EPCOT: My Fast Pass Rides Guide & Park Strategy
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Before visiting I didn’t really get the hype about Epcot. Yet everyone I talked to said that Epcot was their favorite of the Disney parks! What’s the big deal with Epcot? Trust me, after spending the day there with my family it definitely won me over. It is a unique theme park that has less rides and more experiences. It’s educational and immersive, and it also has the BEST rollercoaster of any of the parks- Guardians of the Galaxy. I know the debate is ongoing about which Disney Park is the best.
So, understanding how to navigate the park can save you from long waits and make your day that much more magical. Epcot has thrills like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as well as epic family-friendly fun with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen. Epcot offers some of the most popular attractions in the Disney parks. This guide explains the fastpass system (now Lightning Lane), how to conquer tier systems, and the best strategy for skipping long lines at Epcot.
Grab your discount tickets through UnderCover Tourist here
What Happened to the Disney Fastpass System? Genie+?
The old free fastpass system has been replaced with Lightning Lane options (previously known as Genie+). Instead of visiting fastpass kiosks, you’ll now make your Epcot Lightning Lane reservations through the My Disney Experience app.
Lightning Lane: Allows you to book rides from the available attractions list.
Individual Lightning Lane: Pay-per-ride for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and other top-tier rides.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass: Pay to use the lightning lanes for specific attractions for the time you booked. You can choose 3 attractions to start with, and once you scan into your first lightning lane attraction that you can book the next one. Make sure to prioritize your must-do attractions and try to book as early in the day as possible!
Good news for those planning ahead: you can start booking your advance lightning lane selections at 7 AM three (3) days before of your ticket date, or seven (7( days ahead for resort guests!
Epcot Attractions: A Complete Ride List with Tips
Here’s a detailed list of all rides at Epcot, along with insider tips for shorter wait times:
Future World (World Discovery, World Nature, and World Celebration)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Type: Thrill ride | Roller coaster
Height Requirement: 42 inches (107 cm) or taller
Ride Description: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is Disney’s first-ever reverse-launch roller coaster and one of the most thrilling rides in Walt Disney World resort. This innovative indoor ride is a fully immersive experience with a combination of high-speed thrills, rotating ride vehicles, and a soundtrack featuring hit songs from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Riders join Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot on a mission to save the galaxy in this exciting journey through time and space.
Tip: Access requires a virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane purchase, and it books up quickly. Be ready at 7:00 AM sharp using the My Disney Experience app. The ride tends to have long waits, so it’s best to prioritize early. If you don’t get in the virtual queue through he app you won’t be able to ride this attraction. Don’t forget!! There is a virtual queue that opens at 7am and again at 1pm.
Test Track
Type: Thrill ride | High-speed simulated car ride
Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Ride Description: Test Track lets you design your own virtual car before hopping into a high-speed simulation. The ride begins with a series of vehicle “tests” for capability, efficiency, and responsiveness, culminating in a thrilling outdoor loop where cars reach speeds of up to 65 mph. It’s the fastest ride at Walt Disney World resort, and the wind-in-your-hair finale makes it an unforgettable experience.
Tip: Use the single rider line for a much shorter wait, or visit at park opening for the lowest crowd levels.
Mission: SPACE
Type: Simulator | Space mission simulation
Height Requirement:
Orange Mission: 44 inches (112 cm) or taller (intense)
Green Mission: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller (milder experience)
Ride Description: Mission: SPACE takes you on a thrilling space adventure to Mars or an orbital Earth cruise. Riders can choose between two levels of intensity:
Orange Mission: A more intense ride with spinning forces that simulate G-forces. This version is not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.
Green Mission: A gentler version with no spinning but still a fun and immersive journey.
Tip: Choose the Green Mission if you’re visiting with younger kids or those who prefer a milder experience, or if you get at all motion sick. The sensation of G-forces can be hard on the body!
Spaceship Earth
Type: Slow-moving dark ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement (perfect for all ages).
