Complete Guide to Epcot Rides

Are you heading to Epcot and want to know everything about the rides and attractions in the park? You have come to the right place! You will find a complete guide to all the attractions Epcot has to offer. You will find the length of each ride, description, height requirements, when you should ride, and most importantly, should you ride.

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Map of Epcot

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World Celebration Rides

Spaceship Earth

Height: Any Height | Duration: 15 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The iconic “golf ball” for Epcot is actually a ride! Spaceship Earth is a slow-paced journey from the beginning of time to the present. You learn about humankind from the beginning to the present.
When to ride: You will want to avoid this earlier in the day. People tend to jump in line shortly after they enter the park because it is the first ride they see. Wait until later in the day when World Showcase has opened and you can usually walk on with minimal wait.
Should you ride: Just because a ride is iconic doesn’t mean it is a must-d0. However, I would say Spaceship Earth definitely is. It’s a great ride to avoid the weather, but it is also a ride that is enjoyable. I notice new hidden things every time I ride!

Journey Into Imagination

Height: Any Height | Duration: 11 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Journey Into Imagination takes you on a ride to explore your senses, but gets hijacked by Figment. It is a fun ride for kids especially who will love the exit play area as well.
When to ride: You can walk on this ride almost anytime. It does have the Lightning Lane option, but it is rarely necessary.
Should you ride: This is a hard one to classify. A lot of people love this ride, particularly because of the song and Figment. It is recommended for anyone with little kids. However, I don’t have to ride this every time I am in the park. It is enjoyable to kill time, but not a must-do in my book.

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

Height: Any | Duration: 18 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is inside the Magic Eye Theater. You will see three animated shorts in the 4D experience.
When to ride: Anytime, but it does close early.
Should you ride: This is a good time filler or somewhere to go if you need to relax for a bit. The shorts are always enjoyable, but this isn’t a high priority attraction.

World Discovery Rides

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Height: 42″ or taller | Duration: 3.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The Guardians of the Galaxy need your help to save the universe once again on this one-of-a-kind coaster. This reverse-launch coaster combines everyone’s favorite superheroes, galaxy saving measures, and of course some great music.
When to ride: Guardians has a virtual queue. Unless you get a spot in the virtual queue or buy a Lightning Lane add-on specifically for this ride, you cannot ride. You can learn more about the virtual queue here.
Should you ride: If you like thrill rides, Marvel, and meet the height requirement absolutely. Be warned though that Disney added puke bags on the exit after this ride opened and people have definitely needed them. Don’t go after eating or drinking around the world.

Mission: Space

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 6 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Mission: Space is a simulation ride that lets you be an astronaut! There are two different levels of intensity so it is a good ride for the thrill seeker or the calmer rider. The family-friendly mission is green and the more intense version is orange. Anyone who wants to ride the orange mission has to be 44″ or taller. The area you exit into is actually a pretty fun play area for kids. If you have little ones that can’t ride or don’t wish to ride, this is a great area to wait in.
When to ride: Never ride this after you just ate. While the green version is tamer, it is still not a good idea to do with a full stomach. It’s not one of the rides that is essential to use a Lightning Lane option. You won’t need to run here after rope drop, but it can fill up a bit during the middle of the day.
Should you ride: If I am on a time constraint in Epcot I would spend my time on one of the other thrill rides or exploring the World Showcase. If you get queasy easily skip this ride or go for the less intense option.

Test Track

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 4 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Test Track’s story is exactly what it sounds like – you are riding the track that tests out the cars. The queue was redone in the past few years and you can now build your own car! It is a fun addition for kids, but I honestly don’t think it changes the ride at all.
When to ride: If you don’t want to use Lightning Lane for this ride, I highly suggest heading to this first. The line can fill up quickly, but if you don’t want to wait consider riding in the single riders line. It isn’t always faster, but it usually is. You also have a single rider option, but keep in mind you will most likely be split up from your party. I take this option often, but for families this isn’t always ideal.
Should you ride: Anyone who loves thrill rides should make this a must-do. The ride itself is very smooth, but intense so it is great for thrill seekers.

World Nature Rides

Soarin’

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 5 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Soarin’ is one of the more unique experiences in Disney World. The ride lets you soar over iconic landmarks around the world and even adds the smells to give you the full experience of the land. If you can, try to sit in section B, row 1. The first rows are on the top of the ride vehicle so you don’t see feet above you.
When to ride: If you don’t want to use Lightning Lane for this ride, it is one you should hit sooner than later. The queue has been updated and includes a game with the Play Disney app if you need to kill time.
Should you ride: I love this ride. It is one of my must-do ones for Epcot. However, if you have ridden the one in Disneyland recently they are now both Soarin’ Around the World so there is no difference.

