50 Spectacular Epcot Hidden Secrets You Must Know About

While you may think you may know all the little Epcot hidden secrets, there are quite a few gems you should look out for on your next Walt Disney World vacation!

Disney’s Epcot opened on a beautiful day in October of 1982. That magical day has sparked millions of enchanted memories from the young all the way to the old.

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Epcot is divided into two sections:

  • Future World
  • World Showcase

Epcot Map

Epcot Map #disney #disneytips #epcot

Future World highlights the technological advances of yesterday, today, and tomorrow while World Showcase goal is to highlight learning and living with people of other cultures.

But before we get started on your expedition, you may be thinking…

How do I get the most out of Epcot?

Start with your FREE Epcot itinerary here to help you maximize your time at Walt Disney World!

Disney one-day game plan itinerary
Download Disney one-day game plan itinerary by clicking image

Epcot Secrets and Tips

Now that we have some of the basics about this Disney park under our belt, let’s go through some of the hidden gems that I’ve learned about this park.

Epcot Ultimate Hidden Secrets with Mickey Mouse and Spaceship Earth. #DisneyTips #DisneySolo #Epcot #EpcotTips #Disney

Epcot Hidden Secrets – Future World Facts

1 – E.P.C.O.T

Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Epcot Hidden Secrets with Spaceship Earth in sunset colors.

2 – It’s Magic!

Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball) is designed with a runoff system that prevents water from reaching the ground when it rains.

3- The Original Mailing System

When riding through Spaceship Earth, pay attention to the Egyptian scene. The scrolls are duplicates of a real document sent from a pharaoh.

Communication is the key objective of Spaceship Earth and I still love some of the classic memories of the ride that you can see in the image below.

Epcot Telegraph Scene Spaceship Earth. Epcot Hidden Secrets.
Epcot Telegraph Scene Spaceship Earth 1983 Photo: Florida Memory

4– What’s with the Computer Guy in Spaceship Earth???

A lot of people think it’s Bill Gates or Steven Jobs asleep at the computer on Spaceship Earth, but it’s actually a nod to all the dreamers and builders out there who have made the computer technology we love today.

5 – Landing on the Moon

On the Mission Space ride you’ll notice gold spheres scattered across the moon in the Planetary Plaza.

They represent the 29 moon-landing missions of the United States and the Soviet Union from 1959 through 1976.

EPCOT Mission Space Mars. Epcot Hidden Secrets.
Mission Space in the former location of Horizons Ride at Epcot

6 – Horizons is Still Here

In the queue line for Mission to Mars, look for the Horizons logo in the center of the rotating gravity wheel.

Horizons was one of my favorite rides and was such a Disney classic because it focused on the possible ways we could live in the future, including living in space.

7 – Listen to Trash Bin Conversations

In Future World near the Electric Umbrella Restaurant, you can find a trash bin marked “waste please” next to the toppings area of the bar.

Get close to it to hear some cool sounds from kids arguing over who gets the last of the fries.

The Land Pavilion Earth Balloons and Mosaic at Epcot. Epcot Hidden Secrets.

8 – Beautiful Land Mosaic

As you approach the Land Pavilion, you’ll notice a stunning mosaic right outside the pavilion.

The mosaic shows a variety of layers that represent the layers of the earth after a volcano eruption.

The Land Pavilion Earth Balloons at Epcot. The Epcot Hidden Secrets.

9 – Balloons and More!

On the ceiling inside the Land Pavilion are balloons that represent earth’s seasons.

The green balloon represent spring, the yellow balloon is for summer, the orange balloon is for fall, and the blue balloon is for winter.

10 – Live with the Land

View looking toward The Land Pavilion in EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. 1982
The Land Pavilion in 1982. Photo Credit: Florida Memory.

On my favorite ride, Living with the Land, lookout for the little farmhouse that will be on your left. You should be able to notice the house number on the mailbox that says number 82.

This is an homage to 1982, the year Epcot Center opened.

11 – Eat the Land

Many of the restaurants inside Epcot such as, Sunshine Season Food Fair and the Garden Grill, serve food that was grown inside of the Living with the Land attraction.

Living with the Land Fish Tank
Living with the Land Fish Tank

12 – Epcot Hidden Secrets: Soarin Around the World

On the ride, Soarin, you’ll notice a preflight video with the flight number of 5505. This number is in honor of Soarin’s official opening at Epcot on May 5, 2005.

soarin around the world epcot

13 – Nemo’s Past

The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion was formally known as Living with the Seas Pavilion and is the only place in Epcot with live animals.