Ride Description: Spaceship Earth is an iconic, 16-minute journey through time inside Epcot’s iconic sphere. The ride takes guests through pivotal moments in human history, from early cave paintings to the invention of the computer. Animatronics and narration make it an educational yet relaxing experience.
Tip: Head here first thing in the morning or later in the evening to avoid long waits.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Type: Family-friendly slow-moving ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Perfect for families with young kids, this ride follows Nemo, Marlin, and Dory as they journey through colorful underwater scenes, combining animation and real aquatic displays. It ends in The Seas Pavilion, where you can explore a massive aquarium full of marine life.
Tip: Wait times are typically short all day, so this is a great filler ride in between FastPass attractions.
Living with the Land
Type: Educational boat ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: This relaxing boat ride takes guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of Epcot’s working greenhouses. You’ll learn about innovative gardening techniques and sustainable farming. It’s calm, educational, and a great mid-day break from the park’s thrill rides.
Tip: A great ride to cool off and recharge during the heat of the day.
Soarin’ Around the World
Type: Simulated flight ride
Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Ride Description: Soarin’ Around the World is a breathtaking simulated flight over some of Earth’s most stunning landscapes, from the Great Wall of China to the Eiffel Tower. Riders are lifted into the air, and the gentle motion paired with wind and scents creates an incredible, realistic experience.
Tip: Book a Lightning Lane for this ride. It’s one of Epcot’s most popular attractions with long waits throughout the day.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Type: Family-friendly slow-moving ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: This whimsical ride follows Figment, a playful purple dragon, as he takes guests on a tour of the senses. Expect silly surprises and interactive scenes perfect for kids and Disney nostalgia lovers.
Tip: Lines are rarely long, making it a good choice for a low-stress, quick ride.
World Showcase
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Type: Trackless 4D boat ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Join Remy on a mouse-sized adventure through a bustling Parisian kitchen. This trackless ride uses 3D visuals and motion effects to immerse you in scenes straight out of Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille. It’s one of the newest rides at Epcot and a must-do for families.
Tip: Use the Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the long line.
Frozen Ever After
Type: Slow-moving boat ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Travel to Arendelle and join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends on this gentle boat ride. You’ll see familiar Frozen scenes and songs, and there’s even a mild drop for a little excitement.
Tip: Go here at rope drop or book a Lightning Lane as this ride often has some of the longest wait times.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Type: Relaxing boat ride
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Set inside the Mexico Pavilion, this gentle boat ride follows Donald Duck and friends through lively Mexican scenes. It’s charming, colorful, and a great break from walking.
Tip: There’s typically minimal wait time, making it perfect for afternoons.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Type: Musical show
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Located in the France Pavilion, this light-hearted, interactive sing-along lets you belt out classic Beauty and the Beast songs while watching an animated retelling of the story.
Tip: It’s a great family-friendly option for resting tired legs.
Reflections of China and Canada Far and Wide
Type: Circle-Vision 360 films
Height Requirement: No height requirement
Ride Description: Both films showcase stunning views of China and Canada with 360-degree visuals. These shows are peaceful and a great way to take a break from the heat.
Tip: No long waits—ideal for filling downtime in the World Showcase.
Epcot Touring Strategies by Time of Day
Morning (Rope Drop):
Start with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind using the virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane.
Head to Test Track or Frozen Ever After next.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon:
Enjoy shorter waits at attractions like Living with the Land or Spaceship Earth.
Use your Lightning Lane reservations for top rides.
Afternoon:
Explore the World Showcase. Attractions like Gran Fiesta Tour have minimal waits.
Catch shows like Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along or snack your way around the pavilions.
Evening:
Book an Individual Lightning Lane for any missed rides.
Enjoy dinner and cap the day with the Epcot nighttime fireworks show.
Dining at Epcot: Pairing Food with Your Ride Schedule
Epcot isn’t just about thrilling rides and shorter wait times—it’s a food lover's paradise. The World Showcase brings flavors from around the globe, making it the perfect park to savor international cuisine while balancing your ride schedule.
