The 2024 EPCOT Cheat Sheet Everyone Needs
EPCOT works differently than any other Disney theme park on the planet.
While most other Disney parks emphasize fun, Imagineers constructed EPCOT based on Walt Disney’s vision for the future.
![EPCOT](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-epcot-park-map-stock-2-scaled.jpg)
![EPCOT](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-epcot-park-map-stock-2-scaled.jpg)
EPCOT
As such, you’ll still find a fair share of infotainment-based attractions here, along with a unique cultural exchange program.
The World Showcase hosts nearly a dozen international pavilions, and Disney hires people from the applicable countries to work there.
![EPCOT Monorail](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-epcot-monorail-stock2-scaled.jpg)
![EPCOT Monorail](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-epcot-monorail-stock2-scaled.jpg)
EPCOT Monorail
This bit of authenticity makes EPCOT’s World Showcase feel like an international vacation that you’re taking in Orlando, Florida.
EPCOT as a whole offers this kind of unique experience, which explains why you’ll treasure a visit here.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-wdw-epcot-international-gateway-back-entrance-skyliner-remy-3-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-wdw-epcot-international-gateway-back-entrance-skyliner-remy-3-scaled.jpg)
International Gateway
To help you with your vacation, here’s an EPCOT cheat sheet.
Must-Do Rides
The beauty of EPCOT is that you can ride pretty much everything you want here, even on the most crowded dates.
That phenomenon is possible because, as we’ll discuss, only a handful of attractions require significant time spent standing in line.
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
EPCOT
Image Credit: Disney
Most other high-profile attractions here don’t involve protracted waits, a rarity at any Orlando theme park.
While everyone possesses their own personal list of must-do rides at EPCOT, here’s what I consider the general consensus:
- Frozen Ever After
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
![Gran Fiesta Tour Three Caballeros](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gran-Fiesta-Tour-Starring-The-Three-Caballeros_Full_26131.jpg)
![Gran Fiesta Tour Three Caballeros](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gran-Fiesta-Tour-Starring-The-Three-Caballeros_Full_26131.jpg)
Photo: Disney
I’d throw Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros into that group as well, but some dismiss it as an It’s a Small World clone.
That sounds perfect to me, though! Plus, this ride has Donald Duck, which makes it special.
![Grand Fiesta Tour](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Grand-Fiesta-Tour-Epcot.jpg)
![Grand Fiesta Tour](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Grand-Fiesta-Tour-Epcot.jpg)
Image: Disney
You may have heard about Test Track and wonder why I haven’t listed it here.
In case you haven’t heard, EPCOT will close the current version of Test Track on June 17th.
So, the version we all know and love will disappear in a few days and return in a better form as Test Track 3.0 in 2025.
Rides with Longest Lines
One of the keys to EPCOT is its unique park structure. There’s a front half and a back half.
Disney previously called the front half Future World, but it’s now a combination of World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
The rest of the park consists of the previously mentioned World Showcase, a 1.3-mile walk around World Showcase Lagoon.
So, EPCOT is spread out, with the front of the park subdivided into specific areas.
![Remy's Ratatouille Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-3-scaled.jpg)
![Remy's Ratatouille Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-3-scaled.jpg)
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
For this reason, few of the attractions require waits of more than 45 minutes on average.
In fact, during the summer, this is the list:
- Frozen Ever After
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Soarin’ Around the World
![Test Track Epcot](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/a75c8293e43c8876402a4aa9e536e150-1.jpg)
![Test Track Epcot](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/a75c8293e43c8876402a4aa9e536e150-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
With Test Track about to go offline, that’s the list! Everything else should have a short wait.
Rides with Shortest Lines
Given what I just said, you already know that many EPCOT attractions are sometimes walk-on.
What I mean by that term is you’ll enter the line queue and never break stride until you reach your ride cart.
![Journey Into Your Imagination](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-08-at-13-21-41-Journey-Into-Your-Imagination.png)
![Journey Into Your Imagination](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-08-at-13-21-41-Journey-Into-Your-Imagination.png)
Photo: Disneywiki
Several rides are borderline walk-on early in the day and later in the afternoon. That group includes:
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Living with the Land
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
![Spaceship Earth](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-spaceship-earth-beacons-of-magic-lights-night-be-our-guest-beauty-and-the-beast-1-3-scaled.jpg)
![Spaceship Earth](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-wdw-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-spaceship-earth-beacons-of-magic-lights-night-be-our-guest-beauty-and-the-beast-1-3-scaled.jpg)
Spaceship Earth
Note that Spaceship Earth’s behavior is a bit odd. When you first enter the park, it’ll require one of the longest waits.
