Best EPCOT Rides and Attractions

by Dom
June 8, 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Entrance Nova Corps Starblaster ship

Step into the world of EPCOT, one of the four Florida parks that stands out with its unique tribute to human achievement. EPCOT’s rides and attractions feature technological innovation and international culture. Based on a Walt Disney prototype, EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

One of the most visited theme parks in North America, EPCOT offers two main sections: Future World and the World Showcase. Here you’ll find thrilling rides (Spaceship Earth, Mission: Space, Test Track, and more!) and immerse yourself in magical experiences like Soarin’ and Imagination!

But that’s not all – EPCOT’s World Showcase offers breathtaking views of the lagoon and epic performances like EPCOT Forever. Here, you can travel around 11 different countries, from Germany to Japan, Italy to Canada – experiencing their unique cultures and savory cuisines.

Get ready for a surreal journey where you can meet Elsa & Anna, save the galaxy, and take the unofficial “drinking around the world challenge”. And in just one day, there’s so much to try! Check out our must-see rides, dining experiences, and attractions below.

Abstract view of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

All EPCOT Rides and Attractions

World Celebration

  • Spaceship Earth
  • Journey Into Imagination With Figment
  • Moana’s Journey of Water (Soon)

World Discovery

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (NEW!)
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Test Tack

World Nature

  • Soarin’
  • Living with the Land
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Turtle Talk with Crush
  • SeaBase

World Showcase

  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Reflections of China
  • America Gardens Theatre
  • The American Adventure
  • Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
  • Impressions de France
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360

View EPCOT Park Map

Below you’ll find what our insiders consider to be the best rides and attractions at EPCOT. We highly recommend you read through this list before you visit EPCOT.

You don’t want to miss these!

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Star Lord and Drax
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Star Lord and Drax

Experience an intergalactic adventure like no other at EPCOT! Rock Out on an All-New Attraction in World Discovery that elevates the roller coaster experience.

Discover the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition showcasing the wonders of Xandar and the differences between Earth’s and Xandar’s galaxies. Once you have soaked in all the celestial wonders, you’ll be called into action to join the Guardians of the Galaxy on an urgent mission.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Galaxarium
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind Galaxarium

Accompanied by Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord, this thrilling coaster takes you on a chase through space, complete with a unique reverse-launch, 360-degree rotation, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

A virtual queue is in place for this attraction which can be booked through the My Disney Experience app. Individual Lightning Lane entry can also be purchased for this attraction, with limited availability and subject to change or closure. Boarding groups for the virtual queue are limited and not guaranteed, so make sure to grab your virtual queue as early as possible!

Enter an immersive world of futuristic tech, celestial wonders, and pulse-pounding action – only at EPCOT’s Rock Out on an Intergalactic Chase!

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind ride vehicle
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind ride vehicle

2. Soarin’

Feet dangling in Soarin' at EPCOT.
Feet dangling in Soarin’ at EPCOT. "Soarin over the Golden Gate" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by joiseyshowaa Colors adjusted from original.

Did you know that Soarin’ at Disney World is a ride like no other? Inaugurated in 2005, it’s a re-imagined version of the ride’s original in California’s Disneyland. And to this day, it remains one of the best rides in all four of the parks.

So what makes it so special? Imagine yourself soaring across the world, in front of a gigantic theater screen large enough to feel like you’re hanging out of a low lying airplane. The ride invigorates your senses with scents of the mountains, oceans, and fields of orange trees while you feel like you’re gliding through the sky. It truly is a wholesome experience.

But don’t let the sensation of being airborne fool you – your seat lifts only a story or so off the ground, and the motions of the ride are gentle. The ride requires only a simple seat-belt for safety, with a height requirement of just 40 inches. But if you’re afraid of heights, it might be best to check out a YouTube video of the ride beforehand. Trust us, the views are stunning and part of the magic is feeling like you’re really there.

The queue for the ride is also quite the experience, keeping you entertained and informed as you wait. With big screens on the walls playing fascinating content the entire length of the wait, time flies by. However, you should be ready for a long wait, with an average wait time of 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the season. And if the weather is bad, you can expect wait times to be even longer as the entire experience is indoors.

