The World Report
Page 4 of 6

Epcot

Epcot
Epcot has been hit pretty hard this season. Sources estimate that attendance at the park is down as much as 25% from the original estimates. EPCOT is open from 10:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m. but that is misleading. Most of Future World's attractions close at 7:00 p.m. with only Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Test Track, Innoventions and Spaceship Earth staying open until park closing. The Coral Reef Restaurant is also serving till park close. World Showcase is now open from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. but the attractions also have staggered hours. Once again you need to think the further back in the park, the later the attraction opens. All are open by 12:30 p.m. Journey Into Your Imagination ride is closed. Officially the attraction is closed for rehab but sources claim that the rehab has been put on hold. The attraction itself has no sign indicating that a rehab is going on.

How to enjoy Epcot: Since Epcot has no large stage shows and most of the entertainment in the park was already on staggered performance schedules, you can visit EPCOT most any day and have a great time. The FastPass system for Test Track is closed until Christmas while they redesign the queue area to accommodate both the Fastpass and Stand-by lines. Even without Fastpass the longest line at Test Track has averaged under one hour (30 minutes or less during the weekdays). Best bet: Use the Single Rider Queue if you don’t mind splitting your party. Even when the attraction has a 45 minute wait the Single Rider option lets you board within 10 minutes or less.

Tapestry of Dreams

The 6th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is going on until November 20 and is a great event. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and Tapestry of Dreams Parade go on nightly. An interesting note: This weeks EPCOT Guide Map had no times listed on it for any shows or the parades. If you want to see any entertainment you may need to ask a Cast Member about performance times. The change of park hours can have some effect on your day. Several of the Future World attractions close at 7pm and it is strange that Disney decided to delay World Showcases opening till noon during the Food and Wine Festival. With Future World closing early, World Showcase seems more crowded than normal. A friend recently reminded me that the current operating hours are close to what Disney envisioned when EPCOT opened.