Epcot is a theme park at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida. It focuses on technology, world cultures, and new ideas. The park has two main areas: Future World and World Showcase. Its famous landmark is the big globe-shaped building called Spaceship Earth.
Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/epcot/
Phone: +1 407-939-5277
Located in: Walt Disney World Resort
Address: Bay Lake, FL, United States
How to Book EPCOT Center Tickets for One Day
To book a one-day Epcot ticket, you can purchase it online through the Walt Disney World website or by visiting a Disney Ticket Center in person. You’ll choose a one-day ticket and select Epcot as your desired park. Theme park reservations are generally required for some ticket types, so make sure to check for availability before purchasing.
1. Online Purchase (Recommended):
- Visit the Walt Disney World Website: Go to the official Walt Disney World website.
- Select “Tickets & Packages”: Locate the section for purchasing tickets.
- Choose a Ticket: Select “Theme Park Tickets” and then choose the number of days you want to visit.
- Choose Your Park: Specify the park you want to visit (EPCOT).
- Select Your Date: Choose the date you plan to visit.
- Theme Park Reservation: You may be prompted to make a theme park reservation, depending on the type of ticket and the date. If required, select an available date and park from the available reservations.
- Add Tickets: Select the number of tickets you need for your party.
- Add Options: You may have the option to add features like Memory Maker (unlimited Disney Photopass downloads).
- Complete Purchase: Finalise your purchase by providing your payment information.
2. In-Person Purchase:
- Visit a Disney Ticket Center: Go to the Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs or to the ticket booths at the park entrances.
- Purchase Tickets: Tell the ticket agent you want to purchase a one-day ticket to Epcot.
- Select Your Date: Choose the date you plan to visit.
- Theme Park Reservation: The agent may help you with making a theme park reservation if required.
- Complete Purchase: Provide payment information.
When does Epcot open?
Opening Hours of Epcot Theme Park generally opens to the public at 9:00 AM daily, with some attractions and areas potentially opening later. Disney World hotel guests can experience “Early Entry,” allowing them to enter the park 30 minutes before the general public, starting at 8:30 AM.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| General Opening | Epcot usually opens at 9:00 AM. |
| Early Entry | Starts at 8:30 AM for Disney Resort hotel guests. |
| Select attractions are available during this time. | |
| Attraction Opening Times | Some attractions, like World Showcase, may open later (e.g., 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM). |
| Extended Hours | Epcot may stay open later on certain days. |
| Check the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for updates. |
When does Epcot Close or Closing Hours of Epcot Theme Park
Epcot typically closes to the general public at 9:00 PM; however, this can change depending on the day, events, and if the park has Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for resort guests.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Normal Park Hours | Epcot operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. |
| Early Entry (Hotel Guests) | Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels may enter the park from 8:30 AM. |
| Attraction Opening Times | Some attractions may open later, around 10:00 AM or later. |
| Extended Evening Hours | Available on select nights for Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa guests. |
| Guests may stay up to 2 hours after park closing. | |
| Check Walt Disney World’s calendar or My Disney Experience app for exact dates and times. | |
| Private Event Buyouts | Epcot may close early for private events (e.g., 5:30 PM on May 21, 2025, for the SAP Sapphire event). |
| Planning Tip | Use the My Disney Experience app to view showtimes, attraction hours, and access times. |
What are the Top Attractions at EPCOT
EPCOT offers a wide array of attractions, from thrilling rides to immersive experiences. Some popular choices include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a coaster with a reverse launch and rotating seats; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a dark ride taking you through Gusteau’s kitchen; and Frozen Ever After, a boat ride through Arendelle. Additionally, Soarin’ Around the World offers a simulator ride experience, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a ride chronicling Nemo’s journey.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: This dark ride takes you on a journey through Gusteau’s kitchen, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and smells of Remy’s world.
- Frozen Ever After: Board a ship and journey to Arendelle to experience the magic of Anna and Elsa.
- Soarin’ Around the World: This simulator ride takes you on a “flight” over various scenes around the globe.
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends: This ride chronicles Nemo’s journey, featuring projection technology that makes it appear as though Nemo, Dory, and Marlin are swimming with live fish.
Best Hotels near EPCOT
Several excellent hotels are situated near Epcot, with Disney’s resort hotels generally offering the most convenient and immersive experience. Some top choices include:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: A luxurious, New England-inspired resort with a pool, beach access, and direct water transportation to Epcot.
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Similar to the Beach Club, but with a more nautical theme and direct access to the park.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: Features a lively atmosphere with a boardwalk-style resort, shops, and restaurants.
- Disney’s Riviera Resort: A modern resort with a European feel, themed around Disney and Pixar films, and water transportation to Epcot.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: A luxurious, Victorian-style hotel offering stunning views and easy access to the Magic Kingdom, as well as a pool area and world-class dining.
