Anyone who has a chance to visit Epcot will notice that there are a few differences at this park compared to the others. There is not a parade in the middle of the day, and none of the shows have huge capacities. With that said, there are still a lot of shows and performances worth checking out.
It is a great way not only to learn while at an attraction, but there are cooling off opportunities as well. Epcot is notorious for being pretty hot with a lack of shade in certain areas unlike other parks at Disney World, so it is worth taking in some shows for that.
The American Adventure
Location: America in the World Showcase
Ages: All (geared towards an older crowd)
Length: 30 minutes
What to Expect
Many people consider The American Adventure to be one of the top shows at Epcot. The audio-animatronics driven show brings all of the significant moments in American history to life. Not only is it educational for the younger children, but it is a way to see how realistic some of the technology has been throughout the years at Disney.
The theater is very big and spacious, so there is not a ton of pressure to get in the right spot. There might be some younger children who are not fully engaged with the show, since it does last 30 minutes. However, it is one of the best ways to take a break from the heat indoors, and also learn some things on a fun day in general.
The best time to go
With the theater being big enough to hold so many people, there is not a wrong time to go. Even during busy times, there are plenty of opportunities to space out and see the entire show.
Given the location of the show and how hot it can be walking around the World Showcase, it is an excellent place to do some cooling off. Many people will take the time to learn while also getting some air conditioning.
Seating
The seating is very comfortable in the theater, which can be good and bad depending on how a person appreciates the show. The good news is that a person can simply relax and have a great time while watching in the air-conditioning, with the bad being that plenty of people fall asleep without even trying. Fortunately, the characters will not get offended when this happens.
Final General Tips
Try to make sure to watch this at least once, as it does a great job of briefly telling the story of the United States. They have invested a lot of money in keeping this story up-to-date. They have also done a pretty good job of making sure that nothing is too political, so there are no worries about possibly having to deal with any of that. There will be some people who make some political statements here and there in the crowd, but it is generally pretty tame.
Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience
Location: Odyssey Pavilion
Ages: All
Length: 12 minutes
What to Expect
For a pretty quick overall experience, Walt Disney Imagineering is something to check out. It has a way of showing people what the future holds for the park, as it goes through its transformation. It is only a 12-minute ride, so no one has to spend too much time to get a glimpse of the future.
It is a bit different than a traditional show, as more of a presentation for the most part. However, it is something that Disney has been a lot of time making just right, and it gets people excited for the future when everything is completed. It is a 360° film presentation, highlighting some of the most significant technological advances the park has seen in quite some time.
The best time to go
There is no time that is too busy to check this presentation out. Whenever in the area, pop in and watch.
Seating
There is no standard seating like in other shows, as this is more about moving around and seeing the presentation from all angles. If a person is looking for a way to relax a little, this is not the best way to do it. The good news is that it is in air-conditioning, so there are ways to cool off a bit.
Final General Tips
Epcot was originally built with the future in mind, so it is interesting to see the next evolution of this park. It might not be operating at full capacity as they go through this evolution right now, but with an eye on the future, it is definitely intriguing.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Location: France Pavilion at World Showcase
Ages: All (geared towards children)
Length: 15 minutes
What to Expect
At three different parks at Disney World, there is some attraction related to the beauty and the beast. The Magic Kingdom has Enchanted Tales with Belle, while Hollywood Studios has Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. It might not be as intricate as those two versions, but it does not mean that people can have a lot of fun at the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. As the name implies, crowds are encouraged to jump in and sing along with some of the catchiest songs from the movie.
With a focus on younger children,the sing-along show fits right in with the France Pavilion. There are a few changes to the original plot, which keep people on their toes the first time they watch. Getting a chance to saying is something that is loved by some, but a bit scary for others. There are usually a few louder singers in the crowd, but not anything too crazy.
The show is presented on the screen, and only goes up to 7 PM. It has very good seating, and the air-conditioning is always running. It is a great place to cool off in France, and see a story that is very famous with Disney.
The best time to go
The middle of the day seems to be the most popular time for the show, as people are looking for a way to cool off and sit down for a bit. The show moves pretty quickly, so people do not get too bored if it is not their style. Just keep in mind that the show only goes until 7 PM, when it is replaced with impressions to France.
Seating
There is ample seating for people watching the small film, as well as spots for wheelchairs and electric chair vehicles. It is comfortable to sit down and relax in the theater, and is even decorated in Waze to look like a traditional France set up.
Final General Tips
Although there are some redeeming qualities to the show, it is generally considered the worst of the three beauty and the beast shows at Disney World. If families have already experienced some of the other shows, it might be worth skipping. However, anyone who has children who enjoy singing will fully embrace this set up.
