Struggling to understand EPCOT

[samsteele]

When people are saying "explore the countries" what are you all doing? We always manage to eat everywhere, and love the American pavilion, eat in Mexico and ride the boat....but not interested in standing 20 minutes for an outdated movie.

I agree the movies are outdated. But usually I only wait 10 mins or less . . . and in the shade/air conditioning so a big plus. Canada, France & China movies are worth while checking out if you haven't seen before. I see them each trip as I love the classics. Don't wait for more than 10 mins for any of them. Come back on your next walk through World Showcase. They play constantly.

The American Pavilion attraction is a step above and well worthwhile the time every trip. Def see the small museum/display on the right hand side as you enter the American Hall. It changes every year or so and very interesting.

Going deeper into the Pavilions means checking out the back of the architecture including Great Britain, Morocco (the shopping Bazaar mini labyrinth and quiet, cool interior areas), Japan (incl the art display area beside the back entrance of Mitsukoshi Store: at the moment, think it is a Kawaii or cute exhibit including Pokemon, etc) and China.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

Epcot is like no other, it's just so nice to walk around. Test Track and Soarin' are essential, can't miss those. I love everything about Living with the Seas w/ Nemo and SE is a must, just historic. But I could spend all day looking at all the fish after Nemo. It might seem like World Showcase might be boring or quick, but you could honestly make a whole day out of it. TAKE YOUR TIME THROUGH IT. Don't rush! There is SO much to see and study. Every pavilion is so unique and if you like to drink, you'll be in heaven. The margaritas in Mexico are legit. Get a Napoleon in France, Fish n Chips in UK and I know this is very small, but I also loved the Mint iced tea in Morrocco, very refreshing on a hot day. Trust everyone on here, Epcot might seem like you can do it all quickly, but if you can make HS and AK into a full day, you'll need multiple days to see it all. It's truly a unique experience, full of so much culture! Not many attractions, but the attractions are really enjoyable. Haven't been on FEA yet, but the POVs I've seen genuinly surprised me.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I agree the movies are outdated. But usually I only wait 10 mins or less . . . and in the shade/air conditioning so a big plus. Canada, France & China movies are worth while checking out if you haven't seen before. I see them each trip as I love the classics. Don't wait for more than 10 mins for any of them. Come back on your next walk through World Showcase. They play constantly.

The American Pavilion attraction is a step above and well worthwhile the time every trip. Def see the small museum/display on the right hand side as you enter the American Hall. It changes every year or so and very interesting.

Going deeper into the Pavilions means checking out the back of the architecture including Great Britain, Morocco (the shopping Bazaar mini labyrinth and quiet, cool interior areas), Japan (incl the art display area beside the back entrance of Mitsukoshi Store: at the moment, think it is a Kawaii or cute exhibit including Pokemon, etc) and China.

I always like looking at the shops and souvenirs, stuff you'd never see unless you went to that country. I love the Japanese store and the one in Germany (all the Christmas stuff is so cool!).

 

[kreckl]

Oh I meant standing while watching the 20 minute movie. I honestly think even if it was bad I would try it if I could sit in air conditioning for a while.

 

[RustManFan]

My kids have always loved Epcot. Every family is different but we have historically spent our first day here each trip and we do everything. We take our time in the Seas, World Showcase etc. Then again like me my kids were raised to appreciate educational vacations.

 

[disneysteve]

my kids were raised to appreciate educational vacations

I think this is an important point. Many people go to Disney with the mindset that it's just another amusement park. The race from ride to ride, spending little to no time looking at anything else. That is best suited to Magic Kingdom, though even there you will miss a lot of history and details if you approach it that way. In the other parks, especially Epcot and Animal Kingdom, I think many people totally miss out on the complete experience when they only focus on the rides and shows. Those parks were built to educate and entertain (although some of that has gotten lost over the years there is still plenty of it to take in). We were fortunate enough to see Animal Kingdom for AP preview days before it opened to the public in 1998 and we also attended the grand opening. We spent a couple of full days exploring every nook and cranny of that park, and keep in mind that Asia wasn't there yet so the park was considerably smaller. Today, most people zip right through the Oasis on their race to Everest or the safari, totally ignoring everything along the way. Then they complain that it's a half-day park. Well it is if you make it one. Or you can put away your phone, stop running, and spend time examining the artwork and speaking to the cast members who can tell you all about what you're seeing.