Can we get the best Rides at Epcot?
Yes, Epcot has several popular rides that are considered among the best in Walt Disney World. Some highly-rated options include:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Many consider this a top-tier ride, particularly if you enjoy thrill rides. It’s a smooth, indoor roller coaster with a unique theming.
- Soarin’: This ride immerses guests in a flying experience, showcasing stunning scenery.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: This trackless dark ride takes you on a journey through the world of Remy and his culinary adventures.
- Test Track: This ride allows you to design your own vehicle and then test its performance.
- Living with the Land: This boat ride explores the history of agriculture and food production.
- Frozen Ever After: This dark ride features a classic Frozen story with familiar songs and characters.
- Spaceship Earth: This ride chronicles the history of communication, from cave paintings to modern technology.
- Mission: Space: This simulation ride offers two different levels of intensity, allowing you to choose your own thrill level.
Epcot’s Most popular Rides
The most popular rides at Epcot are Spaceship Earth, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Test Track. These rides are known for their immersive experiences, thrilling rides, and overall popularity among guests.
1. Spaceship Earth:
- Location: Future World
- Type: Dark Ride
- Experience: A journey through the history of communication, starting with prehistoric times and ending with the digital age.
- Popularity: This is the flagship attraction of Epcot and a must-ride for many visitors.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:
- Location: World Discovery
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Experience: A next-generation coaster that takes you on a thrilling journey through space, featuring a unique combination of thrilling moments and immersive storytelling.
- Popularity: It is a popular ride, known for its intense thrills and immersive experience.
3. Test Track:
- Location: World Discovery
- Type: Simulation/Ride
- Experience: Guests design their own virtual concept car and then test it on a high-speed track.
- Popularity: Known for its thrilling speeds and the interactive aspect of designing your own car.
What is the Best Food at EPCOT Center?
EPCOT has many food options, from quick snacks to fancy meals. Some favourites include the Brie cheese bread bowl in the France pavilion, School Bread from Kringla Bakery in Norway, and classic Fish & Chips in the UK area.
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada): This restaurant is known for its excellent steak and beautiful ambiance.
- Via Napoli (Italy): A classic choice for delicious pizza and Italian cuisine.
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France): A bakery with a wide array of pastries and breads.
- Biergarten (Germany): A hearty, German-style buffet with options like pork schnitzel and strudel.
- San Angel Inn (Mexico): A restaurant inside the Mexico pavilion with a focus on Mexican food.
What is the Best Snacks at EPCOT?
EPCOT has lots of tasty snacks from around the world. Popular picks include School Bread from Norway, Pepperoni Pizza Roll from Germany. For something sweet, try the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich in France. If you like savoury snacks, the Pork Eggrolls in China or Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese in the American Pavilion are great choices.
- School Bread (Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, Norway): A sweet, airy bread with a creamy custard filling and coconut flakes.
- Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries (Connections Eatery): Fries topped with a unique black garlic-truffle aioli and parmesan cheese.
- Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich (L’Artisan des Glaces, France): A warm brioche bun filled with ice cream and toppings, made in a special press.
- Pork Eggrolls (Joy of Tea, China): Crispy and flavorful egg rolls filled with pork and vegetables.
- Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese (Block & Hans, American Adventure Pavilion): Soft pretzel bites tossed in garlic butter and BBQ rub, served with a warm beer cheese.
- Maple Caramel Popcorn (Canada Pavilion): Popcorn coated in maple syrup, a Canadian speciality.
- Fish and Chips (Yorkshire County Fish Shop, UK Pavilion): Crispy fried fish and thick-cut fries, a British staple.
- Viking Coffee (Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, Norway): A cold coffee with a hint of spice.
What are the Best Drinks at EPCOT?
EPCOT has many tasty drinks from around the world. In France, try the frozen Frosé or Orange Slush. Mexico offers the spicy Blood Orange Margarita. Italy serves the Limoncello Mule, while China has the Honey Jasmine Lager and Kung Fu Punch. The U.S. pavilion features the Moonshine Sour and a unique hard cider. Other fun drinks include Sake Slushie in Japan, Frozen Mint Tea in Morocco, and Viking Coffee in Norway. Each country has something special to enjoy.
What is the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT?
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a large-scale culinary event held annually at Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. It features a diverse range of food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all set within the park’s World Showcase.
1. Global Marketplaces:
- The heart of the festival is the Global Marketplaces, which are themed around various countries and regions.
- Each marketplace offers a selection of food and drink items, often designed to be snack-sized or shareable, allowing guests to try a wide variety of dishes.
- The festival also includes beverage-focused marketplaces, offering unique cocktails, wines, and beers.
