Fun Facts
While Walt Disney was generating new ideas for Disneyland Park in California, he thought about building an International Street. That idea grew to become the concept behind the World Showcase area in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Epcot theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks at Walt Disney World Resort, sprawls across 300 acres—twice the size of Magic Kingdom theme park —and is divided into Future World and World Showcase.
Future World
Future World is full of sensational attractions—including one of the fastest attractions in all Disney Parks—as well as inspiring entertainment and shows, all of which focus on technological advancements, innovation and wonder. In Future World, ideas become reality.
The Epcot theme park icon, Spaceship Earth , looking like a giant golf ball rising high above the horizon, welcomes you as you walk through the Park's main entrance.
World Showcase
Beyond Future World, if entering from the main gate at Epcot theme park, is the World Showcase area. World Showcase is a collective of Pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon. Inside the Pavilions, find shops, attractions and restaurants that represent the culture and cuisine of these 11 countries:
While walking between Pavilions, be amused by live performers—some may even invite you to participate in the show! There's also plenty of kid-centric entertainment, too, like Disney Character meet and greet locations and Kidcot fun stops. At Kidcot stations , kids can create one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
In Epcot theme park, creativity is encouraged, imagination is celebrated and countries are united. Be amazed, inspired, enlightened and entertained!
Guest Services
Guest Services at Epcot theme park covers such topics as what to wear, what attractions use the FASTPASS ticket system, how to locate Disney character merchandise and where to find services like ATMs, activity centers specifically for kids and baby care centers.
Attractions
Attractions at Epcot theme park range from one of the fastest Disney attractions to gentle boat rides, from a thrilling hang-gliding experience to interactive play areas that ignite kids' imaginations. Use Disney's FASTPASS system on popular attractions to reduce wait times.
Entertainment
Entertainment at Epcot theme park continues day and night. See live shows, concerts, Character meet and greets, acrobats, fireworks, musicians, mimes, dancers, drummers, comedians and a talking turtle named Crush. For show schedules, check the Park calendar or Times Guide.
Dining
Dining at Epcot theme park includes quick-service restaurants for fast snacks, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Choose from casual, upscale and character dining experiences, and try a variety of international cuisines at the 11 World Showcase Pavilions.
Tours
Tours at Epcot theme park take you behind the scenes and bring you close to the action. Walk, ride a Segway Personal Transporter, swim The Seas with Nemo & Friends—or let a team of Disney-trained vacation planning professionals personalize a tour for you!
Special Events
Special Events at Epcot theme park include Holidays Around The World , the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival .
Shopping
Shopping at Epcot theme park means exploring Mouse Gears in the Future World area—the Park's largest Disney merchandise store, and discovering wares specific to each one of the 11 countries represented in the World Showcase Pavilions.
Calendars
Calendars for Epcot theme park display Park hours, Extra Magic Hours, operational updates, entertainment show schedules and special events.
Transportation
Transportation to and from Epcot theme park is available via monorail, bus and boat throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, convenient self-parking is also available.
Walt Disney World Resort
- Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park
- Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park
- Epcot theme park
- Magic Kingdom theme park
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Disney's BoardWalk Area
- Downtown Disney Area
- Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney Resort hotels
Moms Panel
-
"Have to choose: afternoon of arrival at AK or epcot? Plan on arriving at park around 1-2pm. AK open until 7pm that night(11/30). Should I spend a full day at Epcot on another day, or spend first night at Epcot? Can I see all of Epcot in 6 hrs? 2&4 y/o"
Ask Moms Panel by Gayle From NJ, Get advice from parents -
"Everyone has been saying that there is no much to do for a 3 year old at Epcot. She is almost 4. Any advice is highly appreciated. Besides entertaining the 3 year old, mom & dad would like to enjoy the trip and we plan to spend a day @ ea park w/hop"
Ask Moms Panel by Josephine From VA, Get advice from parents -
"Great Job Panel. Going 12/13/09 for 9 days, regarding the EMH at Epcot, is it both future world and world showcase? Do they ever do a 2nd illuminations? Thanks this is the 3rd Xmas trip, but 1st time at a DWR, staying at CBR. Thanks again."
Ask Moms Panel by linda From AZ, Get advice from parents -
"DH, 2DS (4&2) & I arrive 11AM on 11-29 by car. Plan to go to Epcot and see FW (closes at 7:30). Can we see most attractions/shows in FW that day. We have Thur. set aside to go to WS to see Candlelight P. & countries. Also 2 days @ MK, 1 @ AK, 1"
Ask Moms Panel by Tara From KY, Get advice from parents -
"I'm told there is a member's lounge at the GM test track in Epcot. Two of our traveling party are GM retirees. Can you provide more information on the lounge and the benefit of accessing it. Coming to WDW in December 2009. Thanks."
Ask Moms Panel by Sandra From ON, Get advice from parents
Quick Tips
- Disney's FASTPASS reservation system reduces time spent in line at popular attractions at Disney Theme Parks. To use the FASTPASS system, simply slip your Park Pass into the FASTPASS machine to receive a ticket with an assigned return time and enjoy the rest of the Park while Disney's FASTPASS service saves your place in line.
- Some attractions offer a Rider Swap option. Rider Swap is when Guests take turns waiting with youngsters too small to ride a certain attraction then "swapping" with another Guest from their party to experience the ride without standing in line twice. See a Cast Member for additional information.
- Meet popular Disney Characters, pose for photos and collect autographs during special meals at certain restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. To find meals hosted by Disney Characters, search the Disney Dining Finder for Character Dining Experiences. Many meal times fill up quickly and require advance reservations. Book online or phone (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days in advance. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.
- For a prime viewing position during parades and shows, arrive early. Check the Times Guide and map for each Disney Theme Park for show times and for parade routes.
- Single and double-passenger strollers are available to rent at Disney Theme Parks. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. The Length of Stay Rental Ticket Option allows for multiple-day rentals. Baby Care Centers, where you can change and feed your baby, are located within each Theme Park.
