Best Epcot Rides and Attractions
Epcot isn’t known as Disney’s go-to destination for thrill rides. However, the park does have its share of exciting rides and interesting attractions. There’s really something for everyone at Epcot. Below we rank the top Epcot attractions and rides for 2023 and discuss other useful information about the best Epcot rides.
Remember, this list is our opinion only, and everyone has their own way of judging the attractions. We encourage you to try each one and decide for yourself!
Before we go into the list, let’s see how our favorite Disney Youtuber, The Vacationeer ranks the best Epcot rides! Note that the video was produced prior to the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy)
Now, on to our list. Here are the best Epcot rides for 2023!
1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind
The best attraction and EPCOT’s newest ride is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This mind-blowing enclosed roller coaster experience features video effects that are wowing 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 70s and 80s, each resulting in a slightly different movement of the ride vehicle as riders are sent hurtling backward and forward through time and space.
The attraction officially opened May 27, 2022, as probably the highest-profile addition to EPCOT’s multi-million dollar park-wide revamp. It’s EPCOT’s first roller coaster and marks the first ever Disney “Omnicoaster,” in which the individual coaster cars rotate in a pre-programmed manner. It has quickly become an iconic EPCOT ride.
Guests ready to board Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 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 instead to get a spot in a virtual line (leaving you free to do other things while you wait). Spaces open up daily at 7 AM and again at 1 PM. On dates when Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are offered for select Resort Guests, another round of queueing begins at 6 PM.
Available spots may fill up in literally just a few seconds.
To give yourself the best possible chance of snagging a spot, read Disney’s extensive instructions ahead of time so you know exactly what to do at 7 AM on the day you wish to visit.
The attraction is available as an individual Lightning Lane purchase (not available through Genie+); expect to pay between $14 and $17 depending on the day (subject to change). Those spots may also go quickly, but likely not quite as quickly as the free virtual queue.
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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction
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 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction
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 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
4. Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is Epcot’s most recognizable landmark. This geodesic sphere not only serves as a symbol of the park but it’s 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 continued 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 Genie+ 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
5. Test Track
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 park.
World Discovery’s Test Track is a high-octane giant slot car attraction. The ride is a simulated experience that takes you through the many rigorous testing procedures of Chevrolet’s concept cars.
Guests will first step into the Chevrolet Design Center to design their own car with the virtual concept. Next, the ride moves to a 6-passenger “SIM Car” for a high-speed go-around on the test track. You’ll reach speeds of up to 65 MPH along straightaways, navigate through rough terrain and bad weather, and speed around 50-degree turns. After completing your test, the scoreboard will let you know how well you performed.
This one-of-a-kind Epcot attraction is not to be missed!
Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Rides, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 5:00
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
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 of your 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 Genie+ selections for this attraction so you can use the Lightning Lane entrance.
Location: World Showcase; Norway
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Duration: 5:00
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
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, then head over to lunch at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant. Here you will be able to 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
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, takes 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 on your mission through space. 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. At the same time, 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction
9. The American Adventure
The American Adventure pavilion is a 5-story Colonial-style building in World Showcase. Here you will find an array of exhibits with paintings, flags, and artistic and historical artifacts telling 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. You won’t need to use a Genie+ reservation here, 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
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Neither
Epcot Map – Park Layout, Areas, Attractions, and Rides
Epcot opened in 1982 as Walt Disney World’s second theme park and was originally 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 of different countries, including the U.S.A., the U.K., Japan, Morocco, France, Canada, Mexico, China, Norway, Germany, and Italy. They are known for mixing its enriching and educational aspects with fun aspects. Many guests consider World Showcase’s restaurants as some of Disney World’s best.
World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature are the new neighborhoods that cover the area previously known as Future World. They have an array of avant-garde pavilions that feature innovative technological and scientific themes. 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
- 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)
- Harmonious (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 Genie+/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 Disney Genie+ to your tickets so you can take advantage of shorter wait times (via the Lightning Lane entrance). Here are some suggestions.
Best Epcot Rides for Disney Genie+/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’. Unfortunately, Remy’s is the only one that’s eligible for a pay-per-ride Individual Lightning Lane Pass, but we think it’s 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 Genie+ selections include:
- Mission: SPACE
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Living with the Land
- Pixar Short Film Festival
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Since Mission: SPACE and Spaceship Earth consistently have longer lines than some of these other attractions so these two are probably your best bets.
See our Ways to Avoid Long Lines page for tips on how to reduce 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 Genie+ and 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, 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!
