No planned visit to EPCOT is complete without a guide of all its attractions and rides.
The 2nd of 4 parks to open at Walt Disney World, EPCOT is the result of Walt Disney’s dream of an experimental community combined with the genius of Walt’s successors. An acronym that stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT combines entertainment and education to create “edutainment” for people of all ages to enjoy and learn from.
With a mix of thrill rides, slow educational attractions, and adventure shows, EPCOT has rides for everyone in the family. But exactly what rides and attractions does EPCOT offer?
Read on for your ultimate guide to every ride and attraction at EPCOT.
Important Details to Know About Rides at EPCOT
Table of Contents
Knowing some simple-but-important details about the rides at EPCOT is key to a magical vacation.
In this guide, you’ll find a understanding of each ride’s storytelling. You’ll also learn what type of guest will enjoy each ride and what type of guest might want to skip it. Next, you’ll learn which rides offer specific access options such as single rider or Lightning Lane service. Finally, you’ll learn each ride’s height requirement in order to understand if you and your group can ride together.
The following guide has each of these bits of information to make understanding the rides at EPCOT easier.
Before jumping into each EPCOT ride, let’s briefly cover several ride access options you can expect to see.
Single Rider and Rider Switch Options
Walt Disney World has Single Rider lines at only 4 rides – only 1 of them are at EPCOT.
Single Rider lines are specifically for 1 person who fills up any remaining open spaces on certain attractions. This potentially cuts your wait time down compared to going through the standby queue. However, with the widespread use of Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, single rider lines are few and far between.
Guests also have the option of using Rider Switch, which is popular among families with kiddos who can’t or don’t want to ride a particular ride. Similar to the Rider Switch option utilized at Disneyland Resort, 1 person stays with the non-rider while the other responsible party (age 14 and up) and accompanying guests (up to 2) enjoy the attraction. Once finished, they can switch riders in order to experience the same attraction without having to wait again in the queue.
Rider Switch is a great way to ensure that anyone can ride without worrying about their younger kiddo!
Useful Tools for Reduced Wait Times: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass
More prevalent across the Disney World theme parks is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass – both paid services that allow you to make attraction “reservations” through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
A complete replacement of the FastPass+ service from years past, Lightning Lane Multi Pass gives guests specific return-times to ride multiple attractions throughout the day. On the other hand, the Lightning Lane Single Pass, allows you to purchase individual reservations for the most in-demand rides and attractions.
Both of these tools, when used strategically, allow you to experience a high number of rides and attractions you otherwise couldn’t do on a busy Disney park day.
Virtual Queue System
Disney has utilized the virtual queue system for its newest and most popular attractions instead of a standby queue.
Virtual queues allow for improved crowd control, cutting down wait times. In other words, you can enjoy more rides and attractions during your visit. However, if a ride uses a virtual queue, there is no standby queue available.
Make sure to check out our guide to virtual queues at Disney World to learn how to conquer Disney World’s Virtual Queue system.
EPCOT: Rides by Neighborhood
Even though 1982’s EPCOT was much different from the original vision of EPCOT Walt Disney had, the EPCOT of today has changed drastically since.
Walt originally dreamed up EPCOT as a utopian city of the future, full of new technologies. However, after Walt’s death, Imagineers combined the idea of a showcase of international cultures with a showcase of cutting edge technology to make a theme park full of fun and learning. After going through several iterations, ride closures, and makeovers, EPCOT today is divided up into 4 different themed areas – otherwise known as neighborhoods.
Let’s go over each neighborhood at EPCOT and and guide you through their respective rides and attractions.
Rides at World Celebration
The first neighborhood you when entering EPCOT from the main entrance, World Celebration connects guests with one another and the world around them.
The first ride looming over you as you pass the beautiful fountain is the iconic Spaceship Earth. Part of EPCOT’s most recent changes, World Celebration then greets guests with several relaxing seating areas as well as 2 additional rides and attractions.
