We are always on the hunt for the best tricks and tips to have the best Disney World vacation. We are in the parks every single day and we are constantly seeking out tricks.
If you are headed to EPCOT soon, we have some tricks you may want to take advantage of! We tried nine tricks, but we do have some warnings about some of them so keep reading to see which of the nine tricks were a success.Â
There is a lot of ground to cover in EPCOT and so many things to explore. In addition to a variety of attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, there are plenty of shows, shops, entertainment offerings, dining locations, and experiences to check-out in EPCOT.
We are putting some EPCOT tricks to the test to see if they work! So let’s get into some of the tips that worked well.
Tricks That Worked
The first trick is to bring trays with you to EPCOT. This one is a definite yes, especially if you are visiting during a festival. You can grab cheap ones on Amazon and they really do make it so much easier to carry your food. EPCOT sometimes lacks in the seating department, and trying to juggle your food while seeking out a spot to eat can be a struggle. We recommend grabbing one of the smaller trays so you can also easily fit it into a backpack when you are not using it.
Next up, make sure you take advantage of the My Disney Experience app to find Water Bottle Refill Stations and FuelRod Stations. You can search in the My Disney Experience app for either “Water Bottle Refill Stations” for nearby refill stations or you can search “Portable Phone Charging System Kiosks” for FuelRod stations.
The My Disney Experience app will show you a map with locations so you can find the nearest one. While you can always refill your water bottle at any water fountain, utilizing a water bottle refill station makes it so much easier!
As well, we also recommend using the My Disney Experience app to utilize the Mobile Checkout feature. You can take advantage of Mobile Checkout at both the Creations Shop and the Treasures of Xandar. Simply open up the app and scan the products you would like to purchase. You can then complete the check-out on your phone and show the screen to a Cast Member as you are leaving.
Finally, we were big fans of the trick to utilize the Skyliner for a mid-day break at EPCOT. We found this trick especially useful if you are initially entering the park through the main entrance. Since the Skyliner station is located in World Showcase by the France Pavilion, we found it to be in an ideal spot for a mid-day break.
You can hop on the Skyliner to travel to a nearby resort to enjoy some air-conditioning, and grab a bite to eat or drink. You can travel to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Then, just take the Skyliner back to continue your trip around the World Showcase.
These were the four tricks that we tried out that worked well for us, but we also found some tricks that weren’t as handy. We tried nine tricks overall, so here are the five that we wouldn’t recommend.
Tricks That Didn’t Work
You may have heard that if you want to avoid crowds, you should visit EPCOT when there is not a festival going on. While you can definitely still have a great time at EPCOT in between festivals, we really think EPCOT is best if you visit during a festival. It may seem more crowded during a festival, but there is so much more to do during a festival. From food booths, to special entertainment, we think this trick may not be the best.
Next up is a feature on the My Disney Experience app to find mobile charging stations. You can find this option by searching “Mobile Charging Stations” on the app, but currently this trick only works in Magic Kingdom. These charging stations have AC and USB outlets, and you just need to bring your own cable. However, you won’t be able to see them in EPCOT just yet, but we are hoping more will show up on the app soon!
Another big debate for EPCOT visitors is which way to go around the World Showcase. You may have heard tricks that you HAVE to go a certain way around World Showcase, but we are here to say that there isn’t a right or wrong way. Go with what your heart tells you, and since it is a loop, you will still be able to see everything along the way. You can start in Mexico or Canada and still have an amazing time!
Another trick that won’t work anymore is attending an EPCOT After Hours event for shorter wait times. After Hours events are special ticketed events that allow you access to the park after it closes for the day. While these events are a great way to get lots done in a short amount of time, currently the last EPCOT After Hours Event is scheduled for July 18th. While it is definitely possible that more events will be added, this trick will not work until then.
Finally, a trick that recently went obsolete is to rope drop the front entrance of EPCOT for Test Track. This attraction used to see one of the highest wait times at the front of the park, but it recently closed down to undergo a refurbishment. Now most of the rides that you will likely want to rope drop are located in the World Showcase area like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
For even more tips and tricks for your visit to EPCOT, make sure you check out our video on how to have the perfect day in EPCOT without paying for Genie+ (which will be becoming Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass beginning July 24th, 2024):
Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World tips, tricks, and news!
Check out Emma’s tips for drinking around the world in EPCOT!
What are your favorite EPCOT tricks? Let us know in the comments!
A trick my husband and I use is to always carry an extra cup or two with us. We then purchase the 12 oz beverage instead of the 6 oz one at festival kiosks (which is a better value,) and pour half into our extra cup so we each have a 6 oz beverage. This is cheaper than buying two 6 oz beverages. We’ve learned to do this because most festival kiosks will not give you an extra cup!