What to Do at Epcot – By a Disney Expert

👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Rides & Attractions | Food & Drink | For Kids | Hidden Gems | Rainy Day

Thanks to a multi-year refurbishment, Epcot is better than ever! There are things to do at Epcot for guests of all ages and interests. From your favorite characters to international snacks to galactic adventures, you’ll be sure to have a fun-filled day (or two) at this Walt Disney World theme park. 

As an Orlando local, annual pass holder, and former Disney World cast member, I am happy to share my top picks for activities, rides, and extras at Epcot. 

Make sure you take a look at my Epcot itinerary for ideas on how to fit everything in. Let’s get started!

🎟️ Need Tickets? If you still need to purchase park tickets for your Disney vacation, check out our affiliate partner, Undercover Tourist. 

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Things to Do at Epcot

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Take a ride on one of the most innovative coasters in the world with a rotating playlist of classic hits. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Located in World Discovery, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is without a doubt the best attraction I have ever been on. This indoor roller coaster has vehicles that can spin 360 degrees for a thrilling and immersive ride. 

What really makes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind fantastic is the rotating playlist that includes songs like “September” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. You won’t know which classic hit you’ll get until the roller coaster has already taken off. 

Kidcot Fun Stops

Include these kid-friendly cultural activities as you adventure around the world. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

There are plenty of Epcot rides and attractions geared toward children, but the park still has a reputation for being an “adult park”. For most visitors, World Showcase is dominated by eating and drinking around the world, which can get boring for kids.

Luckily, every country around Epcot’s World Showcase has a Kidcot Fun Stop. These locations include coloring cards for kids to learn more about that country’s culture.

If your group has multiple adults, this is a great time for one to hang out with the kids while the others grab snacks and drinks.  

If you’re traveling with young kids, check out my tips for visiting Disney World with toddlers. 

Voices of Liberty

Enjoy mesmerizing songs in the acoustic rotunda of the American Adventure pavilion. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission 

Inside the American Adventure pavilion, guests can enjoy a beautiful a cappella concert by the Voices of Liberty. The acoustics of the building’s rotunda provide the perfect listening experience. 

Some seating is available, but most people sit on the ground for the show. Check the My Disney Experience app for show times. 

Seasonal Festivals

Add some extra fun to your Disney World vacation with special food, activities, and shows. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Epcot hosts four unique festivals throughout the year:

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts (January-February)
• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (March-May)
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (September-November)
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (December)

The specific dates change each year, so check out Disney’s website for up-to-date information. Each festival has specific events, but all tend to include themed food stands, musical performances, and activities. 

Attending a festival at Epcot made my list of the top things to do at Walt Disney World, so definitely schedule your visit accordingly if you can!

👉 Local Tip: When visiting Epcot during a festival, look for a festival passport. These booklets provide information about snacks, drinks, and activities at the festival. 

Fireworks Dining Package

For a special and magical experience, dine on the water during Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: starting at $81 per adult, $31 per child (3-9)

The fireworks dining packages allow guests to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants before watching the fireworks show. These packages are currently offered at Spice Road Table (Morocco pavilion) and Rose and Crown (United Kingdom pavilion). 

Epcot’s nighttime show Luminous: The Symphony of Us begins at the theme park’s closing time, so getting dinner and watching the show are the perfect way to end a fun-filled day. 

Best Rides & Attractions

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Shrink down to rodent size as you run through the streets of Paris with Remy and his friends. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of the newer rides at Epcot and is located in the back of the France pavilion. This is one of the most loved Epcot attractions and tends to have a longer wait time. 

With no height restriction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure brings guests of all ages on a scurrying adventure through Paris and Gusteau’s Restaurant. 

Test Track

Take a spin on this classic attraction that is the fastest ride at Walt Disney World. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission 

In July 2025, the third iteration of Test Track reopened after a long refurbishment. Test Track 3.0 follows the same great track that it always has, but with a new ride experience.

After some indoor maneuvers, Test Track brings guests on a high-speed (65 miles per hour to be exact) circle around the building’s exterior. 

Journey of Water

With a little education and a lot of interactive experiences, this walk-through experience guarantees a good time. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Journey of Water is a newer addition to Epcot. It joins The Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land pavilion in World Nature. As you can guess from the name, this walk-through area teaches guests about water with hands-on play areas inspired by Moana. 

There are dry areas throughout Journey of Water, but you should expect to get at least a little wet. Save this attraction until the end of the day or have a change of clothes ready if your kids are drawn to water. See my packing list for Disney World to make sure you have everything you need.