Spaceship Earth
The signature landmark of EPCOT, Spaceship Earth has guests spiral through an 18-story geosphere showcasing human’s developments in communication.
Currently narrated by Dame Judi Dench, this omnimover-style dark ride sends you back in time, starting with cavemen writing on the walls and journeying through the development of communication technologies such as the alphabet (where you’ll thank the Phoenicians), the printing press, and the first computers.
Spaceship Earth’s ride system is an amazing use of the geosphere’s interior. As you reach the top, you get to design your own futuristic lifestyle full of technologies we have yet to develop. After riding, don’t forget to explore Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future with your party!
Spaceship Earth is a must-do attraction for everyone visiting EPCOT.
Skip If: You don’t do well with dark, enclosed spaces
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: Wait times for Spaceship Earth tend to be lower in the early afternoon, after the morning rush of guests. Additionally, you can find several Easter eggs and Hidden Mickeys here! There are 3 Hidden Mickeys in the Renaissance scene. There are also a number of animatronics who share the same facial structure as many of the presidents in the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom. Imagineers did this to save time and money when developing rides!
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
If you’ve ever wondered where EPCOT’s zany-looking purple dragon comes from, this is it.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment takes you on a tour of the Imagination Institute as you become a test subject in the sensory labs, proving how the 5 senses capture the imagination. However, the mischievous Figment takes over your tour, turning the lab upside down, causing a stink, and more. Most of all, be prepared for the classic Sherman brothers tune, “One Little Spark” at the end of the ride – it’s sure to be an earworm for the rest of your vacation!
When you get off the ride, don’t forget to explore the interactive activities at ImageWorks Labs after you disembark from the ride!
Even with its current iteration, Journey Into Imagination with Figment is one of my favorite rides at EPCOT.
Skip If: You are sensitive to too many stimuli
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip:Â You’ll rarely see long waits, making it a great way to escape the Florida summer heat or to fill time in between other attractions.
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Next door, the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival allows you to experience popular Disney and Pixar short films in amazing 4D.
This 18-minute festival features 3 dazzling short films: Get a Horse, Feast, and Piper. As you don your 3D glasses, be prepared for special in-theater effects fully immersing you in these short films! Also make sure to explore the pre-show exhibit showcasing the creative process behind the beloved stories and characters in these short films.
The Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is an underrated-but-fun attraction for guests of all ages.
Skip If: You’re sensitive to 3D films
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip:Â You’ll rarely see long waits, making it a great way to escape the Florida summer heat or to fill time in between other attractions.
Rides at World Nature
World Nature is “dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world.”
To your right shortly after entering EPCOT, World Nature encompasses several buildings and areas, each with their own rides and attractions.
Soarin’ Around the World
Located in The Land Pavilion, Soarin’ Around the World sends you on a journey to some of the most famous destinations.
Although the ride system and experience is a direct transplant from Disney California Adventure, it’s themed after an airport terminal instead of a airplane hangar. After you board the ride, you’re whisked away on a hang-glider tour of the world, complete with IMAX-quality images depicting the Matterhorn, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and more.
Soarin’ Around the World is a great ride for those with the spirit of adventure.
Skip If: You’re sensitive to IMAX films or you’re prone to motion sickness
Access:Â Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 40″ (102cm)
Tip:Â Make sure to keep your noses ready for the different smells special to some of the areas you visit during the ride! My personal favorite is the smell of the ground in Africa.
Living with the Land
The 2nd attraction in The Land Pavilion, Living with the Land takes you on a tour through swamps, inhospitable farm environments of the past, and an amazing futuristic greenhouse.
Divided into 2 parts, the first part of Living with the Land educates you on how the land around us came to be. The second part gives you a tour of the “living laboratory,’ where you see first-hand a variety of different futuristic growing techniques used at Disney World.
Personally, Living with the Land is my favorite ride at EPCOT.
