Well known by theme park fans, Epcot is an intriguing concept that has been open for almost four decades and continues to draw in huge crowds every year.
So what exactly is it, what attractions does it offer, and should you plan a visit to Epcot to experience what it has to offer for yourself?
A vision of the future
Epcot is actually an acronym that Walt Disney himself coined, representing the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
As the name suggests, the original idea was to showcase futuristic technologies and ideas about how human civilization could change and evolve going forward.
Originally opened in the fall of 1982 at Walt Disney World in Florida, Epcot has continued to be improved and augmented, and today is one of the world’s most-visited attractions, which is a resounding endorsement of the experiences that it offers in its own right. And there are lots of other things to see and do if you arrange a vacation to this part of the country, so you can create an adventurous itinerary whatever your preferences.
The best Epcot attractions
There are a lot of rides vying for competition to become the best EPCOT’s attractions, and the good news is that these tend to be family-oriented rather than all-out, intense roller coasters which aren’t great for younger members of the group.
From the relaxed charm of Frozen Ever After to the jaw-dropping effects of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, there are attractions that are explicitly inspired by famous Disney and Pixar films.
There are also stage show-style experiences which are packed with animatronics, including The American Adventure, as well as more interactive shows, such as the Beauty and the Beast sing-along.
Then you can immerse yourself in the simulation-style rides, with Mission: SPACE perhaps being the top pick in this regard. The idea is that you and several others can take charge of the controls of an interstellar craft and make choices that will determine the outcome of the game.
A look at the rest of the site
Epcot isn’t a theme park that exists in isolation, and indeed one of the reasons that it has managed to remain so renowned is because it forms a wider part of Walt Disney World, as mentioned.
This all-encompassing resort includes the Magic Kingdom, with its rides, parades, classic characters, and more besides. Then there’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which has live attractions, roller coasters, and also a raft of Star Wars-related rides, shops, and even restaurants as well.
Also worth mentioning is the Animal Kingdom park, which has a mixture of real exotic animals including tigers and giraffes, as well as rides inspired by movies, such as Avatar. Visitors can even get hands-on with critters under the guidance of experienced trainers and conservation staff.
As you’d expect, there’s on-site accommodation available if you want to make the most of your trip and see Epcot in addition to the other theme parks. Of course, staying off-site is also an option, and it’s a good idea to book tickets and rooms with plenty of warning, both to get a good deal and to avoid missing out entirely.
Other considerations for planning a trip to Epcot
By now you have probably come to the conclusion that visiting Epcot is well worth the price of admission, especially if you’re already a big Disney fan. But are there any things you should know before you commit to vacation here?
Well, first of all, it’s a good idea to schedule your trip at a time when you get the right combination of moderate business and fine weather conditions.
In the heat and humidity of the Florida summer, when the crowds are thronging the outdoor areas and queues are sizable, Epcot is trickier to recommend, especially for young families.
Meanwhile, if you visit earlier in the year, or in September, you will not have to put up with quite so much crowding or climatic complications.
So if Epcot Theme Park and the wider resort complex it shares with all sorts of Disney-related attractions sounds good to you, a trip there will be a treat for the whole family.
