Underrated Things at Disney’s EPCOT

There is SO MUCH to do in EPCOT! So much in fact that you might miss some awesome things if you don’t know what to look for! So today we are talking all about the underrated, the overlooked, the hidden gems of Disney’s EPCOT! These are things that just don’t get as much hype as some of the big rides or more popular attractions but we think are totally worth doing!

People Watching With A Snack From Sunshine Seasons

*The decor in the Land Pavilion is so nostalgic and fun!*

We started eating at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion because for a while there wasn’t a lot options for breakfast in the park and this is one spot you could get a bounty platter and coffee to start your day. Now, it’s become one of our favorite places because it’s classic EPCOT nostalgia, it’s got AC and it’s a great place to sit and hang out if you’ve got little ones and need to do rider switch for Soarin’. We will say that in EPCOT there are TONS of great places to eat, this might not be the best one but it’s always good for a quick snack! The only thing that we don’t like about it, is that you can’t bring strollers into this pavilion, you do have to park it outside but it would be absolute madness if there were strollers in the mix inside.

Awesome Planet

We love this show! It’s in the Land Pavilion, it’s hosted by Ty Burrell and it’s a really nice little show all about conservation, climate and geography around the world. It’s totally underrated, no one is ever in there which is too bad because it’s a great hidden gem!

Freshly Made Caramel Corn in the Germany Pavilion

The first time we got it, we got the bagged popcorn in the Werther’s Shop and it was pretty good BUT we recently realized that you can get fresh, warm caramel corn from the counter. It is SO good, it’s the absolute best caramel corn we’ve ever had! The runner up is the Maple Popcorn in the Canada pavilion, it’s sweet and delicious AND that one qualifies for refills if you have a popcorn bucket!

Unique Beers In World Showcase

The first beer I love is sometimes at Cava Del Tequila and sometimes it’s at the booths in the Mexico pavilion during festivals. But it’s called Tulum, this beer is made with seawater and it’s SO good! It’s very slight but you can almost taste the ocean when you drink this beer and it’s delicious. Then in the China pavilion they have a beer made with jasmine that is very very good! Again, it’s a very slight flavor but it just adds something so special to it.

The Festival Pavilion(s)

The Odyssey building is over by Space 220, Test Track area and it’s been there for YEARS. When we first started going it was hardly open at all but it’s kind of become a more permanent festival building with information on whichever festival is happening along with food, drink and merchandise for sale from time to time.

The other one truly is only open sometimes is between the UK and Canada pavilions. You kind of have to go down a bit of a corridor and there’s usually a gate blocking the area off so you may not even know it exists which is crazy because it’s HUGE! It’s a massive expo hall and it’s usually only used for some festivals but they fill it with food, merch, entertainment.

The other one is the Wonders of Life Pavilion and it’s got kind of a 1980’s shopping mall vibe but it’s so cool. Again, it’s not open every single time you visit but throughout some of the festivals you can find some unique and cool stuff in there!

The Sword Display in the UK Pavilion Gift Shop

This is kind of a weird one and it’s not even that exciting but I (Tyler) really like it! There’s a hallway area in the UK pavilion where they have a bunch of swords on display in these glass cases and I just think it looks so cool, I always like to take a look and dream about buying a sword for myself….I don’t need one…but I want one!

*Live music in the back gazebo area of the UK Pavilion.*

The Gazebo/Garden Area in the UK Pavilion

In the UK pavilion as well there is a little quiet green space in the back behind the shops that is a great place to sit and enjoy the vibes. Sometimes they do have musicians playing back there so it’s not always a quiet hiding spot but a lot of the time it’s pretty empty.

Sticker Book Activity in The Seas Pavilion

In the Seas pavilion by the Nemo ride there is a little sticker/activity book that is completely free and fun for kids to go through. There’s some activities as well as some little facts you can learn and it’s just a fun little bonus.

The Mini Trains in the Germany Pavilion

These model trains are so cool, we’ve spoken about them before in a previous episode but it bears repeating a second time! They’re so detailed, so intricate and really fun to stop and watch for a while.

The Journey Into Imagination Building

If you don’t want to ride the Figment ride you can actually go into this building through the exit and there’s the gift shop but also all the fun stuff to play with! It’s a great place for kids to get their wiggles out, you can play on the computer to make your own Figment, there’s a dance floor, there’s a space where you can conduct music and Figment moves around plus a few more activities AND the DVC lounge if you’re a DVC member! It’s honestly a really underrated spot to take a bit of a break during your day.

Mission Space Play Zone

This is a super cool indoor playground that is another underrated spot for a break and a chance for kids to get their wiggles out! The actual playground is called Space Base but there are interactive games and spots to sit and hang out as well.

Lotus Blossom Cafe

We haven’t eaten here in a loooong time but the last time we did it was really delicious. This is the quick service in the China pavilion and one thing in particular that we love is their ice creams. They have little ice cream cups and one is ginger flavored and one is lychee flavored and they are both SO good!

World Showcase Performers

There are SO many performers all around World Showcase! You’ll find acrobats in the China pavilion, drummers in Japan, a mariachi band in Mexico and so much more! They usually will have a little crowd around them but often people are rushing to get by on their way to something else. Our advice is to stop and enjoy the performances, they are honestly some of the most talented people and you won’t regret stopping for a few minutes to watch.

The Joffrey’s Stand at World Showcase Entrance

There is a Joffrey’s stand as you’re entering World Showcase toward the Mexico pavilion and it’s a good one to stop at. There’s not usually a super long line and they always have the seasonal drinks and even some boozy drinks. Joffrey’s itself isn’t underrated, and there are tons of stands around the parks but this one in particular always seems to be one of the best.

The 360 Vision Shows in Canada and China

These shows aren’t always running, specifically Canada - this building gets used for festivals - but if you get a chance to watch either of the shows it’s a really cool experience that gets overlooked.

Living With The Land

This one has a cult following but it’s still pretty underrated in comparison to other attractions in EPCOT. This one is a classic, it’s so interesting and it’s always good!

From The Citizens of Disneyville

We asked our followers over on Instagram, @disneyvillepodcast, what some of their underrated and hidden gems of EPCOT were and we got some GREAT responses!

*Spaceship Earth at nighttime is incredible!*

Spice Road Table. This food is so underrated and it’s a great place to watch the fireworks!
See the Voices of Liberty
Frozen Beer at Kabuki Cafe in the Japan pavilion - a great treat on a hot day!
Simply hanging out in the Land pavilion, I could do it all day!
Going into the back of Morroco, it’s always quiet and has tons of seating.
Enjoying our drinks of choice while kids color at a Kidcot station.
Living. With. The. Land.
Flower and Garden Festival in general. Food and Wine gets all the hype but Flower and Garden is better.
Living With The Land, so underrated! I wish I could bring my marg on!
The pearl experience in Mitsukoshi in the Japan pavilion!
The giant German pretzels, SO much better than the Mickey pretzels!
The Gran Fiesta Tour does not get the love it deserves, it’s a must for our family every time!
Taking a nap on Spaceship Earth.
Brioche ice cream sandwich from L’Artisan des Glaces in the France pavilion.
The Mission Space playground area, air conditioned and great for the kids to get their wiggles out.
Orange creamsicle milkshake at Sunshine Seasons!
The macaron in France with lime cream.
Egg rolls in the China pavilion!
Watching the fireworks from Odyssey bridge!
The new crepe restaurant in the France pavilion, I feel like I don’t hear anyone talk about it.
The roast beef sandwich from Sunshine Seasons.
The back garden of the Japan pavilion, it’s so beautiful and serene.
The theatre show at the American Adventure pavilion.

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