That’s because most guests see it and stop immediately. However, smarter park visitors wait until later.
![soarin](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/soarin-300x218.jpg)
![soarin](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/soarin-300x218.jpg)
Photo: Touring Plans
The front of the park thins out in the mid-afternoon as fans flock to the World Showcase for dining, drinking, and cavorting.
At that point, you’ll often discover a short line for Spaceship Earth.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-wdw-epcot-flower-and-garden-festival-spaceship-earth-beacon-of-magic-encanto-2.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-wdw-epcot-flower-and-garden-festival-spaceship-earth-beacon-of-magic-encanto-2.jpg)
Spaceship Earth
Please remember that you can track attraction wait times via My Disney Experience!
Best Show Attractions
Shows come in all forms at Walt Disney World, and that’s especially true at EPCOT.
In a way, even something like Spaceship Earth is a show as much as it is an attraction.
Then, we have live entertainment options like Turtle Talk with Crush, which is a must-do for first-timers.
You watch a digital screen that shows Crush from the Finding Nemo franchise.
The character asks questions in live time, while hidden Cast Members inject humor into his replies. It’s often hysterical.
Here are some other high-quality shows and movies you’ll find at EPCOT:
- The American Adventure
- Awesome Planet
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Reflections of China
Live Entertainment
![Jammitors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-epcot-festival-of-the-arts-jammitors-outside-connections-cafe-1-scaled.jpg)
![Jammitors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-epcot-festival-of-the-arts-jammitors-outside-connections-cafe-1-scaled.jpg)
Jammitors!
One of the hallmarks of EPCOT is that it hosts plenty of daily live entertainment.
You’ll find a plethora of options such as the Jammitors, Matsuriza drummers, and various stage bands at the World Showcase pavilions.
![Jammitors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Jammitors.png)
![Jammitors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Jammitors.png)
Image: Disney
Similarly, Disney hosts character greetings throughout EPCOT, with the World Showcase one of the best spots.
At many international pavilions, you’ll find beloved Disney characters.
![World Showcase](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mulan.png)
![World Showcase](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mulan.png)
Disney
For example, Donald Duck holds court at EPCOT, while Mulan frequently appears at the China pavilion, and Alice holds court at the United Court.
Disney has made some of these encounters permanent.
For instance, at the Imagination! pavilion, Figment provides star power.
Mickey & Friends are now meeting guests at CommuniCore Hall & Plaza, and Anna & Elsa are the stars of Royal Sommerhus at the Norway pavilion.
![Mickey](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-epcot-communicore-hall-mickey-and-friends-meet-and-greet-cast-member-preview-minnie-mickey-goofy-4-scaled.jpg)
![Mickey](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-epcot-communicore-hall-mickey-and-friends-meet-and-greet-cast-member-preview-minnie-mickey-goofy-4-scaled.jpg)
Mickey
Again, check My Disney Experience, as the app displays character greetings throughout the parks.
Finally, I don’t know where I should list Journey of Water | Inspired by Moana. So, I’m just putting it here.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-wdw-epcot-journey-of-water-inspired-by-moana-nighttime-1-1024x782.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-wdw-epcot-journey-of-water-inspired-by-moana-nighttime-1-1024x782.jpg)
Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana
You’ll want to explore this path, as it offers stunning visuals while providing happy thoughts about the movie Moana.
Should You Buy Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane?
![Genie down](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2021-Disney-Genie-app.jpeg)
![Genie down](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2021-Disney-Genie-app.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
As you can tell, the short answer on Disney Genie+ is no. With so few attractions with high wait times, it’s somewhat pointless.
Of course, should you buy Disney Genie+, you’ll have a perfect day riding pretty much everything at EPCOT…and then some.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
The Lightning Lane conversation is more complicated. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the EPCOT option.
Recently, I debated whether Disney should introduce a standby queue for this ride.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
Photo: Disney
Park officials haven’t done that yet, which hints that it’ll likely remain this way throughout the summer.
