Best Epcot Rides and Attractions
Epcot isn’t necessarily known as the go-to destination for high-intensity thrill rides at Disney World. However, the park does have its share of exciting rides and interesting attractions. There’s truly something for everyone at Epcot. Below, we rank the top Epcot attractions and most popular rides for 2025, along with other helpful information about the best experiences the park has to offer.
Please keep in mind that this list reflects our personal opinions, and everyone has their own method of evaluating attractions. We encourage you to experience each one and form your own conclusions!
Before diving into the list, let’s see how our favorite Disney YouTuber, The Vacationeer, ranks the best rides at Epcot. Note that this video was created before the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Now, on to our list. Here are Epcot’s best rides for 2025!
1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind
We’re convinced that the best ride at Epcot is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This mind-blowing enclosed roller coaster experience features video effects that wow even the most jaded “been there, done that” Terrans—er, earthling theme park visitors.
The entire ride is set to a soundtrack featuring one of six randomly chosen songs from the 1970s and 1980s. Each song results in a slightly different movement of the ride vehicle as riders are sent hurtling backward and forward through time and space.
Officially launched on May 27, 2022, this ride is a major highlight of Epcot’s fantastic multi-million dollar renovation. It proudly takes the title of Epcot’s first-ever roller coaster and the groundbreaking Disney “Omnicoaster,” where the coaster cars rotate in a pre-programmed dance. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience that has quickly become iconic at Epcot!
Guests wanting to experience the attraction will be pleased to know that they won’t have to wait for hours in line, though they’ll still have to wait. Disney is implementing its virtual queuing system for the ride, at least during the initial period after its grand opening.
Rather than a traditional standby queue which allows Guests to simply stand in line, you’ll need to use the MyDisneyExperience app to get a spot in a virtual line (leaving you free to do other things while you wait).
During long waits, the app’s Disney Genie feature helps you plan your day with personalized recommendations for attractions, dining, and experiences. Virtual queue slots open daily at 7 AM and 1 PM. On select days with Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for Disney Resort Guests, an additional queueing opportunity starts at 6 PM.
These spots fill up in seconds! To boost your chances of snagging one, be sure to review Disney’s instructions ahead of time so you know exactly what to do at 7 a.m. on your visit day.
You can also ride using an Individual Lightning Lane. While these spots go quickly, they typically don’t fill up as fast as the free virtual queue—so you’ve got options!
Location: World Discovery
Category: Enclosed Roller Coaster / Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 42″ or taller
Duration: A little less than 4 minutes
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of Epcot’s newest rides and certainly is among the park’s best.
The ride officially opened on October 1, 2021 – the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a replica of the original Disneyland Paris attraction based on the Pixar animated film Ratatouille.
Critics have praised Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure for its fun storyline and state-of-the-art amination. The entire ride experience is exciting and immersive.
Join Chef Remy on a 4D culinary caper as you scurry through the bustling kitchen, fancy dining room, and into the walls of Gusteau’s restaurant.
This big adventure is suitable for all ages, and there is no height requirement.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is not to be missed!
Location: World Showcase; France Pavilion
Category: Trackless Dark Ride
Height Requirement: None
Duration: 4:40
Good for: Any
3. Soarin’
Soarin’ is a flight motion simulator attraction in the World Nature section. Unfortunately, the recent opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bumped it down on our list. However, this attraction is still one of Disney’s best.
The attraction uses a mechanical lift system to raise you high into the air and to simulate a hang-gliding flight. It also employs a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome and artificial wind and aromas to give you an authentic and unique experience.
The journey begins high above the Swiss Alps and then soars past the polar bears of Greenland and sailboats in Australia’s Sydney Harbour. You will then swoop between elephants in Africa, past the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahal. After South America, you will look down upon Paris and its Eiffel Tower before returning to Epcot.
Soarin’ lets you experience some of the greatest natural and man-made wonders in the world, all presented in a stunning and thrilling way. We choose Soarin’ as one of Epcot’s best attractions because this may very well be Epcot’s most unique and exhilarating ride (sorry, Test Track).
The original Soarin’ opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001, and EPCOT’s version arrived in 2005. Since then, it’s been such a game changer that imitators have popped up all over, including SkyFly in Pigeon Forge, TN, and FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, Canada (the departure port for Disney Cruises to Alaska). But none of them quite match up to Disney — Soarin’ is not to be missed!
Location: World Nature; The Land Pavilion
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 4:45
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
4. Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is Epcot’s most recognizable landmark. This geodesic sphere not only serves as a symbol of the park but is also the namesake and location of one of Epcot’s best attractions.
The Spaceship Earth attraction is a dark ride that takes its guests back in time on a remarkable journey from the Stone Age to the modern age. Great moments in human communication are brought to life with Audio-Animatronics figures and detailed set designs. This inspiring 16-minute time travel begins with scenes of cave painting. Then, it continues with the invention of the printing press and onward to the televised moon landing and modern media. All of this is chronicled vividly and entertainingly.
Once you have returned to the modern day, guests have the opportunity to design their own future using the touch-screen features inside your vehicle.
