Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. EPCOT. This vision of Walt Disney’s went on to reinvent the concept of a “theme park” and continues to carry out his indelible legacy as EPCOT undergoes its massive transformation.
EPCOT is divided into four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. From the thrill of Test Track to the flavors of Via Napoli, this park is packed with countless experiences that can easily become the highlight of your Disney vacation.
With just the right balance of Disney nostalgia, world culture, and futuristic adventures, there are so many different ways to experience EPCOT that can satisfy all members of your family. While some might enjoy slow, food-filled strolls through the World Showcase and others might aim to ride all of the park’s most immersive attractions, EPCOT is home to an atmosphere you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Explore EPCOT
EPCOT Neighborhoods
World Celebration
World Celebration includes the entrance to the park, including new additions such as World Celebrations Gardens and CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, as well as older favorites such as Spaceship Earth. Learn more about World Celebration.
World Nature
World Nature celebrates the Earth around us, including spots such as the Land Pavilion, which is home to Soarin’, Living with the Land, and Awesome Planet. In this area, you’ll also find The Seas Pavilion, home to The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, and SeaBase. Plus, you’ll find newer additions such as 2023’s Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Learn more about World Nature.
World Discovery
World Discovery is all about discovering new heights, with thrilling rides that will take you to space and beyond. In this area you’ll find rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and Mission: SPACE. Additionally, restaurants like Space 220 are located in World Discovery. Learn more about World Discovery.
World Showcase
World Showcase is perhaps the most iconic part of EPCOT, home to 11 pavilions representing different countries and cultures. Take a visit to Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the U.K., Canada, and Africa (which has a small section in The Outpost). World Showcase is also the main area where you can find food and entertainment during festivals. Learn more about World Showcase.
EPCOT Dining
EPCOT offers a variety of dining options with all kinds of different tastes and dining preferences, ranging from quick-service snacks to upscale sit-down meals. You can choose from:
- Quick-service restaurants, which offer speedy, time-saving meals you can order and carry to a table of your choosing (or enjoy on the go)
- Table service restaurants, which offer a more traditional dining experience, with servers; these typically require an advance dining reservation
- Snack carts and stands located throughout the park, including popcorn and churro carts
EPCOT Quick-Service Restaurants
For guests looking to grab a quick bite, EPCOT has plenty of quick-service restaurants to choose from. These are convenient and generally budget-friendly options that offer a variety of foods, especially around the World Showcase. Here are just a few you’ll be able to find:
- Sunshine Seasons: In World Nature, serving soups, salads, grilled options, and more.
- Connections Cafe and Eatery: In World Celebration, serving quick bites as well as a Starbucks location.
- La Cantina de San Angel: In the Mexico Pavilion of World Showcase, serving Mexican fare.
Check out each of our land pages for more information on each of the restaurants offered.
EPCOT Table Service Restaurants
Those looking for a sit-down meal with table service will find a huge amount of options in EPCOT, including these:
- Space 220: Travel up to space for a truly out-of-this-world pre-fixe meal.
- Le Cellier: A steakhouse located in the Canada Pavilion of EPCOT.
- Coral Reef Restaurant: Dine alongside a massive aquarium at this seafood restaurant in World Nature.
Check out each of our land pages for more information on each of the restaurants offered.
EPCOT Snack Spots, Carts, and More
EPCOT is also famous for its wide range of snacks and treats, which are perfect for guests who need a quick energy boost without a full meal. Iconic snack options include:
- Funnel Cake at the Funnel Cake Stand in the American Adventure
- Caramel Popcorn at Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion
- Gelato at La Gelateria Toscana in the Italy Pavilion.
Check out each of our land pages for more information on each of the restaurants offered.
EPCOT Shopping
EPCOT offers plenty of shopping experiences, from specialty merchandise to theme park essentials such as Minnie Ears, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. As guests wander through the park, they can expect to encounter numerous shops tailored to the themes of each land. There are a few different types of shops to look out for:
- General Merchandise: Many shops carry a wide selection of Disney-themed clothing, accessories, toys, and collectibles. For a large selection fo Disney souvenirs, Creations Shop in World Celebration is the place to go. Additionally, you’ll find shopping at World Traveler, Gateway Gifts, and Pin Traders, among others.
- Specialty Items: If you’re looking for something special, EPCOT’s World Showcase is the place to do it! Each of the pavilions in this area of the park offers a shop where you can buy merchandise related to the country or culture.