Living With The Land

Height: Any | Duration: 14 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Living With The Land is a boat tour that takes you around a few of the greenhouses in Disney World. You’ll get a look at how Disney is trying to help make a difference in the world and how you can help. If you are there during a festival they mark what items are being used at the various food booths which is pretty interesting.
When to ride: While there is occasionally a line for this, it is rarely very long. There is usually still an option for Lightning Lane throughout the day.
Should you ride: This is an interesting ride, but isn’t a must-do. It is great to take a break from your day in the air conditioning, but not necessary to go out of your way to ride this.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Height: Any | Duration: 4 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Seas with Nemo and Friends is a cute Disney dark ride that combines their aquatic life from the aquarium with the animated characters you love from Finding Nemo.
When to ride: This has a Lightning Lane option, but it is rarely needed.
Should you ride: If you or your child is a big fan of Finding Nemo it’s a fun ride. There isn’t anything special except the exit leads you into the aquarium area.

Turtle Talk with Crush

Height: Any | Duration: 15 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Kids
Turtle Talk with Crush lets your kids interact and talk to everyone’s favorite sea turtle Crush. It uses the same technology that Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory uses so the kids can ask questions and get live responses.
When to ride: This has a Lightning Lane option, but it is rarely needed.
Should you ride: If you have kids in your group you should definitely take the time to go here. The look on their faces when they realize they can actually talk to Crush is something truly magical. Adults will get a kick out of it too!

World Showcase Rides

Frozen Ever After

Height: Any | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Frozen Ever After is located in the Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase. It is a boat ride featuring your favorite Frozen characters who are celebrating a very special “Summer Snow Day” in Arendelle.
When to ride: If you do not want to use a Lightning Lane, get here right after the park opens. The line for this is typically very long and the ride also has the highest breakdown percentage in Disney World.
Should you ride: If you have Frozen fans in your family, they will love it. I think it is a magical ride, especially for little princesses.

Gran Fiesta Tour

Height: Any | Duration: 8 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Located in the Mexico Pavilion, the Gran Fiesta Tour is a boat ride to try and find Donald Duck. The songs and the animatronics remind some people of it’s a small world.
When to ride: Anytime, there is never a wait.
Should you ride: I can’t tell if I love this ride because it is a good ride or because you can almost always walk on. If you are exploring the pavilions, this is something both kids and adults can easily enjoy.

The American Adventure

Height: Any | Duration: 28.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
The American Adventure isn’t a ride, but a show. Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain host and take you on a journey through American history. It combines animatronics and a 72″ rear projection screen.
When to ride: Times vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app.
Should you ride: Besides a welcome break in air conditioning with seating, the show itself is something special. If you have time, I would highly recommend fitting it in your schedule.

Reflections of China

Height: Any | Duration: 12.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Reflections of China is a 360º Circle-Vision film that takes you on a tour of China. It was updated in 2017 and features the Great Wall, Yangtze River, Hainan Island, Gobi Desert, and more!
When to ride: Times vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app.
Should you ride: To get the full effect of the theater there are no seats. The show is entertaining and educational. It is also rarely busy so if you need to just stand in some air conditioning, consider learning about China at the same time.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-A-Long

Height: Any | Duration: 15 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Sing-a-long with your favorite characters from Beauty and the Beast to your favorite tunes! This is exactly as it sounds and is a nice break to sit down and enjoy.
When to ride: Times vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app.
Should you ride: This theater actually has seats, so it is once again a nice break during the day. Not a must-do, but if you are in the area or someone loves singing Disney tunes, go!

Impressions de France

Height: Any | Duration: 18 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Impressions de France gives guests a trip through both countryside and cities of France. You’ll see sights like the palace of Versailles and winemakers at work.
When to ride: Times vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app.
Should you ride: This theater actually has seats, so it is once again a nice break during the day. Adults will enjoy this node to French culture, but kids will probably be unimpressed.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Height: Any | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Shrink down to the size of a rat and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen. See (and smell) all of the wonderful things the restaurant has to offer.
When to ride: Remy is no longer a virtual queue ride! This means you can now wait in line instead of hoping you are able to wait in line. A popular rope drop ride or you can try and get Lightning Lane option as well.
Should you ride: I was very impressed with the technology and simplicity of the ride. It gives you a feel of being directly in the movie as a rat in Paris. I vote that it’s a must-ride at Epcot.

O Canada!

Height: Any | Duration: 18 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
O Canada! is a show located in a 360º Circle-Vision theater. Martin Short hosts and gives you a tour of his homeland. Journey to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Calgary, and more!
When to ride: Times vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app.
Should you ride: Similar to Reflections in China, you will be standing to take in everything Canada has to offer. It is definitely a unique experience and you won’t regret stopping in for the show.