How To Spend Your Downtime at EPCOT

There is so much to do and see at EPCOT and many guests consider it to be their favorite park. EPCOT has many themed areas including World Showcase which features a total of 11 country pavilions, each with their own unique sights and attractions. If you are spending the day at EPCOT you might find yourself rushing from place to place in order to make the most of your day. But having downtime at the parks is sometimes more fun than rides and attractions! If you find yourself with some extra time to spend at EPCOT in between Lightning Lanes and reservations then check out our recommendations for how to spend your downtime at EPCOT.

Pick a Country and Explore

One of my favorite ways to spend time at EPCOT is to explore a country at World Showcase in its entirety. When you are walking through World Showcase it can be tempting to skim over some pavilions in order to save time and get to the next attraction. But so many of the countries within World Showcase are bigger than you realize, and rich with detail. Each pavilion usually has at least two stores, sometimes more. These stores are full of imported goods and merchandise that represent the country which makes for some very unique shopping. One of my favorite World Showcase pavilions to explore is the Japan pavilion. The Mitsukoshi department store is huge and I could spend all day browsing all of the goodies for sale! The Bijutsu-kan Gallery is currently showcasing a Kawaii Exhibit. This exhibit is a quiet space that has so many cute things on display representing Japan’s culture. The Japan pavilion is also home to a stunning bamboo garden that leads to Katsura Grill, a quick-service restaurant serving ramen and other delicious foods. When you take time to explore each pavilion at World Showcase you might be surprised at all of the detail you’ll find.

Find Characters Throughout World Showcase

Not many guests realize that World Showcase can be a great spot to find characters. Some rare characters like Megara from Hercules, the Evil Queen, and Pinocchio have been spotted at International Gateway at World Showcase. Other characters like Alice, Mary Poppins, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White, Minnie, and Donald can be spotted throughout the showcase.

Grab a Drink or Snack

EPCOT is known to be a foodie’s paradise! Even more so when there is an EPCOT International festival occurring like Food & Wine or Flower & Garden. Guests will be presented with endless snack and beverage opportunities if they take time to wander the park and explore.

One of my favorite places to grab a drink at EPCOT is inside the Mexico pavilion at Cava del Tequila. This high-end bar serves the best margaritas, my personal favorite being the Avocado Margarita.  You can even get them to-go!

Experience the Journey of Water

One of EPCOT’s newest attractions is Journey of Water- inspired by Moana. This walkthrough attraction is something that you can complete at your own pace, and guests can choose whether or not to get wet or remain dry. Guests are invited to interact with the water within this attraction and discover the endless possibilities that water can achieve.

Play at ImageWorks

Another great spot to visit during your downtime at EPCOT is ImageWorks- The “what if” Labs. This attraction is located at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment and contains several activities and games for guests to enjoy. Figment of course makes an appearance here as a character meet and greet as well as Joy from Inside Out. Guests can play to their heart’s content and spend as much time as they want or need here.

How do you spend your downtime at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Megan Woodard.