Not just a World Showcase, EPCOT has many great rides and attractions for Disney-lovers young and old. Here they are ranked from not-so-best to the best.
When you think of EPCOT, you probably immediately think of the World Showcase, drinking around the World, and a plethora of different cultures being represented all in one place. Did you know, however, that EPCOT actually stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow?” Walt Disney’s original idea was to create his own city of the future. A well-rehearsed, futuristic, even temperature-controlled bubble, a la “The Truman Show.” That said, EPCOT has so much more to offer than just the World Showcase. While some of these rides and attractions are in the different country pavilions, some extend into different part of this park. They are all unique in their own way and each hold a place in people’s hearts. Working our way up from the tenth, to the number one spot, here are the ten most popular and well-known rides/attractions at EPCOT.
WARNING: This list is based on my personal opinion, but as a “Disney Adult,” you’re just going to have to trust me.
10. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Photo Credit: @zulysmoments2816Starting at our number ten spot, The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a family-friendly experience that is sure to make your little ones smile. It’s an omnimover ride that takes you through the story of the famous Disney movie “Finding Nemo.” Throughout the ride you’ll meet different characters like Crush the sea turtle and Bruce the shark who will help you to navigate the underwater world and understand the story of “Finding Nemo.” The final scene of the ride is a beautiful ocean with plenty of fish, and the song “The Big Blue World” plays as you exit the ride. This is definitely a ride more catered toward children, so if you’re reading this, it’ll probably also take your number ten spot. This had to make the list though, because it is still a classic.
9. Mission: SPACE
Mission SPACE. Photo Credit: @yesyspixiedustComing in at number nine we have Mission: SPACE. To start, one thing I actually really enjoy about Mission: SPACE is that it gives riders the option to choose between different intensities of the ride. Having a history of complaints regarding that matter, Disney decided to make another track. On your mission to Mars, you can choose the orange track (more intense) or the green track (less intense.) This simulation ride takes you up into Outerspace, and it really feels like you’re there! Along the way, you and your team run into a few issues, including a meteor shower which you have to navigate in order to land on Mars. This ride is definitely not for those with weak stomachs, as motion-sickness is common afterwards. If you are able to get through the ride without feeling queasy, however, it’s a fun and thrilling experience!
8. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Journey Into Imagination with Figment. Photo Credit: @coheteboyTaking our number eight spot is Journey Into Imagination with Figment. This ride is an adventure for the whole family. You are taken through a series of sensory labs which help you explore your five senses in order to use your imagination. You are brought through the ride by Dr. Nigel Channing, but he is upstaged by the silly and mischievous dragon, Figment! Figment is a very special character to Disney-lovers, as he’s been around since 1983. He was removed from this attraction in 1999, when it was renamed “Journey Into YOUR Imagination,” which caused an uproar from his fans. Due to this reaction Disney knew what needed to be done. They quickly changed the ride, and in 2002 it re-opened as Journey Into Imagination with Figment. It has remained ever since. The ride itself is cute, but not something to fret over if you miss it while in the park.
7. Living With The Land
Living With The Land. Photo Credit: @disney2uMoving up into the seventh spot is Living With The Land. Located in the World Nature Pavilion at EPCOT, this 15 minute slow-moving boat ride takes you through breathtaking scenes of nature. Some being sets, and some being actual functioning greenhouses. You cruise through a plethora of educational scenes, in which you learn about the innovative growing techniques of Walt Disney World horticulturalists. It is an attraction made for those who genuinely care about the well-being of our planet and want to be educated on it. A fun-fact about this ride is that while you are going through the greenhouse, you may spot some Mickey-shaped crops! If not for the beautiful views and the educational lessons, you’ll definitely want to hit this ride up for 15 minutes of air conditioning!