2. Culinary Events:
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series: This series features a lineup of live musical performances by various artists, often with performances scheduled throughout the day and evening.
- Seminars and Demonstrations: In the past, the festival has included cooking demonstrations and seminars led by chefs and food experts.
- Premium Dining Packages: Guests can enjoy a special dining experience in select restaurants that includes a meal and guaranteed seating for the Eat to the Beat Concerts.
3. Family Fun and Activities:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak: A family-friendly scavenger hunt where guests search for Remy statuettes throughout the World Showcase and Global Marketplaces.
- Emile’s Fromage Montage: An activity where guests sample different cheeses and can earn a special festival treat.
4. Dates and Duration:
- The festival typically runs for several months, starting in late August or early September and continuing through mid-November.
- In 2025, the festival runs from August 28th to November 22nd.
5. Food and Drink Offerings:
- The festival offers a diverse range of cuisines, including meat-centric dishes, seafood, vegetarian options, and gluten-free choices.
- Portion sizes are generally small, making it easy to try multiple dishes.
- Beverage options include craft beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
6. Cost:
- An entrance to Epcot is required to experience the festival.
- Food and beverage items at the Global Marketplaces are purchased separately and can vary in price, generally ranging from $4 to $12 per item.
- The festival also features a variety of souvenirs and merchandise.
Do you need tickets for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
No, you don’t need a separate ticket to attend the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. You need a valid Walt Disney World theme park ticket and a park reservation for EPCOT. The festival itself, including the Global Marketplaces, entertainment, and other activities, is included with your park ticket.
What Connections Cafe in EPCOT
Connections Cafe & Eatery at EPCOT in Walt Disney World is a fast-casual dining location that combines elements of a Starbucks cafe and a quick-service restaurant. It emphasizes global connection through food, art, and design, reflecting EPCOT’s themes of innovation and unity. Guests can enjoy Starbucks coffee and baked goods at Connections Cafe while also sampling globally inspired dishes from Connections Eatery.
Connections Café
- Starbucks: Features a full Starbucks menu with various coffee drinks, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Global Theme: Displays a showcase of different cultures and their coffee and tea-drinking traditions.
- Art: Includes a massive mural, “Global Gathering,” that depicts people from different cultures coming together around food.
- Open Concept: The cafe has an open layout, allowing for a seamless flow between dining areas.
- Family-Friendly: Provides a comfortable and inviting space for families and groups to gather.
Does Epcot have fireworks?
Yes, Epcot has a fireworks show called “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.” It’s a nighttime spectacular that utilizes fireworks, fountains, music, and light to tell a story about how connected we all are, celebrating the shared cultures and stories that unite us.
Key details of Luminous: The Symphony of Us
Focus: The show celebrates the diversity of cultures and customs across the globe, emphasizing how these shared experiences connect us.
- Elements: It combines pyrotechnics, choreographed water fountains, lasers, searchlights, and even fire torches to create a 360° audio-visual experience on the World Showcase Lagoon.
- Music: The show features a beautiful original score, as well as selections from the Disney songbook, designed to resonate with the theme of unity.
- Viewing: You can watch the show from various locations throughout World Showcase, including World Showcase Plaza, the entrance to World Showcase, and pavilions like America and Japan.
- Timing: Fireworks generally occur around the park’s closing time, so it’s best to check the My Disney Experience app for specific showtimes.
- Dining: You can also enhance your fireworks viewing experience with dining packages at places like Rose & Crown and Spice Road Table, which offer great views of the show and allow you to enjoy dinner without worrying about crowds.
Parking Cost at EPCOT Theme Park
Parking at EPCOT is a straightforward process with options for standard, preferred, and oversized vehicles. Standard parking for cars and motorcycles is $30 per day. Preferred parking, closer to the park entrance, costs $45-$55 per day, depending on the season. Oversized vehicles like RVs and buses pay $35 per day.
Standard Parking:
- Cost: $30 per day.
- Location: Typically located further from the main entrance.
Preferred Parking:
- Cost: $45-$55 per day (seasonal pricing).
- Location: Closer to the main entrance or the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
- Availability: Limited and subject to availability.
- Disney Resort Guests: May be able to upgrade to preferred parking for a difference in price.
Oversized Vehicle Parking:
- Cost: $35 per day.
- Vehicles: Includes RVs, campers, shuttle buses, limos, and tractor-trailers.
Additional Tips:
- Parking Fees: Parking fees are non-refundable.
- My Disney Experience App: Use the My Disney Experience app to locate your car and navigate back to it.
- Arrive Early:To find a spot, particularly on busy days, consider arriving earlier in the day.
- Alternative Transportation: For a more convenient experience, consider taking Disney’s bus, monorail, or ferry service to the park from other locations like Disney Springs or a Disney resort.
