Epcot In One Day | Disney World for 1-day Itinerary

If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation and want to determine what to do in Epcot in one day during your trip, you are in the right place. As Florida locals, we are in the parks very often, and Epcot is a family favorite! 

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There are a few reasons to try to do Epcot in one day, maybe you only get one day in the parks and Epcot is the best…I mean, first choice. Or maybe you have the four day/four park pass and you are opting for one park each day, or it could also be a longer Disney vacation, but you plan to mix in parks, relaxation and other activities like Disney Springs or a round of golf. Whatever the reason may be, let’s make your experience of Epcot in one day the best it can be! 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, Epcot offers an incredible mix of experiences. Known for its iconic World Showcase, innovative attractions, and delicious international cuisine, Epcot is one of Disney World’s most unique parks. Here’s a guide to making the most of a full day in Epcot, with something for everyone—from families to solo travelers, and everyone in between.

All About Epcot

EPCOT is a unique theme park at Walt Disney World Resort, known for its mix of futuristic attractions, world cultures, and culinary experiences. Divided into two main areas—World Showcase and World Celebration, Nature, and Discovery (formerly Future World)—EPCOT invites guests to explore science, technology, and world cultures in an engaging, immersive way.

In World Showcase, guests can explore 11 country pavilions, each representing a different nation, with authentic food, shopping, entertainment, and architecture. It’s a popular spot for international cuisine, “drinking around the world,” and seasonal festivals like the Food & Wine Festival.

The World Celebration, Nature, and Discovery sections feature innovative attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’ Around the World, and Test Track, alongside educational experiences such as Living with the Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. EPCOT also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing art, nature, and global flavors.

With thrilling rides, cultural experiences, and spectacular nighttime shows like EPCOT Forever, the park offers a mix of entertainment and discovery, making it a favorite for visitors of all ages.

All The Rides and Epcot Attractions 

While Epcot doesn’t have many rides, it has some of the best rides in all four parks, in my humble opinion. 

World Discovery

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – A thrilling indoor roller coaster with reverse launch and storytelling featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy. 
• Mission: SPACE – A simulated space mission with two levels of intensity (Orange for intense, Green for a milder version).
• Test Track – A high-speed attraction where you design your own car and take it on a thrilling test drive. (Currently under refurbishment for a complete reimagining)

World Nature

• Soarin’ Around the World – A breathtaking simulated hang-glider ride over iconic landscapes from around the globe.
• Living with the Land – A slow-moving boat ride exploring innovative farming methods and Disney’s experimental greenhouses.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – A family-friendly ride that follows Nemo and his friends through an underwater adventure.

World Celebration

• Spaceship Earth – A dark ride inside the iconic EPCOT geosphere, showcasing the history of human communication and technological progress.
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment – The ride vehicles (known as “omnimovers”) take guests through various labs dedicated to each sense: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. As Dr. Channing attempts to explain each sense, Figment “hijacks” the demonstrations, filling them with unexpected, fun surprises.
• Friendship Boats – The Friendship Boats are ferry-style boats that transport guests across World Showcase Lagoon, connecting the World Showcase Entrance (near Canada) to the Morocco Pavilion. These boats are a relaxing and scenic way to travel from one side of the World Showcase to the other, providing a break from walking and great views of the pavilions.

World Showcase

• Frozen Ever After – A gentle boat ride in the Norway Pavilion that transports you into the world of Frozen, with animatronic characters and favorite songs.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – 
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – A relaxing boat ride featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito as they tour Mexican landmarks with plenty of humor and music. 

While EPCOT focuses heavily on cultural experiences, dining, and festivals, these rides add excitement and variety, making it an entertaining park for all ages! 

Best Rides in Epcot for Kids

Many people automatically think of Epcot as an “adult park” but that’s not the case! While it is a great park for adults, there are plenty of things to do for kids within the park, starting with the rides. 

