3 Things I’ll Never Do at Epcot — From a Former Disney Cast Member
Epcot might have a reputation as the “adult” park at Walt Disney World, but as a former Disney cast member, I can tell you that there’s so much more to it than cocktails and culture. Over the years, I’ve learned how to do Epcot right—and that means avoiding a few common mistakes.
Here are three things I’ll never do when I visit Epcot, and what I do instead to make the most of every trip.
1. I’ll Never Skip the Character Meet and Greets
A lot of people think that Epcot doesn’t have any character meet and greets. But here’s the truth: Epcot is one of the best places to meet Disney characters.
You can meet classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto with shorter wait times than at Magic Kingdom. Even better? You’ll often find unique and rare characters in the World Showcase—like Mulan in China, Anna and Elsa in Norway, or even Alice in the UK.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch characters that don’t often appear elsewhere in the parks. So grab your autograph book, your camera, and don’t overlook the magic in these moments.
2. I’ll Never Eat in Future World
There’s no polite way to say it: Epcot’s food game lives in the World Showcase, not in Future World.
With 11 countries represented, each offering delicious and authentic cuisine, it would be a mistake to settle for standard theme park fare. Instead of generic burgers or chicken tenders, I’m grabbing:
School bread in Norway
Sushi in Japan
Tacos in Mexico
Crêpes in France
Eating around the World Showcase turns your day into a global culinary adventure—and you won’t find that kind of variety anywhere else in Disney World.
3. I’ll Never Visit During a Festival Off-Season
Here’s a cast member pro tip: plan your Epcot visit during a festival. Always.
Epcot hosts four seasonal festivals that transform the park:
Festival of the Arts (Jan–Feb)
Flower & Garden (Mar–July)
Food & Wine (July–Nov)
Festival of the Holidays (Nov–Dec)
Between those events, there are a few “off weeks” where the booths and entertainment are gone—and honestly, the park just feels like it’s missing something. Those extra food booths, live performances, and themed décor add so much to the experience, I never plan a trip without aligning with my favorite festival dates.
Final Thoughts
Epcot has a lot to offer, but to truly enjoy the park like a pro, you’ve got to think beyond the obvious. Skip the Future World meals, meet those rare characters, and time your trip with a festival—it’ll make your visit so much more magical.
Epcot is more than just rides and drinks. It’s characters, culture, creativity, and a whole world of flavor—literally.
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