EPCOT: Always in a state of becoming

Disney’s Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, more widely known as EPCOT, was the second park to open in Disney World in 1982. The park celebrates the spirit of innovation, technology, and exploration, whether that’s through a trip around EPCOT’s … or a tour of the “world” in World Showcase.

EPCOT is broken up into four neighborhoods. The “front half” of the park, formerly known as Future World, was divided up in 2021 into three distinct lands: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. The fourth neighborhood is World Showcase, which brings together the cultures, cuisines, and traditions of a dozen unique locations around the world.

What is there to do in EPCOT?

EPCOT is a huge park with a massive footprint. Get ready to walk! Between its four neighborhoods there is a lot to see and do. If you are a travel party who enjoys rides, EPCOT is full of good ones, including Test Track, Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. But if we’re being honest, EPCOT is king when it comes to slow-moving leisurely rides, with a trifecta of relaxing vibes from Spaceship Earth, Living With the Land, and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.

Foodies will find themselves right at home in EPCOT. World Showcase is bustling with some of Disney World’s best and most unique dining offers, available 365 days a year. EPCOT is also in perpetual festival mode, with only a few weeks each year where the isn’t something exciting going on. Keep scrolling to learn more about its four festivals and how to best plan your trip.

Where can I eat in EPCOT?

EPCOT is one of the most densely-packed dining scenes in Disney World! Throughout World Showcase you’ll come across dozens of quick-service and table-service eateries featuring an array of international cuisine. EPCOT is probably my favorite Disney World theme park to grab a bite to eat!

EPCOT Table Service Restaurants and Lounges

• Coral Reef Restaurant
• Garden Grill
• Space 220

Mexico Pavilion:

• La Hacienda de San Angel
• San Angel Inn

Norway Pavilion:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

China Pavilion:

• Nine Dragons Restaurant

Germany Pavilion:

• Biergarten Restaurant

Italy Pavilion:

• Tutto Italia Ristorante
• Via Napoli

Japan Pavilion:

• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
• Takumi-Tei
• Teppan Edo

Morocco Pavilion

• Spice Road Table

France Pavilion:

• Chefs de France
• La Crêperie de Paris
• Monsieur Paul

United Kingdom Pavilion:

• Rose & Crown Dining Room

Canada Pavilion:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse

EPCOT Quick-Service Dining, Bar, and Lounges:

Quick side note: EPCOT is filled with great places to enjoy an adult beverage, especially around World Showcase. Keep in mind that many of the locations listed below tend to stick to mostly drinks on their menu and won’t necessarily have a robust food menu. Always be sure to reference Disney World’s most up-to-date menu on their website before traveling so you know what to expect!

• Connections Cafe
• Connections Eatery
• Joffrey’s Coffee Stands
• The Land Cart
• Refreshment Outpost
• Refreshment Port
• Space 220 Lounge
• Sunshine Seasons

Mexico Pavilion:

• Choza de Margarita
• La Cantina de San Angel
• La Cava del Tequila

Norway Pavilion:

• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

China Pavilion:

• Joy of Tea
• Lotus Blossom Cafe

Germany Pavilion:

• Sommerfest

Italy Pavilion:

• Gelateria Toscana
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

American Adventure Pavilion:

• Block & Hans
• Fife & Drum Tavern
• Funnel Cake Stand
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

Japan Pavilion:

• Kabuki Cafe
• Katsura Grill

Morocco Pavilion:

• Oasis Sweets & Sips
• Tangerine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina

France Pavilion:

• Crêpes À Emporter
• L’Artisan des Glaces
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
• Les Vins des Chefs de France

United Kingdom Pavilion:

• Rose & Crown Pub
• UK Beer Cart
• Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe

Canada Pavilion:

• Popcorn in Canada

Click Here to check out the current EPCOT park hours.

EPCOT’s Festivals

One of the biggest draws to EPCOT, especially for foodies, is its festivals. Over time, EPCOT has evolved into being in festival mode nearly all year, with only a few weeks in between each one as the rare exception.

What are the EPCOT festivals? There are four rotating festivals that take place more or less seasonally. Kicking things off each year, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts takes place in the winter, from mid-January through late February. Right after that is the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, a springtime celebration that lasts from early March through early July. The rest of summer and much of the fall is dedicated to the flagship EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, lasting from mid-July all the way through late November. And closing out the year is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which runs from late November through late December.

Each festival has something unique to offer, but all four include various festival marketplace booths situated around the park, most of which are congregated around World Showcase. Guests can purchase small bites and beverages at each one, with menus focused around a particular country or theme. EPCOT festivals also offer a concert series, scavenger hunts, and limited-time merchandise.