• Frozen Ever After
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure 
• Three Cabenros 
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends 

Best Rides in Epcot for Adults (or Thrill Seeking Kids)

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mission: SPACE 
• Test Track 
• Soarin’ Around the World
• I am also a big fan of Living with the Land! It’s very informative and a nice, relaxing experience. Though I know not everyone is looking for the slower pace 🙂 

Experiences in Epcot 

EPCOT offers a diverse range of experiences, shows, and attractions that celebrate innovation, world cultures, nature, and imagination. Here’s an overview of everything you can experience in EPCOT, from thrilling rides and character meet-and-greets to cultural shows and interactive activities.

World Discovery

Futuristic and space-themed, this area focuses on exploration, technology, and adventure.

• Playground @ Mission: SPACE – Located at the exit of the ride you will find an indoor playground and interactive experiences. 
• The JAMMitors – A high-energy percussion group known for their creative use of everyday items as instruments. Dressed as janitors, they use trash cans, brooms, and dustpans to create rhythmic music, infusing comedy and choreography to keep audiences engaged. 
• Splash Pad – It’s somewhat small but there is a splash pad and misters ar the crossroads of Mission: SPACE and Cosmic Rewind. 
• Playground Near Connections – The setup usually includes structures for climbing and interactive play elements, making it a great spot for little ones to burn off energy while parents can take a break
• Club Cool – Hosted by Coca-Cola, offers guests the chance to sample a variety of Coca-Cola products from around the world. Each soda station provides unique international flavors, from the famously bitter Beverly (Italy) to fruity options like Bon Bon Anglais (Madagascar) and Royal Wattamelon (Philippines). It’s a fun, free activity for guests to taste test and explore global flavors.

World Nature

Celebrating the Earth and its natural beauty, World Nature has attractions and experiences that inspire wonder and conservation.

• Turtle Talk with Crush – A live, interactive show where kids can talk to Crush, the sea turtle from Finding Nemo. Crush responds in real-time, creating a unique experience each time.
• The Aquarium in The Seas with Nemo & Friends – This two-story, 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium houses over 4,000 sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. It’s one of the largest in North America! 
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – An interactive, outdoor water trail inspired by the Disney movie Moana. Guests of all ages can learn about the water cycle and interact with water features in a beautifully designed space.
• Awesome Planet – A 10-minute, 4D film that showcases the incredible beauty and diversity of Earth’s environments. Narrated by Ty Burrell, the show explores various ecosystems with stunning footage, breathtaking visuals, and environmental messages.

World Celebration

This central area celebrates human achievements, communication, and imagination.

• Project Tomorrow – Located at the exit of Spaceship Earth, this interactive exhibit allows guests to explore futuristic concepts and technologies through hands-on displays and games.
• Encanto Sing-Along – A delightful and vibrant experience that allows guests to join in the fun of singing along to the hit songs from Disney’s Encanto, a beloved animated film.
• ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs – This creative play area, located at the exit of the Journey Into Imagination ride, lets kids experiment with music, colors, and imagination through interactive exhibits.
• Pixar Short Film Festival – A 4D theater experience that screens three popular Disney and Pixar short films. Each film is enhanced with 4D effects like seat vibrations, air bursts, and water spritzes, which make the experience more immersive and interactive.

World Showcase

An immersive journey through 11 country pavilions surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon. Each pavilion offers unique experiences celebrating culture, food, art, and entertainment.

Mexico Pavilion

• Coco Experience – a projection-mapped display featuring characters from the Disney Pixar film “Coco,” primarily focused on Miguel and Dante, which can be seen on the walls and structures within the pavilion, creating an immersive experience related to the Day of the Dead theme. 
• Mariachi Cobre – A live mariachi band that performs traditional Mexican music. They often perform outside the pyramid, creating a festive atmosphere.

China Pavilion

• Reflections of China – A 360-degree film that takes guests on a scenic tour of China’s landscapes, cities, and cultural landmarks.

Germany Pavilion

• Live Music – During seasonal events, German bands often perform traditional polka music, bringing a lively feel to the pavilion.