You may consider using one of your Lightning Lane selections for this iconic, educational, and engaging Epcot attraction.
Location: World Celebration
Category: Slow Rides, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Duration: 15:00
Good for: Any
5. Test Track (Currently Closed)
Epcot may not have as many thrill rides as Magic Kingdom, but it does have the single fastest attraction in all of the Walt Disney World parks.
World Discovery’s Test Track is a high-octane giant slot car attraction. The ride simulates the rigorous testing procedures of Chevrolet’s concept cars.
Until recently, guests began their experience at the Chevrolet Design Center by designing their own car using a virtual concept. The adventure then continued with a 6-passenger “SIM Car,” where they enjoyed a high-speed ride on the test track. The SIM Car reached speeds of up to 65 MPH on straightaways, navigated through rough terrain and challenging weather, and sped around 50-degree turns. All this provided a thrilling experience.
The ride is currently closed for a major overhaul, which is expected to completely change the storyline and interior scenery. When it reopens (projected to be sometime during 2025), the overall ride system should remain the same.
Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Rides, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 5:00
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
6. Frozen Ever After
Epcot’s Frozen Ever After attraction is a musical journey through a frozen willow forest.
This slow-moving boat ride takes you to lands where you will encounter Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley and then to the enchanting icy blue lands of the North Mountain and into Queen Elsa’s ice palace. You will also see Anna, Olaf, and more of your Frozen friends on this voyage, as many fan-favorite Frozen songs play a supporting role.
This attraction is perfectly suited for children. However, be forewarned that the boat moves forward and backward, down mini waterfalls, and there is a good chance you will get a little wet.
We recommend using one of your Lightning Lane selections for this attraction to significantly cut your wait time.
Location: World Showcase; Norway
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Duration: 5:00
7. Living with the Land
Living with the Land is a slow-moving, gentle boat ride within The Land pavilion. It’s classified as part greenhouse tour and part dark ride. The attraction aims to promote agriculture, emphasizing new and environmentally conscious technologies.
Here, you will see how Disney Park horticulturalists use innovative growing techniques (like hydroponics and aquaponics) to make gardening as efficient as possible. Their cross-breeding technique results in some impressive crops, including huge lemons, Mickey-shaped pumpkins, and crops grown with the help of fish and sea creatures. Living with the Land is as eye-opening and educational as it is an enjoyable and relaxing attraction.
Once you have completed this ride, head over to lunch at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant. Here, you can savor tasty dishes with seafood and fresh produce grown right at Living with the Land!
Location: World Nature
Category: Slow Rides
Height Requirement: Any
Duration: 14:55
Good for: Any
8. Mission: Space
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut? If so, then Mission: SPACE is the attraction for you!
This centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride aims to simulate the experiences aboard a NASA-style spacecraft on a mission to Mars. Guests will experience the g-force of liftoff and the more relaxing hyper-sleep stage.
Before climbing aboard, you will train on the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle for your mission. Each mission has a crew of 4 cadets who, in turn, take on a specific role: pilot, navigator, commander, or engineer. Here, cadets are instructed to perform a mission-critical sequence.
Once training has been completed, you are now ready for liftoff and space travel. For the mission to be successful, you must slingshot around the moon and avoid the meteorites heading straight at you.
Note: There are two missions to choose from. The Orange Mission is the more intense version, while the Green Mission is the tamer, family-friendly version that orbits the Earth. This attraction is not recommended for people with weak stomachs or who are prone to motion sickness.
Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Ride, Spinning, Dark
Height Requirement: 40″ or Taller
Duration: 5:38
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
9. The American Adventure
The American Adventure pavilion is a five-story Colonial-style building in Epcot World Showcase. Its array of exhibits, including paintings, flags, and artistic and historical artifacts, tells the story of the United States. The American Adventure Show is the pavilion’s main attraction and one of Disney’s best stage shows.
This attraction uses 35 Audio-Animatronics figures, a massive 72-foot projector screen, and rousing patriotic songs to educate the public about America’s turbulent and amazing history. Ben Franklin and Mark Twain are your guides as you witness the Mayflower landing, the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, and the Great Depression. Then, you will see how these pivotal events shaped America into the country it is today.
The production introduces us to historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Chief Joseph, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Teddy Roosevelt. In addition, the attraction has been updated to include a Joe Biden Audio-Animatronic figure. Love him or hate him. He certainly makes this production a little more interesting!
The American Adventure is as much entertaining as it is educational. There’s no Lightning Lane here (and no need for one), so we think it’s the perfect attraction to relax and enjoy in between some of Epcot’s more thrilling rides.
Location: World Showcase; American Pavilion
Category: Stage Show
Height Requirement: Any
Duration: 28:30
Good for: Any
Epcot Map – Park Layout, Areas, Attractions, and Rides
Epcot opened in 1982 as Walt Disney World’s second theme park and was initially called the EPCOT Center. Its mission is to celebrate human achievements by showcasing international cultures and technological innovation. There is something for everyone at Epcot, including wonderful restaurants, special events, shopping, shows, and, of course, rides and attractions.
