Here Are 2 of the Absolute Worst Things About EPCOT From a Gal Who Actually LOVES Going There

As someone who frequently visits EPCOT, there are a few things that can make the park day more difficult.

Quincy at EPCOT

Let me start by saying I adore EPCOT. There’s food, there’s culture, there’s space to breathe (well… sometimes). When there’s a festival happening, it feels like the park is alive. It features a few amazing thrill rides, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track. But some downsides to this park can make it a hassle to enjoy the day.

EPCOT is massive. And when I say massive, I don’t mean “oh, it’s a bit of a walk.” I mean, bring-your-best-sneakers-and-cancel-your-pedicure massive. You don’t just “walk” around EPCOT. You trek. And while the size itself isn’t necessarily a problem, the lack of transportation within the park is. I still remember when the Friendship Boats were operating regularly across World Showcase Lagoon, giving your feet a much-needed break. Now? It’s a hike from Mexico to Morocco that makes you question your life choices somewhere around Germany.

We miss you!

What really gets me is that the lake is right there. It taunts you. It’s a giant, sparkling reminder of how much easier your day could be if there were just some boats running across it again. It’s like they gave us a scenic shortcut and then decided, “Nah, let’s make everyone sweat it out instead.” EPCOT has the vibes of a leisurely stroll through cultures, but the reality feels more like you’re training for a 5K. Now, there are times when the boats are running, but the route changes. In June, we saw that the Morocco boat launch was closed and the Germany one was open.

FriendShip Boat

And while we’re talking about walking, let’s talk about crowds. EPCOT has a weird crowd problem, and it ties directly into the layout and that endless walking. Because it takes so long to get from one side of the park to the other, people naturally clump up in one area before slowly migrating. So instead of the crowd being evenly spread out, it moves like a giant blob. One minute you’re relaxing in a nearly empty Japan pavilion thinking, “Wow, today’s not that busy,” and twenty minutes later you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in France.

The crowds

The real kicker is how this messes with your whole perception of the day. You could spend your afternoon battling crowds, long lines, and stroller traffic, and assume the park is slammed, while someone else, who just happened to zig where you zagged, swears it was empty and chill all day. It’s confusing, a little frustrating, and definitely one of those “only at EPCOT” experiences. I still love the place with my whole heart, but between the endless walking and the shifting sea of people, sometimes it feels like EPCOT is testing just how far my love can stretch.