EPCOT is big, brilliant, and very easy to zig-zag if you don’t have a plan. None of these EPCOT mistakes will “ruin” your day, but they will waste time, money, or both. Here’s how we keep the fun high and the stress low.
Skipping EPCOT!
The walls are down at EPCOT, and the park is full again with top attractions. In recent years, guests with limited time might have chosen to skip EPCOT, but that would be a huge mistake today.
Plus, don’t write EPCOT off as “for adults” or “just shows” — it isn’t.
Trying to do EPCOT in 1 day.
EPCOT is a massive theme park with lots of things to see and do. Attempting it all in 1 day will usually lead to failure, tiredness, and grumpy kids. If you have time, visit for two or even three days.
If you only have one day available, consider your must-do attractions. You should manage to do most of the main attractions in one day, but you won’t be able to explore the World Showcase fully.
Not taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
Early Theme Park Entry is the replacement for Extra Magic Hours. All Walt Disney World Resort guests, and other select hotels, can gain 30-minute early entry to any theme park each day.
Extended Evening Hours are only available for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests at one of these resorts can enjoy extended evening hours in EPCOT on select nights. Extended evening hours are typically held at EPCOT on Mondays.
You don’t want to miss these great benefits, which often have much quieter crowds.
Thinking you have to purchase Multi Pass
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is the current iteration of skip-the-line service at Disney World, but it isn’t cheap. If you are on a short vacation, you might wish to purchase it every day, but it probably isn’t necessary if you plan to visit EPCOT for several days.
Guests who purchase a Multi Pass join a much shorter Lightning Lane entrance. Many attractions included with a Multi Pass do not have long waits, especially close to park closing time, and Lightning Lane isn’t required.
Thinking you have to purchase Lighting Lane Single Pass
Some of the most popular attractions at EPCOT are unavailable on Multi Pass. An individual fee is charged to access the lightning lane for these attractions.
Currently, only one attraction in EPCOT attracts this fee:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a must-do attraction, but you can always join the standby line just before park closing.
Visit our guide to learn more about Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Know height requirements before you visit EPCOT.
Disney does strictly enforce height restrictions. If the kids can’t ride Test Track, let them know in advance rather than getting turned away in the line. Disney does strictly enforce height restrictions. If the kids are too small, you can use a rider switch to allow the rest of the party to ride.
We have created guides to Rider Switch and Height Requirements at EPCOT, which contain further information.
Not using the Single Rider Line for Test Track.
Test Track reopened from its big re-imagining in July 2025, and is attracting massive waits.
Test Track has a single-rider line, which allows you to join a much shorter line if your group is happy to ride apart. While waiting times are not guaranteed, they are usually much quicker in the single-rider line.
There is also a Single Rider line at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Not bringing park essentials.
Make a list of what you must take to the park, e.g., a camera, phone, autograph book, and poncho. Make sure you don’t forget sunscreen and a good hat. Plus, you will need access to plenty of water.
Remember not to take too much as you carry it all day. Our Guide to what you should include in your Disney World Park Bag has further information.
You can’t access the park’s Wi-Fi.
Online access is essential at Walt Disney World. Don’t even consider entering EPCOT without access to Wi-Fi.
You’ll use My Disney Experience all day for wait times, Mobile Order, maps, and Lightning Lane management. Log in, link tickets, add a payment method, and enable notifications before rope drop.
Not having a break.
Don’t underestimate how much walking there is to do in EPCOT. Plus, the Florida heat can be unforgiving. It is easy to burn out if you are not careful.
Make sure you take time out, drink plenty of water, and don’t skip meal breaks. Also, consider returning to your hotel for a few hours in the afternoon.
Thinking EPCOT is for adults only
Many people have the impression that EPCOT is for adults. In fact, it is one of our kids’ favorite parks.
While kids will love Turtle Talk and the Seas with Nemo & Friends, the World Showcase is the biggest star for any children with a curious mind.
Don’t forget to visit Kidcot in each country to complete an activity and collect activity cards.
Starting at Spaceship Earth
Hitting Spaceship Earth first is a classic time sink. It is the first ride you hit, so many guests head straight there.
Walk past it and return later. Its queue is short later in the day.
Ignoring the International Gateway advantages
If you’re on the Skyliner or staying around Crescent Lake, enter via International Gateway. You’re steps from Remy and a short walk to Frozen. Go straight to one of these and you can beat the front-gate crowd.
Wearing new shoes.
Make sure your shoes are worn in and comfortable, as you will be doing a lot of walking. EPCOT is a massive park. Wearing new shoes could be the EPCOT mistake you will regret for the rest of your vacation.
Remember, small children will walk a lot more than they did back home. Be prepared to hire a stroller for all children under five and some older kids.
Not Eating in World Showcase
EPCOT is the epicenter of Disney World cuisine. With restaurants from all around the world, there is something that will appeal to everyone.
However, restaurants do book up, and you must book your reservations well in advance. Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day if standby reservations are available; you will often experience very lengthy waits.
Missing the Festivals at EPCOT
If a festival is being held when you visit EPCOT, you don’t want to miss it. Four festivals return annually to EPCOT:
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
All these festivals have great entertainment, special events, music, and special food kitchens. Festivals at EPCOT are included in your regular admission and are fantastic fun.
Visiting EPCOT on major holidays
EPCOT is at its busiest during the summer and public holidays. The park during these times is bustling.
EPCOT can also bring in large crowds during the weekends when festivals are held, especially during the Food & Wine.
However, you can still have a great time at EPCOT during these busiest periods, but be prepared for added crowds.
You drank too much at EPCOT.
We always recommend drinking plenty of water in EPCOT. However, Drinking Around the World is a fantastic Disney experience that many adults enjoy.
Remember that the Florida sun can be unforgiving if you drink too much alcohol.
Not staying for the night at EPCOT
EPCOT is even more magical at night; don’t leave before dark.
Luminous: The Symphony of Us is a lovely finale that you don’t want to miss.
Read More from Walt Disney World
Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting place to plan your Disney Vacation.