Here’s a guide to specific dining recommendations in each country, including quick-service options, table-service dining, and must-try traditional snacks or drinks.
Mexico Pavilion
Quick-Service: La Cantina de San Angel
What to Try: Tacos de Barbacoa (braised beef tacos) and nachos paired with a refreshing Margarita.
Tip: Enjoy a waterfront view while cooling off with your drink.
Table-Service: San Angel Inn Restaurante
What to Try: Pollo a las Rajas (grilled chicken with creamy poblano sauce) or Carne Asada.
Experience: Dine under a twilight-lit sky with views of the Gran Fiesta Tour boats floating by.
Snack: Stop at Choza de Margarita for a classic frozen margarita or the famous Esquites (Mexican street corn in a cup).
Norway Pavilion
Quick-Service: Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
What to Try: The iconic School Bread—a sweet roll filled with vanilla custard and topped with coconut.
Snack: Pair your School Bread with a Viking Coffee (coffee with Baileys Irish Cream and Kamora Coffee Liqueur) for an afternoon pick-me-up.
China Pavilion
Quick-Service: Lotus Blossom Café
What to Try: Orange Chicken with steamed rice or Pot Stickers.
Table-Service: Nine Dragons Restaurant
What to Try: Honey Sesame Chicken or Canton Pepper Beef.
Tip: Pair your meal with a traditional Jasmine Tea or a Chinese beer.
Snack: Pop into the pavilion to try the Curry Chicken Pocket or the refreshing Bubble Milk Tea.
Germany Pavilion
Quick-Service: Sommerfest
What to Try: Classic Bratwurst with sauerkraut and a pretzel roll, paired with a German beer like Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen.
Table-Service: Biergarten Restaurant (buffet-style dining)
What to Try: Feast on sausages, schnitzel, spätzle, and Bavarian cheesecake while enjoying live polka music.
Tip: This is perfect for families or large groups.
Snack: The giant, soft German Pretzels are a must-try, especially paired with mustard or cheese dip.
Italy Pavilion
Quick-Service: Pizza al Taglio
What to Try: Authentic Pizza Margherita or Pepperoni slices.
Table-Service: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
What to Try: Wood-fired pizzas like the Quattro Formaggi or the Prosciutto e Melone (prosciutto with melon and arugula).
Tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Italian Chianti.
Snack: Try the Cannoli or Gelato from Gelateria Toscana—a perfect sweet treat for a warm afternoon.
The American Adventure
Quick-Service: Regal Eagle Smokehouse
What to Try: Classic American BBQ like Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Ribs, or Brisket with sides like macaroni and cheese.
Snack: Grab a Funnel Cake from the Funnel Cake stand topped with powdered sugar, strawberries, or ice cream.
Drink: Pair your BBQ with an American craft beer or frozen lemonade.
Japan Pavilion
Quick-Service: Katsura Grill
What to Try: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl or Sushi Rolls.
Tip: Dine in the serene garden area with views of the koi pond.
Table-Service: Teppan Edo
What to Try: Hibachi-style steak, chicken, or shrimp cooked right at your table with fresh vegetables and rice.
Snack: Try the Matcha Soft Serve or a Kakigori (shaved ice) with fruity syrups from the nearby stand.
Morocco Pavilion
Quick-Service: Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
What to Try: Chicken Shawarma Platters or Moroccan Lamb Kefta.
Table-Service: Spice Road Table
What to Try: Mediterranean small plates like Hummus Fries, Grilled Lamb Kefta, or Fried Calamari.
Tip: Sit outside with a view of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Snack: Try Baklava for a sweet, flaky treat or a Moroccan Mint Tea.
France Pavilion
Quick-Service: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
What to Try: Croissants, Pastries, Macaroons (or as my kids call them…hamburger cookies), Quiche Lorraine, or the Jambon Beurre (ham and butter baguette sandwich).
Table-Service: Chefs de France
What to Try: French Onion Soup, Filet de Boeuf, or Ratatouille (vegetarian-friendly).
Tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Champagne or Bordeaux.
Snack: Cool off with a scoop of French Gelato or enjoy a Crêpe from La Crêperie de Paris.
United Kingdom Pavilion
Quick-Service: Yorkshire County Fish Shop
What to Try: Classic Fish and Chips served piping hot.
Table-Service: Rose & Crown Dining Room
What to Try: Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash paired with a pint of Guinness or a Snakebite (lager and cider mix).
Snack: Grab a fresh scone and tea from the tea stand in the pavilion.
Canada Pavilion
Table-Service: Le Cellier Steakhouse
What to Try: Famous Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, Poutine, or a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.
Tip: Pair with a Canadian wine or beer for the full experience.
Snack: Try Maple Popcorn from the cart near the pavilion entrance—a sweet, crunchy snack that’s perfect for munching.
Best Strategy for Dining at Epcot
Early Rides, Late Meals: Use rope drop or early entry for popular rides like Frozen Ever After and Guardians of the Galaxy, then plan your meals during late morning or afternoon hours.
Snack Between Lightning Lanes: Grab small bites from quick-service spots as you explore each pavilion to maximize time. You can always pack snacks, but at Epcot, eating around the world is a big part of the experience!
Reserve Table-Service: Use the My Disney Experience app to book a table-service meal in advance for a mid-day break.
By balancing rides with these dining options, you’ll enjoy Epcot’s World Showcase like a pro while tasting some of the best food Disney has to offer!
Tell me more about this Lightning Lane thing?
Lightning Lane is Disney’s new term for what used to be the FastPass line. Instead of waiting in the regular standby lines, park guests can reserve access to select attractions through Lightning Lane to significantly reduce wait times. There are two types of Lightning Lane reservations:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass System
You pay a flat fee per day (pricing varies based on demand and the time of year) to book Lightning Lane access for multiple available attractions at Epcot and other Disney parks.
You can book one attraction at a time, and once you’ve scanned into the ride (or your reservation window expires), you can book the next.
Great news for multi-day ticket holders:
You can book Lightning Lane and start making reservations up to 3 days in advance of your trip.
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you can start booking 7 days in advance of your trip—a significant perk!
Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Some high-demand rides, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, are not included in the multi-pass Lightning Lane. Instead, you purchase access to these rides individually.
Pricing varies based on demand, but you’re paying for a specific ride at a specific return time.
This system ensures you can enjoy Disney’s most popular attractions without enduring long waits.
How to Use Lightning Lane at Epcot
Download the My Disney Experience App
The app is your key to booking Individual and Multi-pass Lightning Lane reservations. This is also where you can join the virtual queue, write down your parking spot, scan your tickets and lightning lane passes at attractions, and access you photos!Start Early
Resort guests can book their first Individual Lightning Lane at 7:00 AM sharp, 7 days ahead of their ticket date. Don’t wait—high-demand rides like Guardians of the Galaxy often sell out quickly.
You can make your first Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection at 7:00 AM as well, 3 days ahead of your ticket date. Genie+ is just the old term for lightning lane, don’t let it confuse you. It is just another term for fastpass, it’s a way to skip the line!
Pro tip: If you have a multi-day ticket (i.e. 4 parks over 7 days you can book all your lightning lanes 3 days before the start date of your first park visit, this gives you a huge advantage!)
Book Strategically
Prioritize Tier 1 rides with the longest wait times:Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Individual Lightning Lane)
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Keep an Eye on Return Windows
Genie+ (the automatic scheduling tool in the MyDisney app) works on a rolling basis: once you scan into a ride, you can book your next Lightning Lane. If you miss your return time, you’ll lose your reservation, so set reminders!Combine Strategies
Use rope drop or early entry to ride low-wait attractions like Spaceship Earth or Test Track.
Book Lightning Lane selections for rides that typically have the longest wait times in the afternoon.
