How to Do Epcot Like A Pro

by London Diva

EPCOT! Oh how I miss you so. Traveling around the world, discovering imaginative attractions whilst riding “knock your socks off” thrill rides, is just way too much for any sane adult to ignore. This 1-day plan is tried and tested (November 2016).

We may have visited as adults, but I’d like to think this plan includes steps with input from the children within us. I’ve also adapted certain options to suit families with younger members.

At Epcot you’ll find that Soarin’, Test Track and Mission: Space, all operate the rider switch program. This means that these rides can be included in your own plan even if you have little ones that do not meet the height requirements.

This plan includes estimated wait times. However keep in mind that crowd levels in November can vary. We arrived on the 7th (the day after Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party began) and stayed through till the 21st.

During our first 10 days we experienced low to average crowds. These rose from the 17th and by the 18th, crowds were crazy. We used this plan on the 9th and the morning especially, was quiet.

This plan assumes you are staying onsite and you should amend your morning plans if needed to arrive at the park on time.

1-Day Epic Epcot Itinerary

Fast Passes:

10.30am Turtle Talk with Crush (we DID NOT need this fastpass whatsoever. Swap out for another of your choice but don’t waste it)

12.10pm Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character spot

7.30 pm Frozen ever after

Plan

7am Wake up early – You do not want to arrive at any park after it’s opened (unless you are visiting in the afternoon til closing) Have breakfast in your room or grab something to go and be up and out by 7:30am

8:30am Arrive at Epcot, Future world entrance – Arriving early means shorter lines and easy movement through security. Have your bags ready to be inspected and be ready to visit your first attraction at 9am. Most Disney world parks will open before official opening time.

9:15am Attractions – Visit the following attractions in order. You may wish to swap out Soarin’ for Test Track as wait times for these can be long. We rode both without fastpasses as we used our tier 1 fastpass for Frozen Ever After (thank god we did!). We headed straight to Soarin’ as it’s my favorite ride at Epcot, but you can check the wait times for each (download the My Disney experience App) and judge these for yourself.

Soarin’ – 15 minute wait time

Test Track – 20 minute wait time

11am Turtle Talk with Crush – Used within fastpass time period. We didn’t need this at all as we still had to wait 15 minutes to go in at exactly the same time as everyone else.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends – 10 minute wait

The seas main tank and exhibits – 10 minutes viewing

Mission Space Orange/Green – 15 minute wait time

12.30pm meet Disney pals at Epcot Character Spot – Fastpass 5 minute wait time – regular wait time 45 minutes

Drinks at Club Cool

Spaceship earth – 10-minute wait

2pm – 6pm FREE TIME – We used this time to have move over to World Showcase and have lunch at the Rose and Crown pub in the United Kingdom. Lunch was delicious; I can recommend the sausage and mash! Advance dining reservations are definitely recommended (we booked 180 days out).

You could however take a break at your hotel or a hotel nearby. Disney’s boardwalk and surrounding hotels are easily reached by ferry from Epcot’s international gateway. Alternatively if you have young children and want to head home early, grab a quick lunch and head straight over to World Showcase. Continue the plan and you can adjust your end time to suit accordingly.

We visited World Showcase and implemented my very own version of drinking around the world. Obviously, if you are on a family trip, I do not recommend partaking in any such activity. However, below, I have included some of my recommendations based on our time exploring this area. Visiting the entirety of World showcase will take a second visit. We spent a morning here later in the week.

6pm Epcot World showcase – Clockwise from the United Kingdom

United Kingdom – Drink Mixed Pints

Canada

Mexico – Drink Margherita – Ride Fiesta Tour starring the three Caballero’s

7.30pm Norway – Shot of Aquavit – Ride Frozen Ever After – Fastpass 10 minute wait time – regular wait time 90 minutes (you can take the shot before or after 🙂 )

China – Eat Dinner at the Lotus Blossom Café’

Italy – Eat from the Gelato stand

Japan

Morocco

France – Drink Grey Goose slush

9.30pm Leave the park and head back to your hotel. On our departure from Epcot the line for the Art of Animation Resort was out of this world. We found that getting a $7 Uber home when faced with such a wait was well worth it.

This plan is jam-packed and although there are times throughout the day to stroll around and to rest, you need to be prepared for a long day. The following day we slept in late and headed to Typhoon Lagoon in the late afternoon. I recommend taking it easy the following morning and if you MUST visit a park make sure it’s in the late afternoon and you stay until close.

Ready to book your next Disney vacation? Why not contact Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Patricia from All for Dreams Travel? Her services are FREE for you and she can help you with all of your travel needs! Click here for a free quote!