By Dr. Jenna Liphart Rhoads
Walt Disney World’s EPCOT park is world famous for its innovative food festivals, high-tech rides, and unique World Showcase experience. However, many new park-goers are unaware of how educational a visit to EPCOT can be for both children and adults. Throughout the park, and at different times of the year, there are learning experiences that warrant several trips to EPCOT to be sure to see it all. Keep reading to learn more about all of the educational opportunities that EPCOT has to offer!
Living with the Land: This beloved ride is found in the Land area within the Nature Pavilion near the main entrance of EPCOT. Living with the Land features an educational, slow-moving boat ride through working the greenhouses on property. While on the ride, patrons learn about the delicate ecosystem on earth and farming practices throughout the last few centuries. To compliment this ride, guests can also reserve a spot on the Behind the Seeds Tour found in the same area. During this one-hour backstage walking tour, guests will explore the future of agriculture and fish farming. This tour does cost an additional fee and can be booked through your travel agent.
Imagination Pavilion: This pavilion has been a mainstay of EPCOT since the park opened. The Imagination Pavilion houses the ride Journey into Imagination with Figment, a gentle musical ride through sensory labs. After enjoying the ride, guests can spend time exploring the Imagination Institute which includes several fun, hands-on experiments for kids that feature elements of the senses. This pavilion is also home to the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, a 14-minute 4D film experience. Prior to entering the theater, guests can learn all about the creative process of making the films and characters featured in the show.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: This outdoor water attraction is located in the World of Nature area of EPCOT. Guests can “journey” by foot along an exploration trail and interact with water features while learning about the global water cycle. Keep your eyes peeled for a special visit from Moana herself at the end of this exhibit. Note: Those enjoying this experience can either choose to stay dry, or get a little wet!
Sea Base Aquarium: EPCOT guests can take a break from the Florida sun and spend time spotting sea turtles, reef fish, sharks, and more at the Sea Base Aquarium located in the World of Nature area of the park. For an additional charge, adventurous guests can reserve a scuba or dolphin encounter experience as well. Make sure to catch a fish feeding from level 2!
World Showcase: There are so many wonderful educational experiences to be found around the World Showcase in EPCOT. The Canada Pavilion hosts the Canada Far and Wide Circle Vision- 360, which is an exciting 12-minute presentation featuring information about each unique province in Canada. In the France Pavilion, guests can enjoy the ‘Impressions de France’ widescreen film which showcases everything there is to love about the country. The American Adventure production found in the American Pavilion features 35 audio-animatronic figures that tell an inspiring story of how the United States of America was founded and then changed through the decades. Besides these highlighted educational experiences, there are several additional and cultural experiences in each pavilion of the World Showcase.
Flower & Garden Festival: Throughout the year, EPCOT is home to several festivals that include delicious, unique food and inspiring artwork. The Flower & Garden Festival not only provides tasty cuisine and stunning artwork, but also an opportunity for guests to learn about flowers, plants, and bees. Garden and bee exhibits are staged throughout the park during this festival affording visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of nature and bees to our world.
Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT park not only provides guests with thoughtful and thrilling experiences and amazing food, but also the opportunity to learn and have fun doing it! Make sure to work with your travel agent to include a trip to EPCOT in your itinerary.
For more on-site tips to make your Disney vacation the most magical it can be, please contact us at Royal Carriage Vacations about planning your magical Disney vacation!
