Epcot Center Orlando
Disney Day Trip Guide

Epcot Center Orlando is just one of four theme parks that comprise Walt Disney World Resort in the sunny state of Florida.

The other three are Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. There are also two water parks that are Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.



What does EPCOT stand for? Answer - Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Epcot Center Orlando Attractions

Epcot theme park is spread out throughout three hundred acres which is double the size of the Magic Kingdom theme park and is divided into the Future World and the World Showcase.
 
Future World is definitely where it's at and is filled with remarkable attractions, fabulous entertainment and shows which all center on advancement in technology, innovation and wonder for the young as well as for the young at heart.

World Showcase Pavilions

Upon entering the main gate at Epcot theme park you will find the World Showcase. Once inside you will discover a group of pavilions that house attractions, restaurants and shops.

China Pavilion - Photo courtesy of Darren Wittko

You will not be at a loss for a very large variety of food to choose from at these restaurants as they represent the culture of eleven countries including Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, United Kingdom and of course the United States.

Beautiful Canada Pavilion Gardens - Photo courtesy of Judy Malley

With such a vast array of foods being showcased, there is bound to be something for everyone. The prices range on the low end from about $15.00 and under to about $60.00 at the high end and everything in between. It all depends if your taste buds are leaning more towards pizza and a salad or more along the lines of a juicy filet mignon.

English Pavilion Rose & Crown Pub - Photo courtesy of Sam Maycock

The Rose & Crown pub is an excellent spot to watch the Illuminations Fireworks. Read more about Disney Fireworks and where to see them.

Attractions at Epcot Center

There are so many attractions to see and experience at Epcot center Orlando that I am almost at a loss for where to begin! Of course if you have been there before and have children, I am sure they already have your list of where to go and what to see all planned out before you even step foot out of your home!

There are so many "must sees" that it will be challenging to narrow it down to just a few exceptional ones to be sure not to miss.

The Circle of Life -  where everyone can be taught about protecting our planet by watching this live, animated twenty minute film which features Pumbaa and Simba from "The Lion King." The age range for this one is anywhere from pre-schoolers up through adults.

Ellen's Energy Adventure - which stars comedian and television talk show star Ellen! This multi-media attraction embarks you on a journey from the dinosaurs up to the present day which explores what empowers the Universe and our individual lives today, while peeking into the future to see how we just may be living then. The age range for this is pre-schoolers to adults.

Journey into Imagination with Figment which was actually voted Best Epcot Attraction for Kids! There is a dragon named Figment who is on quite a journey through the laboratories within the Imagination Institute. Figment has a topsy-turvy outlook which proves that ones imaginative qualities work best when they are set completely free. The age range for this is from pre-schoolers to adults.

Mission: Space at Epcot  - Where else but Epcot center Orlando can you travel eight thousand miles in five and a half minutes on an exciting journey which allows you to "become" an astronaut on a space flight to Mars, all from a theme park comfortable seat?

Photo courtesy of Philster

There is an interesting pre-amble to the ride showcasing many famous astronauts from history.

The main ride of Mission Space is a virtual reality space mission. There are two different rides - one is the full intensity, full G-force, centrifuge experience and the other is not.

The more intense ride is really like what NASA astronauts experience in flight training - if you have a weak stomach, high blood pressure, anxiety, back problems, heart condition or any condition that may be worsened by intense motion - you are advised NOT to risk this ride and go on the less intense version instead.

You will also be dodging meteors as you fulfil your aeronautical tasks at hand yet there is also a less intensive flight option available. The age range for this is from kids to adults so probably is not the best for pre-schoolers!

Minimum height to ride - 44"

Epcot Center Orlando - Is One Day Enough?

This is a wonderful place for a family summer vacation getaway and I would be completely surprised if anyone could see and do everything in one day or even two.

Even three days may be pushing it but anything is possible depending on how many people you are going with for the main thing, ages and energy levels of each, and what pace everyone wants to enjoy Epcot Center Orlando at. If you do go anytime soon have a great time!

Epcot Center Orlando to all Orlando Attractions home page