Epcot is the Magic Kingdom’s nerdy older brother that used to be the coolest kid on the block till he failed his SATs and had to repeat his senior year.
I miss The Living Seas / Seabase Alpha, Horizons, The World of Motion, Journey into Imagination, Maelstrom, and even nap time with Ellen (or Universe of Energy). A visit to Epcot isn’t complete without lamenting the Future World of yesteryear and having a few drinks around the world.
That being said – Epcot has always been my favorite park and likely will be even if it becomes overrun with thrill rides and character intrusions – I’m looking at you Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille. This wonderful educational park that is half science fair and half world’s fair will always be a special place and with that here is our Top 5 of Epcot.
5. Spaceship Earth
The iconic big silver ball aka Spaceship Earth is the first ride you see upon entering the front gate at Epcot. Unlike Cinderella’s castle which encourages you to walk deeper into the park Spaceship Earth almost blocks the view of the rest of Epcot. While the ride is dated and a little behind the times (we end in Steve Job’s garage pre-Apple) it does have a compelling message about communication and very entertaining animatronics. From papyrus to the moon – if you can read this thank the Phoenicians.
4. Drink Around the World
Start in either Mexico or Canada and take a drink in each country of the World Showcase. That’s Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada or 11 drinks in total.
No – I haven’t done it and have no plans to do it but this is probably the most popular drinking game in any Disney park. I list it here because while I don’t like a drink in each country there are some great drinks and even small bites that make the walk around the World Showcase a lot of fun. I like doing a couple of things and looking for something new every time I visit. If you decide to Drink around the World be careful. I hear security is no joke.
3. Soarin’
I know this was originally a California Adventure ride and was kinda shoved into a corner in The Land in Epcot where it is a questionable fit at best. A flying ride in a pavilion dedicated to the land? So maybe they weren’t counting on it being as popular as it is. The original was all about California and now you go on a stunning trip around the world.
This is easily one of the best rides in any of the parks and combines a thrill ride with a show. It is a little less jarring than Avatar Flight of Passage or Star Tours that are somewhat similar in design. Never been? Check out our 360° – you’ll want to check it out.
2. Le Cellier
Le Cellier or the cellar is almost hidden under the Canada pavilion and is one of the best restaurants in a park full of outstanding food options. Underground and cozy if you didn’t know it was there you could easily walk by. They are known for their beer cheese soup, poutine and of course steak. Take a friend and get the Porterhouse Steak for Two. You won’t regret it.
1.Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
I had a hard time deciding between Canada and Norway for the top spot. I decided that while Le Cellier has amazing steaks that is really a special trip where a dessert run to Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe was something you could do every time you visit or more than once on any visit. Norway and the ability to go more often won. After you walk the mile or so loop of the world showcase you can spare the calories so why not? Go for the School Bread or Viking Chocolate Mousse but odds are good anything on the menu will be a hit. If you don’t get fast passes to Frozen (formerly Maelstrom) don’t stress – this is better anyway and you won’t get a song stuck in your head.