Italy Pavilion

• Sergio the Juggler – A comedic street performer who entertains guests with juggling and fun interactions in the Italian square.

The American Adventure Pavilion

• The American Adventure – An animatronic and film show narrated by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin, highlighting pivotal moments in American history.
• America Gardens Theatre – Concert pavilion which hosts many free concerts throughout the year depending on the current festival or season. Epcot’s concerts offer something for everyone, with each season bringing fresh musical experiences and diverse genres that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re into rock, Broadway, or international sounds, the music at EPCOT adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your day at the park. Be sure to check out the schedule in advance! 

Japan Pavilion

• Matsuriza Drummers – Traditional Japanese taiko drumming group that performs powerful rhythmic music on large drums.

Morocco Pavilion

• Gallery of Arts and History – An indoor exhibit showcasing Moroccan art, clothing, and artifacts.

France Pavilion

• Impressions de France – A classic film highlighting the beauty and culture of France through stunning visuals and a stirring musical score.
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – A short sing-along experience where guests can sing favorite songs from Beauty and the Beast.

United Kingdom Pavilion

• British Revolution – A band performing British rock and pop music hits. (Note: there are a variety of concerts through the year, it may not be British Revolution when you are in the park) 

Canada Pavilion

• Canada Far and Wide – A 360-degree film that showcases the landscapes and cities of Canada with narration from famous Canadian actors.

Nighttime Show

• EPCOT Forever – A nighttime fireworks and laser show held around the World Showcase Lagoon. It celebrates EPCOT’s history and future with classic music, lights, and pyrotechnics.

Character Meet-and-Greets Throughout EPCOT

Epcot offers some of the best character meet-and-greet experiences in Disney World, with a range of classic and unique characters located throughout the park. Here’s where you can find some of your favorite Disney characters:

Mickey & Friends

• Location: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and sometimes Goofy greet guests in the Imagination Pavilion at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival entrance.

Frozen Characters (Norway Pavilion)

• Characters: Anna and Elsa.
• Location: Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavilion. Step into a cozy, Nordic-style house to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen. This character meet-and-greet is especially popular with kids, as it brings the magic of Arendelle to life. 

Princesses in the World Showcase

• Belle (France Pavilion): Belle often appears in her classic blue village dress in an outdoor setting, near the water or garden areas.
• Snow White (Germany Pavilion): Snow White greets guests near the wishing well in the Germany Pavilion, making for a charming meet-and-greet spot.
• Mulan (China Pavilion): Mulan appears outside the temple in the China Pavilion, offering a unique character meet-up that adds to the cultural experience of the pavilion.
• Jasmine (Morocco Pavilion): Guests can meet Jasmine near the Morocco Pavilion in a lovely garden setting.

Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins (United Kingdom Pavilion)

• Alice and Mary Poppins each have unique meet-and-greet spots. Alice often greets guests in a whimsical garden, while Mary Poppins can be found in a more traditional English garden setting. Both characters provide charming interactions, perfect for photos.

Donald Duck (Mexico Pavilion)

• Location: Mexico Pavilion, typically near the entrance to the pavilion or by the pyramid.
• Donald dresses in his Three Caballeros outfit, bringing a fun, festive atmosphere to the Mexico Pavilion. He’s a popular character here, so expect some lines but also plenty of lively interactions.

Tips for Finding Characters

• Use the My Disney Experience App: The app provides updated times and locations for character appearances, helping you plan your day.
• World Showcase Rotations: Some characters only appear at specific times, so checking the schedule in advance can help you catch your favorites.

Seasonal Festivals and Interactive Experiences

Throughout the year, EPCOT hosts a series of special events:

• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – A celebration of global cuisine with specialty food booths, wine tastings, and culinary demonstrations.
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Features live art demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and special food and beverage items inspired by art. 
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – Known for its stunning topiaries, garden displays, and outdoor kitchens serving fresh springtime dishes.
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Includes holiday food, décor, and entertainment, along with the popular Candlelight Processional, featuring a celebrity narrator reading the Christmas story with an orchestra and choir.

