Epcot Center: introduction
The word stands for "Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow," and Walt Disney once dreamed of an entire community built on-site. Disney died years before Epcot Center opened in 1982, and the park probably doesn't much resemble what he had in mind. But still the vision is different from any other theme park; as its dedication plaque says, " May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire."
Epcot is often compared to a permanent World's Fair. Some top rides and attractions dot the place, but basically Epcot Center has two giant World-Fair-ish halves:
- Future World: has exhibits mainly about technology plus some ecology thrown in. The futuristic exhibits might've wowed the folk from Ohio in '82, but it's a lot harder to be futuristic nowadays.
- World Showcase: eleven pavilions from different countries surround a 41-acre lagoon. As always, the Disney's in the details, and Epcot's recreation of exotic architecture and ambiance is well-done and lots of fun.
Epcot probably won't be your kids' favorite park, but it's unique and has much to offer including some must-see's. Below are tips to help you enjoy Epcot Center with kids.
Epcot Center: Top Tips
1. Go the distance:
this theme park is giant, twice the size of Magic Kingdom, so be prepared for a lot of walking.
- rent a stroller even if your child is getting too big for one: it's amazing, the size of kids squeezed into strollers at Disney World!
- use the free boat service to cross the World Showcase Lagoon-- it saves a lot of steps
- allow plenty of time for rest stops, drink stops, etc. (See hints about saving money on drinks, and other Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World.)
2. Have a game plan:
if your time is limited, make some choices beforehand. The "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World"
has touring plans; also check the itineraries at
Family.com. Looking back on a summer visit, I wish we'd spent less time wandering in Future World and more time at World Showcase where many pavilions have live events.
3. Make a must-see list:
- everyone should see the spectacular night-time IllumiNations, a display of fireworks and much more, over the World Showcase Lagoon. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.
- Mission Space (photo above) is a top attraction, but make sure you and the kids can handle the G-force.
- Honey I Shrunk the Audience is a fun attraction.
- Test Track: you'll probably want to use FASTPASS for this race-car ride.
- Spaceship Earth is a long-time signature attraction: no thrills, just a pleasant (and cool) ride through time. This ride is near the Epcot entrance, so don't join the crowds here when the park opens, wait until later.
4. Enjoy cool minor attractions.
On a hot day, cool down inside Epcot's air-conditioned pavilions. Many indoor attractions mix education and fun: we enjoyed Cranium Command, Timon and Pumbaa's Circle of Life, and even Living with the Land, a boat cruise through some intensive vegetable-growing. (Yes, you read right; this is Epcot, remember.)
5. Allow lots of time for World Showcase.
This area, with its eleven international pavilions, is huge. Allow time to walk slowly around the whole Lagoon, and to linger when you come across live events, such as the Character Masquerade at the Italy Pavilion, or amazing acrobats at China.
You should also budget plenty of time for...
6. Great eats!
The World Showcase is a fantastic place to eat internationally: from French pastries at the patisserie in France, to fine dining at many pavilions, with lots in between. The Morocco pavilion has delish fast food at the Tangierine Cafe.
7. End your day with IllumiNations.
If you have a Park Hopper pass, you can add IllumiNations to a day spent in another park: typically Epcot closes later than other parks. (Check the Disney World calender.)
