EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a theme park unlike any other in the world. Divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase, the park offers some thrills, hands-on experiences and demonstrations, delicious dining, and numerous learning experiences. The question of how long to spend in this park is a rather difficult one. If you are pressed for time, you can easily spend half a day hitting only the main attractions. If you have a lot of time allotted for Epcot, you could easily spend an entire day or two in the park.You can reach the park by monorail, so if you are coming from a hotel on the monorail route or from the Magic Kingdom, this is the easiest and quickest way to get there. If not, you can simply take a bus from your hotel.
The front half of the park is Future World. Different themed pavilions house various shows and attractions. Your first stop should be The Land pavilion. This houses Epcot's newest ride, Soarin', a simulated attraction that makes you feel as if you are hang gliding over California. It is still extremely popular and lines can get very long if you don't make it there early in the morning. Next, head to Test Track. This ride takes you through the various aspects of vehicle testing, including uphill climbs, cold and hot chambers, use of brakes, and actual course driving at speeds of up to 65 mph. If the lines are long when you get there, either grab a Fastpass or use the Single Rider line. Although the Single Rider line separates your party, it is well worth it because it often saves you from a long wait. Mission:Space is next on the agenda. This is a ride worth experiencing, but I wouldn't necessarily call it fun. The ride simulates take off and weightlessness in space, which ultimately amounts to intense pressure on your head. If you don't want the intense experience, Disney now offers the Green Team line, which allows you to ride the ride without the high powered spinning. (The Orange Team is the original ride).
The other attractions have relatively little wait time. The Land Pavilion has a Living with the Land boat ride that can get crowded. Quite frankly, the ride is not thrilling and is only worth going to if you get a Fastpass and can get on with no wait. The Imagination! Pavilion has the always entertaining Honey I Shrunk the Audience 3-D show. Just be aware, many youngsters are scared of this show because it features dogs, snakes, and mice in 3-D. Spaceship of Earth is the attraction housed in the giant Epcot ball. The attraction is a mediocre ride through the history of communication. The Universe of Energy is an entertaining show/ride through energy with the always witty Ellen DeGeneres. Unfortunately, the show is a bit long (about 45 minutes) and breaks down rather frequently. There is also the Seas with Nemo and Friends. This pavilion features a kiddie ride and many displays and exhibits with sea creatures. Finally, don't forget about Innoventions. Housed in two different buildings: Innoventions East and Innoventions West, both feature futuristic video games and interactive exhibits. My absolute favorite is a walking tour of the House of the Future! You can spend as little or as much time as you want to hear.
The second part of Epcot is World Showcase, which features pavilions of 11 different countries. The only ride here that ever gets a long wait is Maelstorm in Norway, so hit this boat-ride attraction first. Other than that, take your time wandering through the other countries. You really need to check your park map to see the different forms of entertainment taking place in each country. Be sure to try some delicious cuisine from one of the countries, and remember lunch prices are always much cheaper! My favorite food is Teppan Edo in Japan and Marrakesh in Morrocco. Also, catch the American Adventure audioanimatronic show in the US. Canada, France, and China each have movies, but if you are pressed for time, skip them. There is nothing spectacular about any of them. Wander through the stores and take lots of pictures as you meander through the countries and as park closing nears, grab a spot and watch the always amazing Illuminations fireworks.
From journal Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando!