EPCOT

EPCOT is the second theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, opening on October 1, 1982. Originally envisioned by Walt Disney as a futuristic “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” the theme park has evolved in a celebration of global culture, innovation, nature, and human achievement.

EPCOT is divided into four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. EPCOT has over 40 attractions and exhibits, with more new Walt Disney World rides and experiences coming in the future.

EPCOT Overview

EPCOT offers a mix of thrilling rides, interactive exhibits, global pavilions, the wide variety of dining, seasonal festivals, and cultural entertainment.

See the key Walt Disney World tools you will want to familiarize yourself with to make the most of your park experience.

Here are more details on the best strategies and itineraries for touring EPCOT, with and without Walt Disney World’s line-skipping service, Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

• Early Entry: EPCOT Early Entry Guide
• Morning rope drop: EPCOT Morning Strategy
• 1-day trip: EPCOT 1-Day Itinerary and Do You Need More Than One Day at EPCOT?
• Small kids: EPCOT Itinerary With Small Kids
• Lightning Lane rides: EPCOT Lightning Lane Rides Ranking

EPCOT hours vary throughout the year depending on the season but EPCOT typically opens later than other parks and stays open later. See an overview of the EPCOT hours you can expect:

• Disney World’s EPCOT Hours

Transportation options to EPCOT include:

• Disney Skyliner (from Skyliner resorts and Hollywood Studios)
• Disney Bus Service
• Monorail (via the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom)
• Boat Transportation (from EPCOT-area resorts)
• Guests driving their own vehicles will park in the EPCOT parking lot near the main entrance.

There are several EPCOT restaurants to choose from, including table-service and quick-service restaurants. See more details about these restaurants:

• Best EPCOT Restaurants Ranked

Before your visit, it’s helpful to check out the EPCOT map so you are familiar with the layout of the park and its lands.

• 2025 EPCOT Map of Disney World (Printable PDF), Plus Individual Lands

The most popular entertainment offering at EPCOT, Luminous The Symphony of Us, is performed around World Showcase Lagoon. It features fireworks, fountains, and musical storytelling celebrating unity and human connection.

• EPCOT Fireworks: Best Viewing Tips for Luminous Plus Dining Package Info

There are several EPCOT rides across the park’s different lands. See the best ones ranked below:

• EPCOT Rides Guide – Best Rides RANKED

EPCOT is home to seasonal festivals throughout the year, each offering food booths, entertainment, and special merchandise celebrating the arts, gardening and spring, food and wine, and international holidays. You can read more about the EPCOT seasonal festivals in our calendar and guide:

• EPCOT Festival Guide and Calendar 

EPCOT Neighborhoods

EPCOT is divided into four neighborhoods, each with its own theme and attractions:

World Celebration: This is the central hub of EPCOT, home to Spaceship Earth, Dreamers Point, and interactive areas like CommuniCore Hall. It serves as the entrance and festival center.

World Discovery: Focused on science, space, and technology. Here you’ll find Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and Mission: SPACE.

World Nature: This area is dedicated to the natural world and includes a large aquarium and indoor pavilion. Attractions here include The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Living with the Land, Soarin’, and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

World Showcase: A 1.2-mile space featuring 11 international pavilions themed to Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Each pavilion offers food, entertainment, and cultural exhibits.

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