Step into the future and explore the wonders of EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, nestled within the magical realm of Disney World. This iconic theme park offers a unique blend of innovation, culture, and imagination, making it a must-visit destination for Disney enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From thrilling attractions to immersive cultural experiences, EPCOT promises an unforgettable journey through the realms of science, technology, and global diversity. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of EPCOT and uncover its hidden treasures, tips, and secrets to enhance your next visit.
GETTING THERE: EPCOT is unique in that it has two separate entrances, the main park entrance and the World Showcase entrance. To access the World Showcase entrance, guests can use either the Skyliner or the walkway from the Boardwalk. EPCOT is also easily accessible from the rest of the parks. This makes EPCOT a
great choice to park hop to in the afternoon. From Magic Kingdom, guests can take the monorail to EPCOT and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can take the Disney bus service. If guests are coming from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they have many options. Guests can choose between taking the Skyliner, Friendship boat, or using the walkway. Guests may also choose to come from their hotel. If they are staying on Disney property, EPCOT is accessible by the Disney bus service from most hotels. They may also be able to take the monorail or Skyliner depending on their hotel’s access to these modes of transportation. Driving to EPCOT or using a Rideshare option is also always available at the expense of the guests.
LANGUAGE: You are likely to run into multiple different languages during your visit to EPCOT. During your time at the park, you may run into many multilingual Cast Members, some of which are from the countries they work in within the World Showcase pavilions. Along with possibly hearing multiple different languages throughout the World Showcase, you will notice many attractions, entertainment, foods, and beverages are all in their original country’s name, allowing guests to feel like they have truly been transported to different countries around the world. This gives guests the chance to connect with other cultures they may not have.
CLIMATE: Because EPCOT is in Central Florida, visitors can anticipate a subtropical climate characterized by warm, humid summers occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms. Summer brings warmer temperatures, ranging from the high 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (25-35°C), making it the perfect season to enjoy EPCOT's attractions and cool off with refreshing beverages.
EPCOT guests can also expect pleasantly mild winters which bring cooler temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (10-24°C). While it s one of the cooler times of the year, it is an ideal time for guests to partake in EPCOT's holiday festivities, including holiday decorations and seasonal entertainment. The climate in Central Florida creates a welcoming atmosphere
year-round, making a Disney vacation a great idea at any time of the year!
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS):
Although there are many times you may feel like you are in a different country throughout EPCOT, it is standard for all Disney parks in Florida to only accept US currency. You do have the option of paying with cash (roughly four ATMs available throughout EPCOT), credit card (major credit cards are widely accepted), and debit card, with tap payment available at most places. You will also have the option at some dining locations and shops to use Apple Pay and Google Pay. With all these payment options throughout the park, it makes it extremely convenient for guests to choose their preferred type of payment without slowing down their experience.
There are even some payment options that not only enhance the guest experience but make transactions quick, easy, and stress-free. There is no more wasting time waiting in line! Mobile payment is available when ordering food and beverages via Mobile Order and you can even save time by doing a mobile checkout once you have finished shopping in a lot of the stores throughout the park. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you have the option of using your MagicBand to conveniently charge things back to your room!
ELECTRICITY: Knowing where you can recharge your electronics and having the necessary tools to keep them powered throughout the day is crucial for ensuring that your devices are ready for use, allowing you to access the My Disney Experience App and use your camera to capture all those magical moments. You will find easily accessible outlets in The Land, The Seas, Morocco, and Norway pavilions. For your convenience, there are numerous FuelRod stations throughout EPCOT, as well. This is a portable charging battery swap program that allows you to rent a portable charger, and when it runs out of power, you can return it for a fully charged portable battery. Guests also have the option to bring their own portable chargers to keep them powered up on the go.
5 FAST FACTS
1. EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and Walt’s original vision for it was to be a livable city.
2. Imagineers work with NASA advisors, scientists, and even astronauts to create Mission: Space to make sure the attraction is closely related to real space travel.
3. EPCOT’s iconic ball is referred to as Spaceship Earth and has just over 11,000 triangles and weighs just under 16 million pounds!
4. The Morocco and Norway pavilions were added a few years after the 1982 opening. All other pavilions are original!
5. The World Showcase promenade is 1.2 miles long! You can either start and/or end in Mexico or Canada. Mexico is just to the left after the showcase entrance and Canada can be found on the right.
5 THINGS TO PACK
1. Wet Wipes: Because eating and drinking is one of the best things to do at EPCOT, we recommend bringing along some Wet Wipes for a clean experience while enjoying the festival treats!
2. Festival-Specific Merchandise: Before heading to Disney for your vacation, check with your travel advisor, especially if you're visiting during an EPCOT festival. If you've got festival-themed clothing, Mickey ears, or other merchandise, don't forget to pack them to fully enjoy the spirit of the park!
3. Small Tray: Take on the festival food and beverages like a pro! If you plan on indulging in the specialty treats at an EPCOT festival, a small tray can be incredibly handy for carrying your order and finding a spot to enjoy it
4. Stain Remover: You may find yourself eating on the go or sitting in an unconventional spot enjoying your festival food which can cause things to get a little messy. It's a good idea to have a portable stain remover with you to quickly deal with any food stains that might happen.
5. Camera: It is recommended to carry a camera while at Disney to capture those unforgettable moments, but it is particularly recommended at EPCOT. With numerous festivals occurring throughout the year and the World Showcase offering a global tour in a single day, this park is ideal for capturing lasting memories through photos!
TOURS/EXCURSION IDEAS
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: As one of the newest attractions available at EPCOT, this coaster’s thrills have quickly won over visitors as being one of the best attractions in EPCOT. Get ready for a full 360-degree rotation in one of the world's largest enclosed rollercoasters!
2. World Showcase: Travel the world in just one day at EPCOT’s World Showcase. Made up of 11 pavilions, the World Showcase gives Disney World guests the opportunity to dive into other cultures and celebrate cultures from all over the world.
3. Test Track: Guests get the chance to test their virtual car creation in a series of thrilling on-road tests where you will hit speeds up to 65 mph!
4. Soarin’ Around the World: Soar high above the wonders of the world and despite being a simulation, this attraction even uses your sense of smell to transport you to a new destination.
[Please note that for special occasions Soarin’ Around California is sometimes offered instead of Soarin’ Around the World. Please check the official website for the version available during your visit.]
5. EPCOT Festivals: The international festivals that are held at EPCOT are what make guests' EPCOT experience so unique, allowing them to celebrate the world we live in with different themes.
As we bid adieu to our exploration of EPCOT's wonders, I hope you're inspired to embark on your own magical journey through this extraordinary theme park. Whether you're drawn to the exhilarating rides, the rich cultural showcases, or the tantalizing culinary delights, there's something for everyone to discover at EPCOT.
Ready to turn your Disney dreams into reality? Don't hesitate to reach out and request a free Disney resort package quote. Let me help you craft the perfect itinerary for your next enchanting adventure to the most magical place on earth!
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