Epcot is the same way. You can race around World Showcase, maybe grabbing snacks or drinks along the way, or you can actually go into each country, talk to cast members, maybe consult a good guidebook or website, and learn about all of the details contained in each pavilion. What real life buildings are represented there? The whole place is essentially a living history museum. Disney focuses on details. Nothing is there by chance. I realize when you're there with a 3-year-old, this approach may not work, but with school-age kids and older, it certainly can.

 

[ArwenMarie]

It's ok not to like Epcot. I don't. The only time I liked Epcot is when we stayed at Beach Club and we could pop in for an hour or two. Small doses were more enjoyable.

Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely worth touring and seeing everything, but it's not everyone's cup of tea

 

[rdominy]

Since so many people have expressed their love for Epcot, I'll share my families opinion.

While we enjoy Epcot, it's our least favorite park. We will be in the parks 8 days for our December trip and we will spend:
AK - 1 day
HS - 2 days
MK - 4 days
EP - 1/2 day (until 3 so we can go pick up our runDisney packets)

Usually we do a full day to see illuminations but it just worked out that way this year. Not a big deal for us as we usually struggle to find things to do until then.

 

[Kona65]

I feel super lame asking, but can you all please help me understand what you actually DO in a day at EPCOT?

We are historically DLR people, went to WDW 2 years ago for the first time and were told by friends to skip EPCOT, that our kids wouldn't like it, so we skipped it. Now with DS9 and DD6 we are returning in Sept and DS saw TT on the planning DVD and wants to go. I figure we need to do it all at some point, so yay, right!??

I have read many threads about individual pieces of EPCOT on here, and I have tried doing a touring plan for it but there are not a whole lot of things to enter on a touring plan. I understand the Future World and World Showcase separation. I have to believe it's just a lack of experience that makes me feel like it would be hard to fill a day at this park. (We filled a day at each AK and HS last trip no problem and I know many here don't think of those as full day parks, so I know I'm missing something when it comes to EPCOT.)

Right now I have FP+ for TT, Spaceship Earth and Meet Disney Pals (who are these pals, anyway? do they need a FP+?). ALso have a dinner at Akershus planned. We aren't really food/wine people.

Can you give me descriptions of what you actually do that takes the whole day here?

THANK YOU!

This is a really good question. Now for the answers.

 

[alex9179]

It's ok not to like Epcot. I don't. The only time I liked Epcot is when we stayed at Beach Club and we could pop in for an hour or two. Small doses were more enjoyable.

Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely worth touring and seeing everything, but it's not everyone's cup of tea

OP has never been, though. The "yay Epcot" responses are to try to help her family make the most of touring it for the first time and making that judgement for themselves.

I could skip DHS, or limit it to a few hours, even though it has some fun things to do The rest of my family doesn't agree so we're there for most of the day.

 

[ArwenMarie]

OP has never been, though. The "yay Epcot" responses are to try to help her family make the most of touring it for the first time and making that judgement for themselves.

I could skip DHS, or limit it to a few hours, even though it has some fun things to do The rest of my family doesn't agree so we're there for most of the day.

I agree. I even said it is absolutely worth seeing the whole thing once. Just wanted to provide the opinion that wasn't quite so yay. (Going off her first post which said she wasn't getting it) She may tour it and still not get the love for it and that's ok

 

[Bullseye]

Really enjoying all the love for Epcot in this thread! WS is my favorite place in all of WDW!