14 – The First Manatee

Chester was the first manatee born in captivity at Epcot in 1991.

15 – The Largest Saltwater Aquarium

Believe it or not, the saltwater aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion was once the largest in the world until Georgia opened up the aquarium in Atlanta in 2005.

Finding Nemo at Epcot Lush Entrance on a Sunny Florida Day
Finding Nemo at Epcot

16 – Beware of the Beach Signs

When boarding the Nemo and Friends attraction, look for the beach signs. You will notice the advertiser is called Nautical Exploration and Marine Observation, or N.E.M.O.

Journey into Your Imagination dancing water fountains at Epcot. theme park hopping alone. Journey into Your Imagination with flying water fountains and pyramids at Epcot.

17 – It’s Just Your Imagination

There is a water fountain outside the Journey through Your Imagination attraction that shoots water upwards!

18 – Is it Upside Down or Right Side Up???

On the Journey Through Your Imagination with Figment, you’ll notice in the upside-down room red and yellow paint spots. They are Figment Pigments.

One of the coolest Epcot hidden secrets!

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Epcot Hidden Secrets – World Showcase Lagoon Facts

Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Morocco Pavilion in the early days of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Photo Credit: Florida Memory.

19 – Tower of Terror at Epcot???

If you’re ever gazing across the World Showcase Lagoon, look at the structures of the Morocco Pavilion and check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the distance.

Tower of Terror blends in with the Moroccan colors and themes, mixing them perfectly so that you still feel like you’re in the African country.

You can read more Hollywood Studios hidden secrets here!

20 – Mexico’s History

As you approach Mexico, you’ll see the famous pyramid that represents three Mexican cultures:

  • Architecture is Mayan
  • Decor is Aztec
  • Artwork Toltec

21 – Don’t Climb the Pyramid

Epcot Hidden Secrets. Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Ancient Pyramid. #DisneyTips #Epcot
Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

Ever notice that a beautiful piece of art with the pop of blue in the front of the Mexican pavilion pyramid?

When the Mexico Pavilion was created, it was common to see people trying to climb it. Disney Cast Members constructed a piece of artwork to prevent further climbing of the pyramid. However, people still try to climb it today.

22 – Twilight All Day

The Mexican pavilion is always twilight.

Why?

Twilight is the time of day where friends and family gather in the plaza for socializing in Mexican culture.

Plaza de los Amigos Epcot Mexico. Twilight Shopping Village. Epcot Hidden Secrets.

23 – The Mexican Wooden Figures

Animales Fantasticos are the colorful wooden figures that you can see being created inside the marketplace of the Mexican Pavilion. They area an ancestral Zapotec art form in Oaxaca, Mexico.

24 – Norway Architecture

As you leave the Mexico Pavilion, you’ll see the Norway pavilion in the distance.

Norway Pavilion at Epcot Traditional Building Architecture

This area of the World Showcase diplays architecture found in Oslo, Alesund, Bergen and the Setesdal Valley.

25 – Christianity and Nordic Gods

The famous Norway stave church with the Viking in the front represents a Christian church, but it honors Nordic gods.

Stave Church with Viking in Norway Epcot Hidden Secrets
Stave Church with Viking in Norway Epcot

26 – Chinese Culture

In the Chinese pavilion at Epcot, you will notice themes showing the phoenix and the dragon, which signifies the Empress and the Emperor.

27 – Perfect Acoustics in China

The building inside China Pavilion’s Temple of Heaven (a representation of the Beijing temple), is acoustically perfect. This allows your voice to vibrate directly back to your ears.

China Pavilion Epcot with Dragon
China Pavilion at Epcot

28 – China’s Twelve Pillars

Also, the China Pavilion has columns inside the temple that represent the four seasons. There are squares beans that represent earth, and round beams that represent the heavens.

The 12 pillars are symbolic for the 12 months of the Chinese year.

29 – Move Water with Your Fingers

The Young Feng Shangdian shop has a copper bowl on a pedestal towards the back. Put your finger in the water and rub it in a circle.

The vibrations from your finger will cause the water to ripple and make a splash.

THis is one of the coolest Epcot hidden secrets!

30 – Coat of Arms

EPCOT Germany Pavilion with Biegarten Restaurant
Germany Pavilion at Epcot

In Germany there are 16 painted coats of arms outside Summerfest and the Biergarten Restaurant that represent Germany’s 16 regions.

