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Epcot is a unique park at Disney World. Unlike Magic Kingdom, Epcot celebrates the world we live in, both present and future. The park is currently undergoing a major transformation. As part of this, Epcot is getting some new neighborhoods in what used to be Future World. These are World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature. To help you plan the perfect visit to Epcot, here are 9 of the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods.
1. The aquarium in The Seas pavilion
As you exit The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride, you enter the aquarium. This is a large aquarium.
There are two floors of viewing space here. On both floors you get good views of the manatees, which have a dedicated section of the aquarium.
At times, you will see divers in the water with the fish. The best part of the aquarium is that it is a relatively quiet area to just relax and explore. This is a great place to go if you need some down time to cool off.
2. Club Cool
Club Cool is a small Coca-Cola store located in the Creations Shop building. It is one of the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods because they offer free samples of a variety of Coke products from different countries around the world.
Throughout the store are self-serve fountain drink machines with small sample-size cups. So, you can sip as much as your belly can handle.
Caution clean freaks: the floor in here is always super sticky, but it’s part of the charm of Club Cool.
3. Soarin’
Soain’ is one of the most popular and thrilling rides in Epcot. It is a simulated hang glider with an Imax screen located in the Land pavilion.
You sit in a seat with your feet dangling and are lifted into the air to experience the attraction. The seats sway to give you the sensation of actually flying as the wind blows through your hair and you smell various scents as you fly past famous landmarks around the world.
This is an incredible ride! It is definitely worth the hype!
4. Test Track
Another headliner attraction that you can’t miss is Test Track. Not only is this one of the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods, it is also one of the best attractions in all of Disney World.
In the pre-show area, you design your own concept car on a computer. Once in the loading area, you board a vehicle and go through a series of tests to determine how well your car performs.
The ride culminates with a 65 mph spin around the outside rim of the building. This is a thrilling ride without the loops and drops of a roller coaster. It is always fun!
5. Coral Reef
Located in the back of The Seas pavilion is Coral Reef. It is a seafood restaurant, but it also has alternatives on the menu for those who don’t love seafood.
The main reason why this is on my list of the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods is because one entire wall of the restaurant is a window into the aquarium. Every diner has great views into the aquarium during dinner because the tables are arranged to face it.
There are also fish guides on all of the tables, so you can identify the fish that are swimming by you. Sometimes, the divers in the water will come up to the window and wave at diners.
Coral Reef has a cool, relaxing atmosphere and good food.
6. Garden Grill
You can find Garden Grill in the Land pavilion. It is my favorite character meals in all of Disney World!
Garden Grill is an all-you-can-eat family style meal featuring many of the fruits, vegetables, and fish grown in the Epcot greenhouses.
This is a fun dining option for several reasons: first, it overlooks the Living with the Land ride. Second, it features Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. Third, it rotates. Lastly, the food is delicious and fresh.
7. Spaceship Earth
The icon of Epcot is Spaceship Earth. It is the big ball at the front of the park. You will immediately see it when you approach the entrance to Epcot.
The ride on the inside is as unique as the design of the outside is impressive. You slowly ride up and around the inside of the ball while learning about the history of communication. It starts with the cavemen and continues through the computer age.
As you descend back to ground level, you get a glimpse into your future. This dark ride is enjoyable and educational.
8. Turtle Talk with Crush
One of the cutest shows anywhere is Turtle Talk with Crush. It is in the aquarium area of The Seas pavilion.
The show runs continuously throughout the day. The theater is small, but you shouldn’t have a problem getting into one of the shows.
Crush, the sea turtle from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory talks to kids during the show to learn about humans. The carpet in the front is reserved for kids so they can easily see and talk to Crush. Children have an opportunity to ask him questions about turtles, and he will ask them questions about humans.
This show is so funny! It is entertaining for adults and kids alike. You will love watching this show!
9. Space 220
The newest restaurant in Epcot is Space 220. It is located in the World Discovery neighborhood next door to Mission: Space.
When you enter the lobby, you are issued a “boarding pass” to enter the elevators that will virtually take you 220 miles above the Earth to the space station. Through a “window” in the floor of the elevator, you can watch the Earth get smaller as you zoom into outer space.
Once in the dining room, you can marvel at the Earth through the panoramic windows.
The menu features seafood, steak, pasta, and other dishes that are as out of this world as the restaurant itself.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this list of the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods. These attractions all appeal to both kids and adults. This list will have you well on your way to having a wonderful day in Epcot, while meeting your needs for food, thrills, and characters!
For more must-do’s, see our lists from Epcot’s World Showcase, the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
For help planning your trip, see my step by step guide, quick tips for Disney trips, and advice for first timers. To book your trip, visit Disney World’s website.
Happy travels!
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