During the early development of Walt Disney World, Walt Disney had a vision to develop an experimental planned community that would serve as a center for American enterprise and urban living. This idea would be called the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and would have included residential areas, mass transportation, and even schools that would connect the entire community.
Unfortunately, Walt’s vision would never come to be when he passed in 1966 and the only place to see his original model for Epcot is on the Tomorrowland People Mover at Disney World’s first park, Magic Kingdom. However, following the opening of Walt Disney World and its premiere park in 1972, Walt Disney Imagineering (then known as WED Enterprises) began developing a second park for the resort in Orlando, Florida. Although Walt’s original idea couldn’t come to be, the Walt Disney company would call the new park Epcot and use the space to celebrate human achievement in technological innovation and international culture.
Epcot Center would officially open a decade later to the day Walt Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1982. The park featured two sections, Future World which contained attractions showcasing modern innovation and edutainment, as well as World Showcase, which highlighted cultures and countries from around the world.
Over the years, Epcot has seen major overhauls with very few original attractions remaining and Disney IPs added to the park and the two sections transformed into four: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. Despite the many changes, Epcot remains one of the most popular theme parks across North America, due in large part to its seasonal festivals, live entertainment, and delicious food.
However, this list will strictly be ranking the rides and attractions at Epcot including classics like Spaceship Earth and the park’s newest additions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. As always, this list is completely subjective and will only feature rides and year-round attractions. Circle Vision films, character meet and greets, streetmosphere, indoor galleries and exhibits, fireworks, and Epcot stage shows since they are often switched out throughout the festivals are not included.
Now that we’ve covered the ground rules, let’s hop on the monorail to the thank the Phoenicians and wave hello to Figment!
*This post was updated on June 8, 2024.
16. Mission: Space
Unless you are a tiny titan who has dreams of being an astronaut, it might be best to sit this one out. This motion simulator thrill ride replicates a NASA-style space flight where you and a crew attempt a mission to mars. With two missions to choose from, the Orange Mission is absolutely nauseating and the Green Mission is the family friendly version that is kind of a snooze. With an array of spaced themed IP now at the parks, this one is low on the list, especially for the safety of our stomachs.
15. Turtle Talk with Crush
This unique experience is a lot of fun, but especially for kids as they get the opportunity to ask everyone’s favourite sea turtle any questions that come to mind. While a few adult jokes are told for the parents pleasure, it’s mainly an opportunity for young ones to engage with and adults to take a nice AC break. It’s feel good fun, but definitely not a must do at The Seas when there are so many incredible aquatic wildlife to see.
14. American Adventure
For Epcot historians, The American Adventure is the ultimate classic, one of a kind stage show. Its use of 35 Audio-Animatronics figures is incredibly impressive and you can’t help but be moved witnessing some of America’s greatest and most turbulent moments in history. It’s definitely a patriotic experience, but if you aren’t American like this writer, it’s more of a calming 30 minute show that only needs to be seen if you have had the chance to do everything else at World Showcase.
13. Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Sure, this attraction isn’t a grand feat of technological innovation, but it’s still fun and the air conditioning during a hot summer Florida day is certainly refreshing. Featuring the shorts, “Get a Horse”, “Piper” and “Feast”, you can watch all of these shorts on Disney+ but the 4D does add some pizazz to them all. If you don’t have the time, you aren’t missing anything by skipping this attraction, but it’s cute enough to leave you smiling.
12. Voices of Liberty
Housed in The American Adventure Pavilion, the Voices of Liberty are an incredibly talented acapella group dressed to the Colonial nines singing classics from all genres and walks of life. Epcot often has a lot of different bands and live entertainment during festivals, but the Voices of Liberty are a constant presence in the stunning 5-story building year round, sure to leave you in a cheery mood with their stunning harmonies.
11. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
This isn’t the best dark ride you will find in Epcot. However, in an area of the park that’s lacking in rides, Gran Fiesta Tour is an endearing addition to the Mexico pavilion. The lines are always short and considering all the walking you do at World Showcase, it’s a nice way to get off your feet and listen to fun music on a relaxing boat ride. The animatronic Caballeros are also a bonus and Plant Donald will live in infamy even with our old pal back in the swing of things with his bandmates.
