EPCOT is one of the most amazing theme parks in the world, located in Florida at the Walt Disney World Resort. It's the perfect mix of technology and culture, making it an ideal destination for families. This is the ultimate guide to family attractions at EPCOT.
Like I have said before, I get asked that question a lot. If you haven't read my post on The Top 5 Family Attractions At Magic Kingdom, make sure you click here and read it. But you don't have to do that before you read this post. My Top 5 family attractions at EPCOT.
You need to know before we start that I LOVE EPCOT! I think it offers so much that it is different than any other park in the world. It is the definition of Edutainment. That is something that Walt Disney loved! He loved to educate and entertain at the same time! And I agree with him! There is no better way to learn than when you are enjoying yourself. So for me, EPCOT hits all the right buttons, and every time I am there, I see something new, or I learn something new. And of course, there is the food. But that is a different post!
So let's get started!
5. Living With The Land
Take a slow boat ride through greenhouses and labs on Living with the Land. You'll get to see the latest in sustainable agriculture and learn about how scientists and farmers are working together to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
Living With The Land is the definition of edutainment. And it happens to be one of my must-do attractions at EPCOT. There is no way this would not be in my top 5 family attractions at EPCOT. It is in The Land pavilion (which also has great food!) When you go into the pavilion, head downstairs, and it is to the right of Sunshine Seasons.
The Land is a boat ride that has two parts to it. The first is about the different climates in the world and what grows in those climates. This part is the more traditional dark ride with scenes and audio-animatronics. It is full of sites, sounds, and smells. This section is a lot of fun. And while there is a lot to experience, there is also a lot to learn. Ah, EPCOT, you do not fail us!
The second half of the ride takes you through different innovations that Disney is working on to help feed the world! You go through a couple of different greenhouses, and you also go through a fish farm. The technology is so interesting! It is also a lot of fun to see all the foods we recognize and the foods we DON'T recognize. It is a great attraction for everyone and a great way to start EPCOT.
4. The American Adventure
The American Adventure is the attraction at The American Pavilion. I call it an attraction because that is technically what it is. However, you might find it better to call it a show. I call it an attraction because there are no live actors on the stage (though some animatronics are pretty amazing!) Anyone that knows me, knows that this is one of my top 5 family attractions at EPCOT.
This attraction is a must-see for families visiting EPCOT. This thrilling audio-animatronic show takes you on a journey through America's history, from the country's founding to the present day. With a talented cast of characters, beautiful music, and powerful imagery, you'll experience the story of America like never before.
The show is narrated by Ben Franklin and Samual Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. It takes on a journey through American history. The show starts with the pilgrims and ends in the present. This attraction will make you think, maybe cry, and when the song Golden Dream is sung, filled with emotion.
Things to know about this attraction
That being said, I will tell you that it is a pretty white-washed version of American history. It is not a bad thing; it just doesn't talk a lot about the ugly stuff. But hey, you're on vacation; who wants to go to an attraction that is a downer? It will spark a lot of conversations with your children as they will undoubtedly ask many questions after.
The show runs about every half hour, and you can always get into the next show, so the wait is never too long. There is also a couple of interesting exhibits in the pavilion to look at while you wait. And it is air-conditioned! That is a huge plus! And if you get there, make sure you catch The Voices Of Liberty. It is an acapella group that is one of the finest in the world! They sing Americana songs that you will most likely be familiar with, and for me, it is a must-do to hear them!
3. Turtle Talk With Crush
This should be on everyone's top 5 family attractions at EPCOT. The Seas Pavilion is a really great place, although it is looking its age. But the aquarium is fascinating and HUGE. There is a lot of fish to see and make sure you don't miss the manatee. If you don't know what they are, you will fall in love with them! I love them, and they are native to Florida.
As a huge fan of the movie "Finding Nemo", I was beyond excited to experience Turtle Talk With Crush. I was blown away by this interactive show where Crush, the surfer-dude sea turtle from the movie, actually speaks with the audience! I was able to ask Crush anything I wanted and he responded in real time, making me feel like I was truly part of the show. The technology is incredible and the humor is spot-on. I laughed out loud and had so much fun participating in this one-of-a-kind experience.
There sometimes is a wait for this attraction, but it definitely makes for a great time and is worth it!
2. Spaceship Earth
That big golf ball at the front of the park when you walk in. That is more than just a big golf ball; it is actually an attraction! You heard me, you can actually ride through that big golf ball, and it is a lot of fun!
This iconic attraction is named Spaceship Earth, and takes you on a ride through the history of communication, from the invention of the wheel to the modern digital age. The visuals are stunning and the music is uplifting, making you feel like you're actually traveling through time. I was amazed by how much I learned about the evolution of communication and how it has shaped the world we live in today.
It is so great and a true Disney classic. As a matter of fact, there was a discussion of changing the attractions a few years back to a more exciting ride, but Disney fans around the world would not have it! They wanted it to stay just like it is; that is how beloved this attraction is. It is also helpful that the attraction is so integrated with the structure of the ball that Disney couldn't take it out.
It is an omnimover ride (think Haunted Mansion), and it takes you up through the ball and the history of man. And once you get to the top, there is a great reveal that I'm sure will give you chills. I love this attraction, and while it is showing its age, there are plans to update and upgrade it to improve the already amazing journey through time!
1. Frozen Ever After
Yes, Frozen has an attraction at EPCOT. If you have children (and I am assuming that is why you are reading this), you know what FROZEN is. It is a great animated movie with the song LET IT GO. And I would guess that you just started hearing it in your head. I'm sorry about that.
This attraction is at Norway in the world showcase. This enchanting boat ride takes you through the kingdom of Arendelle, where you'll experience some of the most memorable moments from the film. The stunning audio-animatronics, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable music absolutely mesmerized me. Stepping into the queue transported me into the world of "Frozen". By the end of the ride, I already planned my next visit.
I will tell you that the line for this attraction, as you would imagine, is always long. I mean LONG! the good thing about it is that once you get inside the queue, it is adorable and a lot of fun. But it is a long hot line! This is the attraction you should do first thing in the morning! If you wait, the line will get longer. The other option is to do it LAST. If you can wait that long, The line will go down at the VERY end of the day, and if you are in line before 9 pm, they will let you ride, no matter how long or late it goes—just something to keep in mind.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great family attractions at EPCOT. These are just five of my favorite ones. And if you have kiddos that are more daring, then there are a couple more to consider. There is a lot to do at EPCOT.
I will give you one piece of advice if you have little ones. Don't worry about how much you do. There is so much going on at EPCOT that it is hard to do it all. And there are a lot of opportunities for your children to have fun and do different things. Take your time, and if your child finds something fun to do, enjoy it with them. Those memories will last a lifetime and will be so worth the time you spent on them.
When you go, be sure to share your experience with us here at The Goofy Guy! We would love to hear about all of the fun you had.
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