When visiting Epcot, you’ll see that the park is split up into different sections.
There is, of course, the World Showcase where you can visit 11 different countries. But, the old Future World has been transformed into 3 new neighborhoods called: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
Each of these neighborhoods have their own special pavilions, attractions, entertainment, dining, characters, activities, and so much more.
World Discovery is described as a neighborhood where “stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.”
This is the place to visit if you want to speed around Test Track, experience what it’s like to eat in space at Space 220, or save the galaxy on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
There’s a lot to see and do here, so let’s take a deep dive into the neighborhood pavilion and see all there is to explore.
Overview
- Location: World Discovery
- Restaurants: 4 Quick Service (Joffrey’s, Pretzel Cart, Snack Stand, Cool Wash), 1 Table Service (Space 220)
- Shops: Treasures of Xandar, Cargo Bay, SIMporium
- Entertainment: JAMMitors
- Attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Mission: SPACE, Test Track
- Characters: None
- Popular snacks and drinks: Disney Popcorn (at the 1 Stand), Mickey Pretzel (Pretzel Cart), Massive Donut (Joffrey’s)
- Not-to-miss: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Space 220
World Discovery Maps
Epcot Updates Map
World Discovery Overview Map
Dining
There are several Quick Service options in World Discovery, along with an extremely popular Table Service restaurant.
Quick Service Restaurants
Pretzel Cart
Near Club Cool, you’ll find a Pretzel Cart around the corner that sells a range of beverages (including alcohol), Mickey Pretzels, and other treats (like Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars).
Snack Stand
There’s a Snack Stand by Mission: SPACE and Space 220, where you can order fountain drinks, Mickey Pretzels, popcorn, and more.
Joffrey’s
Close to Connections Café and Eater and Cosmic Rewind you can find a Joffrey’s cart, which sells a range of coffees and teas. Plus, the massive donuts are a must!
Cool Wash (Temporarily Closed)
Even though it’s temporarily closed, Cool Wash is a stand that not only serves assorted slushies and refreshments, but there are even misters and cooling fans here!
Table Service Restaurants
Space 220
Space 220 is the only Table Service restaurant in World Discovery.
It opened in September 2021 and has been hugely popular ever since. Space 220 offers a unique dining experience, in the sense that guests “travel to outer space” to eat.
Of course, you’re not really dining in space, but it certainly feels that way. You can either try lunch or dinner here. There’s also a lounge available for booking.
Pricing is as follows:
- Adult Lunch: $55 per adult (1 appetizer, 1 entrée)
- Adult Dinner: $79 per adult (1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 dessert)
- Kids Lunch: $29 per child (1 entrée, 1 dessert, 1 beverage, complimentary pack of Space 220 collectible trading cards)
- Kids Dinner: $29 per child (1 entrée, 1 dessert, 1 beverage, complimentary pack of Space 220 collectible trading cards)
Beverages with alcohol are an additional price. You can also order dessert for lunch, but you will be charged extra.
The lounge is a la carte, meaning you pay individually for each item that you order.
We’ve yet to be disappointed with the menu here, especially the plant-based options (try the cauliflower and carrot cake).
Reservations are highly recommended (they go fast), but you can also try to walk up on the day of your visit which isn’t always guaranteed.
Seating Areas
World Discovery isn’t know for its seating areas. You’ll find benches scattered around, but that’s about it.
Shops
There are 3 shops in World Discovery that offer a range of merchandise.
Treasures of Xandar
Treasures of Xandar is the gift shop attached to Cosmic Rewind.
This is the place to visit if you want anything Marvel, especially some cool Guardians of the Galaxy items.
Creations Shop also sells some Guardians merchandise, but Treasures of Xandar has the majority of the collection.
Cargo Bay
Did you know there’s a gift shop next to Mission: SPACE? Now you do!
Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay has all kinds of space-inspired items, including Star Wars merchandise.
This is the store to visit if you want anything related to Space.
Plus, there’s a really cute mural with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto!
SIMporium
Next to Test Track is the Test Track SIMporium. Here you can shop for Test Track and other automotive merchandise.
You can find toy cars, pit crew caps, pins, and more.
Plus, there is also a showroom with a variety of Chevrolet cars (Test Track is sponsored by Chevy) and other interactive activities for guests to enjoy.
If you ride Test Track, you’ll exit into this area and also the store.
