Walt Disney World has so many rides to offer it can be overwhelming to think about what you should add to your list! EPCOT does not fall behind the other parks and is quickly becoming a ride destination in its own right. However, with so much to do, you might want to know how they all stack up against each other. Lucky for you, we've got them here for you! Our best Epcot rides guide is going to rank all of the rides in the park and give you all the information you need!
Whether you're looking to create your own list or simply want to know what's new in the park, our best Epcot ride guide has it all for you!
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Best Epcot Rides: About EPCOT
EPCOT park in Walt Disney World Resort was Walt Disney’s vision for a prototype city of the future. EPCOT stands for the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. It was Walt’s dream to design a city where people could live and work in a self-sustaining community. He wanted to create a place where new technologies, urban planning, and community living could be tested and showcased to the world. However, after Walt's passing, plans for the city were scaled back, and instead, Epcot became a theme park focused on celebrating technological and cultural advancements.
Today, but with fun changes coming soon, the park is divided into two main sections, Future World and World Showcase. Future World features a variety of attractions that showcase technological advancements in areas such as communication, space travel, and sustainability. World Showcase is a cultural showcase that highlights 11 different countries, each with its own pavilion hosting restaurants, shopping, and cultural education. While a whole day can be spent just eating, drinking, and shopping your way around the World Showcase, we all know the main draw of Walt Disney theme parks is the thrilling rides.
The rides in EPCOT were designed to be both entertaining and educational, providing guests with a unique learning experience that is both fun and informative. With 11 ride options and several other show attractions, it can be tough to decide how to best prioritize those precious Disney World minutes. In this article, we will rank the best EPCOT rides from best to “just okay” so that you are well-equipped to plan out your day at the park. So let’s jump into the list of best EPCOT rides!
Best Epcot Rides: Rankings
#1 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Opened: May 2022
Location: World Discovery
Height Requirement: 42 inches or taller
Genie+: yes; individual lightning lane
Coming in at number one is the newest attraction at EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The ride takes guests on a journey through the cosmos with Marvel’s oddball team, Guardians of the Galaxy. This indoor roller coaster is a pure thrill and boasts one of the most innovative ride technologies seen to date. The ride vehicle is a unique coaster car that rotates 360 degrees as you travel forward and backward along the coaster track. This allows riders to focus on the action in a fixed location as the coaster moves all around. It is really something to experience! As you are launched into the cosmic action you will also enjoy jamming along to one of six randomly selected 1980s classic songs that could easily be found on Star Lord’s cassette player. There was even a fun Christmas overlay with a slightly altered version of “Run, Run Rudolph.”
As of writing this article, Cosmic Rewind only has a virtual queue that allows guests to try to acquire a boarding pass with a designated return window. Parkgoers can try for the virtual queue twice a day, at 7:00 am or 1:00 pm. Once the virtual queue disappears for good and the normal standby queue is activated – usually within a year or so after opening – you can expect long wait times for this thrilling adventure. If you're curious about when to visit for low crowds, be sure to read our guide! Cosmic Rewind is sure to please most folks but be cautious that you could feel some motion sickness after debarking. Due to its popularity and ride ingenuity, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind takes the top spot in this list of the best Epcot rides.
#2 – Soarin’ Around the World
Opened: May 2005
Location: World Nature
Height Requirement: 40 inches or taller
Genie+: yes
The next two are a toss-up for me, but if I had to choose it would be Soarin’ Around the World. This popular ride simulates a hang glider that is soaring past some of the world's most iconic landmarks and natural beauty. With its enormous, immersive screens and special effects, riders feel like they're actually soaring over famous sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and the Taj Mahal in addition to natural wonders such as the arctic circle or the savannas of Africa. The ride vehicle is designed to resemble a hang glider, and the seats tilt and sway to match the movements on the screen adding to the feeling of flight. Riders will also get to delight in the unique smells of each destination as the ride soars over each landmark or nature scape. The accompanying soundtrack adds an air of triumph, which enhances the overall experience.
The ride is extremely popular and tends to have longer wait times comparatively, but it is worth the wait for the spectacular views and thrilling sensations of flight. Soarin' Around the World does have a height restriction of 40 inches which could limit very young children from flying. This ride ranks high and is a must-do for anyone visiting Epcot.