 

[crazymomof4]

I think this is an important point. Many people go to Disney with the mindset that it's just another amusement park. The race from ride to ride, spending little to no time looking at anything else. That is best suited to Magic Kingdom, though even there you will miss a lot of history and details if you approach it that way. In the other parks, especially Epcot and Animal Kingdom, I think many people totally miss out on the complete experience when they only focus on the rides and shows. Those parks were built to educate and entertain (although some of that has gotten lost over the years there is still plenty of it to take in). We were fortunate enough to see Animal Kingdom for AP preview days before it opened to the public in 1998 and we also attended the grand opening. We spent a couple of full days exploring every nook and cranny of that park, and keep in mind that Asia wasn't there yet so the park was considerably smaller. Today, most people zip right through the Oasis on their race to Everest or the safari, totally ignoring everything along the way. Then they complain that it's a half-day park. Well it is if you make it one. Or you can put away your phone, stop running, and spend time examining the artwork and speaking to the cast members who can tell you all about what you're seeing.

Epcot is the same way. You can race around World Showcase, maybe grabbing snacks or drinks along the way, or you can actually go into each country, talk to cast members, maybe consult a good guidebook or website, and learn about all of the details contained in each pavilion. What real life buildings are represented there? The whole place is essentially a living history museum. Disney focuses on details. Nothing is there by chance. I realize when you're there with a 3-year-old, this approach may not work, but with school-age kids and older, it certainly can.

THIS!!!
Excellent post. Sums up exactly how I feel about Epcot
Imagineers go to such great lengths to make things authentic (I've heard stories from my uncle, who was a Disney Imagineer -scenic artist- for decades) so I make an effort to appreciate and enjoy their work. The book The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World (I've now read it 3 times!) is a wonderful resource for gaining the "back story" knowledge that really makes Epcot (and the rest of WDW) pop! I know people who've been to WDW several times and have never seen the beautiful Koi pond in Japan Pavilion (I could spend an hour just here- but then I'm a photographer wannabe!). I've watched as people rush right through the domed entrance to the waiting area for the China movie. They don't look up at all and totally miss the beauty of the ceiling of the dome and never stop to test the neat acoustics (stand in the middle of the dome and whisper) WS is full of hidden gems like this. For the park to be fully appreciated and understood, one must slow down or the gems will be missed.

 

[Anne5555]

Meet Characters at character Spot (usually our first step,) Soarin, Livin with the land, Journey into Imagination, Finding Nemo (hate it!,) Turtle Talk with Crush (want to see but never had time for it,) Spaceship Earth, Test Track, lunch sometime, then to world showcase. Norway, Mexico, Japan for pick a pearl, Akershus princess dinner, and we never have managed to see all the other countries with our kids with only one Epcot day. Maybe next trip we'll manage the show at the American pavilion.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

OP has never been, though. The "yay Epcot" responses are to try to help her family make the most of touring it for the first time and making that judgement for themselves.

I could skip DHS, or limit it to a few hours, even though it has some fun things to do The rest of my family doesn't agree so we're there for most of the day.

I think it's important to make the point that it's ok not to like it and that some people don't like it, though. We never read those opinions before we visited and thought there was something wrong with us when, halfway through our visit, we both realized how mutually bored we were. It wasn't until we got home and started a thread of our own that others shared their experiences with us about not necessarily loving Epcot either. It helped us make sense of our visit, but we sure wish we had both sides of the story before we made the trip.

 

[bryanb]

The theme of Epcot has always been "permanent world's fair." I've always been a fan of science and technology, and my first visit to Epcot was enormously exciting. I guess I liked it for the reason that many families hated the idea of going to an "educational" theme park. I'm also from California, and I was so disappointed when Disney scrapped the idea of building Westcot in favor of DCA 1.0.

Future World is quite dated now, but it's still an interesting view of the world from an optimistic (if corporately whitewashed) perspective. I just wish that more of the exhibits were really about new technologies.

