What you do at any of the Disney parks depends on the ages of you and your kids. This game plan outlines how we visit the park, and some of the rides/attractions we visit each time we visit the park.
If FastPass+ is available, you may need to decide between Soarin’, Test Track, and Frozen. We suggest Test Track, which usually has the longer lines throughout the day. If we have a Fastpass for Test Track, we then go to Frozen (in Norway) as early as it is available, and we fit in Soarin’ when the line is bearable. The wait times for Soarin’ tend to get shorter near the end of the day. Remember that you can ask for a pack of free Safety Cards at guest services (on the left of the golf ball …Spaceship Earth… as you enter the park). You can get these cards later in the day when there aren’t any lines at Guest Services.
When you enter the park, go to Soarin’, Frozen, or Test Track first since lines can get long. Then, use your FastPass at the other ride you chose. The park is big, so explore things in the front as a group, and then go through the countries areas. There are several shows and things to see in the Seas and the Land that often have short lines.
While going through countries, kids can take the Phineas and Ferb Adventure (and you can enjoy an adult beverage in the countries of your choice). Pick up a decoder phone at marked kiosks within the park. The kids can also color a mask in each country and get a stamp (like a passport). Delicious pastries are in a bakery in the back of France. Bratwurst, beer, and wine tasting are in Germany. Funnel cake and outdoor concerts in the US. Scenic movies in Canada, France, and China. France also offers the Beauty & the Beast Sing-a-Long. The Frozen boat ride and princess meet & greet in Norway are favorites. At Christmas time, each country has a story teller to explain festivals and customs in that country at the holidays.
If you want a break, walk through the International Gateway exit (between England and France) and over to the Boardwalk area. Beaches and Cream is a great, old-time ice cream shop at the Beach and Yacht Club. There’s also the ESPN Zone and a brew pub along the Boardwalk.
Video Game Lovers
There are several attractions that have video-type game areas that you can visit without riding the rides:
- Mission Space – enter the gift shop and walk through into the video game area.
- Spaceship Earth – enter the “exits” on the side of the “golf ball” (EPCOT globe) base and you are in the video game area that is after the riders exit the ride itself.
Attractions in the Park
** – Try not to miss
- **Soarin’ – great hangglider ride to enjoy for everyone.
- **Test Track – test a new convertible car and enjoy the wind in your hair.
- **Frozen – Boat ride in Norway that takes you through the Frozen story.
- **Mission Space – green and orange levels (green is less intense), enjoy mission to mars.
- **Turtle Talk with Crush – (Living Seas) Fun, interactive show with jokes and more.
- The Land – See hydroponics in slow boat, conservation show, and other shows in this building.
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival – Enjoy this fun 4D show of short cartoons.
- Journey into Your Imagination – Figment show with snappy song.
- Spaceship Earth – Slow moving ride/show in “golf ball” (EPCOT globe).
- Beauty & the Beast Sing-a-Long (France) – Enjoy this sing-a-long when the France movie is not playing.
- Country Movies (Canada, France, China) – Movies that allow you to explore the sites and scenes in that country.
- Gran Fiesta (Mexico) – Slow boat ride.
Note:
This article was initially published in May 2011, and then updated in 2015 and 2020.
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