Frozen Ever After

Tour through the land of Disney’s favorite Nordic sisters on a mostly calm (but sometimes thrilling) boat ride. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

In the back of the Norway pavilion, Frozen Ever After welcomes guests on a boat ride through Arendelle. The mostly gentle ride includes everyone’s favorite songs and characters from the Frozen films. 

Due to the popularity of all things Frozen, this ride frequently has a wait time of 60 minutes or more. If you plan to purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass this is definitely an attraction you’ll want to grab a Lightning Lane for.  

Luminous The Symphony of Us

Epcot’s firework and light show fills the World Showcase with music and magic. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

In December 2023, Epcot debuted Luminous The Symphony of Us. This show includes original music, fireworks, and light displays over the World Showcase Lagoon. 

If you can see the water, you’ll have a good view of the show. Some of my favorite viewing spots are:

• Island between the UK pavilion and the France pavilion
• Upstairs balcony in the Japan pavilion
• Islands in the Italy pavilion
• Seating area next to Rose & Crown 
• Window seat inside La Hacienda de San Angel (reservations required)

Best Food & Drink

Festival Food Stands

Share some snacks or keep them all to yourself as you explore the international offerings. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by stand

In most cases, I recommend skipping a formal meal at Epcot in favor of grazing at all the snack stands. Each festival has its own food stands, with the Food and Wine Festival having the most options. Guests can choose from seasonal and international flavors.

Most of the festival food stands are located around the World Showcase, but some can also be found throughout the rest of the park.  

Club Cool

Cool off with a taste test of soda flavors from around the world. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Thanks to Coca-Cola, guests can taste soda flavors from around the world at Club Cool. These are the only free drinks (other than water) at the park. 

Disney fans love to prank their friends by offering them a taste of “Beverly”, which has a reputation as the worst soda flavor at Club Cool.  

La Cava del Tequila

It may not be a hidden gem anymore, but this “tequila cave” is still a great stop for margaritas and snacks.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase

Before La Cava del Tequila opens at 11:00 am, you can see a few dozen people already lined up for margaritas. Known as “rope-dropping margaritas”, these people have the right idea since this bar has a long line throughout most of the day. 

La Cava del Tequila used to be a somewhat unknown cult favorite, but it has exploded in popularity. You may need to wait a little longer, but the drinks are still just as delicious!

👉 Local Tip: Tequila aficionados will love La Cava Experience, a tasting and educational experience with an agave expert. 

Space 220

Why eat a boring meal sitting on Earth when you can dine 220 miles into space? 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase

Space 220 is not just a restaurant, it is also a galactic experience. You can find it next to Mission: Space. After an “elevator” ride takes you up to the restaurant, you’ll dine with views of space and planet Earth. 

This restaurant is quite popular, so look for reservations as soon as the advanced dining reservation window opens 60 days out from your vacation. 

Eat and Drink Around the World

Eating (and drinking) your way “around the world” is an iconic activity at Epcot. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Varies by purchase

Does this need an explanation? Eating and drinking around the World Showcase is one of the top things to do at Disney World for adults. You can take it at your pace and add in attractions and shopping wherever you’d like. 

Some of my recommended stops include:

• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion
• La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion
• Frozen beer in the Japan pavilion
• Weinkeller and Sommerfest in the Germany pavilion
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy pavilion
• Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion

If you’re planning on drinking, skip the driving and stay at the Beach Club. It is conveniently located by the International Gateway entrance to Epcot and the Skyliner terminal. 

Things for Kids

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Dine on a family-style feast while meeting your favorite princesses. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $59-$69 (adults), $38-$46 (ages 3-9)

While I tend to recommend skipping a table-service meal in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is an exception for princess lovers. If you have younger kids who dream of meeting the princesses, dining at this restaurant is perfect. 

The princesses wander throughout the tables while guests are eating, so you enjoy longer interactions and plenty of time for photos or conversation. 

Also, the family-style meals are delicious and feature cuisine with a Norwegian flare.  

Turtle Talk with Crush

This one-of-a-kind interactive chat with a surfing turtle is sure to bring the laughs.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission 

If you’ve been watching Disney World videos on social media, you’ve probably come across a funny interaction at Turtle Talk with Crush. Turtle Talk allows guests to chat with Crush and learn about his life in the ocean.

With a seating area for younger guests up front, this is one of the best Epcot attractions for kids. Plus, you never know what the kids or Crush might say. 

If your child is a huge Finding Nemo fan, book a room at Art of Animation so your family can swim with Crush and all his friends. I have an entire guide to hotels at Walt Disney World if you still need a place to stay.