Skip If: I can’t think of a good reason to skip this ride – it’s a must-do at EPCOT
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any height
Tip:Â The greenhouse exhibits change constantly throughout the year. While many plants remain the same, certain plants tend to match the season or the current festival being celebrated. Additionally, Cast Members love to decorate the greenhouse throughout the year!
Awesome Planet
The final attraction at The Land Pavilion, this film is a beautiful call to action to take special care of Earth.
In partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, this 10-minute film features spectacular imagery from across the world. Awesome Planet also features in-theater effects including wind, smells, and water to tell the story of life on our planet and why it’s important to take care of it.
Awesome Planet is a wonderful depiction of the beauty of our Earth and why we need to work to take care of it.
Skip If: You’re sensitive to too many stimuli
Access: No special access options
Height Requirements: Any height
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Moving over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion, the ride of the same name takes guests under the sea and on a journey to find our favorite character from Pixar’s Finding Nemo.
After walking through the queue that slowly takes you “underwater,” you board a “clamobile” deep in the ocean to find Nemo’s friends looking for Nemo himself. Along the way, you see bright-colored coral reefs and dodge stinging jellyfish, underwater mines, and even Bruce the shark!
At the end, you’ll find Nemo and his friends singing a catchy tune, “In the Big Blue World.”
Skip If: You’re sensitive to small, dark spaces
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any height
Tip: Make sure to spend time exploring The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion, which houses a massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium full of manatees, dolphins, and other species of fish. There’s plenty of animals to see and areas to explore here!
Bruce’s Shark World
Another attraction at The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion, Bruce’s Shark World is a fish-friendly, fun, interactive walkthrough exhibit for guests of all ages.
Inspired by the Pixar film Finding Nemo, you can test your undersea knowledge with quizzes from Mr. Ray, Nemo’s teacher. Afterwards, make sure to pose for a photo inside Bruce the shark’s teeth! Don’t worry though, he won’t bite.
Bruce’s Shark World is a great way to learn more about the creatures of the sea.
Skip If: You’re pressed for time during your visit to EPCOT
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any height
Tip: This interactive walk-through exhibit is great for escaping the summer Florida heat while learning about the ocean and its creatures.
Turtle Talk with Crush
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to talk to a 153-year-old surfer-dude turtle?
Look no further, because at The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion, you certainly can. Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive 15-minute encounter as the on-screen Crush has actual conversations with guests in the audience. Using a “hydrophone,” you can ask Crush any question about sea life.
Turtle Talk with Crush is full of smiles, laughs, and pure fun. It’s a must-do for guests of all ages.
Skip If: You’re pressed for time during your visit to EPCOT
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any height
Tip: Make sure to check out the time guides on the My Disney Experience App to find the best schedule for your party to visit Crush
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
The final attraction in World Nature, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a interactive, educational walking path depicting the different stages of Earth’s water cycle.
In line with EPCOT’s original spirit of “edutainment,” Journey of Water has infographics and interactive elements allowing you to become fully immersed in the water cycle.
Including musical strings of running water, “jumping” water fountains, river run-offs, misters, and more, Journey of Water is full of fun and learning for the entire family.
Skip If: It’s difficult to find a reason to skip this attraction since there’s usually no wait times
Access: No special access options
Height Requirements: Any height
Tip: Throughout the attraction, there are both “wet” and “dry” options for those who want to get wet and those who prefer to stay dry. Also, look for each of your favorite characters from Moana carved in the rocks throughout the attraction!
Rides at World Discovery
On the opposite side of World Nature sits World Discovery, a neighborhood where “stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.”
In World Discovery sit 3 thrill attractions.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is not only EPCOT’s first roller coaster. This is one of the most popular EPCOT rides!
Cosmic Rewind is also Disney’s first reverse launch coaster and one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world! Featuring a unique “OmniCoaster” ride system, you experience the thrill of a coaster combined with the Omnimover technology seen in Haunted Mansion. Before riding, the queue and pre-show has plenty of impressive details and effects making you want to come back for more.