EPCOT’s diverse experiences make it a park where guests can explore, learn, and have fun across the realms of culture, innovation, and nature, making every visit a memorable one.

KidCot Fun Stops 

Kidcot Fun Stops are a family-friendly activity in EPCOT’s World Showcase that give young visitors a fun way to explore the different countries and cultures represented around the park. Located in each World Showcase pavilion, Kidcot Fun Stops let kids collect unique souvenirs and learn about each country in a creative and engaging way. Here’s a breakdown of how the Kidcot Fun Stops work and what makes them a great addition to a family day at Epcot.

When kids visit their first Fun Stop, they receive a Ziploc with a spot to collect all their cards and keep track of the countries they’ve visited.

How It Works

1. Starting Your Adventure: Pick up your Kidcot bag and your first card at any pavilion in the World Showcase.
2. Visit Each Pavilion: As you make your way around the World Showcase, stop by the Kidcot station in each country to collect a new card. Each card has illustrations and facts about the country, including greetings in the local language, interesting symbols, and cultural insights.
3. Collect and Color: The cards feature small images that kids can color in, making the experience interactive and personalized. The coloring and collectible elements make it fun for children, allowing them to create a set of keepsakes from each pavilion they visit.
4. Learn as You Go: Each Fun Stop is staffed by a Cast Member, often from the represented country. They’re happy to chat, answer questions, and offer fun cultural facts. Many Cast Members add special touches to the cards, like writing the child’s name in their native language or adding a custom stamp, which gives kids a unique learning experience at each stop.

Where to Find the Kidcot Fun Stops

Each World Showcase pavilion has its own designated Kidcot Fun Stop:

• Mexico: Near the marketplace or inside the pyramid.
• Norway: Often located near the entrance of the Norway shops.
• China: Near the House of Good Fortune store.
• Germany: Close to the outdoor shops in the pavilion.
• Italy: Around the Italy shops or near Kidcot signs.
• United States: Typically near the American Adventure entrance.
• Japan: By the Mitsukoshi Department Store entrance.
• Morocco: Near the pavilion’s marketplace area.
• France: Close to the Les Halles Boulangerie entrance.
• United Kingdom: Near the garden area or shops.
• Canada: Close to the Trading Post or Kidcot signage.

Why Families Love Kidcot Fun Stops

• Educational and Fun: Kidcot combines learning with fun activities, letting kids engage with different cultures in a hands-on way.
• Cost-Effective Activity: This experience is free with park admission, making it a budget-friendly way to add value to your EPCOT day.
• Souvenir Collecting: Kids get to create a collection of keepsakes from each country, which they can take home as mementos of their EPCOT adventure.
• A Great Break for Little Ones: The Fun Stops are also a great way to break up the day, giving young visitors a chance to rest and recharge between rides and other attractions. Many of them are located indoors as well which is great if you need an AC break from the Florida heat. 

Tips for Making the Most of Kidcot Fun Stops

• Visit Throughout the Day: Rather than doing all the Kidcot Fun Stops at once, plan to visit them as you explore each pavilion. This allows kids to get the full experience of each country.
• Ask Questions: Encourage your child to ask the Cast Members about their home country or language for an even richer experience.
• Bring Extra Coloring Supplies: Each Kidcot card has small coloring areas, but if your child loves to color, consider bringing a small set of markers or crayons to enhance the experience throughout the park, even after you have left the station. 

Kidcot Fun Stops are a fantastic way for kids to engage with EPCOT’s World Showcase and immerse themselves in the cultures of each pavilion. By combining learning with creativity, Kidcot turns a walk around the World Showcase into an interactive adventure, making it one of EPCOT’s most family-friendly experiences.