As such, you cannot stand in line to experience this ride. You must either reserve a spot in the virtual queue or buy Lightning Lane.
![Virtual Queue](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disney-world-my-disney-experience-app-virtual-queue.jpg)
![Virtual Queue](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disney-world-my-disney-experience-app-virtual-queue.jpg)
Photo: Disney
The roller coaster, while intense, is arguably the best thing at the park.
In 2024, snagging a virtual queue hasn’t been as challenging as in 2022 or 2023, which could speak to a cooling off in popularity.
![Cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cosmic-Rewind-e1665199596381-300x154.png)
![Cosmic rewind](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cosmic-Rewind-e1665199596381-300x154.png)
Photo: Disney
That’s a natural part of an attraction’s lifecycle. Still, you want to ride Cosmic Rewind.
When you cannot schedule a virtual queue – and remember that you get two attempts per day! – you should probably buy the Lightning Lane.
Best Quick Service Restaurants
![Food & Wine](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Dinner-with-chefs.png)
![Food & Wine](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Dinner-with-chefs.png)
Disney
Imagine the convenience of a mall food court, but all the restaurant chefs are among the best in the state.
That’s the brilliance of EPCOT dining, particularly in the World Showcase area.
![Les Halles in Epcot](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Desserts-at-Les-Halles-in-Epcot-1024x576.jpg)
![Les Halles in Epcot](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Desserts-at-Les-Halles-in-Epcot-1024x576.jpg)
Disney
Frankly, you’ll eat better at EPCOT than you will anywhere in your town, and I mean that even if you live in Paris.
The food quality at the World Showcase is comically good, and that’s before we factor in festivals, which I’ll discuss next.
For now, let’s remember that Disney divides its restaurants into two categories: Quick Service and Table Service.
A Quick Service meal is akin to a trip to Five Guys or Firehouse Subs, while Table Service could be anything from Applebee’s to Noma.
You may think I’m joking, but a Disney hotel restaurant recently won a Michelin Star.
Most fans would agree that the two best places for Disney dining are at EPCOT and Disney Springs.
So, we know we eatin’ good here. Specifically, here are the best Quick Service restaurants:
- Connections Café & Eatery
- Katsura Grill
- Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse
- Sunshine Seasons
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Honestly, there are VERY few bad dining options at this park, though.
Anytime you’re not sure about something, just check TripAdvisor. As long as the place is ranked in the top 400 in Orlando, it’s good.
Best Table Service Restaurants
![Biergarten](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Biergarten.png)
![Biergarten](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Biergarten.png)
Disney
Somehow, the Table Service eateries are several levels superior, though. Here are some of the best:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Dining Room
- Space 220
- Teppan Edo
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
I could easily add five more and have probably irritated some folks by leaving their favorites off this list.
If it helps any, I wanted to say Coral Reef Restaurant due to the dining experience, but it’s more for tourists than hungry people.
If you ARE a shameless tourist like me, Coral Reef and Space 220 become the must-dos on this list.
The trade-off is that you’re spending money that could be saved by picking another equally good dining option, festival food.
About Festivals
There’s no guarantee that you’ll visit EPCOT on a date when the park hosts a festival.
However, the odds are better than a coin flip that you will, as EPCOT hosts four annual festivals.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts arrives in January and is a charming demonstration of various artistic skills.
Then, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival debuts in late February and highlights the beauty of spring.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-epcot-a-taste-of-food-and-wine-festival-1.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-epcot-a-taste-of-food-and-wine-festival-1.jpg)
The Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival marks the 25th year for the theme park’s culinary event at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This year’s festival will be the longest in Walt Disney World Resort history. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
In the summer, the most popular exhibition, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, entertains guests for several months.
Finally, the year closes with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which celebrates the Yuletide season around the world.
You’ll love all these events because EPCOT sells exclusive food, beverages, and merchandise at each one.
The pop-up kiosks here offer some of the tastiest cuisine you’ll ever try, but the prices are lower than most Disney restaurants.
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
![Epcot Entrance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Epcot-Entrance.jpg)
EPCOT
Image Credit: Disney
As such, you can happily eat your way around the World Showcase, possibly saving money in the process.
If possible, you should travel to Walt Disney World during an ongoing festival. It’s just a better time to vacation at Disney.
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Feature Photo: Disney