Combining state-of-the-art coaster technology with Disney’s great storytelling, you’re called to action to help Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Star Lord, and Drax on an urgent mission to save the world! And of course along the way you’ll rock out to 1 of 6 different songs while saving the galaxy!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an incredible mix of ride technology and great storytelling.
Skip If: You’re prone to motion sickness or don’t do well with dark thrill rides
Access: Lightning Lane Single Pass, Rider Switch (in combination with the Virtual Queue)
Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 42″ (107cm)
Tip: If you’re worried about feeling queasy, we’ve found that continuously looking forward helps to curb motion sickness
Mission: SPACE
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut?
Mission: SPACE is a thrilling simulated NASA-style ride that takes you on 1 of 2 space missions aboard the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle at the International Space Training Center. The first mission, titled “green mission” is less intense, taking you on an orbit of the Earth. On the other hand, the second, more intense mission, titled “orange mission” takes you on a journey to Mars. Each mission is designed to give you an experience that is as close as possible to what an astronaut experiences.
Whichever mission you choose, your crew is counting on you to make the mission a success!
Skip If: You’re prone to motion sickness or dislike small, enclosed spaces
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Rider Switch
Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 40″ (102cm) to ride “green mission” and 44″ (112cm) to ride “orange mission”
Tip: If you’re sensitive to motion sickness but still want to ride, the ride system for the “green mission” does not spin or tilt, making it easier to tolerate
Test Track
The final ride in EPCOT World Discovery is Test Track, a popular thrill ride that tends to have long wait times.
Test Track takes you through the process of designing and “testing” your own vehicle and “testing” in a futuristic test track. When designing your vehicle, you’ll have options to optimize for certain characteristics, such as efficiency, responsiveness, capability, and power. Then, once your design is done, you’ll buckle yourself in your ride vehicle and go through a series of tests to quantify how good your design is.
Make sure to hold on, because you’ll reaches speeds of up to 64.9mph!
Skip If: You dislike quick turns or high speed rides
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Rider Switch, Single Rider
Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 40″ (102cm)
Tip: Don’t forget to explore the “showroom” featuring Chevrolet cars and interactive experiences!
Rides at EPCOT World Showcase
When people talk about EPCOT, they always mention 1 of 2 things: Spaceship Earth and eating and drinking around World Showcase.
Centered around the beautiful World Showcase Lagoon, World Showcase features 11 sections representing different countries from around the world. Within many of these countries are rides and shows reflecting some of the culture and beauty each country has to offer.
Let’s go over each ride and show World Showcase has to offer.
Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Deep inside the Mexico Pavilion sits one of my favorite slow EPCOT rides, Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros.
Here, you get to take in the sights of Mexico and follow along with Panchito and José Carioca) as they search all over Mexico to find Donald Duck. Your relaxing cruise down the Rio Grande combines live-action footage, hand-drawn animation, and a catchy musical score from the 1944 Disney film The Three Caballeros.
The best part: wait times tend to be low all day.
Skip If: You dislike slow, dark boat rides
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: Make sure to explore the indoor shopping area full of authentic Mexican souvenirs and treasures.
Frozen Ever After
Norway Pavilion became extremely popular thanks to the fan-favorites Anna and Elsa, who are featured in Frozen Ever After.
Frozen Ever After brings you on a voyage to Arendelle in a Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the world of Frozen. Along the way, you’ll sing along with Olaf, rub shoulders with trolls, encounter Elsa in her ice palace, and meet even more of your Frozen friends.
However, you should prepare yourself for the forward and backward plunges down short waterfalls!
Skip If: You dislike short drops (similar to the drop on Pirates of the Caribbean)
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Rider Switch
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: For an even deeper immersion into Norwegian culture, make sure to visit the Stave Church Gallery, which showcases the history of Viking lore. Learn about the gods Odin, Thor, and Loki and their backstories!