Canada Far & Wide in Circle-Vision 360
Location: Canada Pavilion at World Showcase
Ages: All (geared towards the older crowd)
Length: 15 minutes
What to Expect
Known as the best version of the Circle-Vision 360 films at the at the World Showcase, many love taking in this beautiful show when they are in the area. Canada is continually rated as one of the most underrated spots in the world, and this film brings a lot of beauty to life. It also has a script that works very well, keeping the story fast-paced and entertaining. People of all ages will enjoy it, but it is definitely geared towards an older crowd.
Viewers will love the fact that most of the major cities all get their own special segments in the film. In fact, it seems like every section of the country is touched on, which will make any visiting Canadian very proud.
Compared to the American history story in that pavilion, will do a very good job of telling history without getting too political or siding one way or another. Epcot seems to make a conscious effort of staying away from any politics, so it is not going to push any agenda or cost people to leave in anger.
The best time to go
Any time during the day is fine to watch the show. It is pretty short, so popping in and even leaving early is totally fine. What ends up happening is a lot of people do not watch the entire show, as they might only catch a few bits and pieces before moving on.
Seating
There is no formal seating at the show. Viewers must stand in order to watch, which can be frustrating for those who are feeling a bit tired.
Final General Tips
Make sure that any young children are young enough to appreciate the show before signing up. It might seem tempting to go for something that is pretty educational, but there are some tricky parts of the show that not everyone will be able to pick up on. It is better to hold off and watch at a later date if it seems to be moving too quickly for them.
Awesome Planet
Location: Future World
Ages: All
Length: 15 minutes
What to Expect
As one of the newest shows at Epcot, a lot of people are curious about what to expect at Awesome Planet. This film has some of the best visuals a person can find a Disney, and it covers so many different things in a short 15-minute window. It is educational, uses scientific theories very well, and keeps things simple enough for all ages to comprehend.
The film is presented by Phil Dunphy of Modern Family, which is getting mixed reviews as far as that is concerned. The viewers in the story are shopping for a planet, and Phil is walking through all the benefits of Earth. It might lose some of its luster as being an educational film in that regard, but there is still plenty to pick up on.
The best time to go
There is very rarely a wait, especially with each showing being relatively brief. Do not worry too much about getting there early, as there is enough seating for people to watch, even if it is a newer attraction.
Seating
Seating is pretty basic for theaters at Epcot, and it is recommended to sit towards the back to take in everything with the visuals. Since it rarely fills up completely, most people who are very adamant about sitting in the back will find a way to do so.
Final General Tips
It is always fun to see a brand new attraction at any of the parks, and even though this is a short film, it is still getting pretty good reviews.
Impressions de France
Location: France at World Showcase
Ages: Adults
Length: 18 minutes
What to Expect
In a lot of ways, this is one of the most adult-oriented shows in all of Disney World. Preschool and grade school kids might appreciate it somewhat, but this is geared towards those over the age of 30. Seniors, in particular, will enjoy the 18-minute movie that has five different screens bringing so many different views to life.
Housed in the same theater as the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, the film is only showed from 7:30 PM and on. Viewers get an opportunity to take in different parts of France, and the music playing during the film fits perfectly.
As one of the better films at the World Showcase, it is puzzling to some that they only show it during a limited time. Maybe that will change sometime in the future, but for now, make sure to plan for a stop in the France Pavilion towards the end of the night.
The best time to go
With limited time to see the show, there is not much selection as far as time goes. Get there earlier rather than later, because the last showing might be missed if a group is trying to do a lot of things in a short amount of time.
Seating
The seating is outstanding for a shorter film. People have the opportunity to sit down, and there is always air-conditioning running during the warmer time does the day.
Final General Tips
Out of the show specific for countries, only the United States has a better presentation overall. It is frustrating for those visiting China and Canada to have to stand through the shows, so sitting down is a nice change of pace.
Turtle Talk with Crush
Location: Future World
Ages: Young children
Length: 17 minutes
What to Expect
This theater differentiates itself from the rest of Epcot by being very interactive, as visitors will have a chance to interact with crush throughout the show. It is done by using real-time computer graphics, which do a great job of making sure crush his mouth matches up with the word. The man in charge of the Jeff Spicoli School of Diction voices the show. That is a nice touch, as it shows that Disney put a lot of time and making sure the show is different.
First opening up in 2004, it still holds up very well graphically. When there are busier crowds, it is less likely to have direct interaction with Crush, but there are opportunities for visitors to step forward and participate.
