EPCOT touring help

[sarehm]

I'm trying to get an idea of how to navigate EPCOT since it's been awhile since our last visit. We definitely want to hit Soarin and Test Track and maybe Mission but I get motion sickness so if I do it it will have to be the easy version. And of course the Living Seas and all those goodies that have been around forever! What should we hit first and which should we get fastpasses for? We'll be there Dec. 8th - 16th so I'm praying for minimal crowds. I've never done Soarin so that's probably my #1 can't miss! Thank you!

 

[laceemouse]

I think you will have to see how crowded it is when you go. We were there last Christmas and we got FPs for Soarin as soon as we got to the park and the line was already crazy and the FP was for much later in the day. But it was the week before Christmas and kinda crowded, and I have heard Soarin crowds have died down since then. We have gotten FPs for MS, gone to TT and waited in the regular line, and then gone back and used the FPs for MS (those who wanted to ride, not me, it was before the easy version!) Those are a little easier since they are right next to each other......Anyone else out there who can help? Have you looked at any of the touring plans??

 

[ricktib]

Either TestTrack or Soarin' you’ll want to do very first thing, (assuming you're there pretty close to park opening - the best way to avoid crowds these days IMO) then immediately go to the other and get a FastPass (or go right on if it’s still not crowded).

As for MS, we've been a few times this fall and haven't seen much of a crowd at all at MS. In fact, once when we got FPs for TT, the machine spit out additional bonus FPs for MS to use during our wait for TT.

We haven't been down there since "The Seas" ride has been open, so can't help you there, but Turtle Talk always seemed to have a crowd.

 

[NJDad18]

When we go to EPCOT, we get there when it opens. We then go immediately to Soarin to get a fast pass. Then we go over to test track and wait in the line to ride it. The wait should be under 20 minutes. After we ride test track it is usually time to get another fast pass, so we get one for test track. Then it is time to ride Soarin on our fast pass. After Soarin' we went to the Character Connection, there is hardly any people there. We then go and ride test track and then try to get a Soarin fast pass. The second Soarin fast pass will usually be for sometime after lunch.

This way we get the main rides that we want to go on and then can take our time the rest of the day.

 

[tkd lisa]

I also agree with what's been written here. Soarin is ALWAYS a fast pass for my family. My kids are 13 and 14, and we usually ride TT using the single rider line. Lately, I've gotten "bonus" mission space FPs when we get our TT FP. I don't think I've seen Mission Space with a posted wait longer than 40 minutes any time this year, and that includes Spring Break. It's typically a 20 minute wait time, where TT seems to average around 60-75 minutes, and Soarin is 75-120 minutes. Turtle Talk often has a fairly long line, and there's no FP available. If it were me, I'd get FPs for Soarin, ride Test Track, see Turtle Talk, then use the Soarin FPs (or Soarin, then Turtle Talk, depending on your FP window). All the other Future World Attractions have little to no wait.

Of course, that assumes a normal park crowd. You are going at a wonderful time of year as far as crowds, so you may have NO problems with lines. And the parks are already set up for Christmas. Leave some time in your schedule to explore Holiday Customs around the World Showcase. My kids really enjoy that!

 

[Eljay]

You absolutely must go to a Turtle Talk With Crush show at the Seas! I went a couple of weeks ago and was so impressed by the technology as well as the cute factor. I think adults enjoy it just as much as the kids do, "Dude"!
Oh, by the way, if you have kids with you, have them think of a question to ask Crush.

 

[LadyGracey]

The lines for standby at Soarin' haven't been that bad in the morning...only about 30 minutes or so. I would get a FP for it first thing, though, then go ride TT before the line gets unmanageable. I haven't done Mission SPACE so I can't give you much guidance on that.

"The Living Seas" is very different than you remember--it's all Nemo-themed now, and you really don't get to see the aquarium that much on the ride anymore. But it's cute, especially for kids, and the line seems to move pretty quickly (I walked right onto it). Do "Turtle Talk" either early in the morning, or in the evening when most people have moved into World Showcase. The wait gets horrendous and it loads slowly!!!