Best Experiences in Epcot for Kids

• Character meet and greets
• Kidcot Fun Stops 
• ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs 
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
• Turtle Talk with Crush 
• The Aqarium 
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• The Playgrounds 

Best Experiences in Epcot for Adults

• Free concerts and musical experiences 
• Awesome Planet
• Pixar Short Film Festival 
• Not mentioned above, but worth including, the Tequila Tasting experience at La Cava is great! 

Ideal Epcot In One Day Itinerary

Before Arriving 

Plan your Epcot in one day in advance to start off on the right foot. A few things to consider before the day arrives: 

• Will your purchase Lightning Lanes? There are two options, either Multi-Pass or Single Pass. Multi Pass will give you “skip the lane” access to many of the popular rides, while some rides will only have the option for a Single Pass which means to pick a return time to ride that specific ride. Both are an additional cost. (This was previously known as Disney Genie +)
• Will you stay at a Disney World hotel? If you do, you will receive benefits like free Disney transportation and early theme park entry. If you stay at a delixe resort, you may even get Extrended Evening Hours. 
• Be prepared for the virtual queue if you plan to ride Cosmic Rewind. You will need to book this at exactly 7am on the day of your visit. If you get a virtual queue, you will see in the app when the expected return time is for your ride experience. Be sure to pay attention throughout the day as the time can change. 
• Know your entrance. If you are arriving via Skyliner or from one of the boardwalk area resorts, you will arrive from the International Gateway which is between the UK and France in the World Showcase, if you are arriving by bus, monorail or the parking lot, you will arrive at the main entrance at the front of the park. 

Morning: Start Your Adventure

• Early Entry & Rope Drop. Start your day early to beat the crowds. EPCOT generally opens around 9 AM, and if you’re staying on Disney property, you can enter even earlier! If the park opening is at 9am to the general public, the posted early entry will be 8:30am, but in most cases I would plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to then as they usually let guests in before the early entry time. 
• Speed Walk To Your First RIde. I am joking at the speed walking…sort of. You will notice many people doing so as they head to one of the most popular rides. Ideally, I suggest going towards either Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as both rides will have long lines for most of the day. 
• Walk to Another Area. After riding your first ride, I suggest heading to an area at the front of the park where you would like to begin exploring, between World Discovery or World Celebration. Wherever you end up, I would finish all of the rides and attractions in that section while you are there. 
• Grab A Light Breakfast. There are a few places within the park for breakfast, but I always go with a coffee. Dependning on where you are, I suggest a Joffrey’s stop or visiting Connections Cafe. 

Mid-Morning: Explore World Nature  

• This area of the park is home to many favorite attractions, so plan to spend at least 2 hours in this section of the park. Here you can ride Soarin, Living with the Lane, The Seas with Nemo, see Turlte Talk with Crush, wander through Journey of Water and more. 

Early Afternoon: Discover Flavors Around the World

Begin your experience around the world. The World Showcase is a culinary playground offering tastes from 11 different countries. Start your culinary (and Kidcot!) journey as you work your way around the lagoon. There is something for everyone in each pavilion, so be sure to read through the above list to determine which stops are important for your Epcot in one day experience, don’t leave anything untouched! 

You may start to get hungry at this point, and I suggest grabbing a few options from festival booths if they are open or finding a great quick-service restaurant option. 

As you walk around the World Showcase, don’t forget to also include a few attractions that may not be as popular, like the Canada Far and Wide or Impressions de France shows.  

Late Afternoon: Discover Flavors Around the World

You may have heard of the term, Drinking Around the World, which was made popular from taking a tour around the World Showcase and grabbing a drink in each country. We have done this many times and it’s always a great time, but may not be the best way to spend your only day in Epcot. However, if you do decide to partake, I have a great itinerary for you! A few ideas may include starting your “drinking around the world” tour with a classic choice from each pavilion: a pint from Rose & Crown Pub in the UK, sake in Japan, or perhaps a beer flight in Germany. Remember to pace yourself and enjoy the variety responsibly!

