Ultimate Guide to Maximize Your Epcot Experience: Tips for Families with Kids, Genie Plus, Dining, and More!
From Cosmic Rewind to World Showcase: Crafting Your Perfect Epcot Itinerary
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Epcot, one of Disney World's most iconic parks, offers a plethora of experiences for visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides to cultural showcases and delicious dining options, it's easy to get overwhelmed with everything the park has to offer. But fear not! With a little planning and some insider tips, you can make the most out of your time at Epcot, ensuring a magical experience for the whole family.
Park Planning Strategy:
Before diving into the park, it's essential to have a solid plan in place. With a group consisting of kids, adults, and possibly seniors, it's crucial to consider everyone's interests and preferences. Utilizing Disney's Genie Plus service can be a game-changer in optimizing your time. This paid service allows you to make lightning lane selections for popular attractions, including the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a must-do thrill ride for many.
There is a learning curve to using Genie Plus. We have been to Disney World three times now, and for 1.5 of our trips, we did not utilize Genie Plus. One thing we found was that Disney is good at under promising and over delivering. What I mean by this is that the stand-by wait times were always lower for us when we went in early February than what as posted. However, on the last day of our second WDW trip, we used Genie Plus and saw how it greatly increased our ability to move through the park and to get on rides quickly.
We got Genie Plus for all four parks on our most recent trip. It was instrumental in ensuring we were guaranteed to get on a few must-do rides. My pro tip is to snag the difficult-to-get Epcot rides earlier in the day. They may not be offered later in the day. These rides include Test Track, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Give yourself grace while using the app.
During our Epcot visit, we had our family of four and then my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. They purchased their tickets separate from us. The night before we visited Epcot, I took the time to get them both linked to my Genie Plus account in order to ensure we got our lightning lanes for the same times for the same rides. If you don’t do this and you have a split party, you will have to deal with the hassle of having separate ride times and needed to app refreshes and potentially losing out on Genie Plus wins.
Dining Delights:
Food is a big part of the Epcot experience, with the World Showcase offering a culinary journey around the globe. To make the most of your dining experience, research the various food options in advance and prioritize your must-try dishes. Don't forget to book reservations at popular restaurants like the Space 220, where you can dine among the stars with breathtaking views of Earth from space.
The Space 220 dining experience at Epcot is truly out-of-this-world, offering guests an immersive journey into the depths of outer space. Having longed to indulge in this galactic dining adventure, my family and I were initially disappointed when our attempts to secure a reservation during our last visit were thwarted. However, fortune smiled upon us this year as a stroke of luck granted us a last-minute opening, perhaps due to a cancellation. This taught us the valuable lesson of always checking for availability the day of or a few days before, as opportunities may arise unexpectedly.
While past reviews of Space 220 had raised concerns about the quality of the cuisine, recent reports of a menu revamp piqued our curiosity. Our visit confirmed that the changes were indeed transformative, as the food surpassed our expectations. The adult dishes were nothing short of spectacular, while the kids' meals, though more basic, proved to be a hit with our little ones who are notoriously picky eaters. The ambiance of the restaurant further elevated the experience, with the sensation of blasting off to a space station above Florida leaving us breathless with wonder.
As we savored our cosmic feast, we couldn't help but marvel at the unique moment unfolding before us. The bill, totaling $289 for a family of four including tip, reflected the lunchtime pricing of our 2:45 pm seating. Remarkably, the portions were so generous that our meal doubled as dinner, making it more of a value. However, what truly made the occasion unforgettable was an unexpected event – my daughter losing a front tooth while aboard our celestial voyage. It was a fittingly magical twist to an already enchanting experience, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Must-See Attractions:
Epcot is home to several iconic attractions that shouldn't be missed. Living with the Land offers an educational yet entertaining boat ride through greenhouses showcasing innovative agricultural techniques. Moana's Journey of Water provides an immersive experience inspired by the beloved Disney film, perfect for families with young children. I recommend going through the Journey of Water both during the day and then again in the evening. The attraction looks 100% different depending on the daypart you visit during. And Test Track offers an exhilarating ride where you can design your own virtual car and put it to the test on a high-speed race track.
Stroller Strategy for Happy Little Travelers:
For families with young children, especially an 8 and 6-year-old, navigating the vast expanse of Epcot can be a tiring endeavor. That's why investing in a quality stroller is essential for ensuring your little ones stay comfortable and energized throughout the day. While you might think your kids have outgrown the need for a stroller, trust me, having a designated resting spot can make all the difference in their enjoyment of the park. Instead of relying on the often cumbersome and uncomfortable strollers available for rent within the park, consider renting from Kingdom Strollers. Not only do they offer a wider selection of high-quality strollers, but they also provide convenient delivery and pickup directly to your hotel. Providing your kids with a comfortable place to sit and rest as you traverse the park will not only save their energy but also keep the smiles on their faces as they soak in the magic of Epcot.
Around the World Experience:
The World Showcase is perhaps Epcot's most famous feature, allowing visitors to explore 11 different countries without leaving the park. Plan your route strategically, making sure to catch live performances, cultural demonstrations, and interactive exhibits along the way. Don't forget to grab a passport at Kidcot Fun Stops for the little ones to collect stamps and learn fun facts about each country.
Bubble Bonanza:
One of the most popular souvenirs at Epcot is the light-up bubble wand, a magical keepsake that adds an extra dose of Disney enchantment to your visit. Make sure to pack extra bubbles to keep the fun going throughout the day, especially during nighttime spectaculars. To really save money, purchase bubble wands for your littles BEFORE arriving at Disney. This will save you at least 50% by purchasing on Amazon in advance.
Preparation for Evening Spectaculars:
As the day transitions into night at Epcot, the temperature can drop, especially near the water where you'll likely gather to watch the breathtaking fireworks displays. To ensure your family stays cozy and comfortable during these evening spectacles, it's wise to pack some warm clothing. A light jacket or sweater can make all the difference in warding off the chill that often accompanies the gentle breeze by the waterfront. By planning ahead and bringing along some extra layers, you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of Epcot's nighttime entertainment without worrying about the weather dampening your experience. So, don't forget to toss those sweaters or jackets into your backpack before heading out for an enchanting evening under the stars.
In conclusion, maximizing your time at Epcot requires careful planning, utilizing tools like Genie Plus, and prioritizing your must-see attractions and dining experiences. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a memorable and magical visit to this beloved Disney park for the whole family. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Epcot!
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