Epcot Insider Secrets

1.        When you first enter the park, pick up a map and a times guide right away, which will tell you park hours and special even times.

2.        Be sure to bring water and sun screen. Having a poncho, umbrella or light raincoat might be a good idea, too, as afternoon rain showers are not at all uncommon in Central Florida, especially during the rainy season (from June through September).

3.        Adults with youngsters too small to ride an attraction may take turns riding. Simply see a Cast Member at the front of the attraction and obtain a Child Swap Pass, which will allow one parent (and any other child who is tall enough to ride) to enjoy the ride while the other sits out with the other child. Then, without waiting in line again, you can swap so that both parents can enjoy the ride!

4.        Many Disney Cast Members are fluent in more than one language – check the lapel pins under their nametags which indicates which languages they speak.
5.        Check the tip board at Innoventions Plaza, behind Spaceship Earth, throughout the day for the current wait times for the most popular attractions at the Park.

6.        For full-service meals, it is best to make reservations in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE. You can also check for last-minute reservations when you arrive at the park at either Guest Relations or at the desired eatery.

7.        Take advantage of Disney's FASTPASS Service. Simply slip your Park Pass into the FASTPASS machine to receive an assigned return time and enjoy the rest of the park while you wait. Here’s a tip though – only use the FASTPASS for the biggest attractions at the park – i.e. Soarin’ and Test Track. The other attractions’ lines fluctuate throughout the day, but those rides are sure to always have a long wait! And, plan your FASTPASS uses wisely – you cannot get another FASTPASS until your current time is up. So, if your FASTPASS time is from 3-4 p.m., you cannot get another FASTPASS until 4 p.m.

8.        Use the single rider entrance at the Test Track attraction. You will make it through the line in mere minutes, and while you won’t be sitting directly next to your friends and family, it is a great way to save time, as this attraction always has long lines!

9.        One of the best places in the park to view the fireworks is on the bridge in between the France and United Kingdom Pavilions. Be sure to get there at least a half hour early to get a view from the rails of the bridge, which will offer an unobstructed view of everything in the show. 

10.     Bring comfortable shoes with you to Epcot. There is LOTS of walking at this park, especially once you get to the World Showcase. The countries are located all around a lagoon, and it is over a mile walk all the way around. 

11.     Future World usually closes two hours before the rest of the park, so be sure to check the time guide each day to find out which areas of the park close before the rest. The World Showcase is usually open until 9 p.m. every night, and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is usually at 9 p.m. also.

12.     Bring your e-mail address list along on your visit. You can e-mail messages, pictures and video clips to family and friends back home from Mission: SPACE and from Imageworks at the Imagination Pavilion.

13.     ATMs at Epcot® are located on the east side of the Entrance Plaza, on the path between Future World and World Showcase, and near Germany. You can exchange currency at Guest Relations or at the American Express Travel Office on the west side of the Entrance Plaza.

14.     Fin fact: the saltwater aquarium at The Seas with Nemo and Friends is large enough to fit Spaceship Earth inside of it!

15.     To access everything inside The Seas with Nemo and Friends without actually going on the ride itself, just enter the doors to the left of the ride’s entrance.

16.     If you have SCUBA certification, you can SCUBA dive in the Living Seas. They supply all of the equipment, and for a fee, you will receive the dive, a certificate and a T-shirt as part of the experience. You can also purchase a video of the dive, as one Walt Disney World staff member will follow the group around with a special underwater video camera.

17.     Take look at the large fountain in Innoventions Plaza. A water ballet performs every 15 minutes, with water that sprays and colorful lights that play in time to music.