Remember that Lightning Lanes significantly reduce the wait times, but can still mean you are waiting for 10-20 minutes. You have a 60 minute window to check in for your lightning lane reservation, and you can’t book overlapping reservations. So, you must use your lightning lane or modify it to be able to book another attraction.
Be aware that dining reservations will also be included in the app, so you won’t be able to book attractions that overlap with a dining reservation.
Do You Need Lightning Lanes Every Day?
On low-crowd days, Lightning Lanes may not be necessary for all of Epcot. Rides like Living with the Land, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Spaceship Earth tend to have minimal wait times, especially early or late in the day.
However, for high-demand seasons (like holidays or summer), Lightning Lanes ensures you can experience the most popular attractions without wasting hours in long lines.
Sample Lightning Lane Strategy at Epcot
Here’s a suggested plan for maximizing your Lightning Lane reservations:
7:00 AM (3 days ahead): Book Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Individual Lightning Lane).
7:00 AM (3 days ahead): Use My DisneyApp to reserve Frozen Ever After for mid-morning.
7:00 AM (3 days ahead): Use My DisneyApp to reserve Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as your next lightning lane.
7:00 AM (3 days ahead): Use My DisneyApp to reserve Test Track as your next lightning lane.
Mid-Morning: After Frozen Ever After, book Mission Space as your next selection.
Afternoon: Use My DisneyApp to book the next available time for Soarin’ Around the World and lower-demand rides like Living with the Land once you signed into your first
Lightning Lane Perks for Multi-Day Tickets
Booking multi-day Walt Disney World tickets comes with added benefits:
If you purchase tickets for 3 days or more, you can start booking Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes up to 3 days before your trip starts.
If you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel, you get an even bigger perk: the ability to make Lightning Lane selections 7 days in advance of your check-in date.
This early booking window is a huge advantage, especially for rides with longest wait times like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Final Tips for Using the Lightning Lane
Refresh the App: Sometimes new return times pop up if other guests cancel their reservations. Keep checking the app!
Stay Flexible: Prioritize your favorite rides, but don’t be afraid to swap if a great return time pops up.
Monitor Wait Times: Use the My Disney Experience app to check standby lines and optimize your plan on the go.
By mastering the Lightning Lane Multi Pass System and Individual Lightning Lane, you’ll save time, skip long waits, and make the most of your day at Epcot. Whether you’re conquering thrill rides like Guardians of the Galaxy or taking a relaxing boat ride on Frozen Ever After, the new system is the best way to ensure a smooth, magical experience!
Seasonal Festivals and Ride Wait Times
Epcot hosts incredible seasonal festivals:
Flower & Garden Festival (Spring)
Food & Wine Festival (Fall)
Festival of the Holidays (Winter)
During these events, longer lines are common at food booths but select attractions see shorter waits in the afternoons.
Combining Epcot with Other Disney Parks
Epcot is great to combine with:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Head there for Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey after a morning at Epcot.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Visit Epcot early, then hop to Hollywood Studios for Slinky Dog Dash or Rise of the Resistance (also an individual lightning lane)
Use a park ticket with Park Hopper to maximize your time if you want to see it all but only have 1 or 2 days. If you’re wondering, which is better…Universal Studios or Disney…check this post out!
Best Epcot Rides for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time, prioritize these:
For Families: Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Spaceship Earth.
For Thrill Seekers: Guardians of the Galaxy, Test Track, Mission: SPACE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rides for kids at Epcot?
Frozen Ever After, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and Gran Fiesta Tour are great options.
How do I book Lightning Lanes?
Use the My Disney Experience app starting at 7 AM sharp 3 days ahead, or 7 days ahead for resort guests.
What’s the height requirement for Test Track?
40 inches.
Can I park-hop from Epcot to other parks?
Yes, with a Park Hopper ticket.
What’s the best time to visit Epcot for shorter waits?
Early mornings, weekdays, or during off-peak seasons.
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan an efficient, fun-filled day at Epcot. Whether you’re tackling thrill rides or enjoying a peaceful boat ride, you’ll know exactly where to go and how to skip those long waits!
Have so much fun!!
Jen
