Five Insider Tips for Disney's Epcot Center

Walt Disney’s Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow (EPCOT) is my favorite place in the world. This massive theme park is the perfect merger between “The Magic” and “The Reality”. EPCOT is where all of the dreams for the future, all of the best of mankind come together in a futuristic community, designed to show what the world could be like. No place else at the Walt Disney World Resort better demonstrates our motto: “If we can dream it, we can do it”.

The best place to start, first thing in the morning, is the Mexican pavilion in the World Showcase. While I recommend seeing all 11 pavilions, Mexico and Norway both have ride aspects to them while America (The American Adventure) and Canada have amazing shows. There are also some of the best restaurants on property here in the World Showcase

Although the Magic Kingdom doesn’t serve alcohol (it doesn’t even have a liquor license), all of the other parks do. I know the prospect of passing up authentic German beer and French wine may be difficult for some, I strongly advise against drinking. First, it’s expensive, and second, EPCOT is still a Disney Theme park, and security does not have a sense of humor when it comes to drunk and disorderly. There are no refunds for being ejected from the park for bad behavior.

I can’t stress this part enough. This is one of the most amazing rides in the world, and some of the coolest “special effects” in Disney history. This ride simulates a rocket launch into space, and being that we are in Florida, we got some help from a few guys who know a thing or two about rocket launches. NASA engineers and astronauts alike have marveled at just how realistic this ride is, and is we can convince the professionals, you know it’s awesome. As a result, you will want to make sure that you do this ride before you eat lunch or dinner.

Germany not only has some amazing food, but it’s also a buffet. This is hands down, the best value for lunch or dinner anywhere on property. Not only is the food great, but there are live shows and entertainment all day long. The atmosphere is fun and lively, with great music, and long communal tables, giving it a very open and inviting feel. It’s also a great place to end your day, as having dinner here will give you a chance to have a great meal, and to relax from your long day in the park.

I mentioned on one of my other hubs the huge size difference between Disney World and Disneyland. I told you that you can fit all of Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure inside the Magic Kingdom’s parking lot, with room to spare. Well, for a little added perspective, you would easily be able to fit the entire Magic Kingdom here in Orlando, inside EPCOT… twice. EPCOT is massive, and when you add in the huge crowds, it’s easy to get separated from your family if you’re not careful.

Lost children are always, always, always reported to both security and guest services, and taken to the closest security office while the parents are located. While lost children are easy to reunite with their parents, finding lost adults can be a little more difficult. Cell phones can help, but if you don’t know where you are, or how to get to where they are, then it’s kind of pointless. My advice is to either pick a country to meet at if you get separated, or in front of Spaceship Earth (the big silver golf ball looking building).

Like I said earlier, EPCOT is my favorite place in the world, and I’m sure you’ll love it also, just remember these five simple tips, and you and your family will have an amazing trip. Even though EPCOT is massive, it’s very easy to see everything in a single day. Expect to spend the most time in line for Mission Space and Test Track, other than that, the lines are much faster than they are at any other park.