time to take flight, the ride will start to raise you up in the air and you will find yourself in front of a giant screen that is playing beautiful footage from around California. The ride is supposed to simulate hang-gliding and it does a pretty good job. The whole ride will move from side to side, go down and up, it really does feel like you are flying over the California landscapes.

There have been rumors of a third theater and footage from Disney World added, but only time will tell if that is true. This is a very popular ride, so using FastPass+ is highly recommended! (*UPDATE: Another theater is being added and a new film will be put in place. Both are expected to happen in 2016)

1. Test Track – I put Test Track ahead of Soarin’ because it is really one of the only fast rides at Epcot and I love it! Since the change in design, it has a more futuristic look to it. I like the old design better, but the ride itself is on the same track and still just as much fun.

While you are in line you will be able to design your own car and see how it holds up to the test. It can be a little jerky at times, but once you hit that outside track it’s pretty smooth (and fast!). It goes 65 mph, but it feels a lot faster. Especially because the fastest part is outside.

Once you are done with the ride you can check out all the interactive fun. For instance, you can see the stats for how your car did and then make a commercial to email to your friends and family! This is a definite must-see on every trip to Epcot, even if we go to Epcot twice in one day. Check it out and have fun designing your own car!

There it is, my Top 10 for attractions in Epcot. Not everyone’s list is going to be the same, people have different preferences. My hope is that this list will be a good starting point for those that have never experienced Epcot or might inspire someone to try a new ride that they thought was only for kids. Epcot is a wonderful and fun park (my favorite), so explore all the attractions and have a great time!

Thanks for reading!

*Liz*