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TL;DR
- The updated 1-day EPCOT itinerary for late 2024 includes a strategic order to experience key attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Frozen Ever After, while minimizing wait times and maximizing enjoyment of the World Showcase.
- Early Theme Park Entry is now available for on-site hotel guests, allowing them to experience popular attractions before regular park opening; strategies are provided for both on-site and off-site guests to optimize their visit.
- Visitors are encouraged to start their day in World Showcase with Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, thereby skipping heavy crowd times and improving ride efficiencies throughout the day.
- The plan emphasizes exploring unique dining options, engaging with atmospheric entertainment, and enjoying the updated fireworks show, along with tips for a relaxed exit from the park post-show.
Your Ultimate 1-Day EPCOT Adventure Guide
Planning a trip to EPCOT at Disney World? You’re in for a treat! This guide will help you make the most of your day with a well-planned itinerary. Let’s dive into how to enjoy rides, avoid long lines, and savor the delicious food at the park!
Morning Kickoff: Ride the Galaxy
Start your day bright and early! The first thing you’ll want to do is get on the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster. To do this, at least one person in your group needs to wake up before 7 AM and join the virtual queue to get a spot.
If you miss the morning queue, don’t worry! You can try again at 1 PM while you’re in EPCOT. You’ll have a whole hour to return to the ride once they call you to ride it. Since waits can be shorter in the afternoon, this strategy often works well!
Early Entry at EPCOT
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, lucky you! You can enter EPCOT 30 minutes earlier than everyone else. That’s a great chance to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy some attractions before they get busy.
Head to Norway First
Instead of starting at the front of the park, head over to the Norway Pavilion first for the Frozen Ever After ride. It’s really popular, so it’s best to go there before the lines get longer. If you get there right when the park opens, you might have waiting times of about 30 minutes, but it gets way busier as the day goes on.
After Frozen, backtrack a bit and make your way to the Canada Pavilion, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and some delicious food.
The Amazing Attraction: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Next up, don’t miss Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France pavilion. This ride is super fun and usually has a bit of a break in wait times during late morning, so try to ride it before lunchtime. If you purchased a Lightning Lane, this is a smart ride to use it on!
Enjoying World Showcase and Dining Options
World Showcase is not just for rides; it’s also a great place to eat! There are tons of delicious restaurants to check out, but here are some favorites:
- Biergarten – Enjoy traditional German food.
- Teppan Edo – Watch chefs cook right in front of you.
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse – A casual spot for BBQ lovers.
If you’re looking for a dining reservation for dinner, try to book it about two hours before the fireworks show starts. This way, you’ll have time to enjoy your meal and catch the show after.
Afternoon Fun: Snacking Around the World
As you’re exploring, consider trying a snack or drink at each pavilion. This is called Snacking Around the World. It’s a fun way to sample different cultures and flavors while you stroll through the gorgeous scenery of EPCOT.
Be sure to keep an eye out for atmospheric performers at various pavilions. They add to the experience and it’s always nice to take a break from rides and enjoy the entertainment!
Wrapping Up the Day: Evening Activities
As the afternoon winds down, you can head back to the front of the park and ride some of the other attractions. This includes:
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Spaceship Earth
- Living with the Land
Don’t forget to leave time for the epic fireworks show at the end of the night—Luminous: The Symphony of Us. This starry event is a great way to end your adventure, so arrive at your viewing spot at least 30 minutes early to grab a good spot.
Summary
This one-day EPCOT itinerary is packed with fun! You’ll be hitting the top rides early, enjoying delicious food, and taking in the wonderful sights and sounds of the park. Remember, whether you’re riding Guardians of the Galaxy or snacking around the World Showcase, the key is to enjoy every moment.
So, are you ready to have an unforgettable day at EPCOT? Let us know your thoughts and tips on maximizing a day at EPCOT!
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