#3 – Test Track
Opened: March 1999
Location: World Discovery
Height Requirement: 40 inches or taller
Genie+: yes
Test Track is an exhilarating ride that puts guests in the driver's seat of a car that the guests themselves get to design. The ride starts with a pre-show where guests enter a design studio and create their own virtual car. Once complete and ready to board the ride portion, guests tap their magic band to link up to their previously designed car. The ride then takes guests through a series of tests such as acceleration, handling, and braking, all of which evaluate the car’s performance. As guests progress through the tests, they collect points which are then used to determine the car's ranking against other park-goers. The highlight of Test Track is the high-speed outdoor portion of the ride, where two cars race each other, reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour.
Test Track offers an exciting and immersive ride experience that is sure to wow thrill-seekers of all ages. Don’t forget to check out the interactive post-show area where guests can see how their virtual car design performed in the tests. It’s really fun to watch a commercial featuring the car you designed, making it a fun and engaging experience from start to finish. Given the ride’s high-speed thrill, popularity, and interactive nature, it ranks high on the list of best Epcot rides.
#4 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Opened: October 2021
Location: France Pavillion
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
Coming in fourth we have Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. This ride is based on the popular Pixar movie, Ratatouille. The ride is located in the newly expanded France pavilion within the World Showcase half of the park. Guests will shrink down to the size of Remy and his family as they board the trackless ride vehicles that dash through Gusteau's kitchen. The ride is a mix of 3D animation and oversized sets that really make you feel as though you are a tiny rodent.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is perfect for the whole family and it is sure to delight fans of the movie. The trackless ride technology is quite innovative and Disney has made good use of it across their parks – check out Rise of the Resistance or Mickey and Minne’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios. Remy’s is the second newest ride in EPCOT, after Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and, therefore, posts high wait times. It surely is not one to miss, so put this ride on the list of must-dos.
#5 – Frozen Ever After
Opened: June 2016
Location: World Showcase
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
Also located in the World Showcase, in Norway’s pavilion, we have Frozen Ever After. This enchanting boat ride takes you into the kingdom of Arendelle as you follow along a retelling of the original movie. The ride will have you singing along to your favorite hits as you get to see Anna, Elsa, and of course, Olaf, come to life. The animatronics are impressive with new technology that projection maps facial expressions onto the figures. It allows the characters to show much more emotion than the older-style animatronic characters seen throughout other rides within Disney parks. The ride’s climax is to the popular song, “Let it Go,” and has guests blasted backward down a small drop that is sure to exhilarate. But don’t worry, this ride is very doable for small children.
Frozen Ever After replaced the original boat ride, Maelstrom, which took guests on a journey through Norway’s Viking history and folklore. Disney's decision to update the ride to a Frozen theme shows that they are intent on putting more intellectual property into the parks and, specifically, the World Showcase. Frozen’s strong connection with Norway’s folklore made the attraction retheming a no-brainer. If you are traveling with young children or fans of Frozen, this ride should be high on your priority list.
#6 – Spaceship Earth
Opened: October 1982
Location: World Celebration
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
Spaceship Earth is located within EPCOT’s iconic sphere that serves as the park's centerpiece. This attraction takes guests on a slow-moving journey through the history of human communication and innovation. The ride begins by transporting guests back in time to ancient civilizations, where they witness the evolution of communication from cave paintings to hieroglyphics and the invention of papyrus. Throughout the journey, animatronic figures and scenes depict significant moments in human history, such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the digital age. As the ride concludes, and guests descend back to earth, you get to interact with prompts on the screen in front of you. Based on your selections, a fun video will be generated with a couple of surprise characters!
Spaceship Earth is a classic as it holds the true spirit of Walt Disney’s vision for EPCOT, which was to showcase technology and inspire the future. The ride is a must-visit attraction for those seeking a combination of education and inspiration. While it is not necessarily adrenaline-pumping, it still is one ride I enjoy doing every time I visit the park. For those reasons, it falls in the middle of the pack.
#7 – Mission: SPACE
Opened: August 2003
Location: World Discovery
Height Requirement: 40 inches or taller
Genie+: yes
Mission: SPACE is a motion simulator ride that allows visitors to experience a spaceship launch in the role of an astronaut. The ride is known for its intense and realistic simulation. Guests have the option to ride the Orange side where riders experience the full G-force of a spaceship launch. For a more tame experience, guests can ride the Green side that skips the actual G-force but still provides the immersive experience, with the surrounding high-tech control and screen that showcases the adventure.
While Mission: SPACE is quite thrilling, the ride may leave those prone to motion sickness feeling a bit nauseous. The graphics and ride system also may feel a bit dated compared to other attractions in the park. However, this ride still has a strong fan base and may be right up your alley. The wait time for Mission: SPACE isn't typically too long, comparatively, which is nice if you want to give the ride a shot without wasting too much of your valuable park time.
