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Epcot is unlike any other Disney park. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this guide will help you make the most of your Epcot adventure in 2025.
When to Visit and How to Plan
I still remember my first time walking into Epcot as a kid and seeing that giant “golf ball” (actually called Spaceship Earth). That same magic is waiting for you, plus some brand-new experiences that weren’t there before!
Picking the Best Time
Wondering when to plan your Epcot trip in 2025? The answer depends on what you want to see! Epcot hosts four amazing festivals throughout the year:
- Festival of the Arts (January 17-February 24, 2025): Perfect for art lovers and cooler weather
- Flower and Garden Festival (March 5-June 2, 2025): Beautiful flowers and outdoor kitchens
- Food and Wine Festival (August 29-November 23, 2025): The ultimate foodie experience
- Festival of the Holidays (Late November-December 2025): Festive celebrations from around the world
If you love food, any festival time is amazing! If you hate big crowds, try to visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Most locals visit on weekends, making the park much busier.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Can you see all of Epcot in one day? Yes, but it might feel rushed.
With two days, you can take your time, enjoy more meals, and revisit your favorite spots.
If you’re visiting during a festival, plan for extra time to enjoy the special offerings.
Getting to Epcot: All Your Transportation Options
How will you get to Epcot? You have lots of fun options in 2025:
From Disney Resorts
- Monorail: The monorail connects Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom area resorts, and Grand Floridian
- Skyliner: This fun gondola system links Epcot to Hollywood Studios and resorts like Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation, and Pop Century
- Boats: Water taxis serve the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin resorts
- Buses: All Disney resorts offer bus service to Epcot
- Walking Paths: Guests at Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin can enjoy a scenic 5-15 minute walk
I love taking the Skyliner to Epcot! Seeing the park from above gives you a whole different view, and the ride itself is fun and relaxing.
Here is a full, detailed park map for your Epcot journey.
Driving to Epcot
If you’re driving your own car or a rental, Epcot has plenty of parking. Standard parking costs $25 per day, while preferred parking (closer to the entrance) costs $45-$50. Remember your parking section name or take a picture of nearby signs – it’s easy to forget after a long day!
How Epcot is Divided
Epcot is one of Disney World’s biggest parks, and as such, is split up into three separate areas: World Celebration, World Showcase, and World Nature.
Epcot’s Amazing Rides and Attractions in 2025
Epcot has 12 exciting rides in 2025, plus many other attractions! Let’s explore them all:
Must-Do Rides
There are four rides we absolutely recommend for first-time or returning visitors to Epcot.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This indoor coaster launches you backwards into a cosmic adventure with the Guardians. Each ride features one of six different songs, so you can ride multiple times for different experiences! (Height: 42 inches)
Test Track 3.0
Newly reimagined for 2025, this high-speed attraction lets you design your own vehicle, then test it at speeds up to 65 mph! The queue features six new exhibits about futuristic vehicles. (Height: 40 inches)
Frozen Ever After
Journey through Arendelle on this boat ride featuring Anna, Elsa, and all your Frozen favorites. You might get a little wet! (Any height)
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to the size of a rat and scurry through Gusteau’s restaurant in this trackless 4D adventure. (Any height)
Perfect for the Whole Family
Epcot has four attractions that we recommend for the entire family.
Soarin’ Around the World
Fly over amazing landmarks from across the globe in this peaceful simulator ride. The scents and wind effects make you feel like you’re really there! (Height: 40 inches)
Mission: SPACE
Choose between the intense Orange Mission (with spinning and G-forces) or the milder Green Mission for your space adventure. (Height: 40 inches)
Spaceship Earth
Travel through time inside Epcot’s iconic “golf ball” to see how communication has evolved. (Any height)
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
This walk-through water play area lets you interact with “magical water” that responds to your touch. Perfect for cooling off on hot days! (Any height)
Relaxing Rides
While not thrill rides, we always come back to enjoy these favorites. Don’t skip out on these on your next Epcot adventure!
Living with the Land
Float through actual working greenhouses and learn how Disney grows food for its restaurants. (Any height)
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Join the search for Nemo on this gentle ride that ends in a massive aquarium. (Any height)
Gran Fiesta Tour
Take a boat ride in the Mexico pavilion with the Three Caballeros. (Any height)
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Join Figment, the purple dragon, on a whimsical tour of the imagination. (Any height)
When my family visits, we always head straight to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Guardians of the Galaxy. Having a plan for your first ride makes the morning much less stressful!
