EPCOT
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EPCOT is a Walt Disney World Resort theme park in Bay Lake, Florida. Walt Disney had a dream of building a self-sustained city that would be called the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Disney Imagineers paid homage to Walt's vision by naming this theme park EPCOT Center when it opened in 1982. Over the years, the acronym was dropped, and the park is now called EPCOT.
EPCOT is a theme park that beautifully combines fun and learning. Its hourglass shape includes two main sections. The northern section is home to World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. You'll find attractions, rides, and hands-on exhibits that teach guests about nature and innovation here. The Southern section is the World Showcase. It wraps around a scenic lagoon with 11 pavilions depicting a variety of countries. As you stroll through each pavilion, you are immersed in the architecture and culture of the country it represents.
How to Get There
The nearest airport is Orlando International Airport. You can reach EPCOT by renting a car, using a rideshare, or taking Mears Transportation. Once you arrive at Walt Disney World Property, Disney's bus, ferry, and monorail systems provide transportation. EPCOT is 24 miles south of Orlando.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to EPCOT
Visit EPCOT
When visiting EPCOT, you don't want to miss Spaceship Earth. This ride is found inside the park's iconic silver geosphere. Other must-see attractions include the Imagination Pavilion, where you'll find the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride and the Imagination Labs. The Land Pavilion features the Living with the Land boat ride. This is also where you'll find Soarin' Around the World. This ride makes you feel like you're hang-gliding over the world's most recognizable locations. While you stroll through the World Showcase, stop in France to ride the 3-D Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and in Norway to ride the Frozen Ever After boater ride.
The best time to visit EPCOT is in September through November when crowds and temperatures are lower. EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays runs through November and December with musical performances, holiday food and drinks, and decorations. Each July through November, EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival allows you to sample drinks and nutrition worldwide. During the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, you'll find beautiful gardens featuring Disney character topiaries from March through July.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased for EPCOT on the Walt Disney World website. Tickets are only valid for the dates selected during your purchase. They range in price from $108 to $169 for adults and $104 to $164 for children ages 3 to 9.
Family-Friendly Options
Children of all ages love Turtle Talk with Crush, where kids interact with the characters on the screen. The entire family will enjoy the vast aquariums in World Nature, and the World Showcase Kidcot Fun Stops invites kids to collect activity cards at each country's pavilion. Little ones also have fun meeting Disney characters throughout EPCOT. They can even eat dinner with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
You'll want to be at the park when it opens to ride Test Track and Mission: Space before the lines get too long. Afterward, explore everything in the front of the park before having lunch at the Sunshine Seasons food court. You can then spend your afternoon wandering through the countries and enjoying the live performances. Have dinner at one of the many World Showcase restaurants featuring authentic food. Don't forget to find a spot along the lagoon in time to see the nightly fireworks. Capture memories by having a Disney photographer take photos of your family in front of the park's many icons or with the characters.
EPCOT Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Sherwood Forest RV Resort is operated by Thousand Trails, a membership campground organization known for its high-end amenities. This RV park in Kissimmee includes more than 500 RV pads. Events are frequently held at the property.
Hidden in the expanse of the Florida Disney parks is one of the best campgrounds in the state. Fort Wilderness allows you to enjoy a Disney vacation RV-style. Experience the best of Florida with these camping sites that let you spend a day catching fish, floating down a river in a canoe or kayak, ride through the forest on a guided horseback ride, or try your hand at archery.
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, located in Central Florida, is just minutes away from some of the most famous attractions. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are just a few that your family can enjoy while staying at this KOA campground.
Activities Near EPCOT
Things to Do
Fishing
Two to four-hour guided fishing excursions are offered on Disney's Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, Crescent Lake, and World Showcase Lagoon. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. All fishing is catch and release only.
Boating
Several Walt Disney World resorts have marinas to rent a pontoon boat. You'll enjoy theme park views and the natural Florida surroundings as you explore Disney's lakes, lagoons, and inlets. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Camp Ground.
Swimming
Every Disney resort features a central swimming pool and smaller quiet pools. Main swimming pools are themed to match their resort and may include slides, slash pads, and kiddie pools.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Summer temperatures are hot in EPCOT. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and hats. Spring and Fall are pleasant, but winter can see temperatures that drop into the 50s. Be sure to bring a jacket for those chilly days. It's wise to bring rain ponchos into the park with you, as Florida can experience quick and unexpected showers at any time.
Safety & Accessibility
Guests needing wheelchairs or ECVs can bring their own or rent them inside EPCOT. Most attractions are accessible and can accommodate those in a wheelchair. Service animals are allowed. Hand-held devices are provided for the visually impaired, and sign language translations are offered on select days. All guests must follow safety warnings when entering and exiting rides.
Conclusion
EPCOT is a family-friendly theme park offering something for all ages. While exploring all this country offers and visiting Florida's other beautiful and scenic attractions, spend at least one day in EPCOT.
FAQ
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort offers sites for RVs and tents. They also have cabins available. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, swimming, and nightly character campfires.
Yes, EPCOT is an RV-friendly location. Oversized vehicles such as RVs are welcome in the parking lot.
You must purchase a date-specific ticket for the day you plan on attending. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park is enormous.
EPCOT offers attractions and rides for all ages. While many are educational, Disney incorporates fun and their characters into each exhibit to make it more family-friendly.
No. You cannot bring your pet into EPCOT unless it's a service animal. Disney owns and operates an on-site kennel where you can board your pets.