Attractions
World Discovery has some of Epcot’s most popular attractions — and some of the more intense ones on property.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is Epcot’s first roller coaster!
The roller coaster features the first-ever reverse launch for a Disney coaster and is one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world.
If that isn’t enough, the ride vehicles rotate 360 degrees!
There is also a height requirement — 42 inches.
While it is a very smooth ride, the coaster is also somewhat intense. It is also known for causing guests to become ill due to motion sickness.
It seems to impact riders differently, so it’s up to you whether or not you want to take the chance and help the Guardians save the galaxy.
At this time, the only way to ride Cosmic Rewind is either by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane selection or joining the virtual queue. There is no Standby Line.
Test Track
Test Track is also a popular ride at Epcot that can have a long wait time.
The attraction goes through different obstacles and testing to check the performance of your vehicle, but it’s the end of the ride that’s the best part.
Let’s just say there’s a track and your car can reach up to 65 miles per hour!
You can either use the Standby Line here, make a Genie+ selection, or try Single Rider.
Mission: SPACE
Mission: SPACE is one of many attractions at Disney World that might make you sick.
After all, the ride simulates what it’s like launching into space.
There are 2 different missions you can choose: Green or Orange. Green is less intense, whereas Orange is more intense.
If you choose Green, you’ll go on a more gentle ride through space as you orbit the Earth.
As for Orange, this training blasts you off on a simulated NASA-style mission to Mars.
Mission: SPACE has both a Standby queue and a Lightning Lane, meaning you can make a Genie+ booking.
Entertainment
JAMMitors
While they used to perform on the American Gardens Theatre stage, you can now find the JAMMitors in World Discovery just outside Club Cool.
The JAMMitors are a small group of talented performers who drum on trashcans and create music. It’s a pretty cool and unique act.
You can find their exact location, along with showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.
Activities
There are a few activities in World Discovery for guests to enjoy.
Advanced Training Lab
The Advanced Training Lab is next to Mission: SPACE and is an interactive play area featuring space-themed games and activities.
You can also make and send video postcards from the very edge of space.
This is a great spot for little ones to play and burn off some steam. Plus, it has air conditioning!
Coin Press Machine
There are 2 coin press machines in World Discovery — one in Cargo Bay by Mission: SPACE and another near the exit of Test Track.
You can use the coin press machines to create World Discovery-themed pressed pennies. You can either pay $1.00 for each or $5.00 for all 8.
Misters
These aren’t exactly an exciting activity, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention these.
As you walk towards Cosmic Rewind, you’ll find a set of misters that are a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Disney PhotoPass Photographer
Currently, the only Disney PhotoPass photographer you’ll find is by Cosmic Rewind.
Just look for the green umbrella and Cast Member with the professional camera — you can’t miss them.
They take some fun shots, including a Magic Shot with Groot!
Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.
Restrooms
There is a set of restrooms around the corner from the Pretzel Cart.
Other Things To Look For
FuelRod
You can find a portable phone charging station (aka where you can swap and purchase a FuelRods) in Cargo Bay by Mission: SPACE.
There is also one near the exit of Test Track.
Animal Relief Area
In between the restrooms and the Pretzel Cart, you’ll find an open outdoor relief area for guests visiting with service animals.
Times and Tip Board
There is tip board in World Discovery, where you can check the latest wait times for all of the attractions throughout Epoct.
The board also lists information for Cosmic Rewind, including which boarding groups are currently boarding and if the virtual queue is open or closed.
Coming Soon To World Discovery
Here we have the famous PLAY! pavilion. Will it or won’t it happen?
Well, it’s still listed on the park map, as you can see below, and it says, “Future Home of PLAY!”
Plus, there have been recent reports that Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for a “General Contractor package” for the PLAY! Pavilion at EPCOT.
It appears that Disney is moving forward with the pavilion, which is said to be all about immersive fun, including an “innovative city” and “interactive experiences, Disney characters, hands-on-activities, and engaging entertainment.”
The pavilion is also said to feature the chance to help out the legendary fashion icon Edna Mode and competing in a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby.
World Discovery Checklist
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What’s your favorite thing about World Discovery at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!
Check out our deep dives into each country pavilion at Epcot:
We also have deep dives into each Neighborhood and their respective pavilions at Epcot:
Neighborhoods
Pavilions
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