Epcot Entertainment That Will Wow You
Epcot isn’t just about rides – the entertainment is spectacular too!
Nighttime Magic
Luminous: The Symphony of Us is Epcot’s amazing nighttime show for 2025. Featuring fireworks, music, and projections, this show celebrates human connection through beloved Disney songs.
Find a spot around World Showcase Lagoon 30-45 minutes before showtime.
Character Experiences
Meet Mickey, Minnie, and friends at the new Dreamers Point area near Spaceship Earth.
World Showcase offers even more character meet opportunities:
- Anna and Elsa in Norway
- Snow White in Germany
- Belle in France
- Jasmine in Morocco
- And many surprise appearances!
Live Performances
Each festival brings special entertainment:
- Festival of the Arts: Disney on Broadway Concert Series
- Flower and Garden: Garden Rocks Concert Series
- Food and Wine: Eat to the Beat Concert Series
- Festival of Holidays: Candlelight Processional
Plus, enjoy cultural performances in most World Showcase pavilions!
Festivals: The Heart of Epcot
Epcot’s festivals make the park special, with each one offering different food, entertainment, and activities. Here’s what to expect in 2025:
Festival of the Arts (January 17-February 24, 2025)
This winter festival celebrates visual, performing, and culinary arts:
- Food Studios serving artistic food presentations
- Disney on Broadway performers singing your favorite songs
- Artists creating live artwork that you can purchase
- Interactive art activities like the paint-by-number mural
- Animation Academy, where you can learn to draw Disney characters
Flower and Garden Festival (March 5-June 2, 2025)
Spring brings beautiful flowers and outdoor fun:
- Over 20 stunning Disney character topiaries
- Butterfly garden with hundreds of butterflies
- Outdoor Kitchens with fresh, garden-inspired foods
- Garden Rocks concerts at America Gardens Theatre
- Special playgrounds for kids
- Garden tours and demonstrations
Food and Wine Festival (August 29-November 23, 2025)
The biggest and most popular festival focuses on global cuisine:
- Over 30 Global Marketplaces serving food and drinks
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series
- Culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars
- Emile’s Fromage Montage cheese crawl
- Special merchandise
- Remy’s Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt for kids
Festival of the Holidays (Late November-December 2025)
End the year with celebrations from around the world:
- Holiday storytellers in each World Showcase pavilion
- Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators
- Holiday Kitchens with seasonal treats
- Holiday Cookie Stroll
- Festive decorations and entertainment
Have you tried the festival food booths yet? They’re my favorite part of visiting Epcot! You can sample small portions of foods from around the world without committing to a full meal.
Delicious Epcot Dining Options
Beyond festival food, Epcot offers amazing restaurants. Here are some standouts for 2025:
Table Service Restaurants
- Space 220: Dine “220 miles above Earth” with space views
- Le Cellier: Canadian steakhouse with famous cheddar cheese soup
- Takumi-Tei: Upscale Japanese dining experience
- Garden Grill: Character dining with Mickey and friends
- Coral Reef: Eat with views of a massive aquarium
- Biergarten: German buffet with live entertainment
- San Angel Inn: Mexican cuisine overlooking the Gran Fiesta Tour
Quick Service Spots
- Connections Café & Eatery: Modern options in World Celebration
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: American barbecue
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop: British fish and chips
- Katsura Grill: Japanese classics
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie: French bakery items
New for 2025: GEO-82 Lounge
Opening in Spring 2025, this adults-only lounge inside Spaceship Earth will offer specialty drinks and small plates with a view of the World Celebration gardens below.
