If you have been considering visiting some Disney parks, Epcot may have come to mind. The problem is that many people consider it to be the most boring park in the Disney experience.
So, why is EPCOT known to be so boring?
EPCOT has a reputation for being boring mainly by teenagers and young adults looking for fast-moving rides that offer thrills and spills. EPCOT has mainly slow-moving rides and attractions and has a very relaxed feel to the park.
First of all, Epcot may not have the benefit of being the most boring park at Disney. Some may argue that the most boring Disney Park Is Animal Kingdom, but Epcot is coming in at a close second in most people’s eyes.
That being said, avoiding Epcot because you feel as if it is too boring to visit would really be a mistake. It’s not a matter of avoiding the park altogether, it’s a matter of understanding what to do while you are there and more importantly, what not to do.
Epcot itself is made up of 11 different countries that are collectively referred to as the World Showcase. In other words, you can visit those countries and stay a few minutes or as long as you like at each without ever leaving the park.
There are also some fairly decent rides at Epcot, although some of the worst rides are also found within the park.
- Doing a little research in advance and planning out your trip carefully can make your day at Epcot very enjoyable.
A great day at Epcot would undoubtedly include ending your day with the fireworks display. The theme changes from time to time, but it never disappoints.
Why Is Epcot Known to Be Boring?
When most people look at Epcot, they only see a park where you go to have some snacks and a drink or two. Admittedly, that’s part of the enjoyment of the park but it’s really only scratching the surface of what is available.
The rides at Epcot are few and far between but there are some gems that are not to be missed. We will cover some of those gems later in this article, along with giving you a few tips so that you can skip the sleepers.
You also need to consider what to expect out of a ride. For some people, a ride is going to travel at breakneck speeds, twisting and turning and sometimes, sending you upside down.
Many of the better rides at Epcot do not fall into that category. In fact, they may be little more than a short film that you watch from bench seats.
These slow-moving attractions are not something that you should skip altogether. There are actually some that are quite good and it gives you a welcome break in the middle of a hot Florida day.
The best thing that you can do if you plan to visit Epcot is to map your day out in advance. Take a look at all that is available and then plan your day so that you hit the high points and skip the low points.
Is Epcot Outdated?
The idea for Epcot was around for quite some time. Back in the 60s, ‘Epcot Center’ was a planned community that would take advantage of everything the future had to offer.
After the passing of Walt Disney, the plans begin to change, and eventually, Epcot Center was opened on October 1st, 1982 as a theme park.
When it opened, it had the distinction of being the most expensive construction project in the private sector. It was twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park and held a lot of gems for its day.
Looking back to 1982, some of the original parts of the Epcot Center Park were way ahead of their time. If you had the opportunity to visit back then, there is no doubt that you would consider it to be one of the best parks at Disney.
Over the past 30 years, the “Imagineers” have done their part to keep up with the times. There are also some parts of the park that fell behind and are a little dated.
Essentially, you should enjoy the park for what it offers and not for what it doesn’t offer. Here are some of the high points:
- Visit 11 Countries – Where else in the world are you going to visit 11 countries within walking distance of each other?
- Great Food and Drink – If there is one thing that Disney is lacking in many respects, it’s a good dining experience. Epcot offers a lot of great snacks and drinks from around the world.
- Some Good Rides – Admittedly, not all of the rides at Epcot are going to be epic. Make sure that you hit the high points and enjoy those unique rides that are not available anywhere else.
- Fireworks – One of the highlights of any visit to Epcot is the fireworks. That is why many people with a Park Hopper pass will end their day at Epcot.
Take a look at Test Track on this YouTube video, this is one of the best rides anywhere in any of the Disney Parks!
What Does Epcot Offer to Visitors of All Ages?
As is the case with any theme park, there are going to be parts of Epcot that you love and parts of it that you find boring.
What is there to love about Epcot?
Beautiful Pavilions – When it comes to enjoying some of your surroundings at a theme park, Epcot is at the top of their field. There are some beautiful places for you to shop, eat, and relax.
Lots of Shows – Some of the shows are stationary and they will always be located at the same place. Other shows may crop up as you visit the park and wander about. Make sure you take advantage of those spontaneous shows.
