Memorable and Fun Epcot Rides for Adults and Kids: A Complete Guide

I’ve always loved Epcot, even when I was a young kid and it was called EPCOT Center (experimental prototype community of tomorrow). The second theme park built at Disney World often has the reputation of being more educational than fun, but I love how it manages to be both. With this reputation, you may be wondering if Epcot has rides and attractions.

While the culture of the countries in Epcot, as well as the delicious Epcot restaurants, make it a perfect destination for families, there are also some great Epcot rides and attractions. In general, these rides aren’t necessarily thrill rides or scary rides, as you may find in other theme parks. But these rides are so memorable and are so much fun for the whole family to ride and enjoy.

Disclosure: I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, make sure you include a visit to Epcot in your plans. Wondering which Epcot rides to check out? Here’s our guide to Epcot rides and attractions, including tips for your visit.

Spaceship Earth with the monorail in front of it

Note that Epcot is currently undergoing one of the largest reimaginations in Disney history. Lots of things are changing and we’ll update this post as necessary.

A Guide to Epcot Rides and Attractions: Epcot Rides List

Table of Contents

When you visit Epcot, you’ll find that there are now four distinct sections of the park. The former Future World is now separated into World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery. These areas are located in the front of the park and typically open earlier than the World Showcase. When planning your Epcot vacation, you’ll want to make sure that you take that into account.

I usually recommend arriving at the park as early as possible – right before opening, if at all possible. With Epcot, you’ll want to do as much as you can in the front of the park first, before heading to the World Showcase when it opens a few hours later.

Epcot also has a back entrance – the International Gateway. This entrance is most convenient for those walking to Epcot from the Boardwalk or Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs. It’s open even when the World Showcase is closed – you’ll just be guided through the World Showcase into the open area of the park.

If you are planning to visit Animal Kingdom or the Magic Kingdom after Epcot, you’ll want to go through the front entrance, while the International Gateway is closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll find the same things at the International Gateway that you’ll find at the front of the park – ticket sales, security, stroller/wheelchair rentals, a restroom, and a gift shop, just on a smaller scale. There’s also a brand-new Skyliner station right outside the turnstiles.

Before you visit Epcot, you’ll also want to check the height requirements if you’ve got younger kids. That way, they won’t be disappointed if they are too small to ride an attraction they have their heart set on.

Future World Rides (World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature Rides)

Spaceship Earth

Epcot is most known for this towering icon at the front of the park. Have you ever wondered, “What is the golf ball in Epcot?” That “Epcot ball” is the first ride you’ll see as you enter the front entrance of Epcot. Within the “Epcot golf ball” (which isn’t a golf ball at all) is the family-friendly ride Spaceship Earth, one of the most popular rides at Epcot.

This icon of Epcot is also home to a fun ride through time. Learn about communications technology as you travel in a slow-moving ride vehicle. In the end, you’ll get to experience some fun technology both on and off the ride.

Spaceship Earth tends to be busier earlier in the day, so go later in the day, before the ride closes, or first thing in the morning. I definitely recommend riding on it during your Walt Disney World vacation, especially if you haven’t experienced it yet. I usually like to ride it at the end of the day, right before I leave.

Mission: SPACE

I get motion sick and vertigo, so admittedly, I haven’t been on Mission: SPACE. It’s one of the few rides I haven’t been on, but I know it would make me sick for the day. Guests who do want to ride have the option of two missions – Orange or Green.

The Green side doesn’t spin and is a milder version of the ride, while Orange is for those who are a little braver.

If you, like me, are prone to motion sickness and choose to skip the ride, there’s also a training lab you can visit at the end of the attraction. I’d recommend starting with the Green side and then if you enjoy that, try the Orange side. That way, you can ease into it.

Soarin’

Epcot is home to this ride which is also located in Disney’s California Adventure. Consistently one of the most popular rides at Epcot and Walt Disney World (and one of the best rides), Soarin’ is an experience like no other. A third theater was recently added, alleviating some of the perpetually long lines.

The theme of the ride was also changed from California to the Soarin’ Around the World, so if you haven’t recently visited, it’s time to head back. It’s one of the attractions that I feel I have to ride each time I visit Walt Disney World, even though I’ve been on it dozens of times.

To get to Soarin’, you’ll need to go into the Land Pavilion. If you have a stroller, you’ll need to park it before entering the building. There’s a stroller parking section to the right of the building.

Soarin’ is located on the bottom floor of the Land building. The whole building gets very busy, so keep that in mind when selecting Genie+ return times. Plan for a little extra time to get to the entrance of the ride.

Living With the Land

I have such fond memories of riding this fun boat tour with my family when I was a kid. Although my own children are teens/tweens now, they still love taking this boat trip through the greenhouses of the Land pavilion.