Epcot World Showcase: Travel the World in a Day
Epcot’s World Showcase lets you visit 11 countries without a passport! Here’s a quick tour:
Mexico
- Don’t Miss: Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride, La Cava del Tequila
- Best Food: Tacos at Choza de Margarita
Norway
- Don’t Miss: Frozen Ever After, Stave Church Gallery
- Best Food: School Bread at Kringla Bakeri
China
- Don’t Miss: Reflections of China film, House of Good Fortune shop
- Best Food: Egg rolls and boba tea
Germany
- Don’t Miss: Karamell-Küche candy shop, miniature train village
- Best Food: Caramel popcorn, pretzels
Italy
- Don’t Miss: Wine tastings, Venetian masks
- Best Food: Gelato at Gelateria Toscana
American Adventure
- Don’t Miss: The American Adventure show, America Gardens Theatre
- Best Food: Funnel cakes, craft beers
Japan
- Don’t Miss: Bijutsu-kan Gallery, Mitsukoshi Department Store
- Best Food: Kakigōri shaved ice
Morocco
- Don’t Miss: Gallery of Arts and History, detailed architecture
- Best Food: Shawarma at Tangierine Café
France
- Don’t Miss: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- Best Food: Pastries from Les Halles Boulangerie
United Kingdom
- Don’t Miss: Rose & Crown Pub, garden maze
- Best Food: Fish and chips
Canada
- Don’t Miss: Canada Far and Wide film, Victoria Gardens
- Best Food: Cheddar cheese soup at Le Cellier
Walking through World Showcase is one of my favorite Disney experiences. The attention to detail in each pavilion is amazing – from the architecture to the Cast Members who come from each country.
Expert Epcot Tips for Families with Kids
Some folks think Epcot isn’t for kids, but they’re wrong! Here’s how to make Epcot magical for little ones:
- Use the rider switch service on bigger attractions so adults can take turns
- Visit the aquarium at The Seas pavilion to see fish, dolphins, and manatees
- Cool off at the Moana water play area when temperatures rise
- Complete Kidcot activities in each World Showcase pavilion
- Try the Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure app game
- Meet lots of characters throughout the park
- Look for playground areas during the Flower and Garden Festival
- Schedule a midday resort break for young children
- Bring glow sticks for nighttime fun
My family always loved the hands-on activities at Epcot more than the rides! The play areas and interactive exhibits kept them entertained for hours.
Expert Epcot Money-Saving Strategies
Disney isn’t cheap, but these tips will help you save:
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at fountains or ask for free ice water
- Pack snacks for hungry moments between meals
- Share meals and festival portions – many are big enough to split
- Use Disney Visa discounts at select shops and restaurants
- Buy souvenirs at Disney Springs for better deals than in-park
- Consider multi-day tickets for better per-day pricing
- Visit during value season (January-February, August-September)
- Skip the Park Hopper option if you’re focusing on Epcot
Expert Epcot Must-Know Park Strategies
Make your day smoother with these tested strategies:
Morning Game Plan
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before park opening
- Head directly to Guardians of the Galaxy, Remy, or Frozen first
- Ride Test Track or Soarin’ next
- Enjoy Future World attractions until lunchtime
Afternoon Approach
- Grab lunch at a quick-service spot or festival booth
- Explore World Showcase during midday when Future World is busiest
- Take an afternoon break if staying nearby
- Enjoy indoor attractions during afternoon rain or heat
Evening Excellence
- Return for dinner reservations or more festival booth sampling
- Catch any shows or performances you missed
- Ride popular attractions again with typically shorter evening lines
- Find your spot for Luminous 30-45 minutes before showtime
- Take photos of Spaceship Earth lit up at night
What’s New at Epcot in 2025
Epcot keeps evolving! Here are the biggest updates for 2025:
- Test Track 3.0: A major reimagining with new ride vehicles and queue exhibits opening in late summer 2025
- GEO-82 Lounge: A new Spaceship Earth-themed adults-only lounge opening in spring 2025
- CommuniCore Hall and Plaza: New festival and entertainment spaces
- Dreamers Point: An inspirational new area featuring a Walt Disney statue
- Updated Garden Rocks Concert Series: New artists for the 2025 lineup
- Luminous: The Symphony of Us: The newest nighttime spectacular
Wrapping Up Your Perfect Epcot Day
As the lights of Spaceship Earth glow at night, you’ll look back on your Epcot day with so many memories. From thrilling rides to tasty treats from around the world, Epcot truly offers something for everyone in 2025.
Remember, the perfect Epcot day is about the journey, not checking everything off your list. Take time to enjoy the details, try new foods, and experience cultures from around the world. That’s what makes Epcot special.
See you in the future – and around the world!