What are some of the shows that you should be sure to see? Some of the better options include ‘Awesome Planet’, and ‘Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along’.
Seasonal Events – If you happen to be at Epcot during the right time of year, there will be something special going on. Some of the different events that you should consider are the Festival of the Arts, the Festival of the Holidays, and the Flower and Garden Festival, Also one big event is the food and wine festival.
What Is the Most Boring Ride at Epcot?
Now is the time when we discuss the most boring ride at Epcot. There may be a few in the running, but there is one that stands alone.
The most boring ride at Epcot is undoubtedly ‘Living with the Land.’ Why is it that we give that ride the honor?
When most people think about going on a Disney ride, they want to be twisted, dropped, turned, and flipped upside down. They expect to be screaming with their arms in the air.
Even a look at the official description of “Living with the Land” shows you just what the ride is lacking. It is said to cruise you past greenhouses on a gentle boat tour. Oh, it also offers to show you the surprising history of farming!
Here’s a YouTube video so you can “decide before you arrive” if It’s worth the visit, One thing is for sure you won’t ever have to wait in line very long!
I usually refer to this ride as “The Greenhouse Tour”!
The ride itself is slow-moving and you may begin to regret getting on just a few moments into it. If you do find yourself on the ride, at least take advantage of some of the good points. These good points will differ from one rider to another.
At the very least, Living with the Land is a great way to kill 15 minutes. The seats are comfortable and if it’s hot outside, it’s a great place to cool off.
Personally, I love it ! And It’s a great way to fill in some time before riding “Soarin” which is located right next door in The Land Pavillion!
Check out this YouTube video of the popular “Soarin” ride. This is one you won’t want to miss!
What Age Group Is Good for Epcot?
Any age group can find something enjoyable about Epcot, but it tends to be best for young families with small children and senior citizens.
- If you are a teenage thrill seeker looking for thrills and spills and trying to decide on Epcot Or Universal for the most action, you will definitely want to be heading to Universal for the day!
- On the other hand, if you enjoy mainly slow-moving rides and a little more space,(and slower pace) be sure to head over to Epcot.
The young children will appreciate some of the rides that tend to be a little childish and slow for most teenagers and young adults. Senior citizens will appreciate some of the history and the ability to travel from one country to another.
Of course, if you are in possession of a Park Hopper pass, there’s no reason for you to skip Epcot altogether. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do, even if you don’t make a day of it.
Here’s an example of a slow-moving ride from YouTube.
This is Spaceship Earth (Yes the large silver golf ball) Many people think that because this ride is enclosed it will be high speed. It’s anything but!
Also, check out this article that discusses whether Spaceship Earth will make you sick!
Most Boring Rides to Skip at Epcot
There are a few rides that you can avoid altogether when visiting Epcot. Here are two that you should miss.
Journey into Imagination with Figment – Some people love this ride and other people hate it. The building itself is somewhat deceiving, as it is beautiful, colorful, and seems as if it is leading you down the right path.
Once you get on the ride, however, you will find that it offers little in the way of excitement. Kids will love it, teens will hate it, and adults that know better will probably want to skip it.
At least you’ll never have to wait for a seat if you just want to sit down and enjoy some AC!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends – This sleeper of a ride has been around since 2007, although it has its roots in some older rides.
The majority of this ride is going to be regrettable, to say the least. There are at least a few minutes when you are under the sea in a ‘Hydrolater’ that is relatively enjoyable.
One of the reasons why you may regret going on this ride is because the jokes are fairly lame. If you have a poor sense of humor or just enjoy dad jokes, it may be something that you appreciate!
Although these rides are avoidable, there are some rides that you should not avoid. Just make sure that you include those gems on your whirlwind tour through Epcot.
The bottom line is, Epcot is worth the visit but it isn’t going to be everything to everyone. Enjoy it for what it offers and the unique Disney experience that you will only find inside the park.
One ride you won’t want to miss is the new “Guardians of The Galaxy” and “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” that has recently been added to the France pavilion.
- Also be sure not to miss the Gran Fiesta boat ride that’s rather hidden in the Mexico pavilion, and the Frozen ride in Norway!
