Welcome, fellow travellers, to a candid exploration of the 5 worst Epcot attractions for a one-day trip.
While this park is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, international flair, and memorable experiences, not every ride or show may align with your personal tastes or interests.
These attractions aren’t necessarily bad. They just might not be the most important attractions to check out if you’re only spending one day at Epcot.
With over 65 attractions at Epcot, you probably won’t be able to experience all of them in one day.
Whether you’re looking to make the most of a limited schedule or simply want to prioritize the very best, join us as we navigate through Epcot’s offerings, helping you make informed choices for your day at this iconic Disney park.
This post is all about the 5 worst Epcot attractions you might want to skip during your one-day visit.
5 Epcot Attractions You Can Skip On a One-Day Visit
1. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Slow boat ride
Location: World Showcase – Mexico Pavillion 🇲🇽
The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, is located within the vibrant and culturally rich Mexico Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase.
This family-friendly boat ride takes you on a musical journey through the heart of Mexico.
As you step inside the iconic pyramid structure that houses the Mexico Pavilion, you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of a Mexican marketplace.
The attraction features Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles, collectively known as The Three Caballeros.
The adventure begins as you board a gentle boat and embark on a scenic tour along the Rio Grande. Your mission? To find Donald Duck, who has gone missing during his trip to Mexico.
So, why is it skippable? It is in desperate need of a refurbishment. Although it only opened in 2007, it feels like it has been abandoned since the 80s.
It isn’t a bad ride at all – with some good animatronics. With a little TLC, it could be a fabulous Epcot attraction.
But until then, don’t worry if you miss it.
On the bright side, the wait times are usually low (frequently around the 5-10 minute mark, but may be higher – depending on the season), so it isn’t exactly a big waste of time if you decide to check it out.
2. Turtle Talk With Crush
Location: World Nature
Dive into the magical underwater world of Turtle Talk with Crush, an extraordinary interactive experience located in Epcot’s Future World at Walt Disney World Resort.
This attraction allows guests to have a real-time conversation with Crush, the beloved sea turtle from Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
The adventure begins as you enter a cosy and darkened theatre that simulates the feeling of being submerged beneath the ocean’s surface.
The star of the show, Crush, appears on a large digital screen in a remarkable fusion of live animation and real-time interaction.
The most comparable Disney World show to this is Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom.
Crush engages with the audience in a spontaneous and dynamic manner. Using advanced technology, Crush can see, hear, and respond to guests as they ask questions or share stories.
Although it sounds impressive, it isn’t a must-do attraction for most people.
This show is primarily aimed at Disney’s younger guests, so if you’re travelling with adults or older kids, it might not be worth your time – especially if you don’t have a question to ask Crush.
If you want to see a similar show, I would argue that Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is more engaging (and funny, though I guess this can vary from show to show). So, if you’re also going to Magic Kingdom, I would check out that show instead.
RELATED POST: One Day At Epcot: The Top 8 Epcot Best Rides to Prioritise
3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: You get to go beneath the ocean (without this being a water ride) and find Nemo on this slow ride!
Location: World Nature
Dive into the depths of the ocean and join your favourite characters from Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” on an enchanting journey through the aquatic wonders of The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Located within Epcot’s Future World at Walt Disney World Resort, this attraction offers a captivating blend of storytelling, technology, and real-life marine experiences.
The adventure begins as you board a “clamobile” and set off on an underwater excursion with Marlin, Dory, and their friends to find the adventurous young clownfish, Nemo.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking underwater world filled with colourful coral reefs, graceful sea turtles, and a dazzling array of marine life.
As your journey continues, you’ll follow the storyline from “Finding Nemo,” encountering familiar characters like Crush, the sea turtle, and Bruce, the lovable but somewhat intimidating shark.
Along the way, you’ll become part of the adventure as the characters interact with you through cleverly integrated animated scenes.
The highlight of The Seas with Nemo & Friends is its impressive aquarium, which is one of the largest indoor saltwater tanks in the world.
