UPDATED December 23, 2024

Originally envisioned by Walt Disney himself as the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” EPCOT first welcomed guests on October 1, 1982. 

EPCOT is currently in the midst of a historic multi-year transformation! The park — previously comprised of World Showcase and Future World — now houses four distinct “neighborhoods”: World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase.

Welcome to EPCOT!

World Celebration is home to the park’s icon, Spaceship Earth.

World Showcase hosts pavilions highlighting the cultures and cuisine of 11 different countries, winding around World Showcase Lagoon.

And if there is ONE Disney World theme park that’s best known for food, it’s got to be EPCOT! Featuring a huge variety of international cuisine, two Character Meals, and everything from fine dining to some of the best snacking in Disney World, there truly is something for EVERYONE at EPCOT when it comes to food!

Willkommen!  Bienvenue! Huān yíng! Benvenuto! Bienvenidos!

WELCOME to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT!

Find the ULTIMATE 1-Day Plan for EPCOT here!

World Celebration

World Celebration is the first neighborhood guests encounter when entering the park, with Spaceship Earth setting the iconic scene. Not only does Spaceship Earth serve as the park’s signature icon, it also houses a classic Disney attraction, to boot.

World Celebration has gone through a major transformation recently. The NEW World Celebration Gardens are now open, and guests can find a tribute to Walt Disney with the ‘Walt the Dreamer” statue at Dreamers Point. It is also home to a BRAND NEW Festival Area: CommuniCore Hall and Plaza!

World Celebration Attractions:

• Journey Into Imagination with Figment — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Spaceship Earth — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Mickey & Friends Meet & Greet

World Celebration Dining:

• Club Cool
• Connections Cafe and Eatery
• World Celebration Popcorn Stand

Entertainment

• ¡Celebración Encanto! is a sing-along featuring popular songs from Encanto! The show is presented several times a day and takes place on the CommuniCore Plaza stage. You can see Bruno and Mirabel throughout the show!
• Forces of Nature — This 15-minute acrobatic show comes from the same company that provides the Art Defying Gravity entertainment during the EPCOT Festival of the Arts! Five AMAZING acrobats perform impressive stunts on a large globe-like stage near the World Celebration Gardens. (Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes)
• JAMMitors — From trash cans and lids to brooms, every cleaning tool is fair game when the JAMMitors are laying down high-energy percussive beats! (Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes)
• Points of Light at Spaceship Earth — Each evening, Spaceship Earth is transformed with beautiful lighting effects set to music. While guests can enjoy this display after the sun goes down every night, you’ll likely catch an extra-special display themed to the park’s current seasonal Festival!

World Celebration Characters:

• Meet Mickey & Friends in CommuniCore Hall — Mickey is always present here! We have seen Minnie and Goofy as the “& Friends;” however, any of the Friends may vary, so look forward to a potential surprise! 
• See Disney Pals near EPCOT’s Main Entrance (Character vary, but we have seen Pluto, Minnie and Goofy here most frequently)
• Meet Figment in the Imagination Pavilion

World Discovery

World Discovery transports guests to the Final Frontier: SPACE!

In fact, this neighborhood is home to the very first intergalactic world pavilion: the Wonders of Xandar pavilion housing EPCOT’s first roller coaster: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!

World Discovery Attractions:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — Guardians of the Galaxy utilizes a Virtual Queue and is available as a Lightning Lane Single Pass option and a Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Mission: SPACE — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Test Track — CURRENTLY CLOSED to be reimagined! The attraction will reopen in late Summer 2025. 

World Discovery Dining:

• Space 220 Restaurant
• Space 220 Lounge
• Refreshment Station
• World Discovery Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosk

World Discovery Characters:

• Meet Star Lord near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

World Nature

World Nature is home to several EPCOT attractions, including the popular Soarin’ Around the World.

The Land and The Seas pavilions are both housed within World Nature. It is also home to the new Journey of Water — the very first Moana-themed attraction!

World Nature Attractions:

• Awesome Planet
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana 
• Living with the Land — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Soarin’ Around the World — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 1 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option
• Turtle Talk With Crush — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 2 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option

World Nature Dining:

• Coral Reef Restaurant
  
• Garden Grill — Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast Character Meal
• Sunshine Seasons
• The Land Cart

World Nature Characters:

• Meet Moana in World Nature

World Showcase

Become a World Traveler in EPCOT’s World Showcase! Take in the culture and cuisine at eleven unique country pavilions surrounding World Showcase Lagoon.