#8 – Living with the Land
Opened: September 1982
Location: World Nature
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
Living with the Land is an educational boat ride that takes guests through Epcot's experimental greenhouses and hydroponic farms. The ride showcases the latest techniques in sustainable agriculture and offers a glimpse into the future of farming. Along the way, guests learn about the history of agriculture and how technology is helping to create a more sustainable future.
Living with the Land is a good choice for those who enjoy learning and appreciate the importance of sustainability. It offers a welcome break from the higher-intensity rides at Epcot and provides a strong connection to the park's overall theme of innovation and progress. It is located in the same building structure as Soarin’ Around the World so it is worth stopping by to ride afterward, if the line is short. This ride will usually have minimal wait times early in the morning or later in the evening.
#9 – The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Opened: January 2007
Location: World Nature
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a slow-moving ride based on Pixar’s Finding Nemo. The ride takes guests into the sea with favorite characters like Marlin, Dory, Crush, and, of course, Nemo. Guests board a clam-shaped omnimover, similar to other rides like Haunted Mansion and Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom. As guests ride along, they will see colorful scenes amidst a real-life aquarium backdrop. The ride features the song “In the Big Blue World,” which was originally used for the musical adaption of the movie, found over in Animal Kingdom. After riding, guests can check out the variety of aquarium exhibits within the The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
While you may not find big thrills or innovative technology here, the ride is perfect for young children and fans of the movie. The aquarium, itself, is enjoyable and is worth dedicating some time to. Also in this area is Turtle Talk with Crush, where young kids can have a conversation in real-time with the 150-year-old sea turtle from the movie. If you are traveling with young kids, this whole area should be high on your priority list, but as a whole, it ranks lower overall in the best EPCOT rides.
#10 – Journey into Imagination with Figment
Opened: June 2002
Location: World Celebration
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: yes
Journey into Imagination with Figment is a whimsical dark ride that takes guests on an imaginative journey. The ride features Figment, a purple dragon who encourages guests to explore their creativity and curiosity. The ride includes colorful sets, catchy music, and playful animatronics that bring the world of Figment to life.
Journey into Imagination with Figment doesn’t offer any major thrills, but it does offer a fun and unique experience that is perfect for families with young children. It also holds a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans who grew up with Figment. The ride does embrace the original sentiment of the park, however, it can feel dated and hails in comparison to some of the other headliners on this list. Overall, Journey into Imagination with Figment is a fun and lighthearted ride that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
#11 – Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Opened: April 2007
Location: Mexico Pavillion
Height Requirement: none
Genie+: no
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is a slow-moving boat ride located in the Mexico pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase. This charming attraction takes guests on a scenic ride through the landscapes and culture of Mexico. Throughout the ride, guests are joined by characters from The Three Caballeros—Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles. One of the highlights of Gran Fiesta Tour is passing by the Mayan pyramid, which serves as the backdrop for the restaurant, San Angel Inn.
Gran Fiesta Tour offers a pleasant, family-friendly experience. However, the ride's pacing can be quite slow and lacks storytelling, as the ride's primary focus is on showcasing Mexico’s scenery and music. Now, you may say this is the exact intent of the World Showcase, and I’d agree. However, the park is changing as are today’s guests who seem to want more wow factors and Disney intellectual property. This ride may be a good option for a retheme – Coco, maybe? I’d recommend doing this ride when there is little to no wait. With that, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros rounds out the bottom of the best EPCOT rides list.
Best Epcot Rides: Final Thoughts
EPCOT is a great park with even greater rides and attractions. Walt’s vision for EPCOT still lives within the spirit of those very rides: the wonders of flight with Soarin’, the ingenuity, and engineering of cars with Test Track, the sustainability of Living with the Land, and the history of communication with Spaceship Earth. But, it is interesting to see the theme park change as it infuses Disney’s own intellectual property into the mix. In my opinion, there is still a nice blend, and the newer rides that have come along fit well with the overall concept of the park. Future World showcases the exhilarating, space-faring coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. Ratatouille, which takes place in Paris, and Frozen, which is based on Norwegian folklore, both have rides in their respective World Showcase pavilions.
The rides above are sure to keep you plenty busy throughout your day, so hopefully this list can be used as a guide to help you prioritize. With all the options, it is easy to forget that EPCOT has so much more to offer than just rides. Several of the pavilions in the World Showcase have mini-shows that run continuously throughout the day, so be sure to check those out. And, of course, don’t forget to watch the nightly spectacular with fireworks and projections!
Overall, EPCOT continues to host some of the best rides at Walt Disney World Resort!
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