Complete Guide to World Celebration at Epcot

When visiting Epcot, you’ll find the park divided into distinct areas. The World Showcase features 11 countries, while the old Future World is now three neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

As you enter the park from the front entrance, you’ll find yourself in World Celebration, the largest neighborhood. This area is packed with unique attractions and entertainment options. Plus, it is home to the popular Imagination Pavilion and Figment, setting the perfect stage for your Epcot adventure.

Let’s dive into what makes this neighborhood special.

Overview

World Celebration is directly in front of you as you enter Epcot. It’s the first area you encounter, stretching out from the main entrance. It serves as the central hub, and covers much of the old Future World area, including the Imagination Pavilion.

• Location: World Celebration
• Restaurants: 3 Quick Service (Festival Favorites, Connections Eatery, Connections Café)
• Snacks: Popcorn Stand by Creations Shop, Popcorn Stand in Imagination
• Shops: Gateway Gifts, Pin Traders, ImageWorks, Club Cool, Creations Shop
• Entertainment: Beacon of Magic
• Attractions: Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination with Figment (in the Imagination Pavilion), Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival (in the Imagination Pavilion
• Characters: Mickey & Friends (character meet and greet location), Figment, Daisy
• Popular snacks and drinks: Disney Popcorn (at the 2 popcorn stands), Starbucks (Connections Café), Liege Waffle (Connections Eatery)
• Not-to-miss: Spaceship Earth, Beacon of Magic, Club Cool, Connections Eatery, all of the characters

World Celebration Map

You can see exactly what all is included in World Celebration on the map below:

Download the PDF

Dining

World Celebration has 3 Quick Service dining locations and 2 snack stands, but no Table Service dining.

On the plus side, World Celebration, however, is the home to Epcot’s Starbucks location (called Connections Café), which is conveniently located near the plethora of outdoor seating that stretches across the central gardens of this area.

Quick Service Restaurants

Connections Eatery

Connections Eatery opened in 2022 and is a Quick Service restaurant that serves a range of food and beverages for lunch and dinner.

There are burgers, salads, pizzas, plant-based options, fountain drinks, milkshakes, cocktails, and more.

Connections Eatery is a huge space and a popular one since it’s located near Creations Shop, Club Cool, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

This is really the main source of Quick Service dining outside of World Showcase and in World Celebration, hence why it’s so busy.

But, the food options are solid, especially the Liege Waffle, which is brioche dough with pearl sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.

Tip: You can Mobile Order here, which we recommend.

Connections Café (Starbucks)

Connections Café is Epcot’s Starbucks location. You can find it connected to Connections Eatery.

It’s popular for obvious reasons, so be prepared to wait in line.

Like all of the other Starbucks’ across Walt Disney World, Mobile Order is not available.

Connections Café is open starting in the mornings until park close for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Festival Favorites

Snacks

In addition to full restaurants, there are a couple of places where you can grab snacks:

• Popcorn Stand (in Imagination Pavilion)
• Popcorn Stand by Creations Shop

Seating Areas

If you are looking to sit down and rest for a bit, World Celebration has several different indoor and outdoor seating locations.

Here are our favorite spots:

• The World Celebration Gardens have tons of areas to sit. Some have shade, but none are in the AC.
• Connections Café and Eatery (indoors and in the AC)
• The Odyssey Events Pavilion (only open during a Festival)
• Inside the Pixar Short Film Festival there are sometimes benches available

Shops

Looking for a souvenir while visiting Epcot? You’ll have lots of options:

Creations Shop

There are several different shops to explore inside World Celebration – including the giant flagship store for Epcot called Creations Shop. It replaced MouseGear, but has a new name and modern twist.

In addition to a Mickey Mouse mural and statues on display near checkout, you’ll find a range of not just Disney merchandise, but special Epcot items, including Spaceship Earth apparel, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind accessories, and festival products.

Other shops in World Celebration

In addition to the giant Creations Shop, there are several other small spots where you’ll find a wide selection of things to buy.

Located next to Spaceship Earth is Gateway Gifts. This is a small store, where you can shop for everyday essentials like sunblock and water, plus a range of souvenirs.

Then, on the other side of Spaceship Earth is Pin Traders. Here you can not only purchase and trade pins, but you can also check out the Disney PhotoPass service.

