Epcot
Epcot in Florida is a different kind of theme park based on technology as well as Disney friends. It’s a great place to spend a day or two with the family any time of year.
Event information
As part of Walt Disney World Resort’s group of theme parks, Epcot in central Florida is a different kind of theme park. Epcot actually stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which is how it started in the 1960s when Walt Disney thought of the idea. His thoughts were that it would be a utopian city to house 20,000 people as a test city built in the shape of a circle. He had all kinds of plans and ideas that he wanted to implement. But it was all changed into a park after Walt Disney passed in 1966.
The park evolved into a multi-world theme park with attractions based on different journeys like the solar system, flower gardens, interactive fun and games, and rides like the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, hang gliding, a test track, and a rocket ride to Mars. The kids will love the Frozen boat ride and getting to meet Anna, Elsa, and other Disney characters. Head to the sea to visit Nemo and friends, talk to Crush the turtle, and then meet Snow White in Germany.
Dining experiences are stunning at the Biergarten Restaurant or the Coral Reef Restaurant where visitors can see the wildlife in the ocean while eating seafood. When the day is over and the skies are getting dark, watch the fireworks before heading back to the campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. They have over 800 campsites to choose from with utilities, a pool, playground, and much more.
Tickets
In the past, the tickets for Epcot have been around $110 for one day for one person. Visitors can also add the Park Hopper pass, water park, sports option, or a Park Hopper Plus pass. It just depends on how many days and how many parks you want to visit. For those who would like to stay a few days and go to all four parks, tickets have run about $85 per day, which is a pretty big savings. This does not include parking or camping.
Explore Epcot RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Visitors can find Epcot just off of I-4 if coming from the Orlando Lakeland areas. FL-429 and the Florida Turnpike may also be prominent routes to the area. The park is only 20 miles from Orlando where RVers can also find theme parks and attractions like Magic Kingdom, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, Volcano Bay, and Fun Spot America. Also, Tampa is about 70 miles to the southwest, where visitors can enjoy the Gulf Coast, Busch Gardens, and several museums.
Parking areas
Epcot RVers who are not camping at the park can find 12 large parking lots nearby. Each of these lots allows oversized vehicle parking for a few dollars more than traditional vehicles. The lots are named after Disney characters such as Cruella, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, and Mulan to make it easier to find your RV when it is time to go.
Public Transportation
For those who are not camping at the park, the SunRail train can take you to the Lynx bus 50 or 56, which goes right to Epcot. The SunRail runs all over the metro area from DeBary to Poinciana. From the Kissimmee area, jump on the 50 or 56 bus route on the Lynx bus, which takes you to the monorail station at Epcot. If coming from further away, the Silver Star Train goes all the way from New York to Miami on a daily basis, and will take riders to the Lynx Kissimmee station where they can catch bus 50 or 56 to Epcot.
Where to stay
Onsite
Epcot is only a few minutes from the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. RVers won’t even have to walk because the park provides free shuttle and bus service to registered campers. And with over 840 campsites, there usually is a spot that fits everyone’s needs. From basic sites with electric that can accommodate popups and small rigs up to 25 feet to premium sites with full hookups that can handle motorhomes up to 60 feet, Fort Wilderness has it all. They even have a pool with a waterslide, pony rides, arcades, fishing, and so much more.
Nearby
Some people may prefer to camp outside of the park area. For RVers, luckily there are about two dozen campgrounds nearby. Three of these are KOA campgrounds, which offer spectacular amenities and recreation as well. The Orlando / Kissimmee KOA is eight miles to the southeast and has 67 sites with utilities, playgrounds, Kamp K9 for your furbaby, and can handle rigs over 100 feet long.
The Orlando Southwest KOA is 16 miles to the southwest and boasts 275 sites with utilities, a playground and games for the kids, Kamp K9 for Fido, and a recreation area for everyone. Their sites can fit rigs up to 65 feet in length. The Orlando / Lake Whippoorwill KOA is 22 miles to the southeast and has room for over 100 RVs up to 85 feet long. They have full hookups, a playground, hot tub, pool, fishing, and a Kamp K9 for your pooch.
Getting around
Disney provides complimentary shuttles for visitors to get from Fort Wilderness Campground or the parking lot. However, once you are inside the gates, walking is the main mode of transportation. They do have a monorail that will take you from one spot to another in the park, but it is limited. Wheelchair and stroller rental is available at the main entrance as well as the International Gateway in the World Traveler building.
What to pack
Clothing
Pack light, comfortable clothing like t-shirts and shorts or long pants. It is good to wear something with pockets to store sunglasses, sunscreen, and keys while on the rides. Visitors should also be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not good and are not allowed on some rides.
Gear
Visitors to Epcot that need to bring several items or items that won’t fit in a pocket can bring a backpack or fanny pack. However, make sure it is smaller than 24 x 15 x 18 inches as regulations only allow certain sizes. If bringing a bag or backpack, a locker may have to be rented because backpacks and purses are often not allowed on rides.
Health & Safety
This is Florida after all, so sunshine is abundant most of the year. Be sure to bring sunblock or sunscreen to reapply as needed while at the park. Travel-sized bottles that fit in a pocket are easiest. A pair of sunglasses and a hat can also help beat the heat. While at the campground, insect repellent is important to keep the no-see-ums from seeing you.
Where to eat
Cooking
Although RVers know that space is limited and it is good to bring only what is needed, it is also good to be prepared. For example, collapsible items like portable grills, nesting bowls, and mini racks are all great for motorhomes. Stocking up on the basics like soap, baggies, foil, plates, utensils, and trash bags is always important, too. If you run out of these items at the campground, you will likely pay much more for it at a camp store or convenience store in town.
Restaurants
Heading down US-192 to the south about eight miles, RVers can find over a dozen food places. Whether it is a sit-down full-service experience that you want or a fast-food drive-thru, it is all there. Brazilian style pizza and pasta, African fare, Caribbean food, and several pubs are close enough to reach in just a few minutes. There are also several restaurants to the north about five miles with southern food, a French eatery, and a bar & grill.
Vendors
From fancy dining rooms with seafood and steaks to kiosks with snack foods like hotdogs and burgers, Epcot has 56 eateries for guests to enjoy. Some of the restaurants offer the opportunity to eat with a princess or Disney character, but reservations are needed. Many of the eateries have the option of ordering online or by phone so visitors can just pick it up and go on their way. On another note, the park also has over 50 shops where visitors can purchase unique items and gifts to remember the day.
Safety
Security
Before heading into Epcot, make sure to read the list of prohibited items on the park’s website. Sure, some of these are common sense like weapons, drugs, and alcohol. However, there are other items that visitors may not think of that are not allowed such as selfie sticks, glass bottles or containers, and portable chairs. Security is available throughout the park keeping things safe, including uniformed Orange County police officers and plain-clothed security guards. Random bag checks and metal detectors are also used in the park.
Weather
RVers often plan their trip to Epcot depending on the season they prefer. For those who enjoy hot weather with high temps in the 90s and lows in the middle 70s, then summertime is a good time to go. However, for those who would rather enjoy the park when it is in the lower to middle 70s for highs and 50s for the low, the best time to visit would be November through March. Rain is more common in the summertime as well, making the cooler months the prime time to visit for those who enjoy cooler, drier weather.
Medical
Epcot has several first-aid kiosks in the park with licensed nurses and medical personnel to treat minor issues like small scratches or cuts. For those who need treatment and are not near a first-aid kiosk, go to the nearest park employee for help. In addition, the park partners with AdventHealth Walk-In Urgent Care nearby, which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