Reflections of China
One of four spectacular shows depicting the beauty and history of their respective countries, Reflections of China in China Pavilion sends you on a journey through ancient and modern China in spectacular Circle-Vision 360 degree film.
Your guide Li Bai from the Tang Dynasty takes you on an immersive tour through the sights and sounds of China. You’ll float down the Haungpu River to Shanghai, witness the fluid movements of tai chi and see the incredible acrobatics of the Peking Opera Company – and more.
Reflections of China easily takes you away from Florida, transporting you to the heart of China.
Skip If: You dislike or get dizzy from watching curved screens
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: Make sure to visit the House of Whispering Willows exhibit that showcases artwork from the Shanghai Disneyland Resort. It includes conceptual art and Cast Member costumes from opening day!
The American Adventure
Easily seen from the entrance to World Showcase, The American Adventure allows you to feel the spirit that propelled America to greatness.
The American Adventure is a dramatic production depicting America’s story from birth till now. Featuring 35 audio-animatronic figures, a 72-foot screen, and incredible patriotic songs, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide you through some of America’s most important historical events. Along the way, you’ll meet great innovators and leaders such as Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
I believe that Walt Disney’s spirit of patriotism is alive and well through The American Adventure.
Skip If: You dislike or get dizzy from watching curved screens
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: To learn more about American history, make sure to explore the American Heritage Gallery, where you’ll learn about the Native American influence of our country.
Impressions de France / Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
As we approach our grand circle tour of World Showcase, France Pavilion features 3 attractions – one of them being Impressions de France / Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
Impressions de France showcases the grandeur, charm, and romance of one of Europe’s most enchanting countries – in stunning 200-degree widescreen view. You can ride along horsemen and hunting dogs in the Cheverny Forest, visit the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, walk through a bustling marketplace in Normandy, and see vinters and cognac makers at work.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along allows you to sing along with some of your favorite songs from the animated classic film Beauty and the Beast. You’ll also get to enjoy a new twist on this enchanting tale!
It’s important to note that both of these shows are in the same theater everyday. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes for each show to plan ahead!
Skip If: You dislike or get dizzy from watching curved screens
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: Make sure to explore the Palais du Cinema before the show. Here, you’ll explore 6 distinct gallery cases honoring the costumes, music, and artwork that brought French literature to the cinema, theater, ballet, and opera.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The other EPCOT ride in France Pavilion is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, based on the popular Disney and Pixar animated film Ratatouille.
Identical to the original ride at Disneyland Paris, this trackless 4D ride experience shrinks you to the size of Chef Remy as he goes on a daring adventure through the bustling kitchen, dining room, and walls of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. Along the way, prepare your senses as you see, smell, and feel what it’s like to be the size of a rat!
This EPCOT ride is still popular among guests – we suggest you ride as early as possible!
Skip If: You dislike small, enclosed spaces, or are sensitive to 3D rides/films
Access: Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: Because of the trackless ride technology, your experience can be a little different every time you ride it!
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
The final attraction in World Showcase sits in The Canada Pavilion.
After walking through the beautiful gardens reminiscent of Butchart Gardens, the wonderful rockwork and waterfalls representing the Canadian Rockies, and the Hotel du Canada reminiscent of the Chateau Laurier Hotel, make sure to journey to the back of Canada Pavilion to watch Canada Far and Wide. This 12-minute show gives you a breathtaking look at the Great White North, highlighting Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
Canada Far and Wide is a must-see for your entire party.
Skip If: You dislike or get dizzy from watching curved screens
Access: None (other than standby queue)
Height Requirements: Any Height
Tip: It’s important to note that there is no seating. In other words, you must stand for the entirety of the show. However, you have railings that you can lean on (but not sit on).
Now, which ride or attraction are you most excited for on your next visit to EPCOT?
Need help planning your next EPCOT day? Make sure to check out our guide on how to plan your EPCOT Day with Lightning Lanes!