EPCOT Entertainment
EPCOT is home to a nighttime spectacular, Luminous – The Symphony of Us. Additionally, EPCOT is well known for its festivals, which take place throughout much of the year.
EPCOT Festivals
There are four festivals at EPCOT:
- EPCOT Festival of the Arts: Showcases visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world. Visitors can participate in interactive workshops, enjoy live performances, and admire spectacular art installations, making it a feast for the senses. Typically takes place in January and February.
- EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival: Featuring enchanting floral displays and lush gardens, this festival transforms EPCOT with the beauty of spring. It includes elaborate topiaries of beloved Disney characters, a variety of themed gardens, and outdoor kitchens offering seasonal dishes. Typically, it takes place from March through May.
- EPCOT Food and Wine Festival: A culinary highlight of the year, this festival invites guests to sample delicious foods and beverages from various countries. Food enthusiasts can explore dozens of international food booths, participate in cooking demonstrations, and attend wine tastings. Typically, it takes place from August through November.
- EPCOT Festival of the Holidays: Celebrating holiday traditions from around the globe, this festival features festive decorations, themed entertainment, and seasonal food offerings. It culminates in the Candlelight Processional, a moving performance of the Christmas story accompanied by a massed choir and orchestra. It typically takes place the week of Thanksgiving through the end of December.
Magic Kingdom Shows and Spectaculars
Throughout the year, you’ll be able to witness fantastic nighttime spectaculars with projections, fireworks, and music surrounding World Shocase Lagoon. Here’s what you may find during the year:
- Luminous – The Symphony of Us: A captivating nighttime spectacular that celebrates the power of human connection through music, light, and water. The show features a dazzling array of pyrotechnics, high-definition projections, and choreographed water fountains, all set to an inspiring orchestral score that highlights the unity and diversity of global cultures.
- Seasonal Nighttime Spectaculars: For events like the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, and during after-hours events, there will often be unique shows at night.
EPCOT Characters
Guests have numerous opportunities to meet their favorite Disney characters throughout EPCOT. You’ll find that you can meet characters one-on-one via experiences like:
- Character dining
- Character encounters throughout the park
- Designated character meet and greet locations
Here’s more of what you can expect:
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Locations throughout the park, like CommuniCore Plaza and Hall, offer dedicated spots for meeting characters such as Mickey and friends. Typically a photographer will be on hand to take pictures of your experience. Character meet-and-greets include:
- Mickey and Friends: CommuniCore Hall and Plaza
- Anna and Elsa: Royal Summerhaus at the Norway Pavilion
- Donald Duck: Mexico Pavilion
- Figment: Imagination Pavilion
- Character Dining: You also have the opportunity to meet characters through character dining experiences. These include:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Located in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, this dining experience offers guests a chance to meet Disney Princesses in a medieval castle setting.
- Garden Grill: Situated in EPCOT’s The Land pavilion, Garden Grill offers a unique rotating dining experience with views of the Living with the Land attraction. As the restaurant gently turns, guests can enjoy a farm-fresh, family-style meal and meet characters like Chip ‘n’ Dale and other friends, who make tableside visits.
- Random Encounters: Besides scheduled meet-and-greets, characters also appear randomly throughout the park, providing delightful surprises for guests as they explore different areas. Here are just a few you may encounter:
EPCOT Transportation
There is a variety of transportation options designed to get guests between the park and other locations within the resort. Whether by bus, monorail, boat, or on foot, each mode of transport offers a convenient and enjoyable way to get to EPCOT.
Bus
The bus is one of the most frequently used ways of getting to EPCOT. The buses are frequent, usually arriving every 20 minutes, and are designed to accommodate a large number of guests.
Monorail
The Monorail is a signature Disney transportation mode that offers a scenic ride to and from EPCOT. It connects the park with the Transportation and Ticket Center, providing not only a practical transport solution but also a unique aerial view of the resort that many guests cherish.
Boat
Boat Services are available from the EPCOT Resort area hotels to EPCOT. There’s a stop located nearby Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, which guests of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Hotels can also walk from.
Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner has a station near the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. This connects with Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Walking
Walking Paths are available for those who prefer to move between locations on foot. There is a walkway connecting EPCOT to the EPCOT area resorts, which includes Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.
