Epcot-What are don't miss things to see, characters, rides, & restaurants?

[Cynister]

We have started planning our 2015 trips & I am a huge planner. There's so much that has changed already since we were there last May, & so much I know we missed when we were there that I wanted to get a list going of things we should aim to do/see the next time. We are planning 2 trips this time, 1 in May 2015 & 1 in December 2015. We can't wait! I'll be going with DH, DS (then will be 11), my cousin (my age) in May, & potentially my sister in December.

What are some of the things your family doesn't miss, or have discovered while you were there? Was it a favorite ride? A great character experience? A hidden gem of a photo opp or viewing site for parades/fireworks? Is there a food you can't miss?

Please tell me all about them! I'm especially interested in hearing about the not-so-known places/things!

 

[keypooh90]

Attractions- Soarin
Test Track
Spaceship Earth
Living with the Land
The Seas with Nemo and Friends (Entire pavilion!)

Characters:
Hit up all the character meet and greets in the countries/WS:
i.e. Mulan in China,Snow White in Germany, Marie and Aurora in France, Belle and the Beast in France, Anna and Elsa in Norway, Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco, Alice, Winnie the Pooh Characters, and Mary Poppins in England.


Restaurants:
Some faves are Rose and Crown in England, La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico, Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, Tutto Italia and Via Napoli in Italy.

 

[pad406]

The one thing we like that not many people mention is Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East (I think). You get to design a ride and then do it in a simulator. Great fun. Your DS would probably like that.

 

[Missymouse18]

oh goodness. I am an Epcot nut, so for me, the whole park is a must do! But just a few suggestions that some people miss out on simply because they didn't know...

Future World:
*A lot of people skip Sum of All Thrills, and its really very fun! It is located inside Innovations.
*Living With The Land
* Test Track
*Soarin'
*Spaceship Earth

World Showcase:
*red bean ice cream at Lotus Blossom Cafe in China
*school bread in Norway
*brioche in France
*Meet and Greet with Mary Poppins and Alice in England
*Voices of Liberty
*Illuminations

These are just some highlights but it barely scratches the surface. I would suggest that when in World showcase, really take your time and take it in and explore!!!

 

[jlm196]

Margaritas in Mexico
Test track
Soarin
Living with the land

 

[prudence64]

Illuminations and soarin

 

[Mannickb]

Most of our favorite thons have been named but we really loved Akershus breakfast with the princesses before the park opens.

 

[rainwatter]

I would recommend the "Behind the Seeds" tour in the land pavilion. It was really cool to walk in and around the plants!

In World showcase, my family buys a snack or 1 simple meal from almost every country (and split everything 3 or 4 ways as we go.) it's such a smorgasbord and it's neat to have a taste of so many different things.

 

[myadventurebook]

I am in love with EPCOT, so a lot of it is a can't miss for me. My favorite restaurant so far has been Teppan Edo, the hibachi-style Japanese restaurant in the World Showcase. I also love San Angel, though more for its atmosphere. BF and I were not very impressed with the food last time around.

Attractions that I MUST do are...
- Test Track (second favorite ride in all of WDW!)
- Spaceship Earth
- Maelstrom
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Soarin'
- Ellen's Energy
- The Seas, both the Nemo ride and the aquarium part
- Living with the Land

I've seen Illuminations enough times and so has BF, so we usually skip out on it. It's a really good time to get short wait times on rides. I'll be interested when they bring back Tapestry of Nations.

There is a ton of stuff on my EPCOT bucket list. I haven't eaten at a ton of the WS restaurants, so I'd like to try a lot of those out. I'd especially like to get back to Biergarten again. We went on my first trip when I was a kid, but I was young and don't remember it. I love, love, love Germany and German culture, so that might be happening next trip. I'd also like to try more FAWF foods, though I'm not sure when I'll be back for that. Behind the Seeds is also on my EPCOT bucket list.

If you're interested in the not-so-known places or things, I'd go with Sum of All Thrills. We keep forgetting to check it out, but it sounds like fun and I've been meaning to stop by it for a while now. Club Cool (you can sample sodas from all over the world for free) is also not known by everyone. My last trip was my first time going to Club Cool.

 

[Stefecatzz]

It's safe to say that Epcot is my favorite. I somehow always manage to end up there every night no matter what plans I have. I love strolling though WS & browsing in all of the shops.

The World Showcase Players in the UK & Sergio in Italy are pretty entertaining. If you like British rock, go see the British Revolution back in the garden in the UK at night (though I still really miss the British Invasion).

For Christmas, take some time out in WS to see the countries holiday story tellers. I thought they were pretty good. Also, the Candlelight Processional dinner package is a nice thing to do. They started to go on sale in the summer last year so keep an eye out if you're interested.

Another thing to take time to do is watch the Fountain of Nations show up front. I believe it begins every 15 minutes.

 

[waynesgirl]

Sum of All Thrills. Just do it.
La Cava del Tequila. No better margarita anywhere in the World.
Voices of Liberty.
Scotch Egg at Rose and Crown. Fish and chips.
Nemo. Great ride for colors and relaxation.
All character interactions are pretty awesome. Aurora is my favorite. Our son kissed her on the cheek and I bawled. Right there. In front of everyone.
Jamminators.
The best seems to be the cleanest bathrooms. And plentiful.

 

[OB1]

There are 3 excellent bands in EPCOT. My favorite is the British Revolution in UK. They play anything from Queen to Beatles, Led Zep to Police, and anything British. Also very popular is Off Kilter in Canada. Mo-Rocckin is also an excellent band in Morrocco, but towards a fusion sound.

Try the game after Mission Space. It is a team game, and might be fun for the entire group.

Club Cool near the fountain - can't go wrong with free coke, and they brought in new flavors about 6 months ago. See if you can get someone to try the Beverly. We normally act like we are drinking it, and get someone else to drink. Or just watch as they sample. It taste awful to most people.

Behind the seeds is a neat tour, and inexpensive. Depends on your time.

3 great spots for a dessert - France Patisserie, Germany Karmel Kuche, and the Norway Bakery.

Make sure to do the movie in Canada. With a younger person, that will be the most entertaining.

There is a big shop in Japan. Near the front is Pick a Pearl. Fun to watch them open up an oyster and show the pearl. While there, watch the drummers. Amazing endurance.

 

[Simba's Mom]

My favorite walk-through attraction I just discovered several years ago-it's the typical Moroccoan house in the Moroccoan pavilion. As you walk towards the back of Morocco, it's on your left. There also used to be an interesting free tour of the pavilion, but I don't think they do that any more. I also never miss at least one performance of the WS players and eating (usually creme brûlée) in France.

 

[mom2faith]

Characters:
Hit up all the character meet and greets in the countries/WS:
i.e. Mulan in China,Snow White in Germany, Marie and Aurora in France, Belle and the Beast in France, Anna and Elsa in Norway, Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco, Alice, Winnie the Pooh Characters, and Mary Poppins in England.

Beast only meets at Be Our Guest now.
Anna and Elsa will be in MK by 2015.