Chasing EverAfter

Coming in at number 3 in our list of rankings is Epcot!

We’re continuing our series ranking the four parks that make up Walt Disney World, and coming in at number three is none other than the educational vision of Epcot.

Now just to reiterate, these rankings are based on our own opinions and experiences from visiting the parks over the last year and a half. These rankings can (and likely will) change with future trips and as park construction completes on the different projects that are currently underway. Picking apart a ranking of the four parks is like splitting hairs, the reality is they are all incredible and they could all vie for first place, but we have to rank them in some order, and in our rankings, Epcot slides in at number three.

Epcot is considered a top park for many avid Disney goers, and is also a popular pick for first time visitors. Combining a futuristic atmosphere with educational and exciting rides, as well as the incredibly popular world tour, makes Epcot a must do for anyone visiting Disney World. On top of that, Epcot has some of the most sought out and delectable dining options at any Disney park, so it is often a hit with big foodies. The park becomes even more popular (and quite busy) during festivals, which happen seasonally and include the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival, and the Festival of the Holidays, with each offering their own unique experiences, decor, and dining.

Starting off with the atmosphere, right when you enter Epcot, you can feel the futuristic vibes combined with the deep appreciation for earth and space. The park’s icon is none other than Spaceship Earth, designed to resemble our beautiful planet while also serving as an attraction park goers can experience, bringing the riders through the history of human communication. It’s the first of many impressive sights you’ll notice when walking through the main entrance, and it sets the tone for much of Epcot’s theming throughout. The park is separated into several sections, with each taking a portion of earth and space to flesh out the environment. There is the World Celebration, your central connecting hub to all other areas in the park and where Spaceship Earth is located. Then there is World Nature, consisting of the Land and the Seas sections, where you can be educated about the advancements in agriculture while relaxing through Living with the Land, fly around the world on Soarin’, enjoy the ocean with Nemo and Friends, or learn about the Journey of Water with Moana. To the opposite end of the park, there is World Discovery, where you can step into space and experience incredible attractions such as Mission: Space, Test Track, or the truly thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

The real star for Epcot however tends to be the World Showcase, where you can enjoy a drink around the world, visit the pavilions of different countries while you learn about their culture and enjoy their cuisine, journey into Arendelle on Frozen Ever After, or escape Chef Skinner while you experience a larger than life (or smaller than) trackless ride on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The truth is, while some call Epcot the “adult park” at Disney, there really is something for everyone and all ages. Our kids loved the aforementioned rides, playing with the mischievous water in Moana’s walkthrough, seeing the marine life in the Sea’s aquarium, and learning all about the many parts of earth and beyond explored here, and all of that doesn’t even mention Figment!

Epcot also offers multiple character dining opportunities, such as Akershus in the Norway Pavilion or Garden Grill inside the Land. Akershus offers you the chance to dine while being greeted by different Disney princesses, and is often a great option for those who were unable to snag a similar reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. Garden Grill is a spinning restaurant (very fun to experience and it’s a slow spin, we promise) that rotates around with views of Living with the Land, which is also where some of your food is being grown. You’ll get to meet Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale all while eating a harvest fresh family style meal that we found to be one of our absolute favorites!

Epcot also offers a wide variety of quick service and table service options throughout the park, and has a range suitable for anyone from the pickiest of eaters to those with more adventurous cravings. This combination and the ability to try signature drinks and dishes from different cultures is one of the many reasons Epcot stands as one of the most popular Disney parks, especially during the International Food and Wine Festival. I mean, who doesn’t want to sip champagne or a mimosa while relaxing in France, and then grab a steak from Le Cellier Steakhouse, or dine in outer space at Space 220? The options are endless and both the food as well as the experiences are enough to make Epcot stand out as a truly unique Disney World park.

And while talking about popularity, any festival for that matter will increase attendance in the park, and we had the pleasure of going this past April during the Flower and Garden Festival. We will be doing a full post on visiting during a festival at another time, but since this has to be considered when ranking the parks, it really does add even more to what is already an amazing visit. The entire park was adorned in beautiful topiaries, lush gardens, floral displays, and more. They even have special events and attractions during festivals, such as the Butterfly Garden of the Flower and Garden Festival, which was a must do and a big hit once again with our girls.

Now when it comes to rides, Epcot is certainly no slouch. As mentioned before, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride in World Discovery was an incredible and exhilarating experience that is not for those who don’t love roller coasters. Our oldest daughter rode it once and vowed to never ride it again, and then Rebecca rode it with me in June and made the same vow (LOL!) but for me, it might be one of the best rides I’ve ever been on. It’s no wonder it’s the top rope drop option in the park for many. There is also Test Track, which was a lot of fun and checked off the educational boxes, and then there is Mission: Space. This is a spaceship launch simulator that offers two versions of the ride, one slightly less intense than the other, and comes with its own bags for the riders who get sick. While I am typically willing to try any ride once, this is one I have avoided so far, as it’s been described as highly realistic and not for those who suffer any form of claustrophobia. I mean come on, who really wants to ride a ride that comes with it’s own barf bags?! But, if you’re adventurous and daring, or planning to become an astronaut some day, you may just be a fan!

On the less intense side, you have rides like Soarin, where you can fly around the world on a suspended simulator, or Living with the Land where you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride while viewing some of the food you can then try in Garden Grill. For Frozen fans, Frozen Ever After is an enjoyable ride for all ages, and while you’re in Norway, you can also meet Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, too. Remy’s in France puts you in the view point of a rat running around the walls of the restaurant while making sure not to get stepped on or caught, and the Seas with Nemo & Friends is a family-friendly adventure where you search for Nemo and then end up in the SeaBase aquarium, where you can see plenty of marine life. One of our favorites however, has to be the Three Caballeros ride in the Mexico pavilion. We enjoyed waterside dining at La Hacienda de San Angel, before watching Donald, Jose, and Panchito serenade us on a relaxing boat ride through their Grand Tour, and then finished our night with Epcot’s fireworks display, Luminous: Symphony of Us.

Overall, Epcot is yet again another incredible Walt Disney World park and definitely one we recommend experiencing more than once. Whether you go for the atmosphere, the rides, or the unique dining options, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here. With festivals included, there are plenty of reasons to visit Epcot again and again, as you’ll almost always have the opportunity to experience something new. There are also many unique character meet and greet opportunities here, and despite visiting twice in the last six months, we still have so much to do that we haven’t experienced yet. It’s safe to say we will be repeat Epcot goers moving forward, and we would highly recommend it to anyone planning to visit Disney in the future, whether it’s your first time or your tenth!

Keep an eye out for the next park in our series, where attending is sure to make you feel like you’re one of the stars!