Tips for visiting Epcot

Theme Park Insider readers submit, and vote on, their suggestions for getting the most from a visit to Epcot.

Click the "Yes" buttons on advice you agree with, and "No" on ones you don't like.

Click the button at the bottom of the page to submit your own tip.

Most Recent Tips

[2 + / 0 -] If you know when you are going to the Food and Wine Festival, make sure to buy the tickets in advance (around August). They are cheaper and you are guarenteed a spot.

[9 + / 4 -] Best spot to watch Illuminations from? Anywhere along the lagoon edge where the wind is at your back. You don't want all that dust and smoke blowing towards you.

[8 + / 4 -] The best water fountain at EPCOT (coolest water) is down the main bridge behind the fountain to world showcase on the right, near the water play area. The water there is Ice Cold!

All Readers' Tips

In descending order of popularity

[1420 + / 110 -] Get to the park early to be sure you can get on your favorite rides before the park gets too crowded.

[525 + / 49 -] Bring your own water bottles. It will save you time and money!

[404 + / 86 -] Don't use lifts or other tricks to make your kids look taller than they are. Height and safety restrictions are there for a reason.

[318 + / 15 -] As soon as the park opens, go either to get a fastpass for Soarin or Test Track ASAP

[207 + / 20 -] Oldie but a goodie - Always work your way backwards through a park instead of stopping at the first attraction you get to. You will beat 60% of the crowds.

[125 + / 9 -] When approaching counter service eateries, review the menu and have your selections in mind before you get to the counter. The folks behind you and the cast member will be eternally grateful.

[102 + / 10 -] If you're going to get an annual pass, add parking to at least one pass (if it isn't included already). It seems expensive at first, but at more than $10 a pop for parking at most parks, it pays off in the end.

[94 + / 4 -] If you go to Epcot at park opening resist the urge to queue for Spaceship Earth first. The wait is much shorter in the afternoon.

[108 + / 27 -] Don't look like some clueless, sun-fried British tourist. Wear sunscreen whenever you visit a theme park.

[99 + / 21 -] Theme park walkways are designed for traffic flow, keep to the right and keep moving. If you want to gawk around, step to the very outside. If you drop something, step to the right and look around before coming to an abrubt halt. Courtesy people.

[82 + / 8 -] I have noticed that if you go on a day less than perfect between Monday and Thursday you don't have to wait in line much if at all.

[81 + / 13 -] Bring individual packets of Crystal Light etc, as all counter services in most parks will give you a glass of ice water free of charge. Make your own ice tea, lemonade etc!

[63 + / 7 -] When riding Soarin' try to get in the front row as its the best ride by far. Second row you can see everyones feet dangling and the third row you can see the bottom of the screen too.

[56 + / 1 -] Never try to make a crying child go on a theme park ride.

[56 + / 4 -] If you are going to visit a park more than once in a year, look into buying an annual pass. Most include discounts on food, merchandise and parking and some can pay for themselves in as little as two visits.

[63 + / 14 -] take a backpack with snacks and water for you and the kids it can save you some serious bucks

[69 + / 23 -] Smoke in the smoking sections! Because it is really annoying for the rest of us!!! Plus, you can get a misdemeanor if you don't!

[47 + / 5 -] Strollers should be parked in areas designated for them, covering every bench seating area is rude to other guests that also need some time out. As a Guest, our courtesy and common sense can make or break someone else's day at the park.

[44 + / 5 -] Have a large snack about ten o'clock, then don't have a meal until middle of the afternoon. That way you avoid the rush between noon and two o'clock.

[33 + / 0 -] Use parks' free package check services to store what you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.

[34 + / 1 -] As soon as the park opens, immeaditely head to Soarin' for a fastpass. Then, go to either Mission: Space or Test Track and ride them. Then, do the other while waiting for your Soarin' fast pass. This takes care of the 3 most popular.

[31 + / 3 -] Ride Soarin' at night just before the Fireworks as there is no queue.

[30 + / 7 -] be polite to the cast members, most only make minimum wage and for some it is their first job. they may just be learning and if you are irritating to them they may make you wait longer, or charge you more.

[23 + / 1 -] Drink plenty of fluids on a hot day! The last thing you want is to become dehydrated. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible as well.

[28 + / 6 -] Be friendly and courteous, even when others are not. When that grumpy staff member at the front gate checks your bag, smile and say thank you. If someone drops something while walking on the path, pick it up and tell them!

[23 + / 1 -] If you want a great place to cool off go to the Cool Club. Inside they offer free samples of soft drinks from around the world.

[24 + / 3 -] Take a photo of where you park with your digital camera. Easy to remember.

[24 + / 7 -] go round the park anti clockwise

[16 + / 0 -] Freeze water bottles the night before and they will offer cold water for a few hours as they melt.

[18 + / 3 -] If you are looking for a late meal/snack and want a good Illuminations viewing area, grab a chair and a bite at the Cantina de San Angel at Mexico World Showcase around 30-45 minutes before showtime

[21 + / 6 -] Epcot is a great park to go to if you know its going to rain all day. Most of the park's attractions are indoors!

