EPCOT as a kid was fun, but EPCOT as an adult? GAME. CHANGER.
You get the best of both worlds: world-class rides and an endless selection of food and drinks. Whether you’re here for a laid-back stroll or ready to eat and drink your way around the world, EPCOT is the ultimate adult playground.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to have the best time at EPCOT as a grown-up, from must-do rides to insider tips on how to drink (responsibly!) around the World Showcase.
Ready to dive into the adult side of EPCOT? Let’s get started!
Touring EPCOT as an Adult: Tips for the Best Experience
EPCOT is a dream for adults traveling to Walt Disney World without little ones because you can slow down the pace and fully enjoy the park to the fullest.
Here’s how to maximize your time as an adult at Disney World:
1. Start Early for Attractions
EPCOT can get crowded, especially in the afternoon. We recommend starting your day early—arriving at park opening (Rope Drop)—to take advantage of shorter lines for popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track.
Pro Tip: The World Showcase doesn’t open until 11 AM, so this is the perfect time to knock out major attractions before diving into food and drinks.
2. Use Lightning Lane Strategically
Want to ride everything? Consider purchasing Lightning Lane passes (either Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, or Lightning Lane Premier Pass).
The passes aren’t cheap but they’ll let you skip lines at top attractions and gives you more time to enjoy the food, drinks, and shows.
3. Stay Cool
Florida heat is no joke, and EPCOT’s large layout means you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Plan to hit some indoor attractions (like Living with the Land) during the hottest parts of the day to cool off and take a break. Bonus: the indoor spots are also perfect for getting out of the rain and for grabbing a cold drink and cooling off.
Pro Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated between drinks—you’ll thank yourself later! Read all of our Insider Tips for Drinking Around the World
Must-Do Rides for Adults at EPCOT
EPCOT may not have as many rides as other Disney parks, but the ones it does have are top-notch – especially for grownups. Here’s our list of must-do EPCOT attractions for adults:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Our top pick for thrill rides for adults at EPCOT. A high-speed roller coaster with a rotating ride system, packed with humor and thrills. Just be cautious if you’re prone to motion sickness (or have been indulging too much in drinks).
- Test Track: Our second favorite attraction for adults at EPCOT is Test Track. The high-speed loop at the end is an adrenaline rush you won’t want to miss.
- Soarin’ Around the World: Another classic EPCOT attraction. A peaceful yet exhilarating flight over breathtaking global landmarks. It’s a great break from the thrills while still offering a memorable adventure.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Shrink down to the size of a rat and experience this whimsical 3D ride in the France Pavilion. It’s cute and fun—a perfect prelude to lunch at a nearby café.
- Spaceship Earth: The ride inside the giant golf ball is one of our favorites. A nostalgic journey through the history of human communication. It’s nostalgic, informative, and—bonus—fully air-conditioned.
- Frozen Ever After: Love Frozen? Then this boat ride through Arendelle is for you. If you’re less of a fan, consider skipping it if the line is long, but it’s a fun, laid-back ride for all.
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: This is a definite MUST do for us on every trip. Relax inside the Mexico Pavilion on this charming boat ride. Grab a margarita first, and enjoy the nostalgia (just don’t bring drinks on board!).
- Living with the Land: Learn about sustainability on this slow-moving boat ride through EPCOT’s greenhouses. If you love fresh produce and are curious about Disney’s innovative agricultural practices, this is a must.
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends: Our favorite thing about this attraction is that the line is rarely very long, and it is dark and cool inside. It is also cute.
Attractions we recommend skipping
Unless you just REALLY want to ride these attractions, these are the ones we’d recommend skipping:
- Mission: SPACE: If you’re prone to motion sickness or feel claustrophobic, this might be a hard pass. Mission: SPACE offers two experiences—Green for a tamer, non-spinning version, and Orange for the full, intense spinning experience that simulates G-forces. The Orange version is no joke—consider yourself warned!
- Journey into Imagination with Figment: Figment might have a special place in some hearts, but let’s be honest—he can be a little creepy. This attraction rarely has a wait, so if you’re feeling nostalgic or just want to ride it ironically, go for it. Otherwise, you can safely skip it without missing much.
The World Showcase for Adults
Here’s what you need to know:
Drinking Around the World
The World Showcase is probably the thing that draws the attention of most adults due to the seemingly limitless options for Drinking Around the World (DATW).
Over the years, DATW became popular as an unofficial adult activity, especially during vacations or special events like birthdays or bachelorette parties.
The idea is simple: try an alcoholic beverage from each of the 11 countries in the World Showcase.
While there are no set rules (and this is not something that is in anyway endorsed or promoted by Disney), pacing yourself is key—Epcot opens at 11 AM and you’ve got all day to sample drinks.
For the ideal experience, you’ll want to grab beverages unique to that country, like a margarita in Mexico, sake in Japan, Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Beer in Germany, etc.
Pro Tip: Remember that EPCOT is a family-friendly park. While it’s fun to enjoy a drink (or several), be mindful of your surroundings and drink responsibly.
Best Dining Options for Adults at EPCOT
EPCOT is home to some of the best food at Walt Disney World.
And because there are just so many great things to try, we recommend skipping full dining reservations and snacking your way around the World Showcase—especially during one of EPCOT’s festivals.