World Showcase can be enjoyed in so many different ways, depending on your interests. It's probably the one thing that made me jealous of Florida residents, to have such a wonderful place in their own backyard. If I lived in Orlando, I would probably go there after work all the time just to enjoy the atmosphere. And I'd take dates there to eat at the many interesting restaurants.

I don't think a WDW vacation is complete without going to Epcot. And you do have to see Illuminations at least once in your life.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I think this is an important point. Many people go to Disney with the mindset that it's just another amusement park. The race from ride to ride, spending little to no time looking at anything else. That is best suited to Magic Kingdom, though even there you will miss a lot of history and details if you approach it that way. In the other parks, especially Epcot and Animal Kingdom, I think many people totally miss out on the complete experience when they only focus on the rides and shows. Those parks were built to educate and entertain (although some of that has gotten lost over the years there is still plenty of it to take in). We were fortunate enough to see Animal Kingdom for AP preview days before it opened to the public in 1998 and we also attended the grand opening. We spent a couple of full days exploring every nook and cranny of that park, and keep in mind that Asia wasn't there yet so the park was considerably smaller. Today, most people zip right through the Oasis on their race to Everest or the safari, totally ignoring everything along the way. Then they complain that it's a half-day park. Well it is if you make it one. Or you can put away your phone, stop running, and spend time examining the artwork and speaking to the cast members who can

tell you all about what you're seeing.




I think that's a good point. Yeah, I did drink in Epcot. But the reason I liked it is the same reason I like Disney in general. It's not just about the rides. I loved the explanation of how Morocco was built. I liked living with the land. I've always been secretly jealous that generations before me were around for the big world fairs. Sure, we have the Internet and really fast travel these days. But it's not the same thing as attending a world's fair and seeing the future in action.

I thought Frozen fit well in Norway, but really I could see why people aren't wild about it- I'd be pretty happy if Disney characters were not a big part of Epcot because I think the original concept still works. It was a two day park for me easily and that's even with the fact that I think Disney has kind of let the ball drop there. There should be a pavilion like the aeronautical exposition pavilion in the Smithsonian air and space- you know, history mixed in with nostalgia and what never was but what could be. or a medical abnormality exhibit. Or even a sort of ripley's believe it or not- you know, an interactive "was this a hoax or was this real". Sherlock Holmes and Steam Punk and urban myths are so big in the current culture- it would be cool to see some of that in Epcot. If you can do trolls in Norway, I don't know why you couldn't do an Aztec curse themed ride or a "history of werewolf myth" thing in Mexico/France. Wendigos in America pavilion (ok, that might be a bit dark, but America needs something.) They even have a native "inroad" there- Pocohantas was more myth than fact- but I didn't see much in there. What about seafaring or whalers for Canada?

(Ok, I'll step down off my soapbox. But I just think there is SO much wasted potential in Epcot)

I spent a full day in Animal Kingdom and that was without walking most of the paths. Just too hot. I don't understand the people who are done with it after one day- if I had 2 or 3 more days, it would have been spent there. (Although it doesn't hurt that it's home to expedition Everest- that is flat out an awesome ride and I'd love it to be cloned for CA. But I suppose they need some kind of lure to get us west coast peeps to FL!)

 

[MommyRobin]

We LOVE epcot, and have since the kids were little. We can easily spend 2 days here. On our agenda for our upcoming visit : Test Track, Soarin, Nemo and Friends, explore the aquarium, Spaceship Earth, Frozen Ever After, and walk all around the countries to take in the architecture, find different characters, and watch the street perormers. There is still lots more that we can do, those are just our "must dos".

 

[Cee]

OMG, it's my very favorite park. Very spread out so never feels quite as crowded as the other parks. Between Future World and World Showcase, you will have PLENTY to fill an entire day. ENJOY!

 

[mieshie75]

Truthfully we've never done figment. I'm not sure why. Trying to do that next trip before it's gone as well.

My kids loved figment, especially the play area after the ride. I had to pry them away from it.