Top Attractions for Non-Riders at Epcot

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Do you avoid intense heights at all costs? Volunteer yourself as tribute for “purse and drink holder” when your friends hop on a twirly roller coaster? You’re in the right place, my friends, for you have never met a person more avoidant of all things zippy, loopy and droppy. 

My recent trip to Epcot at Walt Disney World revealed endless options for non-riders AND non-thrill-riders alike: beautiful architecture, amazing food and wine, diverse shopping, live music and more. They don’t call it the Happiest Place on Earth for nothing! If you want to buy your ticket to Epcot with confidence, knowing that you have a world of options, here are my top 5 Epcot picks for your consideration:

1. Travel the globe

So much to see, so little time. The theme of this entire park is global appreciation, and the bulk of the park is the World Showcase. The 1.3 mile long indoor/outdoor exhibit offers interactions with 11 colorful countries: France, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Norway, Morocco, Japan, Canada, UK, China, and more. If you love to travel, note that exploring the World Showcase will likely be your favorite part of the trip, Plenty of selfies to be had! I suggest seeing the countries by daylight, then retracing your steps again at night. It’s A Whole New World! Also, find something memorable in every country: a glass of wine in Germany, a henna tattoo in Morocco, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France. You get the idea!

2. Music lovers, listen up

You’ll find plenty of live entertainment in the World Showcase, including the pianist in the charming U.K. outdoor pavilion <cue The Rainbow Connection> or the Matsuriza drummers in Japan. Grab a snack, rest your feet and sing along in the Canadian and U.S. concert stage areas. Memorable tunes and people watching, for sure!

3. Non-thrilling rides you should consider:

1. Soarin’...hands down, Epcot’s best ride! Think ski-lift meets IMAX. This 180-degree, 80-foot projection dome offers jaw-dropping aerial footage of the most iconic places on Earth: The Swiss Alps, the Pyramids of Egypt, The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal of India and more. Yes, the “ski lift” chairs will hoist you upwards, but I’m scared of heights, and this elevation didn’t bother me at all. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of all the offerings of this amazing planet!

2. The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Board a clam shell to go Under the Sea with Nemo, Dory + everyone’s gnarly favorite….the 150-year old surfin turtle. Dude. Afterwards, you’ll experience a world-class aquarium with sharks, dolphins, manatees, rays and more. With a total tank volume of more than 5 million gallons and more than 8,000 animals, this is one of the top 5 largest aquariums in the U.S.A.

3. Spaceship Earth. Because you shouldn’t resist a peek inside the ginormous golf ball! Theodore Roosevelt said “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” I agree, and that’s what makes this experience so special. Plan to “time travel” in a slow-moving vehicle to witness the evolution of human communication, ranging from the Stone Age to the computer age.

4. Boat ride in Mexico. Someone told me about this, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Overall, I think the ride is just so-so, but the best part is enjoying the AC (if it’s hot outside) and floating by a replica of the Mayan pyramid, Chichen Itza. It’s one of the wonders of the world, peeps, and you can enjoy it as you chow down on guac and zesty south of the border eats at the restaurant overlook. Ole!

5. Test Track. Bear with me for a minute. Did I mention that I am a total ride wimp? Yet, I love this ride. No heights, no drops or anything else that is questionable. Except the speed, I suppose, which hugs the curves of up to 70ish MPH, but you do that on the highway, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

4. A grand finale!

The icing on the perfectly-baked Epcot cake is the Harmonious fireworks spectacular. If you are a morning person, pace yourself so you don’t miss out on the legendary show at closing. Best part of the day! Disney never skimps on the details, so expect an impressive combination of floating screens, choreographed fountains, spectacular lights, pyrotechnics and lasers in a 360-degree view.

 

5. Explore the gift shops

I’m not much of a shopper, but the Disney stores are stand-alone attractions. You won’t see the same stuff repeatedly, although you will want to save up, because most of it is “theme park” expensive. Some items found in Epcot include Beatles memorabilia in England, nutcrackers from Germany, perfume from Paris, swords and daggers in Norway, Day of the Dead masks in Mexico, and silk clothing from China.

6. End your day in Hawaii?

Not staying on property? Need to catch an Uber? Especially in the fall, when it’s chilly after sunset, skip a wait in the parking lot when you follow the herd to the Monorail. Plan to offload at a cool property like the Hawaiian-inspired Polynisian Village Resort to “hang loose” in the island vibe. Why not enjoy a fruity cocktail before you hail your ride?

 

No offense to adrenaline junkies, but I don’t think of Epcot rolls like that. The rest of Disneyworld is for children and thrill riders, and this is a playground for people like us. Rest assured that there are plenty of year-round events and low key offerings at Disney World’s Epcot, so book your trip with confidence. Enjoy!