Another place to do some shopping is inside Club Cool where, in addition to being able to try different Coca-Cola products from around the world, you’ll also find a large selection of Coke themed products available for purchase.

Another fun shop selling themed items is ImageWorks. Located inside the Imagigination Pavilion, ImageWorks sells Figment-themed merchandise, toys, games, candy, and other Disney wares.

You can find pretty much anything Figment you want here. There’s also a range of other Disney and Pixar items as well.

Attractions

World Celebration has several attractions that are all family-friendly.

Spaceship Earth

Located inside the golf ball, this attraction is a gentle ride through time to see how far we’ve come. Using a picture that is taken at the beginning of the ride, on the decent your head is added to interactive illustrations about the future. The picture is also used in the exit area up on the large screens.

Did you really experience Epcot if you didn’t ride Spaceship Earth?

The Omnimover-style attraction travels around “the big golf ball” (as some guests refer to it) and takes you through the history of human communication.

Never forget to thank the Phoenicians (if you know you know).

Spaceship Earth was set to undergo a lengthy refurbishment, but it’s unclear if that will happen in the future. You can read more about that here.

Whatever the case, Spaceship Earth has both a regular Standby Line and a Lightning Lane, which you can use if you purchase Genie+.

It’s definitely not a priority, but, if you’re curious about what you should and shouldn’t prioritize attraction-wise at Epcot, check out the above graphic and link below.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Located in the sensory labs of the Imagination Institute, this ride takes you through an exploration of your senses. The exit area is a fun play area for little ones.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment isn’t a ride at Epcot that you need to run to. The wait times are usually pretty decent, and it’s far from the most popular.

The ride not only features Figment as your guide as you ride through the sensory labs of Imagination Institute, but also chairman Dr. Nigel Channing, played by Monty Python‘s Eric Idle.

There have been updates made to the ride over the years, and if you’re a fan of Dreamfinder, you may not like this version.

Like Spaceship, this isn’t an attraction that you need to make a priority with or without Genie+.

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

Located inside the Magic Eye Theater, this 4D movie experience includes 3 animated shorts from both Disney and Pixar Studios.

The Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is a good place to cool off and relax.

For 18-minutes, you can experience 3 popular Disney and Pixar short films in 4D, while wearing 3D glasses. There are also in-theater effects.

You’ll even see exhibits in the lobby illustrating the creative process behind the stories and the characters.

There is a Lightning Lane available here, but you don’t need to prioritize this as one of your Lightning Lane selections.

The Disney and Pixar Film Festival is listed in the My Disney Experience app, but there aren’t official showtimes because it runs continuously throughout the park day.

There is also hearing disability services for those who need them.

Entertainment

While there isn’t much entertainment in World Celebration currently, the Beacon of Magic is absolutely phenomenal.

Beacon of Magic

Each evening, you can watch the Beacon of Magic, which debuted during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The points of light on Spaceship Earth light up and create the most magical and unbelievable show, alongside music.

Once nighttime hits, the show begins and runs for a few minutes throughout the evening.

You can also usually catch a special limited nighttime show for each festival that alternates with the Beacon of Magic, like a Beauty and the Beast sequence for the 2022 Food and Wine Festival.

Activities

There are several family-friendly activities in World Celebration:

Dreamers Point Walt Statue

While not an “activity” per se, this statue was added during the re-imagining of the area and is a popular place for guests to visit for a quick photo with Walt.

Project Tomorrow

Project Tomorrow is located at the exit of Spaceship Earth.

You don’t have to ride Spaceship Earth to enter here, there is a door next to the attraction for guests to enter Project Tomorrow.

Here you can build, create, compete, and play in a series of exhibits that bring innovative ideas and technologies to life.

For example, there’s a driving simulation game!

You can also view the video from the future you made while riding through Spaceship Earth — and email it to family and friends.

This area makes for a great interactive play space for little ones. If you need to escape rain, the heat, or to burn off steam, try Project Tomorrow.

Club Cool

Club Cool is where you can try different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

There are several fountains with a range of global Coca-Cola items for you to taste. And, yes, this where the famous “Beverly” drink from Italy is.

You will either love it or hate it.

You can order select Coca-Cola beverages here, as well.

Coin Press Machines

You can use this coin press machine to create Imagination-themed pressed pennies. You can either pay $1.00 for each or $5.00 for all 8.