If you do want to sit down for a meal, here are our top picks for adults dining at EPCOT:
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada): Known for its mouthwatering steaks and cozy atmosphere.
- Spice Road Table (Morocco): This lakeside restaurant offers small plates and Mediterranean dishes, perfect for a relaxing meal.
- La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico): Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes and stunning views of World Showcase Lagoon, making it perfect for a relaxing evening with drinks.
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy): Delicious wood-fired pizzas made with authentic Italian ingredients, perfect for sharing.
- Monsieur Paul (France): Fine French dining with exquisite wines and classic dishes, ideal for a special occasion.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during one of EPCOT’s festivals, skip the dining reservations and snack your way through the park!
Exploring the World Showcase: More Than Just Food and Drinks
While the food and drinks are a major draw for adults at EPCOT, the World Showcase offers a lot more.
Each pavilion immerses you in the culture, architecture, and artistry of the country it represents, making it feel like a mini-world tour in a day.
Beyond the dining experiences, you’ll find beautifully detailed architecture, authentic cultural displays, and unique shops offering handcrafted souvenirs and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else.
But that’s not all—EPCOT’s World Showcase also has live entertainment that brings each pavilion to life. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes so you can catch these performances:
- Mariachi Cobre (Mexico): Enjoy lively and traditional mariachi music that captures the spirit of Mexico.
- Matsuriza (Japan): Experience the powerful rhythms of taiko drumming in this mesmerizing and high-energy performance.
- Voices of Liberty (The American Adventure): An a cappella group performing patriotic songs that will give you chills with their perfect harmonies.
- Sergio the Juggler (Italy): A comedic juggling act that combines humor and impressive circus skills for a fun-filled show.
- Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (China): Watch these incredible acrobats perform daring and graceful feats in a visually stunning display of Chinese culture.
- Command Performance (United Kingdom): Enjoy rock hits from British bands as this talented group takes you through decades of iconic music.
Indoor Activities for Adults at EPCOT
When it comes to Florida weather, if you are traveling anytime of the year rain is definitely a possibility (especially from about late March – November), and other than December – February, the heat can be beyond oppressive.
If you need a break from the sun or a spot to wait out the Florida rain, EPCOT offers plenty of indoor options that adults will love:
- Mexico Pavilion: Head indoors for drinks at La Cava del Tequila or hop on Gran Fiesta Tour, or kill even more time out of the rain and in the AC and do both. Just know that when the rain starts, this pavilion can get very crowded, so we recommend keeping an eye on the weather and head here before those first drops hit the pavement.
- The Land Pavilion: Cool off with Soarin’ or explore Living with the Land, all indoors. Plus, you can sit down and grab a drink or some food at Sunshine Seasons (Quick Service food court), too. You can seriously spend a couple hours in here if you need to.
- Rose & Crown Pub: One of our favorite bars in EPCOT. It is ALWAYS crowded, but if you get there early in the day, they open up the seating in the restaurant so after you grab your pint, you can sit for a bit in the AC.
Pro Tip: Want more ways to beat the heat? Check out The Seas with Nemo & Friends or the American Adventure Pavilion for indoor attractions and air-conditioned comfort.
Nightlife Near EPCOT for Adults
After the park closes, the fun doesn’t have to end. There are some fun spots within walking distance (out the International Gateway) to extend your night:
- The Boardwalk: Just a short walk from Epcot, the Boardwalk area offers dining, drinks, and entertainment. Depending on the day of the week you can find jugglers or other performers.
- AbracadaBar: One of our favorite places to grab a “fancy” drink is AbracadaBar. This quirky, magician-themed bar on the Boardwalk is the perfect spot for craft cocktails.
- Jellyrolls: A lively dueling piano bar on the Boardwalk (near The Swan and Dolphin hotels) that’s perfect for post-park fun. Just note, there’s a cover charge, and they only serve popcorn, so grab a snack from the Boardwalk on the way in.
- Atlantic City Dance Hall: Located next to Jellyrolls, the Atlantic City Dance Hall plays all sorts of dance music that is perfect if your feet aren’t dead from all the walking you did that day. Too tired to dance? There’s a bar inside, too.
Pro Tip: Looking for something more low-key? Hop on the Disney Skyliner and visit one of the nearby resorts for a laid-back evening.
EPCOT Festivals for Adults
An Adults Guide to EPCOT would not be complete without talking a bit about the festivals you’ll find at EPCOT throughout the year.
Throughout the year there are 4 different festivals taking place, with a few weeks of non-festival time in-between each:
- International Festival of the Arts (January – February): Enjoy Broadway-style performances, art installations, and beautifully crafted food.
- International Flower & Garden Festival (March – early summer): A springtime favorite with stunning topiaries, garden displays, and fresh outdoor kitchens.
- International Food & Wine Festival (late summer – November): Sample international dishes and drinks from over 30 global marketplaces, along with live music from the Eat to the Beat concert series.
- International Festival of the Holidays (November – December): Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world with festive treats and the famous Candlelight Processional.
Tell us what you think
And that’s it! Everything you need to know about the best things for Adults at EPCOT. Have you spent some adult only time at EPCOT? What do you like to do? Any suggestions for things we should add to our guide? We value your input, even (or especially) when it differs from ours. Plus, we know other readers appreciate varying perspectives, so please take a second to drop your thoughts in the comments!