The centerpiece of the area is World Showcase Lagoon, where guests gather in the evening to cap off the day with EPCOT’s evening fireworks spectacular, EPCOT Forever!

Let’s take a trip Around the World!

Mexico Pavilion

¡Hola! from EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion! The pavilion’s signature 36-foot-tall Mayan pyramid uniquely houses a signature attraction and marketplace inside!

Mexico features a relaxing ride, fantastic dining options, and PLENTY of spots to grab a margarita… or two 😉 .

Mexico Pavilion Attraction:

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

Mexico Pavilion Dining:

• Choza de Margarita
• La Cantina de San Angel
• La Cava del Tequila
• La Hacienda de San Angel
• San Angel Inn Restaurante

Mexico Pavilion Entertainment:

• Mariache Cobre
• Marimba de las Americas

Mexico Pavilion Characters:

• See Donald Duck in the Mexico Pavilion

Mexico Cultural Gallery:

• Mexico Folk Art Gallery — currently hosting “Remember Me!” – La Celebración del Día de Muertos

Norway Pavilion

Welcome to Norway! This pavilion is well known for its fun Frozen-themed attraction, Frozen Ever After, and boutiques selling perfume, candy, and expensive sweaters and outerwear.

This pavilion also features Akershus Storybook Restaurant, where you can dine with Disney Princesses in a Norwegian castle.

Norway Pavilion Attraction:

• Frozen Ever After — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 1 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option

Norway Pavilion Dining:

• Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Norway Pavilion Character Meet and Greets:

• See Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhouse

Norway Pavilion Gallery

• Stave Church — “Delve into the myths, Gods and legends of the real Vikings at this exhibit of Norwegian artifacts”

China Pavilion

Guests enter the truly beautiful China pavilion through the Gate of the Golden Sun with the Temple of Heaven in view.

Pathways wind around stunning gardens and lovely ponds into the Temple which showcases the pavilion’s Reflections of China film. They lead further onto the Street of Good Fortune and into a marketplace filled with some of the most unique souvenirs you can find in the park.

China Pavilion Attraction:

• Reflections of China — a 12-minute Circle-Vision 360° film

China Pavilion Dining:

• Joy of Tea
• Lotus Blossom Cafe
• Nine Dragons Restaurant

China Pavilion Character:

• Meet Mulan in China

China Pavilion Gallery:

• House of the Whispering Willows — currently hosting a gallery about Disney’s newest destination: Shanghai Disney Resort!

Germany Pavilion

Can you hear the Oom-pah music in the air? Wilkommen to the Germany pavilion!

You’ll find pretzels, beer, and caramel goodies as far as the eye can see… and the nose can smell, and the mouth can taste! It’s Oktoberfest ALL YEAR LONG! PROST!

Germany Pavilion Dining:

• Biergarten Restaurant
• Germany Hovels
• Sommerfest
• Weinkeller
• Karamell-Küche

Germany Pavilion Characters:

• See Snow White in Germany

Germany Pavilion Entertainment

• Groovin’ Alps — Hear Bavarian folk tunes in a way you’d never expect… with the help of “instruments” from a dairy farm!

Germany Pavilion Fun Finds:

• Miniature Model Train and German Village

Italy Pavilion

Benvenuti to the Italy pavilion! From the architecture to the EATS, you’ll find many reasons to exclaim, “Viva, Italia!”

And if you’re searching for the BEST PIZZA in all of Walt Disney World… then look no further!

Italy Pavilion Dining:

• Gelateria Toscana
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
• Tutto Italia Ristorante
• Via Napoli

Italy Pavilion Entertainment:

• Master Juggler Sergio

The American Adventure Pavilion

The American Adventure is the host pavilion of World Showcase!

The American Adventure is not only the name of the pavilion — it’s also the name of the can’t-miss attraction housed inside the “people’s mansion,” boasting 35 Audio-Animatronics that take YOU on a tour through American history.

