Epcot opened at Walt Disney World in 1982 as “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” conceived as a showcase of innovation and world culture. The park is divided into two halves: World Celebration and World Discovery, featuring science- and future-themed pavilions, and World Showcase, built around a lagoon and ringed by pavilions representing eleven countries.
In World Showcase, each country pavilion recreates authentic architecture, cuisine, and shopping from Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, letting visitors experience a world tour without leaving Florida. Signature attractions include Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Because Epcot combines thrill rides, cultural pavilions, and dining across a large footprint, most guests plan a full day, typically 9am to 9pm depending on the season, to comfortably see both halves of the park.