31 – Miniature German Town

#Disney Easter Egg Hunt-Germany Pavilion.  Miniature German Town. Epcot Hidden Secrets
Disney Easter Egg Hunt at Germany Pavilion Miniature Town

In Germany the train set up is a small replication of a Germany-style town.

32 – God of the Sea

In the Italy pavilion there is a statue towards the back that is a replica of the statue of Neptune, god of the sea.

Epcot Italy Pavilion Neptune God Statue

33 – Colonial Times in America

At the clock on the top of the American Pavilion are numbers from the colonial period such as, 4 represented as IIII rather than IV.

America Pavilion at Epcot
America Pavilion at Epcot

34 – Stay True to the Times in America

Also, in America there is a hidden elevator. It’s behind the store near the main front doors of the pavilion. This is hidden because there were no elevators in colonial America.

While you are watching the American Adventure show, notice the cinematic changes such as the paintings displayed to represent post-Civil War, then the paintings transitioning to photographs, ending at the 20th century with moving pictures.

Just a nice little touch of Disney magic.

35 – Japanese Architecture

When you arrive to the Japanese pavilion inside Epcot, you’ll see a temple that’s similar to Yakushiji Temple. This is one of the Seven Great Temples in Nara.

Takumi Tei Japanese Restaurant Epcot
Takumi Tei Japanese Restaurant Epcot

36 – A Roller Coaster in Japan

There were plans to have a Mount Fuji roller coaster ride, but Disney was not able to secure Kodak as a sponsor for the attraction since the name “Fiji” would have been in alignment with their competitor, Fiji Film.

This is one of the Epcot hidden secrets that I wish was true!

37 – Shop and Learn Inside Japan’s Mitsukoshi Store

The Mitsukoshi Store is based off the original and oldest Japanese department store (300+ years old).

38 – Sacred Grounds in Japan

Japan Pavilion at Epcot with sacred red gate. #DisneyTips #Epcot #Japan

Have you ever noticed the bright red gate in Japan on the World Showcase Lagoon? It is based off the Shinto Itsukushima Shrine and indicates holy ground.

39 – Moroccan Secrets

As you enter the Moroccan Pavilion, look for the Arabic writing near the Tangerine Café. It states, “Tourist Information.”

40 – Moroccan Courtyard and Home

Garden Love outside Morocco at Disney's Epcot. #DisneyTips #Epcot
Garden Love outside Morocco

The fez house in the Morocco Pavilion is located in a small courtyard and is decorated entirely in tiles.

The upper story of this area is where Moroccan home owners living quarters are.

41 – Moroccan Conversations

Near the small fountain to the right of the Marrakesh Restaurant entrance, is where you may hear a conversation from a merchant and one of his patrons discussing some of the shop items.

42 – The Beauty of France

In the France Pavilion, you may notice how the color of the pathway changes to show the dark pigment representing the Strait of Gibraltar.

France Pavilion at Disney's Epcot #disneytips
France Pavilion

43 – The Eiffel Tower

France’s Eiffel Tower was created using forced perspective which gives you the illusion of a 1000-foot tower instead of the 1/10 in scale model you seen at Epcot.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Chip from Beauty and the Beast in France

44 – France in Your Eyes

In France, you will also notice the fountain in front of the Eiffel Tower has a row of plants that are wider at the front. Each plant after the first one, gets more narrower, giving the illusion of a much longer walk way.

UK Pavilion Garden at Epcot

45 – A Delightful Tea Shop

In the UK Pavilion, there’s a small cottage with a Tea Caddy Shop inside reminiscent of the Stratford-upon-Avon cottage owned by William Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway.

46 – Palace Inspirations in the United Kingdom

Leaping Leprechaun in UK Pavilion at Epcot #Disney #Epcot
Leaping Leprechaun in UK Pavilion at Epcot

While you’re touring the lovely UK Pavilion, check out the back area where you will see the Hampton Court-inspired building that has a Toy Soldier Shop inside.

47 – Finding Mr. Banks

Inside the Toy Soldier Shop of the UK Pavilion is a large coat and umbrella rack bundle up and addressed to Mr. Banks, 17 Cherry Tree Ln., London.

A nod to admirers of the popular Mary Poppins series.

It’s also once of the most magical Epcot hidden secrets.

