Today I have info on my ideal Epcot day, including how to tour and where to eat.
I also have a quick tip on the best way to book one type of dining reservation and recent news.
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These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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Call in your quick tip of the day
To prepare for the 100th episode, I'd love to have you call in your own quick tip of the day at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.
My ideal Epcot day
- Start by arriving about 40 minutes before the park opens. Epcot often opens 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Spend the first hour going to Test Track, Sum of All Thrills, and Mission: Space. Then spend the next hour touring The Seas (including Turtle Talk with Crush) and then The Land. See my Epcot touring plans for details.
- Use a FastPass+ for Soarin' and have lunch at Sunshine Season (located in The Land) or a good Quick Service in the World Showcase like the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. See the pros and cons of all Epcot restaurants for more info.
- After lunch, I like to do Figment, Club Cool, Ellen's Energy Adventure, and use FP+ for Spaceship Earth.
- I like to do the World Showcase in the evening since it's so hot in the afternoon, but people who want to visit the characters and see the World Showcase entertainment will need to visit in the afternoon. Check wdwent.com for times.
- There are lots of great Table Service restaurants in the World Showcase that make good dinner spots. My personal favorites are Biergarten, Le Cellier, Marrakesh, and Rose & Crown Pub.
- End the day with Illuminations. See my viewing tips for the best place to position yourself for these.
News
- A new Frozen-themed Boutique is coming to Hollywood Studios. See this Disney Parks Blog post for more (be sure to check the comment section for info on the Olaf option).
- There appears to be a new holiday dining option coming to Hollywood and Vine. It hasn't been announced by Disney but has randomly appeared in the My Disney Experience app at times. It will apparently be called Minnie's Holiday & Dine Dinner and will have a Fantasmic Dinner Package option as well. According to a couple of sources I've consulted, this meal will be available from November 7 - January 3 and feature Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Santa Goofy. The official announcement should come soon and reservations will open up shortly after.
Quick tip of the day
If you are planning to book a meal that requires pre-payment (Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and Spirit of Aloha), use the website to book online. If you use the app, you'll likely be prompted to call instead.
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Wow, I can’t believe your plan skips Soarin’!
For some reason it wasn’t written in the text, but I mentioned it in the podcast. I updated the text to include Soarin’.
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve listened to your podcasts so many times I’ve practically got them memorized. But making a touring plan for Epcot really had me stumped. I’ve got little ones who will want to see characters but a several adults to please too. I’d checked several places and none of the prepackaged touring plans really fit our needs. Your explanations make it so much easier to tailor a plan that suits our group. Thanks!`
You mentioned you can’t see all of the World Show Case if you return after dinner. How long does it take if you want to see everything?
3-4 countries in an evening is what we’d typically do.
Hi Shannon!
Gearing up for a trip next month and love the podcast. I was wondering what your thoughts were about the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party? I’ve heard more cons than pros out there, but wondering if you’ve ever done it yourself? Thanks!
I haven’t done it, and I don’t really recommend it since there isn’t seating provided and it’s easy to find a spot to watch Illuminations on your own.
Thanks for the info!