The American Adventure Attraction:

• The American Adventure

The American Adventure Dining:

• Block & Hans Craft Beer
• Fife & Drum Tavern
• Funnel Cakes
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

The American Adventure Entertainment:

• Voices of Liberty — 15-minute a cappella performances throughout the day in The American Adventure Rotunda

Cultural Gallery and Exhibits:

• American Heritage Gallery — currently hosting Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors featuring more than 60 oil paintings by President George W. Bush

Japan Pavilion

Yōkoso! You’re in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion!

EPCOT’s Japan is made for strolling and taking time to enjoy the peaceful Koi pond, the sounds of Taiko drumming, and perhaps indulging in some sake, sushi, and more!

Japan Pavilion Dining:

• Kabuki Cafe
• Katsura Grill
• Teppan Edo
• Takumi-Tei
• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya 

Japan Pavilion Entertainment:

• Matsuriza Taiko Drummers

Cultural Gallery:

• Bijutsu-kan Gallery — currently hosting “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture”

Morocco Pavilion

Step into a courtyard filled with citrus and olive trees, date palms, and stunning architecture – THIS is EPCOT’s Morocco!

Meander through a marketplace while you delight in the colors, scents, and tastes of this completely immersive pavilion.

Morocco Pavilion Dining:

• Oasis Sweets & Sips
• Restaurant Marrakesh — Currently Unavailable
• Spice Road Table
• Tangierine Cafe — Currently serving as a Marketplace Food Booth for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals

Morocco Pavilion Characters:

• See Jasmine in Morocco

Morocco Pavilion Entertainment

• Live music and dancing by Atlas Fusion

Morocco Cultural Gallery:

• Gallery of Arts and History — “Race Against the Sun: Ancient Technique to Modern Competition”

France Pavilion

You’ll feel the cobblestone streets beneath your feet as you stare up at the Eiffel Tower – Vive La France!

The France pavilion is home to a new attraction — Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — and a new restaurant: La Crêperie de Paris!

France Pavilion Attractions:

• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along — Daily, typically through 6PM or 7PM
• Impressions de France — Evenings Only (after Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along concludes for the day)
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 1 option; Lightning Lane Premier Pass option

France Pavilion Dining:

• Chefs de France
• Crêpes À Emporter
• L’Artisan des Glaces
• La Crêperie de Paris
• Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
• Les Vins des Chefs de France
• Monsieur Paul 

France Pavilion Characters:

• Meet Belle in France
• Meet Princess Aurora in France

Cultural Gallery

• Palais du Cinema — currently hosting “Tales As Old As Time: French Storytelling on Stage and Screen”

United Kingdom Pavilion

From a charming English village to a busy street in London, the United Kingdom pavilion presents a variety of architectural styles… AND delicious eats!

Don’t miss the Fish & Chips while you’re strolling through the lovely gardens of this charming pavilion.

United Kingdom Pavilion Dining:

• Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room
• Rose & Crown Beer Stand
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop

United Kingdom Pavilion Characters:

• See Alice in the English Gardens
• See Mary Poppins in the English Gardens
• See Winnie the Pooh in Christopher Robin’s Room

United Kingdom Entertainment:

• Hear British Rock from the 60s through the 90s by Command Performance (in the United Kingdom Gazebo)
• Listen to the Rose & Crown Pub Musician

Canada Pavilion

The Canadian outdoors is celebrated with a beautiful waterfall cascading from the mountains as you walk through the Victoria Gardens in the Canada pavilion!

Let’s explore the Great White North!

Canada Attractions:

• Canada Far and Wide — a Circle-Vision 360° film

Canada Pavilion Dining:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• Canada Popcorn Cart

Canada Entertainment

• Live Music at the Canada Mill Stage featuring the Blueberry Grass Band

Additional World Showcase Locations

Additional World Showcase Dining:

• Refreshment Outpost
• Refreshment Port
• Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosks

Additional World Showcase Characters

• See Asha from Wish at the World Showcase Plaza Gazebo

DFB PRO TIP: TWO MORE great spots in EPCOT to find characters are at the International Gateway in World Showcase (tucked between the United Kingdom and France pavilions), and outside just to the left facing The American Adventure pavilion. 

We’ve spotted friends like Daisy Duck, Pluto, and many more at the International Gateway!

Though some of theses character appearances may be noted in My Disney Experience, others may be surprises!