But, here’s a little tip – depending on your travel party, Soarin’ could be a good use of your Lightning Lane. If you’re traveling with little princesses who happen to love Frozen, the line for Frozen Ever After could surpass that of Soarin’. But if Elsa & Anna aren’t on your radar, Soarin’ is the move, especially because Test Track offers a single-rider line. You won’t regret it!

Travel like a pro: Garden Grill, located in the same building as Soarin’, is one of Disney World’s best-kept secrets. Run by chefs from a local culinary school, this hidden gem serves excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After your flight, fuel up with exceptional food at a dining experience you won’t forget. Protip: Don’t miss out on the gastronomic delight that is Garden Grill!

3. Frozen Ever After

Elsa in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT.
Elsa in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. "" (CC BY 2.0) by Theme Park Tourist Colors adjusted from original.

Frozen Ever After, located in Norway around the World Showcase, rides the same track that the old Nordic Adventure did before Elsa and Anna made their debut.

This interactively realistic water ride is safe for all ages and heights, moving slowly through a darkened, frozen world of magic. Your boat will take you through a frozen willow forest, Troll Valley, and the North Mountain, all while featuring the most popular tunes of the Disney movie.

But that’s not all — everything about the experience is detail-oriented. The queue sets the scene of the small village in which the movie takes place so well, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Arendelle yourself. On the actual boat ride, the characters’ faces are actually screens, creating a magical and ultra-realistic experience. Especially during Elsa’s ‘Let it Go’ scene, be ready for an enchanting encounter with the queen herself!

However, the wait time for Frozen Ever After can be long, typically exceeding an hour, and ride breakdowns can be common. Make sure to check the app or ask a crew member for the wait time and ride status before making your way to Norway (it’s quite a hike from the front of the park). But if this is a must-do ride for your travel party, it’s worth reserving a Lightning Lane.

Experience the magic of Frozen Ever After, where every detail is meticulously crafted to enchant and entertain all who ride.

Travel like a pro: Looking for a hunger-fighting tip to keep you fueled for your day? Before lining up, head on over to Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, the bakery in Norway. And when you’re there, don’t forget to try the school bread – a must-try delicacy.

4. Spaceship Earth

Epcot Spaceship Earth and Future World fountains at night

One of the most famous rides in EPCOT has to be Spaceship Earth, and for good reason. Sitting inside the iconic geosphere, this ride has been a favorite for years, but rumor has it that it will soon undergo a makeover to stay current.

You’ll be transported through time, starting with prehistoric times, and moving forward to explore how communication and technology evolved over the years. Along the way, you’ll witness some amazing moments, including Michelangelo painting the Sistine chapel, Rome burning, and even cavemen drawing on stone walls.

But the best part? After the ride, you’ll find yourself in a huge area of games and attractions that challenge your wit, speed, and adaptability. It’s easy to spend at least half an hour here enjoying all the fun activities.

Before you embark on this journey through evolution, there’s one important tip to keep in mind. Get your timing right! Because Spaceship Earth is at the front of the park, you’ll find visitors lining up early in the day. But if you’re strategic and wait until midday, you may not even have to use a Lightning Lane.

So, immerse yourself in the wonder of Spaceship Earth, and discover the possibilities of life and innovation. All ages and heights are welcome to experience this epic ride.

5. Test Track

Test Track ride vehicle loading area at EPCOT
Test Track ride vehicle loading area at EPCOT

At Disney’s EPCOT, Test Track is the newest ride in town and it’s already dazzling visitors. Imagine experiencing the thrill of test-driving your own customized car in a roller coaster ride! There’s no other ride quite like it, where innovation, imagination and adventure come together seamlessly.

The wait line, filled with futuristic Chevrolet designs, will have you teeming with ideas. Before you embark on your adventure, you are presented with a design board where you can choose your ride’s features from an array of awesome options.

Once you hop into your 6-passenger car, it’s time to buckle up and feel the rush! You’ll traverse rugged terrain, speed down straightaways, twist and turn around sharp corners, and charge through three-story high hills. The climax of the experience is when you and your car break into the open air track — hold on tight as you reach 65 mph!

Test Track entrance at EPCOT
Test Track entrance at EPCOT

After the wild ride, catch your breath in the Chevrolet Showcase where you can see the latest releases and browse through a cool car-themed souvenir store. While the wait time can be over an hour, there’s a single-rider line that moves surprisingly quickly so don’t hesitate to use it.