[16 + / 2 -] Want to avoid the big crowds? Try going when the kids are in school on a weekday if you're able to. Families tend to come on weekend and when the kids are out of school.

[18 + / 5 -] Try ordering items from the kids menu. You will be surprised how full you get and you'll save a lot of money.

[19 + / 6 -] Buy your tickets/book your hotel through AAA ,if you are a member. If you aren't join, you'll save the fee with one trip and you'll have someone to call if you get a flat on the Beeline.

[15 + / 2 -] Wait to get your Autographs at Epcot rather than Magic Kingdom where the lines are much shorter, and all the Characters are found together

[12 + / 0 -] bring a wet washcloth on hot days in a plastic baggy- good for a quick cool off on the back of your neck and you can keep it cool with a few pieces of ice in the baggy

[15 + / 3 -] If you lost your hat/keys/sunglasses during a ride, it's possible that you'll be able to find it at Lost & Found the next day. Even if you are already back home, call and if they have the item, they will likely courier back to you free of charge.

[13 + / 1 -] If you seek great attitude and personable castmembers, visit the World Showcase upon opening at 11:00 AM. Hardly anyone goes in that early and the castmember's will give you the real Disney feel along with a taste from their country.

[17 + / 5 -] If you want to get some great pictures of fireworks, make sure to use a digital camera with its night setting. Keep your hand still and you will have some great pictures!

[24 + / 12 -] Drawstring Bags are a great object to bring to a park. You can put all your stuff in it when going on roller coasters and wear it as a backpack.

[23 + / 13 -] Are your kids seat-kickers on airplanes? Take off their shoes. They'll be more comfortable, and not kick. Take off yours for comfort, too. Just, please, wear socks!

[13 + / 3 -] Ask the human resources department at your employer if it sells discount tickets to theme parks. Many do, as well as discount tickets to local theaters, zoos and attractions. Check those prices against the parks' websites and pick the better deal.

[9 + / 0 -] Using a spray bottle to spritz yourself with a water mist will cool you down a lot!!

[20 + / 12 -] Know the difference between a theme and amusement park and adjust your expectations accordingly.

[8 + / 0 -] If you are going with a group/family with older teens walkie-talkies are are good idea to have not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time

[8 + / 0 -] Wear shoes that are comfrotable and that have proper support. Most parks will have you doing a lot of walking. A lot of folks get really fatigued (or hurt) due to wearing cheap sandals or flipflops. Good shoes make for a good day.

[9 + / 1 -] If you got really bad sunburn, witch hazel is a good soothing treatment to get rid of that annoying pain.

[9 + / 2 -] Don't EVER unbuckle your seatbelt while riding! The ride will stop, and YOU will be thrown out of the park!

[7 + / 0 -] Always try to buy your tickets online! They're usually cheaper and save you the headache you'll get waiting to purchase at the gate.

[8 + / 1 -] Crokies (adjustabel eyeglass holders) are indispensable if you're a roller coaster fan. Get them at a pharmacy or gas station, and make sure they tighten to your head. Great for sunglasses, too.

[10 + / 3 -] Your kids are going to get cranky no doubt about it. Carry crackers for when they get hungry an hour into a line.

[25 + / 19 -] Never close your eyes when riding a roller coaster. That will just make you dizzier, as your eyes help your sense of balance adjust.

[7 + / 1 -] If you're allergic to a certain food and are cautious about what goes into your food make sure to ask the server where or how will the food be cooked...saves you a trip to first aid.

[6 + / 0 -] Make Lunch your biggest meal of the day. Light eating (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) no big deal in the later evening.

[9 + / 3 -] Wear a wallet sized purse with long strap that just fits tickets, digital camera and cash. You can stash it in pocket of cargo jeans or inside your shirt when you go on roller coasters. No need for lockers.

[16 + / 10 -] most parks are less busy meaning shorter lines Monday-Friday

[9 + / 4 -] Best spot to watch Illuminations from? Anywhere along the lagoon edge where the wind is at your back. You don't want all that dust and smoke blowing towards you.

[7 + / 2 -] To treat sunburn, apply a heavy amount of aloe vera gel, maximum strength formula. Works wonders.

[5 + / 0 -] dont wear jewlery on the rides they come off during the ride... also dont bring extra things like a bag to the park or anything that you cant bring on the ride they get annoying when you have to put them in lockers or worry about it the entire time.

[8 + / 4 -] The best water fountain at EPCOT (coolest water) is down the main bridge behind the fountain to world showcase on the right, near the water play area. The water there is Ice Cold!

[2 + / 0 -] If you know when you are going to the Food and Wine Festival, make sure to buy the tickets in advance (around August). They are cheaper and you are guarenteed a spot.

For more attraction, ride and hotel reviews, visit our Epcot home page.

Get, and vote on, more tips about a variety of topics, including those not related to theme parks, at TipReel.com.

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