This coin press machine is inside ImageWorks, next to the tunnel where Figment and Joy come in and out of to take a break.

“What If” Labs

The “What If” Labs is found inside ImageWorks.

This area is perfect for kids and is a great space for them to explore their senses at different interactive stations.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge

This lounge is reserved exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members and is completely complimentary.

The following is included:

• Seating
• Complimentary soft drinks
• Children’s play area
• Wi-Fi
• Charging stations
• Computers
• Member Services Advisors

The lounge is typically open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and located on the second floor of the ImageWorks merchandise location.

You will need to show valid Membership Card and photo ID for entry. The name on the Membership Card must match the name on the photo ID.

Party size is limited to the Member and up to 5 guests per Membership Card. Guests and associates must be accompanied by a Member with a valid Membership Card and photo ID.

There is no automatic re-entry. Members and their guests who leave must follow the same entry policy. Strollers must be parked at the attraction stroller parking outside.

Bubblegum Wall

Another fun activity is to take your photo at the famous Bubblegum Wall, which is located right near Spaceship Earth’s exit doors.

Characters

There are a lot of characters to meet throughout World Celebration, including inside the new Mickey & Friends character meet and greet location.

Mickey Mouse

Minnie Mouse

Goofy

Figment

Disney PhotoPass Photographers

If you want to take a nice photo in World Celebration, you’ll find several Disney PhotoPass photographers around Spaceship Earth. Just look for the Cast Member with the professional camera — you can’t miss them.

You’ll also find photographers in the gardens behind Spaceship Earth, near Dreamers Point.

Restrooms

There are several restrooms in World Celebration.

You’ll find 2 sets on both sides of Spaceship Earth.

There are also restrooms inside Connections Eatery.

In the Imagination Pavilion section of World Celebration, you can find a set of restrooms attached to Journey Into Imagination with Figment. They are located on around the corner on the far side of the building away from the main pavilion area.

The Odyssey Events Pavilion has restrooms inside as well. Just keep in mind the inside restrooms are only available during festivals, however there are some available on the outside along the wall facing the World Showcase lagoon.

Other Things To Look For

There are a few other important items around World Celebration that you may need to know about, including the following.

FuelRod

You’ll also find a portable phone charging station (aka where you can swap and purchase a FuelRods) inside Gateway Gifts.

Lockers

Near the Camera Center by Spaceship Earth, there are lockers available for rent.

Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals

At the front of the park next to Spaceship Earth is where you can rent both strollers and wheelchairs.

Park Maps and Festival Passports

At the front entrance, right after you scan into the park, you’ll find stands that hold both park maps and passports for whatever festival is happening at that time of year.

Guest Services

Near Spaceship Earth, as you walk past Gateway Gifts, you’ll find a Guest Relations location.

Animal Relief Areas

In the Imagination pavilion, there is an open outdoor relief area next to the restrooms available for guests visiting with service animals.

First Aid and Baby Care Center

Attached to the Odyssey Events Pavilion, you’ll find both First Aid and a Baby Care Center for any guests who need them.

Surrounding World Celebration

Outside of the front park entrance, you’ll also find the following. These aren’t technically part of World Celebration, but they’re important to note.

Leave a Legacy

Leave a Legacy is a project with tiny tiles made up of people’s faces on them.

It used to be in front of Spaceship Earth, but Disney moved it outside of the park as part of Epcot’s transformation.

The former project allowed visitors to purchase tiny little tiles with their pictures on it to commemorate their visit to Epcot.

The panels look much better now, are prettier, and feature colors that align with Epcot’s new color block scheme.

Monorail Station

Epcot’s Monorail station is outside the main park entrance, with access to the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian).

Buses

For those who need access to Disney buses, they are located outside the main park entrance. If you’re driving, the parking lot is here too, along with anyone using rideshare services like Lyft and Minnie Vans.

Restrooms

There are 2 sets of restrooms outside the entrance — one near bus transportation and the other on the complete opposite side of the entrance.

Joffrey’s

Yes, there is even a Joffrey’s before you enter the park. You can grab coffee, tea, other beverages, and pastries here (get a donut!).

Guest Relations

There is a Guest Relations outside of the entrance, before the ticket booths and prior to you scanning into the park.

World Celebration Checklist

*****************

What’s your favorite thing about World Celebration at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!