48 – Totem Poles in Canada

Disney Easter Egg Hunt-Canada Pavilion #DisneySecrets #Epcot
Disney Easter Egg Hunt-Canada Pavilion

In Canada you’ll notice only one of the totem poles is real.

Walt Disney Imagineering realized they didn’t make a true authentic totem pole, so they brought on Canadian artist David Boxey to create one authentic to the country.

49 – The Gardens of Canada

Across the Le Cellier Restaurant is a sunken garden inspired by the beautiful one in Vancouver, Canada.

Canada Victoria Gardens at Epcot in Walt Disney World
Canada Victoria Gardens at Epcot in Walt Disney World

50 – Canada’s National Symbol

Canada’s national symbol is the maple leaf.

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

What to Know Before You Go to Epcot

Now that we have some of the best Epcot hidden secrets, let’s go though a few tips and questions to help you plan your day.

Disney Epcot Hidden Secrets  Theme Park Solo. Spaceship earth with the monorail. #DisneyTips #Epcot #DisneySolo #DisneyPlanning
Epcot

How much does Epcot cost?

A one-day REGULAR season Epcot ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).

Are there Epcot hidden secret entrances or areas?

If you’re staying in the Boardwalk Resort or Swan and Dolphin area, then you can enter Epcot from the back secret entrance.

It’s located right between France and U.K. Pavilion and puts you right in the midst of World Showcase.

What is there to do at Epcot Center?

Everything…just kidding!

The cultural learning aspect of Epcot is what attracts many adults. Not to mention the top Disney attractions such as Soarin Around the WorldFrozen Ever After, and Test Track.

Silver Futuristic on Test Track at Epcot
Test Track Ride at Epcot

These heavy hitting attractions are adult favorites.

You can learn how to choose the best FastPasses at Epcot here!

There are also loads of exquisite food and incredible booze to try. It’s a perk for adults who are not into the whole edutainment aspect of Epcot.

You can be there to eat all day and drink all day and still not try every delicious option Epcot has to offer. Epcot food is outstanding and far beyond your standard theme park food.

Epcot Flower and Garden festival tips with monorail and topiaries galore! #disneytips

You also experience the Wine Walk, which is one of Epcot’s hidden gems that’s perfect for adults.

What are the Best Rides at Epcot for Adults

  • Soarin Around the World
  • Living with the Land
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Test Track
  • Mission Space
  • Frozen Ever After

How many countries does Epcot have?

There are 11 (eleven) countries in Epcot.

What are the countries in Epcot?

  • Mexico
  • Norway
  • China
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • America (United States)
  • Japan
  • Morocco
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival one-day itinerary with colorful topiary.

What are special things to do at Epcot?

Here are some of my must do events at the park:

What is the Epcot Festival of Arts. Sushi Donut at Epcot Japan Pavilion.

Where are the best places to have a drink Epcot?

Like everywhere in the park and I mean that.

Nothing else needs to follow…

I will say that Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion and La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion are the absolute best places to chill and enjoy a drink.

If it’s not too crowded.

Have Your Drinking Around the World at Epcot Passport Handy

Don’t get overwhelmed trying to plan your perfect route around World Showcase. You already have enough to worry about for your Disney vacation.

Get your Drinking Around the World Passport to help you keep track of your progress of the best drinks in Epcot.

Grab your own copy below!
Drinking Around the World Epcot Passport

What are the best drinks at Epcot?

My top 5 must have alcoholic beverages are:

  1. Avocado Margarita from La Cava del Tequila in Mexico
  2. Mediterranean Journey for Spice Road Table in Morocco
  3. Leaping Leprechaun from Rose & Crown Pub in United Kingdom
  4. Apple Ice Wine from the Trading Post in Canada
  5. Tokyo Sunset from Kabuki Cafe in Japan

You can read more of the best drinks at Epcot here!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Epcot theme park has so many hidden gems ready for you to discover. On your next solo Disney trip, make it a fun game to discover each little secret.

Walt Disney World Secrets Book. More Epcot Hidden Secrets and Tips on Amazon.

If you’d like to read more Walt Disney World secrets, then purchase this amazing book The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom by Susan Veness.

Disney Epcot Hidden Secrets and Fun Facts #DisneyTips #Epcot #DisneySecrets
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Let me know which Epcot hidden secrets were your favorite in the comments section below!

Get more of your Disney questions answered below:

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

NikkyJ

(Original Article Date: March 10, 2019/Updated July 26, 2020)

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