It’s a great way to learn about how food is grown. The line is typically short, so it’s definitely worth riding. It’s also a great way to get out of the sun and rain during your day.

Living With the Land is also located in the Land pavilion, adjacent to Soarin’. There’s also a “Behind the Seeds” tour that you can book if you are interested in agriculture. The queue here moves pretty quickly.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

This is another one of my kids’ favorites, featuring that lovable purple dragon, Figment. In the ride, you’ll learn about how imagination works along with the five senses. In the end, there’s a fun imagination lab that my kids love.

This ride is good for younger kids, but even older ones may enjoy it (my kids do). It’s in the Imagination pavilion, just past the Land pavilion. It never seems to get too busy, so you can ride at almost any time, although Genie+ is also offered.

The Seas With Nemo & Friends

Hop into a clamshell for this family-friendly ride through the story of Finding Nemo. It’s definitely great for younger kids (including toddlers) because it’s a gentle movement and a familiar story.

In the end, you’ll be able to explore the world of the ocean and the sea. Kids will especially love Turtle Talk with Crush, which is located in a theater in the pavilion. This ride is another spot where you can get out of the sun or rain during the day and small children love it.

Keep in mind that it is pretty dark in the line queue. When my daughter was young, this frightened her a bit, so be aware of that if your child is afraid of the dark. The line itself is usually not too long, but the walk through the queue does take a few minutes.

Test Track

Test Track is another exciting and popular ride in Epcot. Create a simulation (SIM) car and then ride it through different conditions to test maneuverability, speed, and more. In the end, there are more opportunities to learn about cars.

It’s very popular, often with long wait times, but you can always choose the single rider line. Keep in mind, however, that parties will be split up in the single rider line. It tends to close during rainy or other bad weather, so if the forecast shows rain later in the day, try to ride it earlier.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

The newest ride at Epcot is also one of the most fun! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an innovative thrill ride located in the former home of Ellen’s Energy Adventure. It’s an incredibly smooth coaster that spins and thrills.

Cosmic Rewind currently offers the Individual Lightning Lane and a virtual queue. It’s extraordinarily popular right now, so you’ll need to get either the Lightning Lane or a boarding group first thing in the morning.

World Showcase Rides at Epcot

Gran Fiesta Tour

It’s a fairly simple ride, but the Gran Fiesta Tour is still one of my favorites. Featuring the Three Caballeros, take this boat trip through Mexico to find the missing Donald Duck. It’s inside the Mexican pavilion and is great for kids of all ages.

This ride doesn’t typically have a very long line, so it doesn’t take much time to ride. While you are in the pavilion, check out the shops featuring authentic Mexican souvenirs.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After replaced the Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion. The base of the ride stayed the same, but now you can see Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and your other favorites from Frozen in this boat ride.

Because of the popularity of Frozen), expect to wait in a long line. You can, however, get a Genie+ for this attraction.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

This new attraction in the France pavilion is the same as the Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy ride that is currently in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. This 4D ride takes you on an adventure when you follow Remy as he tries to prepare a meal among a variety of hazards.

Eating at Epcot is almost an attraction of its own, so be sure to visit the various restaurants and kiosks throughout the World Showcase. If you are visiting during one of the popular Epcot events (Food and Wine, the Festival of the Arts, and the Flower and Garden Festival), be sure to stop at the kiosks to purchase food and drink samples.

You can even make a full meal out of it! During your visit to these festivals, you may want to watch the shows that take place outside the American Adventure pavilion in the American Gardens Theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Epcot countries have rides?

Three countries in Epcot have actual rides – Mexico, France, and Norway. Both are dark rides. The other countries have other attractions, including movies, entertainment, and shows. There are, however, two new attractions in the works.

How many days do you need at Epcot?

While you can definitely go to Epcot over just one day, I generally like to go for one full day and a few evenings. That’s because I love the Epcot restaurants. You will need a park hopper to go to more than one park per day, however.

What is the best time to arrive at Epcot?

Like with all of the parks, I recommend arriving at the park opening, whenever possible. This is if you plan on riding some attractions by using the standby lines. Keep in mind that the World Showcase typically opens several hours after park opening.

If you are going to eat at the park, then arrive with enough time to go through the turnstiles and walk to your destination before your reservation.

Is Epcot good for kids?

YES! I know that a lot of people think that Epcot is only for adults, but I definitely think it’s great for kids. There are lots of attractions for kids, including the Seas With Nemo and Friends, Frozen Ever After, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment.

Can you go to Epcot to eat without a ticket?

No, you must have valid park admission to enter the park, even if it’s just to dine at a restaurant. Because of that, you’ll want to plan your dining reservations for a day that you are visiting the park. Having a park hopper is your best option if you want to visit two or more parks in one day.

Does Epcot have fireworks?

A new fireworks show, Harmonious, has just been added to Epcot.

Check out our Epcot attractions and rides story here.