12 Absolute Best Epcot Rides & Attractions

As an avid traveler, Epcot has always been one of my favorite theme parks at Walt Disney World resort.

Many visitors write it off as boring or not worthy of a full day’s exploration, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you’re not sure what to do at Epcot, I’m here to help. 

In this post, I’m sharing the 12 best Epcot rides and attractions so you can narrow down what to do at one of my favorite Disney parks.

Let’s dig in!

Frozen Ever After

This slow boat ride takes guests through a Frozen-themed journey in the dark, complete with familiar tunes and your favorite Frozen characters, like Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. 

Frozen Ever After opened in 2016 and replaced Maelstrom, which was themed around vikings and Norwegian mythology.

A lot of Epcot fans were upset about this update, but I think this version of the ride is better!

This ride has proven to be so popular that it is set to be rebuilt at 3 additional Disney theme parks around the world: Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.

• Location:  Norway in World Showcase
• Height requirement: All heights welcome
• Lightning Lane?: Yes, as part of Genie+, but no individual lightning lane.
• Duration: approximately 5 minutes

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Although it just opened in 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind quickly became one of the best rides at Epcot.

It is available via virtual queue, rather than a regular standby line. Personally, I’m a fan of virtual queues, so I hope this sticks and isn’t just part of the opening rollout.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was originally supposed to open around Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration in October 2021. However, its opening was delayed to May 27, 2022.

It is the first Marvel ride at Disney World, as well as the first roller coaster at Epcot.

This thrill ride doesn’t include any inversions, but has been known to cause motion sickness.

This has led to a fun challenge of sorts, where guests aim to get all 6 songs at least once.

And YES, I’m absolutely playing! Now that it’s a new year, I’ve reset my count and I’ve gotten Conga twice and September once.

• Location: World Discovery
• Height requirement: 42 in. or taller
• Lightning Lane?: Yes, this ride is available for individual lightning lane but not available as part of Genie+.
• Duration: Approximately 4 minutes
• NOTE: Virtual queue or individual lightning lane only. No standby line or Genie+.

Journey into Imagination with Figment

In this slow ride, guests learn about the 5 senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. 

The ride is hosted by a purple dragon named Figment, who is a cult-favorite among Epcot fans. 

So much so that when the ride was updated in the late 1990s with barely any inclusion of Figment, there was a ton of backlash from guests.

So much so that it caused the ride to close after just 2 years so it could be reimagined to add him back again!

Journey into Imagination with Figment reopened in 2002 with everyone’s favorite purple dragon properly restored as mascot and host of the ride.

This is a simple and slow ride, but a great chance to rest your feet and get some AC. But for some of us, we love to see the silly purple dragon, too!

• Location: Imagination pavilion in World Celebration
• Height requirement: All heights welcome
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. But it’s not usually not needed for this ride.
• Duration: 6 minutes

Figment Meet-and-Greet

Speaking of that silly purple dragon, you can now meet him inside ImageWorks, which is where his ride drops you into afterward.

This is actually the 3rd iteration of a Figment Meet-and-Greet, so if you’ve ever dreamed of getting his autograph and snapping a few photos, now’s your chance. You never know when he’ll disappear again!

• Location: Imagination pavilion in World Celebration
• Height requirement: All heights welcome.

Journey of Water ~ Inspired by Moana

Are you ready to embark on a journey of water inspired by one of the most beloved Disney films of all time?

Journey of Water, based on the adventures of Moana, is one of the latest edutainment attractions at Epcot, and it’s bound to become a favorite – especially in the hot and humid Florida weather.

This walk-through experience takes guests on a mystical journey through the lush landscape of Te Fiti, where they’ll discover the importance of water and its role in creating life.

Whether you’re a die-hard Moana fan or just looking for a fun and informative experience, Journey of Water is a must-visit attraction at Epcot.

• Location: World Nature
• Height requirement: All heights welcome.
• Genie+: To be determined.
• Duration: This is a walk-through trail in which you can go at your own pace.

Living with the Land

In this slow moving boat ride, you learn about the history and future of agriculture. The best part is the behind-the-scenes look through a working greenhouse at Walt Disney World.

It’s so cool to see the different fruits, vegetables, plants, and fish (yes, fish!) that are grown at Disney World and used at their restaurants.

• Location: The Land pavilion in World Nature
• Height requirement: All heights welcome
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. But it’s not not needed for this ride.
• Duration: 15 minutes

Mission: SPACE

On Mission: SPACE, guests can choose between 2 missions, each with a unique experience. It’s kind of like 2 rides in 1!