After your ride, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this massive aquarium, home to a diverse array of marine creatures, including majestic rays, curious seahorses, and even real-life sharks.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is skippable for several reasons. It’s a slow ride that tells the story of Finding Nemo. It’s cute, but there’s nothing overly special or exciting.
The ride vehicles are pretty standard (like the ones on Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid).
The storytelling isn’t as exciting as other Disney World slow rides. For example, it doesn’t compete with Peter Pan’s Flight – or even The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh at Magic Kingdom.
Furthermore, the aquarium is impressive, and if you have the time, you might want to check it out – especially if you have younger kids.
That said, you could have a similar experience at your local aquarium for a lot cheaper. Sure, your local aquarium may not have one of the most sizeable indoor seawater tanks in the world, but that probably isn’t a massive deal to most of Epcot’s guests.
So, is it worth spending time there – based on the crazy amount you spent on your Disney World tickets?
Of course, this can vary from person to person, but if I were spending a day in Epcot, I probably wouldn’t rush to this attraction.
4. Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Unique dark slow ride with a slightly strange purple dragon
Location: World Celebration
Enter a whimsical world where creativity knows no bounds and imagination reigns supreme at Epcot’s Journey into Imagination with Figment.
This attraction invites you on an adventure alongside Figment, the lovable purple dragon, as you explore the limitless possibilities of the imagination.
Your journey begins at the Imagination Institute, a place dedicated to the study of imagination and its incredible powers.
As you enter the Institute, you’ll be greeted by Dr. Nigel Channing, the head of the Institute, who’s keen on conducting a tour of the sensory labs to prove the importance of science over imagination.
However, Figment has other plans. This mischievous little dragon believes that imagination should take the lead, and he’s determined to show you just how wondrous the world can be when you let your imagination run wild.
I know, Figment is a very popular character. After all, people reportedly waited for up to 8 hours to get a Figment popcorn bucket (though the average appeared to be 4-5 hours).
But the ride itself is just okay – if you ask me.
The original Figment ride (which was open from 1983 to 1998) was supposedly drastically better. (I’m a Gen-Z, so sadly, I never got to ride the original).
It has been refurbished twice since then, but unless they go back to the original, you probably don’t need to check out this attraction – if you’re only at Epcot for one day.
RELATED POST: Your Complete Guide To Epcot Rides and Attractions at Disney World
5. Mission: SPACE
Mission: SPACE
Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) + for Green Mission & 44in (112cm) for Orange Mission
Highlights: Thrilling, spinning, motion-sickness and dizziness
Location: World Discovery
Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at Epcot’s Mission: SPACE, where you’ll embark on a journey to you guessed it, Space.
The attraction offers two distinct experiences to cater to different levels of thrill-seekers:
- Green Mission (Earth Training Center): Designed for those seeking a milder adventure, the Green Mission provides a simulated training experience that focuses on Earth’s orbit. The intensity is dialled down drastically. It’s designed for those looking to experience space without the extreme forces of a rocket launch.
- Orange Mission (Mars Training): For those craving a more intense experience. This mission replicates the thrilling launch and journey to Mars, complete with G-forces, realistic vibrations, and a sense of weightlessness. It makes you feel like an astronaut – or like you’re about to pass out. Sounds fun, right?! 😂
I have embarked on both missions, and I didn’t enjoy either of them. The Green Mission is so tame that nothing really happens. On the other hand, the Orange Mission is so intense that you can feel completely out of control. It is like no other simulator-style attraction at Disney World.
If you’ve only got one day at Epcot, this is an attraction that really can be skipped.
Ta Ta For N0w
While Epcot is renowned for its incredible attractions and immersive experiences, not every ride is a hit for every visitor.
The beauty of Epcot lies in its diversity, offering a wide range of attractions and experiences to suit all tastes. By being selective with your choices, you can maximize your time and make the most of your visit to this extraordinary park.
Your day at Epcot can be memorable and magical, filled with the attractions that resonate most with you.
Enjoy your journey through this awesome park!
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