Many people rush to the headliner attractions right out of the gate at rope drop, but there are many hidden gems to discover along the not so beaten path. Taking the time to enjoy these hidden gems, whether at a slow part of your day or for a whole leisurely day, truly enhances your EPCOT experience.
World Celebration World Discovery World Nature World Showcase
Hidden Gems in EPCOT’s World Celebration
- Check the entertainment schedule a list of live entertainment. Don’t miss out on seeing the Jammitors! Also, note the live entertainment list for the World Showcase.
- Take a look at the unique pavement at night in World Celebration. The kids (old and young) will love it.
- Make sure you get your photo with the statue, Walt the Dreamer.
- Look at the pavement on a sunny day! The EPCOT Prism Pylons can create rainbows! This is one of the most fun hidden gems to discover.
Spaceship Earth
- There are 11,324 individual triangles covering Spaceship Earth.
- Have you ever wondered why you can stand under Spaceship Earth when it is raining and not get wet? This is due to a unique gutter system beneath the exterior of the attraction that routes water through the legs supporting Spaceship Earth.
- Look for Hidden Mickeys throughout the attraction. Hint: One is painted on the left at the entrance to the Renaissance scene.
Hidden Gems in EPCOT’s World Discovery
- Water play! Who doesn’t want to cool off on a hot day? Check out the water area located between Test Track and Mission: SPACE.
- Looking for a cool free beverage? Something a little different than you what you are used to? Stop in at Club Cool. Here, you can sample beverages from around the world. Try the Beverly!
Mission: SPACE
- Take a glance at the model of the moon outside the attraction. The many moon landings are documented on its surface.
- The red planet outside the attraction was a challenge to paint. Imagineers looked at around 100 colors before settling on the current selection.
Test Track
- At the end of the attraction check your score to see how your car measured up against other guests’ designs.
Hidden Gems in EPCOT’s World Nature
The Land
- The mosaics on each side of the entrance are exact mirror images of each other except for one tile on each side. Can you spot the difference?
- Living with the Land changes its displays for each season. Notice the decorations as you ride.
- A marker that (was) the center of WDW is on the path to Living with the Land, just west of Innovations West, behind the fountain and towards the Lagoon. It once the marked the center of property, but now it’s just a circle in the pavement. This is most likely not the center of WDW now, if it ever was, but tradition says it once was!
The Seas
- Let your ears find some hidden gems. Listen to the seagulls at the entrance to the attraction.
- Explore the SeaBase and look at the interactive exhibits. The aquarium is massive holding 5.7 million gallons of water!
The Imagination Pavilion
- The leap fountain is located outside the Imagination! pavilion. Watch the water leap from pad to pad, and try to catch it as it leaps. In addition, check out the upside down water fall (water up?) where the water is actually flowing up rather than down.
EPCOT Hidden Gems in World Showcase
Mexico
- Visit the exhibit just inside the pyramid. This exhibit is frequently updated.
- Look for the 3 Caballeros animatronics at the end of the Gran Fiesta Tour Attraction.
Norway
- As you enter Norway the first building has a roof made of real sod. Back in the “ole country” this would be trimmed by the goats. However, here in WDW, the horticulturists take care of it.
- Make sure and go into the Stave Church. There are only 28 of these left in Norway.
- Inside the queue for the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet look for two dolls that look like the beloved princess and queen. Also, look for a tapestry featuring trolls that pay homage to the closed Maelstrom attraction that was replaced by Frozen Ever After.
- Let your taste buds discover some hidden gems. The School Bread is a very popular treat from the bakery in Norway!
- Perhaps this is a not-so-hidden gem, but the giant troll is a fun place to take a family photo.
China
- Make time for the acrobats show in China. It is amazing to watch the gymnasts perform.
- Check out the temple ceiling and gardens around the pavilion. The architecture is beautiful!
- For an inexpensive souvenir, head to the back of the gift shop for a personalized fan.
Germany
- Spend some time enjoying the train exhibit, which often has seasonal differences
- Look for the clock with the figures that pop out on the hour in the center of the pavilion.
- Can you find the pickle tree? If you are not familiar with the pickle legend, ask a cast member to let you in on the tradition.
Italy
- Walk over the bridge and look in the lagoon to see gondolas.
U.S.A.
- The Voices of Liberty are a showstopping a capella group that perform patriotic and folk tunes. Be sure to see this group.
- Look through the American history exhibits in the pavilion.
- Enjoy the American Adventure show performed by audio animatronics for a brief tour over the nation’s history.
Japan
- Try on the traditional Japanese kimonos in the department store in Japan or pick out a pearl from a fresh oyster.
- The 5-story pagoda represents an element some Buddhists believe all things were created from: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky.
- The koi pond provides a nice place to grab a Zen moment during a busy EPCOT day. Also, walk over the bridge to take in the small waterfall. This hidden gem is often overlooked.
Morocco
- Notice the wall mosaics in Morocco, each one has at least one flawed or cracked tile on purpose, as they believe only Allah can create perfect things.
France
- The bridge crossing from France to the UK represents crossing the English Channel. Look for a bike and an easel around the channel as if an artist were painting and just stepped away for a minute.
- Explore the back of the pavilion to find sweet treats in the popular Patisserie and Ice-Cream shop. Also, this pavilion is home to a creperie!
United Kingdom
- Look for the butterfly garden and butterfly box in the UK. It is located in the Not-a-garden where the apothecary grows his herbs.
- Look for the hedge maze. It is normally a hit with kids who want to run and play.
- Take the time to window shop. You may be surprised at the hidden gems in the details!
Canada
- Look for the giant totem poles. These tell represent folk stories about taking care of animals and nature.
Other
- World Showcase Passports are available at shops/carts throughout EPCOT. Visit each country for a rubber stamp.
- Speaking of the Kidcot Stations, you can color and decorate a free card in each country. Get a sticker in each country and a signature from a Cast Member. Remember the Cast Members are from each country, so they are a wealth of information for inquisitive minds, young and old alike.
- The live entertainment offered throughout the World Showcase is entertaining and educational and one of the EPCOT hidden gems that are the best. Be sure to take time to watch the shows.
- The World Showcase offers an interactive adventure that is fun for all ages. DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is played through the Play Disney Parks mobile app. Assist Scrooge McDuck and his friends as they travel the World Showcase to find seven lost priceless artifacts. Keep your wits about you because you may encounter some villains along the way!
- If you visit EPCOT during any of the Festivals, hidden gems are practically everywhere! Note the festival displays, foods, entertainment, and activities.