Time is of the essence, and you’ve set your sights on a whirlwind adventure at Epcot. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, you need to prioritise the Epcot best rides – to avoid wasting time on unimpressive attractions.
In this guide, we are covering everything from slow, magical rides to fast, exhilarating roller coasters.
So, fasten your seatbelts, secure on your Mickey ears, and let’s dive into a day filled with adventure, excitement, and enchantment at Epcot—the place where imagination knows no bounds, and the magic of Disney awaits at every turn! 🌐🎢✨
This post is all about the top 8 Epcot best rides you shouldn’t miss during your one-day visit.
Top 8 Epcot Best Rides For a One-Day Visit
@caffeinebythecastle Are you spending just one day at Epcot? You may want to prioritise these awesome attractions! Which attractions would you prioritise if you were spending one day at Epcot?! 💖 The full post is at caffeinebythecastle.com 💖 #epcot #epcotrides
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Height Restriction: 42in (107cm) +
Highlights: Dark, thrilling, pretty amazing music
Location: World Discovery
Let’s start with the newest (and I would argue, best) ride at Epcot – since opening in May 2022.
This is – without a doubt – the most thrilling of all the Epcot rides.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a high-energy roller coaster that promises to take guests on a whirlwind journey with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Do I know anything about Marvel films? No, apart from they’re not my cup of tea. But is this a good ride, despite its Marvel theming? Absolutely.
If you’re also not a Marvel fan, don’t let that put you off this attraction. It’s the most innovative roller coaster I’ve ever experienced in a Disney Park (and theme parks in general).
As it’s a new attraction, I won’t spoil too much for you. But, it’s a roller coaster with twists, turns and surprises. And, some pretty incredible music (though that depends on which song you get. But we all know ‘One Way or Another’ is the best song you can get … right?! 😂).
I wouldn’t call this scary (unless you’re not a fan of roller coasters), but I’d definitely consider it one of the best rides at Epcot for adults, teens and older kids.
2. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) +
Highlights: High speed, designing a car
Location: World Discovery
That’s right: on Test Track, you get to design your car and then race it.
It’s the only “thrilling” Epcot ride that is also competitive (like Toy Story Mania or Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but better. I’m not just saying that because I often win on Test Track, and I’ve never won on the others …).
Your car will reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. So, if you’re expecting it to be remotely similar to Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom, you’d be mistaken. Test Track is far better, more thrilling, and you don’t have to actually drive it. And get frustrated when you get a car that’s hard to steer (which, at this point, is most of them).
RELATED POST: The Ultimate Thrill Seeker’s Guide To The Best Disney Epcot Attractions
3. Frozen Ever After
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Magical slow boat ride, small drops, dark
Location: World Showcase – Norway Pavillion 🇳🇴
Frozen Ever After is a captivating and enchanting attraction that whisks guests away on a delightful journey to the kingdom of Arendelle.
Upon boarding their boats, you embark on an adventure that transports them into the world of “Frozen.”
The ride’s magical storytelling takes them through iconic scenes from the film, where they’ll encounter beloved characters such as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven.
One of the highlights of Frozen Ever After is when you become a guest at Elsa’s grand ice palace!
But, a quick disclaimer: if you don’t like the Frozen sountrack, or you don’t want ‘Let It Go’ in your head for the rest of the day, you might want to sit this one out …
But personally, I think it’s worth taking that risk! It’s a great slow attraction and one of the best rides at Epcot for kids (and adults who love Frozen). 🏰❄️🎶✨
4. Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Unique dark slow ride with a slightly strange purple dragon
Location: World Celebration
Is this a must-do attraction? Eh. Is it revolutionary? No. Is it weird? Absolutely. So, why should you ride this?
Other than the very short wait, because Figment is Epcot’s mascot. After riding this, you may wonder why, but he is.
And to be fair, a lot of people are crazy about Figment. Anyone else remember the popcorn bucket queue?
On Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Dr. Nigel Channing tries to demonstrate how the 5 senses capture your imagination, but he keeps getting interrupted by Figment.