MORE World Showcase Experiences and Activities

Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure

Sing it with me, you know you want to… “DuckTales… WOO-oo!!” The Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is a free Scavenger Hunt available for guests to participate in through the Play Disney Parks app.

Guests “Join Scrooge McDuck, his nephews & friends as they travel around World Showcase on a quacky quest to find the 7 Plunders of the World – and return them to their rightful owners.”

The treasures are hidden in World Showcase country pavilions, and each country has “three assignments and one finale.”

The country pavilions with hidden treasures are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom.

Every mission “takes approximately 25-30 minutes to complete.” 

PLAY  DuckTales (“WOO-oo!!”) World Showcase Adventure with us HERE!

Kidcot Fun Stops

How oh HOW are you going to keep your kiddos endlessly entertained as you explore ALL of the countries around the World Showcase?

It’s Kidcot to the rescue!

Each country pavilion has a Kidcot Fun Stop where kiddos can collect activity cards — specific to each pavilion’s country — that feature stickers, mini-activities, and fun facts. And the best part about Kidcot? It’s totally free!

EPCOT Friendship Boats

Did you know that there is a way to cut down on your walking time between the World Showcase that is located inside of the park? Rather than walking around the entirety of the World Showcase, you can take a Friendship Boat across the World Showcase Lagoon!

There are two launches: one in the Canada Pavilion, near the front of the World Showcase, and one in the Morrocco Pavilion, located in the back middle of the World Showcase. The Friendship Boats typically start running around 11 AM and stop running close to 7:15 PM to accommodate Luminous: The Symphony of Us.

Luminous — EPCOT’s Nighttime Spectacular

A BRAND NEW nighttime spectacular made its debut on December 5th, 2023 in honor of Disney 100 Years of Wonder: Luminous The Symphony Of Us!

Guests gather around World Showcase Lagoon each night to view the production.

Disney shares that the show is meant to “reflect the commonality in all of us,” and that the show invites “everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that will unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, music and light. Featuring an original composition along with select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts together as one.”

Luminous is typically shown at 9PM each night, but be sure to check the My Disney Experience app or posted schedule boards in the park to confirm the showtime during your visit.

Click HERE for more on the NEW fireworks show!

Seasonal Festivals at EPCOT

EPCOT hosts four Festivals during the calendar year: the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

EPCOT Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts made its debut in 2017, and celebrates three artistic disciplines: Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts.

The 2025 dates are January 17th – February 24th, 2025.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is an absolute highlight of Spring in Walt Disney World, and has been since it made its debut in 1994!

The 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival ran from February 28th through May 27th, 2024. Stay tuned for the 2025 dates!

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is our FAVORITE event of the year here at the DFB, and in 2024 it ran from August 29th through November 23rd. Stay tuned for the 2025 dates!

The Festival features over 25 Marketplace Food Booths, Special Events, live entertainment, family activities, and MUCH more. And you can find ALL the info you need here for this event!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is a global celebration of the Season! The Festival of the Holidays traditionally begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through December 30th. Therefore, the 2024 dates are November 29th through December 30th, 2024. 

During the Festival, guests can experience holiday traditions from various cultures as expressed through decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events.

NOW OPEN: A dedicated Festival area serves as the new “home base” for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals and live events! CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza is housed in EPCOT’s World Celebration, bringing EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World,” according to Disney.

CommuniCore Plaza provides an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all that the Festivals have to offer. CommuniCore Hall is housed within the plaza, and is the first fully-purpose built structure in Festival programing! Designed with flexibility in mind, this hall hosts a wide variety of experiences with food, art, live music, and more. 

Click HERE to learn about the NEW Festival Area in EPCOT!

Special Events, Dining Experiences, and More

Additional opportunities exist to help guests enhance and make the most of their time in EPCOT including dining events featuring reserved viewing for fireworks, backstage tours, and more. CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW to learn more!

After Hours Events

EPCOT After Hours

Backstage Tours

Behind the Seeds

EPCOT Seas Adventure — DiveQuest

EPCOT Seas Adventure — Dolphins in Depth

Dining Experiences

La Cava Experience

Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package

Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package

Fireworks Viewing

EPCOT Fireworks Cruise

Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package

Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package

Private Photo Session

“Capture Your Moment” — Personal PhotoPass Session in EPCOT