10. Journey Into Imagination With Figment
This writer was too young to ever ride the original Journey Into Imagination, so unlike most Disney purists, I don’t have a sentimental attachment to the original version of this ride. Having said that, the love for Figment is strong and it’s impossible not to smile throughout this entire experience, even the stinky part. It’s not special by any means but it is super cute and the catchy “One Little Spark” will be stuck in your head for the rest of of the day.
9. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
The actual Nemo part of this attraction is a little lackluster as it is just projections of the characters trying to find the little clown fish again. What makes this omnimover dark ride truly special is the real marine life that swims in the aquarium behind the characters throughout the ride. Once it’s over you can see hundreds of more aquatic life in the Seas aquarium and it’s breathtaking!
8. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
This walk-through attraction is unlike any others at Epcot. It’s not a museum or gallery, but an experience in which you interact with different water exhibits in breathtaking ways. The intricate detail of the rock work, and Moana-inspired Easter Eggs and details bring such joy and immersion. It’s an area in which little ones will love running around and interacting with the different water stations, but adults can also feel inspired by the lush beauty around them, especially the stunning Te Fiti topiary.
7. Living with the Land
It’s rare to find a ride in a theme park that brings such calm and serenity. Living with the Land has no right to be as good as it is – the second half is literally a tour of vegetables. Yet, somehow the whole experience is actually entertaining while also being extremely educational. The dark ride scenery is super underrated and blends perfectly with the music, narration, and sounds. Overall, it’s just such a fantastic atmosphere.
6. Spaceship Earth
A journey that showcases how technological achievements have helped us communicate around the globe for centuries, Spaceship Earth encapsulates everything Epcot stands for: innovation and creation. It was supposed to get a refurb update at some point with a new emphasis on storytelling but those plans have been paused for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, it’s still a must-do for every visit to Epcot.
5. Test Track
At one time, Test Track was the only thrill ride in Epcot and remains the fastest ride at Walt Disney World. This writer is in no shape or form a car enthusiast but getting to create and design the car with your crew adds to the experience and perfectly builds the anticipation of “driving” it. It may be fast, but it is equally thrilling for children and adults to enjoy the wind in their hair together. Our only suggestion – a retheme with Disney IP of course!
4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
One of the newest and popular attractions at Epcot, it’s a fantastic addition to the France Pavilion that speaks to the sights, sounds, and most importantly, the smells of Paris. Despite being a dark-ride/simulator hybrid, the trackless technology enables an incredibly smooth experience and the oversized practical sets make for fun chances to spot secret details. It may not be worth the long lines it often gets, but it’s definitely an attraction that will leave every child and adult screaming – magnifique!
3. Frozen Ever After
It’s no secret that this writer absolutely adores “Frozen”, and Frozen Ever After is one of the best dark rides in all of Disney World. Considering the quick turnaround of turning Maelstrom into Frozen, it’s amazing how fluid and life-like these animatronics are. Elsa’s big “Let It Go” moment in particular is such a treat and the fun drop at the end is a welcome thrill to an otherwise tame, but beautiful experience.
2. Soarin’ Around the World
On a plane ride back home from Disney World, I once heard a group of adults talking about how they cried after experiencing Soarin’. And while it takes a lot for me to get misty, there is something so magical about Soarin’ that you can’t help feeling all the feels when just thinking about it, let alone experience it. It’s a journey around the globe, with sights, sounds, and smells that immerse you in a thrilling adventure of a lifetime. It’s reason enough alone to visit Epcot!
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
When looking at the word fun in the dictionary, Cosmic Rewind should be the definition. It’s non-stop thrills and excitement at every turn, with a fun story to get involved in as soon as you enter the Galaxarium. Once you enter your rocket ship, you are reverse launched in epic fashion listening to one of many classic 80s rock options. There isn’t a moment to breathe, with so many quick turns and drops, and the Guardians fighting alongside you on the screen projections. Even though it’s very young, it’s already become one of the most iconic Epcot attraction!
What’s your favourite ride or attraction at Epcot? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels and make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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