The Orange mission simulates a mission to Mars. It is super duper intense and hits up to 2.5G force. 

After riding the Orange mission once, I swore I’d never ride again – and I haven’t. 

That’s not to say others shouldn’t ride it as well, but if you have any kind of health condition, don’t.

Otherwise, have at it – it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, but once was enough for me.

That said, in 2017, the Green mission was added, which simulates an orbit around Earth. It’s far less intense, but still thrilling!

• Location: World Discovery
• Height requirement: 40 inches or taller for Green mission & 44 inches or taller for Orange mission
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. Hit or miss as to whether you need it. If it’s a busy day, then yes. If not, you likely won’t have to wait.
• Duration: ~10 minutes

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

In this ride, guests see what it’s like to be the same size as Chef Remy (the rat of our dreams 🎶) as they are chased through Gusteau’s restaurant.

This ride first debuted at Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris in 2014. 

• Location: France in World Showcase
• Height requirement: Not yet known, but my assumption is that all heights will be welcome.
• Lightning Lane?: Yes, via Genie+. HIGHLY recommended for this ride.
• Duration: Just under 5 minutes

Soarin’ Around the World

My favorite of all the rides at Epcot: Soarin’ Around the World!

Soarin’ was initially implemented at Disney California Adventure in 2011 and took guests through different landscapes of California. The same experience opened at Epcot in 2005.

The current ‘Around the World’ experience debuted in 2016 at Epcot and Disneyland.

Similar versions of Soarin’ can be found at Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

• Location: The Land pavilion in World Nature
• Height requirement: 40 in or taller
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. Usually a good pick, unless it’s a low crowd day.
• Duration: Just under 5 minutes

Spaceship Earth

First up is the iconic Spaceship Earth, affectionately known as the “Epcot ball ride.”

On Spaceship Earth, guests ride through the history of communication and technology, from cave paintings to the internet and beyond.

My only complaint? This ride is sorely overdue for a refresh. It was scheduled for one in recent years, but put aside in favor of other projects. Hopefully it will pan out in the next few years.

• Location: World Celebration, by the main park entrance
• Height requirement: All heights welcome
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. But it’s not usually not needed for this ride.
• Duration: 16 minutes

Test Track

In this Epcot ride, guests create their own concept car, and then get to ride a test car based on their build. 

Your car is tested in varying weather conditions, hills, speeds, and more. With a different ride possible nearly every time, it’s clear why Test Track is an Epcot favorite.

Be sure to check out this ride soon, though. At D23 2023, Disney announced that it is partnering with Chevrolet to reimagine this attraction again. Although a date hasn’t been shared yet, this ride may close this year to make way for construction.

• Location: World Discovery
• Height requirement: 40 inches or taller
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only and worth it if you’re interested in this ride.
• Duration: 5 minutes
• NOTE: A single rider line is available for this attraction.

Turtle Talk with Crush

In Turtle Talk with Crush, guests have a chance to chat with Crush, the surfer dude-like turtle from Finding Nemo. 

This attraction is super cute and fun to watch – plus there’s air conditioning and a chance to rest your feet. 

It’s excellent for kids, especially younger ones who will be mesmerized by Crush interacting with them.

This attraction has done so well that it has since been duplicated at Disney California Adventure, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. 

Yes, that’s right – it’s also at a California hospital that was co-founded by Walt Disney himself!

There’s also a modified version on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships.

• Location: SeaBase building in World Nature
• Height requirement: All heights welcome
• Lightning Lane?: Via Genie+ only. But it’s not needed for this ride.
• Duration: 10-13 minutes

What are your favorite Epcot rides and attractions?

From iconic rides like Soarin’ Around World to newer attractions like Journey of Water, Epcot is full of countless moments of magic awaiting your visit.

Whether you’re an old-time fan or discovering Epcot’s wondrous sights for the first time, there are plenty of delights that come with putting on those Mickey ears and hopping onto one of this park’s legendary rides.

Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite Epcot rides and attractions are.

I hope you have a great time visiting Epcot!

For more insight on Epcot, check out these posts:

1. How to Use Genie+ at Epcot
2. A Complete Guide to Epcot for Toddlers
3. Epcot Festival of the Holidays Guide & Tips
4. Epcot Food and Wine Festival Guide & Tips
5. Epcot Festival of the Arts Guide & Tips
6. Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Guide & Tips
7. Disney Genie, Genie+ & Lightning Lane Guide

This post was originally published on June 14, 2021. It was last updated on March 9, 2024.