Epcot sees fewer annual visitors than Magic Kingdom (12M vs. 20M) but is twice its size (305 acres). The park has 4 distinct areas: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
World Showcase comprises 11 pavilions from different countries, including the U.S.A., the U.K., Japan, Morocco, France, Canada, Mexico, China, Norway, Germany, and Italy. It is known for combining enriching and educational activities with fun. Many guests consider World Showcase’s restaurants some of Disney World’s best.
World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature are the new neighborhoods covering the area previously known as Future World. They have an array of avant-garde pavilions featuring innovative technological and scientific themes (many of which are still toddler-friendly attractions). Each of these World Showcase pavilions features self-contained attractions. This area is also home to the World Spaceship Earth, Epcot’s iconic geodesic sphere structure.
Here is an Epcot map to give you a sense of the layout:
Epcot Rides and Attractions
Disney currently lists more than 60 Epcot experiences as “attractions”. These are divided between the four neighborhoods and include a mix of rides, exhibits, events, shows, and activities. Here is the most up-to-date list of Epcot’s attractions as listed by Disney itself:
Current List of Epcot Rides and Attractions
Current World Celebration Attractions
Rides
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Spaceship Earth
Films/Theaters
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Entertainment
- Beacons of Magic
- Jammitors / Jammin’ Gardeners
Characters
- Meet a Favorite Pal at Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Meet Disney Pals Near EPCOT Main Entrance
- Meet Joy Inside ImageWorks
- Meet Vanellope Inside ImageWorks
Exhibits
- Disney Fab 50 Character Collection
- Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity
- ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs
- Leave A Legacy
- Project Tomorrow
Current World Discovery Attractions
Rides
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Mission: SPACE
- Test Track
Exhibits
- Advanced Training Lab
Current World Nature Attractions
Rides
- Living with the Land
- Soarin’ Around the World
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Films/Theaters
- Awesome Planet
Characters
- Turtle Talk With Crush
Exhibits
- Bruce’s Shark World
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
- SeaBase
Current World Showcase Attractions
Rides
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Films/Theaters
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
- Impressions de France
- Reflections of China
- The American Adventure
Entertainment
- Candlelight Processional (during Holiday Season only)
- Entertainment at Canada Mill Stage
- EPCOT Pianist
- Garden Rocks Concert Series (during Flower & Garden Festival only)
- Luminous (fireworks)
- Matsuriza
- Music of Mexico
- Sergio
- Voices of Liberty
Characters
- Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
- Meet Alice in the United Kingdom
- Meet Belle in France
- Meet Donald Duck in Mexico Pavilion
- Meet Mulan in China
- Meet Princess Jasmine in Morocco
- Meet Snow White in Germany
Exhibits
- American Heritage Gallery
- Bijutsu-kan Gallery
- Gallery of Arts and History
- House of the Whispering Willows
- Kidcot Fun Stops
- Mexico Folk Art Gallery
- Stave Church Gallery
Best Epcot Attractions and Rides for Lightning Lane
Epcot is all about exploration and discovery. Luckily, the park is more spread out than Magic Kingdom, so it doesn’t feel quite as crowded. That said, there are fewer rides, and you will encounter lines at most of Epcot’s rides.
We recommend adding Lightning Lane to your tickets so you can take advantage of shorter wait times. Be sure to check which rides are currently offered under the various types of Lightning Lane passes so you can plan your strategy.
Best Epcot Rides for Lightning Lane Passes
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After are arguably the most in-demand attractions at Epcot, followed by Test Track and Soarin’. We think Remy, especially, is totally worth the money (less time spent in lines). Also, please remember that Test Track has a 40” height requirement, so this is not a good choice for guests with small children.
More Epcot rides you should consider for Lightning Lane include:
- Mission: SPACE
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Living with the Land
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment—Located in the Magic Eye Theater, Figment, the purple dragon, leads guests through the Imagination Institute, which celebrates creativity and the five senses.
Since Mission: SPACE and Spaceship Earth consistently have longer lines than some of these other attractions, these two are probably your best bets.
See our Ways to Avoid Long Lines page for tips on reducing wait times and the Disney Crowd Calendar page to find Epcot’s least crowded days of the year.
Free Help Planning Your EPCOT Visit – Walt Disney World Resort
For free help planning your trip to EPCOT and the rest of Walt Disney World, contact the expert Disney travel planners at The Vacationeer.
Whether you need theme park tickets, advice on Lightning Lane, help to make dinner reservations or an on-site Resort Hotel room, they handle it all at no additional cost!
Contact The Vacationeer today to get all your questions answered and find out exactly how much your dream Disney World vacation will cost.
Be sure to ask about payment plans that let you book your trip with just $200 down and pay the balance over time.
We hope our Best Epcot Attractions page is helpful as you prioritize your list of Epcot experiences and rides.
For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides like our Epcot Restaurants, Epcot Secrets, Is EPCOT Worth It, Disney Dining Plan Calculator, Disney World Maps, and Disney World Weather articles.
Thanks for reading and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!