10 Things to Skip at EPCOT
Next up in my "10 Things to Skip" series is EPCOT. This proves to be a challenging park in which to find 10 things I would skip! In general, I love almost everything about EPCOT and it has fewer attractions than the last park I discussed in 10 Things to Skip at Magic Kingdom.
Nevertheless, do or do not. There is no try. So here we go, 10 things I think you should skip at EPCOT and what to do instead.
10. Innoventions
Let this be the first in a series of interactive diversions I am going to recommend you not waste time in. Exhibits in this area range from ho-hum to mildly interesting. If you go in here with children, you will miss your Soarin' Fastpass + time because it will be hard to get them to leave. These are basically video games or exhibits, the sorts of things you can find at a good children's museum. EPCOT is so much more than a children's museum.
Instead: Go to a children's museum or science museum back home. While at Disney, World Showcase is much more unique while also educational.
9. The interactive exhibits when you exit Spaceship Earth, Mission: Space, and Journey Into Imagination
Basically, see above.
8. Liberty Inn
This is the quick service dining location at the American Adventure pavilion in World Showcase. They serve chicken tenders and fries and stuff. If you are from America, this is not worth your time when literally to either side of you are culinary adventures waiting to be had. And if you are not from America, you can find this food practically anywhere else, like say McDonald's, while you are here. So use World Showcase to your advantage and have something more unique.
Instead: Go next door to the Japan pavilion's Katsura Grill, and get a meal there, or continue to Morocco's Tangierine Cafe and have some shawarma.
7. Electric Umbrella
This is a huge quick service dining location in Future World. And overall, it's OK. But it's always crowded, and it's so close to the Land pavilion, where you can eat at one of my very favorite quick service locations in all of the World, Sunshine Seasons.
Instead: Go to Sunshine Seasons or a quick service in World Showcase.
6. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
That hurts my heart a little to say that, because everyone loves Figment so much. But the ride is honestly kind of hokey and not all that great. This is EPCOT's one true "dark ride" in the style of the rides at Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. But it just doesn't stand up to the other attractions at this park. There are better things to do at EPCOT.
Instead: While in Futureworld, I would recommend Spaceship Earth. It's another slow moving omnimover type ride, but it takes you through the history of civilization with an interactive ending. And no corny song to get stuck in your head. Imaaaaaaaaginaaaaation!
5. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Aw, Nemo is adorable, it's true. And the little clamshell ride vehicles are so cute. And there may have been a time when my daughter was four and we rode on this 3 times during an only 4 day visit. But truth be told, it's nothing special. It's a convenient way to get you into Seabase Alpha, which is where all of the exhibits are in the Seas pavilion. You will ride by some tanks and Nemo and friends with be projected onto them. But you can also get in by using the other doors to the right of the doors to the ride.
Instead: Use the doors, and spend more time looking at the aquariums yourself. Don't miss the manatees! Note: If you are with kids, though, this advice might just fly out the window.
4. Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Caballeros
To be honest, I've been on this a few times too. Usually it's when the posted wait time is 5 minutes, and I'm tired of walking and want to rest my feet in air conditioning for a bit. Or I'm waiting for my ADR time to come up at San Angel Inn.
The best part about this ride is waving to the people dining in the restaurant above. Other than that, it's ho-hum.
Instead: Learn about Mexico by checking out the extremely well-themed indoor (read: air conditioned) market.
3. Leave a Legacy
Unless you've already "left a legacy" and want to visit your image there, this is not an attraction. It's the front plaza of the park, filled with monolith-like plaques on which are mounted metal engravings of pictures of people who paid to have their image here at Disney.
Instead: Keep walking!
2. Disney Pixar Short Film Festival
It's Pixar shorts in 3D. That's literally what it is. You didn't come all the way to Orlando for that, did you?
Instead: Buy the Pixar shorts DVD to watch at home. While at Disney, see some of the films in World Showcase which are beautiful and educational.
1. Test Track
I feel much the same way about Test Track as I feel about the Tomorrowland Speedway. It's loud, it's not very well themed to the park, and it's not actually all that thrilling. So it baffles me that this is a headliner attraction. You could not make me wait in line for this ride. I will ride only on those rare occasions when there is no line or I'm a single rider.
That brief glimpse that you see of the track outside and cars whizzing past is literally the ONLY time cars go fast on this ride. Otherwise, it's just, well, a test sequence. It just does nothing for me and I would skip it, given the length of the lines. It's not worth that kind of wait.
Instead: If you want to go fast, wait to ride Rock N Rollercoaster at Disney Hollywood Studios.
So there you have it, my 10 Things To Skip at EPCOT. Agree with me? Hate my advice? Did I just put down your favorite attraction and you want to defend it? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
