Epcot Crowds
Epcot crowds present a challenge to an orderly Walt Disney World vacation. Epcot is the number two theme park in the whole world in terms of guests per day, but because it is so big, crowds flow and spread out a little more than some of the other parks.
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But, (don't you hate that word) the big attractions draw major crowds all day long. That's why you need Dad's travel tips to help you deal with the sprawling masses.
Mission Space at Epcot - no crowds 
Dad took this one (yes, he has been there without crowds)
Start in Future World
There are 3 rides in the Future World section that draw large crowds all day and all night long. They are Soarin', Test Track and Mission Space. The lines for these rides will easily exceed two hours on normal days.
The World Showcase doesn't open until 11:00, so missing the crowds on that side of the lake is almost impossible. The way to see the World Showcase is to pick a side to start from and work your way around. Dad and his family usually start on the Mexico side, because the "rides" (The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros and Maelstrom) are all over there. The American Adventure isn't a problem because the theater is so large.
The American Adventure
Photo by Don Sullivan
Dad's Travel Tips
Get to the park early
Dad always suggests that you arrive at your park of choice at least 20 minutes before the scheduled opening time. If you have small children, I would suggest 30 minutes. You might actually be able to get your stroller before the park opens.
If you need tickets build in an extra 10 to 15 minutes. You can buy tickets just outside the gate.
Have a plan
Epcot is very easy to get around in. It's very linear. Dad suggests you have a plan, or at least a general idea of where you want to go next. It will save you a lot of time.
If you don't have a plan, get one. Oh, you need some help. Check out Touringplans.com for all the planning information you'll ever need. You'll find over 140 touring plans to choose from. There's a plan that will suit almost any situation. They've also have great information on crowds, lines at the parks, park hours and even show times.
Dad's Touringplans.com page
FastPass
Know how and when to use Fastpass. You'll want to use FastPass at Soarin' (get one early in the morning because the run out by noon) and probably at Test Track.
Dad's FastPass page
Extra Magic Hours
Disney's Extra Magic Hours are a great way to avoid Epcot crowds. For more information about the best ways to use Extra Magic Hours on your Disney World vacation. When late Extra Magic Hours are scheduled, the park is open until midnight. Lots of touring time with small Epcot crowds. Cool!
Dad's Extra Magic Hours page.
Dad's Suggestion
| A big silver ball |
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| Photo by Express Monorail |
Here are Dad's suggestions for avoiding Epcot crowds.
- The single riders line at Test Track moves as fast or faster than the FastPass line. But your party might get separated.
- Make sure you take time to see the Jammitors. They're loud but good.
- Our strategy for the "big 3" is to ride Soarin' as soon as possible, get a FastPass for Test Track and then ride Mission Space (Dad takes the green line because it's faster and avoids Epcot crowds). By that time or shortly thereafter it should be time for Test Track.
- If you are ready for the World Showcase at 11:00 start on the Mexico side and work your way around.
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Dad's Bottom Line
Avoiding Epcot crowds is a noble and time honored goal. It's just not very likely unless you go in the "off" season. Make a plan, be ready to improvise and don't skip the extras. You'll have a ball (yeah, a big sliver ball).