Evening: Dinner & Evening Entertainment 

As the sun sets, it’s the perfect time to determine what is still left to do on your list. Are there attractions you haven’t visited yet? Maybe rides you still want to ride? I recommend checking items off throughout the day and wrapping up in time for an amazing dinner at one of Epcots table service restaurants. My favorite is either Space 220 or San Angel Inn Restaurante. For a unique dining experience, book a reservation at Space 220 in Future World for a simulated dining journey 220 miles above Earth, complete with futuristic food options. If you’re craving authentic Mexican, head to San Angel in Mexico for a beautiful, fine dining experience inside the pavilion. 

My recommended 1-day Epcot Itinerary

While there are many things to do based on the list above, I want to narrow down my ideal itinerary to see and do the main attractions in Epcot in one day. It’s going to be a long day, but it will be worth it! Keep in mind that this itinerary doesn’t focus on hitting all of the rides and attractions, but it does include some of them. For the best chance to ride everything and still enjoy the park, I suggest looking into utilizing Lightning Lane Entry for most rides by Multi-Pass for the day and potentially the Individual Lighting Lane option as well. 

7 am: book the virtual queue for Cosmic Rewind 

7:30 am: make your way to Epcot! If you are staying in one of the Disney resorts, transportation will begin 1 hour before the posted early entry time (this is the case for transportation to all Disney parks from a Disney resort)

8 am: arrive to Epcot, you will likely be let into the gate shortly! Know in advance where you are going, I suggest starting with Frozen Ever After. 

8:45 am: after riding Frozen, head to World Discovery and World Celebration. I am estimating that your Cosmic Rewind virtual queue will be called between 9-11am 😉 

9 am: if Mission: SPACE is on your list, head there now. Once Test Track reopens, that will be a great second ride. It’s also a great time to grab a coffee from Joffrey’s or Connections Cafe. 

10:15 am – 12:30 pm: ideally, you have had the chance to ride Cosmic Rewind (the BEST ride ever!) by this point and it’s time to head to World Celebration, followed by World Nature. You should be able to experience a few rides/attractions from this list at this point: Encanto show, Journey of Water, Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Soarin, Living with The Land. 

12:30 pm – 1:30pm: It’s time to eat! While I don’t recommend sitting down at either a quick service or table service restaurant at lunchtime especially, I do recommend starting your walk around the World Showcase to start snacking and drinking your way around the countries with festival food. If you start in Mexico, you will be following the “crowd”, if you start in Canada, you will be following the path Disney designed based on their festival passports…I will let you determine which way to head first! 

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Enjoy everything that the World Showcase has to offer! Ride Remy if you have the time, watch the Beauty and the Beast Sing-A-Long, continue trying snacks and drinks from around the world and maybe meet some characters. 

5:00 pm: Grab dinner from one of the quick-service options around the park. Now is the time for a short rest while you determine which rides you would still like to try! 

6:00 pm – 8:15 pm: Ride a few more rides, see a show, enjoy the concert if there is a good one, and soak in everything Epcot has to offer! 

8:30 pm: Grab a spot for the Evening Spectacular which will take place on the lake. 

9 pm: End your amazing Epcot in one day experience!

Unless…if you have extended evening hours in Epcot, I highly recommend saving this time to ride Remy and Frozen! 

 Tips for a Smooth Day in EPCOT

• Stay Hydrated: Florida can be hot, so keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up for free around the park. 
• Use the My Disney Experience App: Track wait times, mobile order food, and manage your Lightning Lane reservations.
• Pack Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be covering a lot of ground, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear.
• Take Breaks: EPCOT has several shaded areas and indoor attractions where you can take a break from the sun.
• Enjoy The Day: There is a lot to see and do in Epcot, but you should also have time to enjoy the experience as there aren’t a ton of rides to focus on. 
• Stop for Photos: Epcot has some amazing places for photos around the park!

By following this itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of what EPCOT has to offer in a single day. From thrilling rides and captivating shows to delicious cuisine and drinks from around the world, EPCOT promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.