Theme Park Insider - Park Review

Epcot was the second theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, opening October 1, 1982. (If you are wondering, Epcot originally was an acronym standing for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.) Inspired by world's fairs, Epcot includes two major sections – Future World and World Showcase.

Future World is dominated by the 180-foot-tall Spaceship Earth geosphere. Don't make that your first stop of the day, though; the lines for that ride all but disappear later in the day. Instead, grab a FastPass ride reservation for the popular Soarin' (inside The Land pavilion).

Dining at one of the many restaurants in the national pavilions around World Showcase is another highlight Epcot. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations: 180 days in advance for the most popular restaurants, including Canada's Le Cellier Steakhouse.

Buy your tickets in advance on Disney's website, or as part of a Disney hotel stay. Check Disney's website for park operating hours, too. World Showcase attractions often open two hours after Future World's.

Follow the signs from Interstate 4 to find Epcot, or get driving directions from our Google Map of America's top theme parks. Scroll down to links for Theme Park Insider readers' reviews of Epcot's attractions and restaurants. Or search our archives for more news about Walt Disney World's Epcot.