Disney’s Ducktales World Showcase Adventure

You only need a smartphone to help Scrooge McDuck recover some lost artifacts. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

In addition to the Kidcot Play Stops, Disney has the Ducktales World Showcase Adventure for kids (of all ages). On the Play Disney Parks app, kids will follow clues to help Scrooge McDuck and his nephews find hidden treasures throughout the countries. 

Meet Characters

From Mickey and friends to the Disney princesses, there are several character experiences throughout Epcot. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Epcot has character meet and greets throughout the park. Some popular characters include:

• Mulan in the China pavilion
• Alice in Wonderland in the UK pavilion
• Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion
• Star-Lord near Cosmic Rewind

Hidden Gems

JAMMitors

Rock out with this drumline that turns trash into music. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

JAMMitors are musicians who perform a few times a day in the new garden at the World Celebration. It is a quick show that will not make or break your vacation, but it is a fun show if it fits into your itinerary. 

This isn’t your usual drum line performance, these JAMMitors are dressed to work but ready to play.  

Cultural Exhibits and Shows

Take a break from the rides and treats to enjoy some museum-worthy exhibits throughout the World Showcase. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Every country around the World Showcase has a cultural exhibit and some have beautiful shows. These air-conditioned stops are a great way to break up drinking around the world. 

For example, the American Heritage Gallery in the American Adventure pavilion is currently showcasing Native American art pieces. If you prefer a film experience, Canada Far and Wide is a 360° show narrated by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

Monsieur Paul

Dine on an exquisite prix fixe French meal at one of the top Disney World restaurants.  

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $195 per adult

Adults (and children over 10) can take a break from the theme parks with a luxurious French dinner experience at Monsieur Paul. The prix fixe gastronomic meal includes cocktails and multiple courses. 

A meal at Monsieur Paul is perfect for a Disney World honeymoon or romantic date. 

DiveQuest

Pretend you’re the little mermaid and head under the sea in a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $229 per person

Want to add Walt Disney World to your dive log? Check out DiveQuest at The Seas. This experience allows guests to swim in the large multi-species aquarium with hundreds of marine animals. 

In addition to the 40-minute dive, participants also enjoy a backstage tour of the aquarium operations. 

Things to Do on a Rainy Day

Game and Play Areas

Hide out for the afternoon in one of the many play areas connected to the attractions. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

One of my best Disney World tips is to check out the game and play areas at some of the Epcot attractions. Many people think you can only get to these areas after riding the attraction, but you can actually enter through the exit or gift shop. 

Indoor game and play areas are connected to the following attractions:

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Mission: Space
• Journey into Imagination
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track

Behind the Seeds Tour

Learn more about how Disney’s greenhouses and innovative agriculture are feeding the guests at nearby restaurants.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $39 per person

The Living with the Land boat ride is a cult favorite, but you can also see the greenhouses on a backstage walking tour. Behind the Seeds is one of the cheaper tours at Disney World. 

Guests can learn about how agriculturists are using sustainable and affordable growing practices to provide food for several Disney restaurants, including the Garden Grill in The Land pavilion.  

🎄A Holiday Twist: During Festival of the Holidays, Living with the Land is transformed into Glimmering Greenhouses with lights and holiday decor. A nighttime Behind the Seeds tour is offered for an up-close look at the plants and decorations.

SeaBase Aquarium

Get up close to the over 2,000 marine animals that get to call Disney World home.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

SeaBase includes all the aquariums within The Seas with Nemo and Friends. In addition to the almost 6-million-gallon tank, aquarists at SeaBase care for hundreds of animals in smaller tanks across two floors. 

This area can get busy during the rain as everyone tries to stay dry, but I love taking my time wandering through the aquariums to see all the animals.

Spaceship Earth

It is a classic for a reason and you can’t miss a ride through the “Epcot ball”.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission

Spaceship Earth is the perfect rainy day ride. The queue is located under the cover of the “Epcot ball” and the dark ride attraction is entirely inside the large globe. After the 15-minute ride inside Spaceship Earth, you can stay dry in the Project Tomorrow game area. 

Spaceship Earth continues to be one of the most popular rides at Epcot because it is a classic. 

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: Nate interviewed me about all things Disney (including Epcot!) on Episode 4 of the Travel Lemming Podcast on YouTube. The segment begins at 46:49. You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

***

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do at Epcot during your trip. Before you go, make sure to read my guide to where to stay at Disney World!

🎟️ Still Need Tickets? Don’t wait until you arrive to purchase Disney theme park tickets. Check out our affiliate partner, Undercover Tourist.