Guests must be 40 inches tall to ride, but don’t let that stop you. It’s not a scary ride – just pure adrenaline-pumping fun! The only scare you might encounter is when the truck pops out of nowhere, but don’t worry, the breaks work like a charm.

6. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

Hop on a culinary adventure based on the Disney and Pixar classic, Ratatouille, where you’ll feel as tiny as Chef Remy! It’s a big fun journey as you hit Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant and zip, dash, and scurry through the hustle-bustle of the kitchen, dining room and even the walls of the resto. Join Chef Remy on a daring caper that’ll excite all of your senses during this 4D ride experience!

7. The World Showcase

EPCOT’s World Showcase is a land of discovery, exploration, and cultural immersion. With eleven distinct countries to explore, the park section boasts scenic areas, unique food and drink options, boat rides, gift shops, and attractions that can keep you occupied all day.

And no, it’s not just an assembly of random countries surrounding a lagoon. Each country has its unique flair, from the building design and horticulture to scents and accents of the employees working there. You might want to ask for a Japanese fan or a French macaron for an even more immersive experience!

But wait, there’s more! Throughout the year, EPCOT holds different annual festivals, adding more color and life to your visit. From the International Festival of the Arts to the International Festival of Holidays, you’ll find so much to see, do, and taste. And if that’s not enough, different countries celebrate their traditions and events on varying dates. So if you want to celebrate Oktoberfest or see a Lion Dance, check the schedule and mark your calendar!

  • January 26 – Chinese New Year
  • May 5 – Children’s Day in Japan
  • May 5 – Cinco De Mayo
  • May 17 – Norway Constitution Day
  • July 1 – Canada Day
  • October 3 – German Reunification Day
  • November 5 – United Kingdom’s Guy Fawkes Day
  • November 18 – Morocco Independence Day

8. Drinking Around the World

Group of people enjoying adult beverages at Disney World.
Group of people enjoying adult beverages at Disney World..

Visiting the World Showcase at Disney is a rite of passage, and “drinking around the world” is a must-try experience for those 21+. But don’t take it lightly – with 11 countries to visit, it can be tough to keep up.

Our tip is to split the drinks with a friend (you’ll only have 5.5 each rather than 11, trust us). Some unique beverages to try include the Black and Tan from Rose & Crown Dining Room, the refreshing Grapefruit Hefeweizen in the Germany Pavilion, and a Viking Coffee from Norway’s bakery. Oh, and don’t miss the Tequila Bar in Mexico.

But it’s not just about the drinks – the world showcase also offers delectable treats from around the globe. Make sure to book a table at your favorite country’s sit-down restaurant several months ahead of time. We highly recommend the authentic wood-fired pizzas at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, the filling German buffet at Biergarten, and the stunning views from La Hacienda de San Angel while enjoying some delicious Mexican cuisine.

New EPCOT Rides, Attractions, and Updates

Catch EPCOT’s magic with the exclusive EPCOT Forever fireworks show. This extraordinary nighttime spectacle brings to life the tale of EPCOT along with its next captivating chapter.

Watch as a single ‘spark of imagination’ transforms into a dazzling fireworks and laser extravaganza that delivers an unforgettable experience. The excitement continues everywhere around the World Showcase Lagoon, but note that this outdoor event may be canceled due to bad weather. So stay on top of schedule changes.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana concept art.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” at Epcot will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. Credit Disney

In the near future, you will be happy to see the park’s entrance, “Dreamer’s Point” transform into one of the most anticipated dramatic changes. Furthermore, “Moana” fans can enjoy the natural water cycle’s interactive learning experiences through the attraction inspired by the movie. And lastly, we can’t forget to mention that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an absolute must-do experience.

What is Lightning Lane and Genie+?

Lighting Lane queue entrance sign for Mission Space at EPCOT
Lighting Lane queue entrance sign for Mission Space at EPCOT

With Disney Genie+, save time waiting in line by using Lightning Lane entrances. The service can get you into 2 to 3 attractions per day on average, starting with an early first selection. For more information, read our Genie+ & Lightning Lane Guide.

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Mentioned in this post: EPCOT

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