The best time to go
It does not take too much waiting time to get in, but this might be a show worth using a Fastpass+ on if a child really is into Finding Dory. It also increases the chance of having direct conversations with Crush. Since it is indoor and air-conditioned, going in the afternoon is usually the most popular time.
Seating
The younger kids watching the show are encouraged to sit in the front of the theater. Adults usually stick in the back, but there is not a bad view in the theater. Sitting towards the front increases the chance of having interactions.
Final General Tips
The technology holds up thanks to using video that render Crush in real-time at 60 frames per second. The timing is impeccable, and after great reviews, the same attractions popped up in other Disney locations. Children are obviously the target audience, but adults will find something interesting about the show as well.
Reflections of China
Location: China at World Showcase
Ages: Adults
Length: 15 minutes
What to Expect
This Circle Vision 360 film, located in China, is another excellent history lesson that showcases China in a very good light. It stays away from politics, instead mostly focusing on the people and the overall beauty of China. It is put together very well, and has been well received since launch.
Like a lot of the other films that are specific to countries, it is a brief synopsis on what makes that area of the world so unique. China is very intriguing to a lot of people at Disney World, since most have never been in that part of the world. Being able to visualize so many different things is very intriguing, especially to the older children and adults.
The best time to go
The show never really falls up, as people come and go when it is being aired all the time. It is a bit of a hassle to get to unless a person is heading that way, as they must pass through the Hall of Prayer For Good Harvest while in the China Pavilion. It is air-conditioned, so it is another solid stop for those wanting to cool off.
Seating
There is no formal seating for this film. All visitors must stand to watch the 15 minutes. Those with special needs can remain in a wheelchair or ECV.
Final General Tips
This show, along with the entire pavilion, is soon going through an update. The current Reflections of China will be replaced this year, so catch the film now before it goes away forever.
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Location: Future World
Ages: All
Length: 18 minutes
What to Expect
A total of three shorts are shown at this theater, and they all come in 3-D. The shows are all pretty entertaining, but the most common complaint is that they are viewable online in today’s world. Even in 2015, when the theater first opened, it seems like a bit of a puzzling decision. It is a great diversion and a way to take a break from the rest of the park, but the time might be better used elsewhere.
For those who do insist on watching, there are a lot of opportunities to pop in with little to no notice. Showings are throughout the day, so people do not have to worry about syncing anything up with their schedule.
The best time to go
With small crowds and a pretty convenient location, most will save their visit for the hottest part of the day. This allows for some air conditioning and cooling off while watching the shorts.
Seating
The seating is pretty good in the theater, which is always a great bonus. The 3-D effects work better from a distance, so try to sit towards the back for the best feeling.
Final General Tips
Are the screens at Disney better than at home? Most likely yes, but that still is not convincing enough for a lot of people to spend much time watching these shorts. If pressed for time, skip this option for something better.
Epcot Forever
Location: World Showcase
Ages: All
Length: 14 minutes
What to expect
Going to Epcot means capping the day off with a spectacular show. Epcot Forever is something everyone needs to see at least once, and it is arguably the best show to cap off a night at any of the Disney parks. It replaced Illuminations, and will be updated soon with harmonioUS. With that said, right now the show is about 14 minutes long, and it features a wide array of familiar Disney songs that people can enjoy.
With a combination of fireworks, lights, and more, children of all ages will fall in love with the visuals. Disney describes it as a perfect blend of the past and the future of Epcot, telling a story along the way.
The best time to go
Since the show only happens at night, it is important to make time for it as everything else starts to close. Most people will start to head towards the exit, but there are ways to see the show all around that part of the park. Some spots are better than others, but most people determine where to watch depending on where they are in the World Showcase.
Seating
There is no dedicated seating for Epcot Forever, so people need to be creative when going around. A few of the top viewing spots include:
- World Showcase Plaza
- La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico Pavilion
- Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion
- International Gateway Bridge at the Italy Pavilion
During busier days, seating can start to fill up as early as an hour before. A lot of people are already pretty tired from the day, so they relax while waiting. If the show is extremely important, try to grab a place that is open to watch as early as possible. Another trick to get something to eat at one of the countries, and then secure a table to time things up.
Final general tips
Epcot Forever is not going to last very long, as HarmonioUS is set to take over at the end of 2020. It is a temporary show, so make sure to get a chance to check it out before it goes away.
Epcot does everything possible to make sure that the show goes on every single night. If there is any inclement weather, they will do whatever they can to ensure that visitors still get an opportunity to see the entire show. It just becomes that much more challenging to find an excellent place to watch it, but there are some sheltered places scattered throughout the area if that is what people want.