Yeah, it’s interesting. But it’s almost so bad, it becomes good in a strange, nostalgic way.
5. Living with the Land
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Slow rides, plants
Location: World Nature
Living with the Land is a serene and educational boat ride located in The Land pavilion at Epcot, Walt Disney World. This unique attraction takes guests on a fascinating journey through the wonders of agriculture and the innovative techniques used in sustainable farming and gardening.
The real highlight of Living with the Land comes as the boat glides through the four greenhouse biomes, showcasing a glimpse into the future of farming.
These greenhouses, managed by Epcot’s research team, employ cutting-edge agricultural technologies to cultivate a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and other crops.
Honestly, I thought this was the most boring Disney World ride as a kid. I enjoy it much more as I’ve gotten older, so although anyone can ride this, it might not be as exciting as Frozen Ever After (for example) to younger guests.
RELATED POST: Your Complete Guide To Epcot Rides and Attractions at Disney World
6. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: 4D, slow ride, where you shrink down to the size of a rat – like Remy
Location: World Showcase – France Pavillion 🇫🇷
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a delightful and immersive ride, where you go on a culinary escapade through the eyes of Remy, the talented little rat chef with big dreams.
As guests step into Gusteau’s restaurant, they shrink down to the size of a rat and are whisked away into Remy’s world of culinary wonders. The adventure begins as guests board their rat-shaped ride vehicles, designed to make them feel like they are scurrying through the bustling kitchen of Gusteau’s.
The 3D projections are tasteful and pretty believable. As Disney doesn’t overuse 3D technology (I’m looking at you, Universal Studios Orlando), it’s a fun ride.
The only major downside is that it seems to break down a lot. So, if it’s up and running during your Epcot day, and the wait times aren’t too insane (or you purchase a Lightning Lane), it’s worth it.
If you’ve been on the Disneyland Paris version, it’s practically the exact same ride, so you won’t NEED to ride this as well.
As the journey unfolds, guests follow Remy’s quest to create the perfect ratatouille, a classic French dish. The ride’s thrilling sequences are interwoven with heartwarming moments, all underscored by the joyous spirit of friendship, family, and following one’s passion.
Bon appétit! 🐭🍅🍽️✨
7. Soarin’ Around the World
Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) +
Highlights: Slow ride with small drops as you explore the world
Location: World Nature
Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring flight simulation attraction. This beloved ride takes guests on a breathtaking journey across the globe, providing a bird’s-eye view of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
From the marvellous Great Wall of China to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, every scene is a visual feast that ignites the senses and stirs the imagination.
Soarin’ Around the World is an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our planet. It reminds us of the magic of travel and the awe-inspiring marvels that await those who dare to dream and explore.
It’s a soaring adventure that leaves guests with hearts full of wonder and a desire to see more of the incredible world we call home. 🚁🌍✈️
8. Spaceship Earth
Height Restriction: Any height
Highlights: Slow ride with historical storytelling
Location: World Celebration
Spaceship Earth is the iconic and majestic centrepiece of Epcot, Walt Disney World. So, you can’t miss this ride!
This Epcot ride takes you on a journey through the history of human communication and innovation.
Throughout the ride, animatronic figures and dazzling audio-visual effects bring history to life, allowing guests to witness significant moments that shaped our world.
The storytelling is accompanied by a narrated script, initially voiced by Judi Dench, that reflects on the importance of communication in shaping our shared human experience.
Similarly to Journey Into Imagination With Figment, this ride usually has a very short (or non-existent queue). If you were choosing between the two, I’d go with Spaceship Earth.
It’s more interesting as it covers historical events. And it helps that it’s a 15-minute break from the Orlando humidity!
Ta Ta For Now
Which are your top Epcot best rides that you prioritise on day trips to Epcot? Would you skip any of the rides on this list?
This post was all about the top 8 Epcot best rides you shouldn’t miss during your one-day visit.
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Hi there! I'm an English 🏴 Disney fan who drinks a lot of iced green tea ☕️ with lemon 🍋 and spends most of my time missing the Disney parks! ✨