6. Soarin’ Around The World
Soarin’ Around The World. Photo Credit: @sherylberry55vYears ago this would have been much higher on my list, but since this ride was one-upped by the Avatar: Flight of Passage attraction in Animal Kingdom, it’s lost a bit of it’s charm. Now that’s not to say it’s a bad ride at all, in fact I really love it but I do think it could use some upgrades. That being said, Soarin’ Around the World is an elevated simulation ride, where you hang-glide through the most beautiful and interesting parts of our planet. Yes, you are actually lifted about 40 feet into the air. On your journey, you soar through the clouds, past stunning glaciers, through deep canyons, meet some animals along the way, and more! Of course, by the end you are flying through Disney’s EPCOT, where you’re greeted with colorful fireworks. This simulation ride feels so real, you’ll just want to keep going on it and seeing new things.
5. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Photo Credit: @wwdparksNumber five on this list is going to be the brand new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This ride opened on October 1, 2021. Everything inside is huge to make you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a rat, just like the ride’s title character, Remy. This is a 4D experience in which you are riding in a cart that looks like a rat, takes you through the kitchen, dining room and walls of Chef Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. An impressive aspect of this ride is that it’s trackless, so each cart is run by computerized technology, making it a much smoother experience. This ride is extremely entertaining and an overall great time. It is a must-do!
4. Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth. Photo Credit: @disneystuff69A popular dark ride and a Disney classic. Coming in at Number four is Spaceship Earth. The location of this ride is absolutely stellar, it being inside the EPCOT Ball and all. Think about it, you literally get to go inside the huge 18-story EPCOT ball. That’s cool no matter what’s inside! The ride time coming in at over 15 minutes is what really adds to the experience. On most rides, you wait over an hour just to be entertained for 2-5 minutes. This is not just an attraction, it’s an experience. Spaceship Earth takes riders past multiple scenes of animatronics, showing how the Earth has evolved from the very beginning. It is truly mesmerizing. The very best part though is toward the end of the ride, where you’ll get to answer a few questions on the computer screen in front of you, prompting the ride to tell you about a custom future world made just for you. This ride is always worth the wait.
3. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Gran Fiesta Tour. Photo Credit: @disneyscott98I’ll be honest, I rode the Gran Fiesta Tour three times in one night, and no I am not ashamed of it. This dark boat ride located in the Mexico Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of my absolute favorites. The story of the ride is that the famous Donald Duck has gone missing south of the border, and his two other caballeros, Panchito the charro rooster and José Carioca the Brazilian parrot must find him. It’s an intriguing story with bright and colorful animations to liven up the scene. One part of this ride I adore is that you make your way through the inside of the Mexico pavilion, and pass by the San Angel Inn Restaurante where people are enjoying their meals! It makes the experience so interesting and personable. Finally, who can forget the catchy tune of the Three Caballero’s song? I catch myself singing it all the time.
2. Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After. Photo Credit: @wdwntFrozen Ever After takes the number two spot on this list. This ride is another dark boat ride that is located in the Norway pavilion in the World Showcase. Filled with Frozen’s hit songs and lovable characters, this ride brings so much joy to its riders. It’s a slow ride for the most part, but there are some surprises thrown in that just make it wonderful. There are thrilling drops, going forward and backwards. The variety of direction makes Frozen Ever After truly a blast. This ride also uses the first ever all-electric audio animatronics, making them look so real. It opened back in 2016 and has been a hit ever since. The line is always super long (for obvious reasons), so if you get the chance to ride this one, take it!
1. Test Track
Test Track. Photo Credit: @wdwmagazineHere it is, the number one ride at EPCOT. It’s Test Track. In line for this ride, you literally get to create your own virtual concept car. How cool is that? When you get to the ride itself, you are placed in a six-passenger simulation car on a track, where you whip, turn and glide through traffic. You’ll make your way through bumpy terrain, severe winding roads and eventually survive an almost “accident!” After this indoor exploration and evaluation of your car, you’ll zoom through doors leading to outside, where you can feel the wind in your face as you ride at 65 miles per hour. This is easily EPCOT’s most thrilling ride and people just can’t get enough. Be mindful of the weather on the day you choose to go to EPCOT though, as test track often closes when it rains. When it’s open on sunny days, it is an absolute treat and a must do!
There you have it. EPCOT’s most well-known attractions ranked from least best to best. I would say worst to best, but I don’t necessarily think any of them are bad at all! Hopefully this list will help you out on your next trip to Disney, so you know which rides to hit up first.
