When it comes to the mystery of Disney, EPCOT secrets come in much larger numbers than any other park. EPCOT has been special from the beginning; it did stem from an original Walt Disney idea after all.
The Beginnings of EPCOT and EPCOT Secrets
In the early days, EPCOT was not conceived as a theme park, but an entire city. In fact, the “city” of Reedy Creek, the governing jurisdiction where Walt Disney World resides, was created for EPCOT.
Walt wanted to build an entire “city of tomorrow,” Aptly named the Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow, or EPCOT for short. To do so, the company had to create its own governing body to have the necessary creative control.
You may have alreay heard the story of EPCOT, and what it was originally planned to be, but many of the EPCOT secrets about the actual theme park we have today, have not been told.
EPCOT Secrets of World Celebration
World Celebration is the first section of EPCOT you will enter when using the main entrance. Here, you’ll find Journey into Imagination with Figment, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, and Spaceship Earth, the park’s icon. Spaceship Earth is part of our first EPCOT secret.
Spaceship Earth’s Secret
Spaceship Earth is a large presence in the park, and due to its round design, could cause some weather issues. But, Disney imagineers planned for this. To prevent rain from drenching guests below the sphere, Spaceship Earth has a special drainage system.
When it rains, the water is diverted through channels in the ball’s exterior, and then directed through pipes which drain the water into the World Showcase Lagoon.
EPCOT’s Secret of Size
The sheer size of EPCOT can be surprising to many. EPCOT covers about 300 acres, which could fit all of Disneyland and California Adventure inside of it.
A Nod to EPCOT Past
Another EPCOT secret can be found inside Journey into Imagination with Figment. In the early days of EPCOT, there was a beloved ride by a similar name: Journey into Imagination. The ride also explored the theme of imagination and dreams with a memorable soundtrack and the well-loved character of the Dream Finder.
Today, in the modern ride, on one of the doors you pass, it say Dean Finder. This is a nod to the Dream Finder from the original ride.
For an overview of the history of Journey into Imagination, click here.
Tower of Terror’s EPCOT Secret
This may be considered a World Showcase EPCOT secret, but I personally think it fits in here. When looking out at the World Showcase from the World Celebration section of the park, you will notice the Morocco Pavilion has an extra building that cannot be seen up close.
This building is not part of the Morocco pavilion, not even close! This building is actually Tower of Terror. The Hollywood Tower Hotel was designed in this color scheme to blend into the Morocco pavilion skyline for guests inside EPCOT. Keep in mind that the Tower of Terror ride is quite a distance from the World Showcase, but when looking closely at the skyline, it is visible.
FREE Epcot Secret Drinks
Club Cool is located behind a small sliding door next to the Creations Shop. In this small room, you will find rows of soda fountains.
These soda fountains are entirely free! Here, guests can sample various Coke flavors from around the world, but be careful, not all flavors are as delicious as regular Coca-Cola.
It is not uncommon to see guests filling up water bottles here, and we have never seen a cast member deny someone the opportunity to do so. But, many claim doing so is against the spirit of the place, since sample cups are provided.
EPCOT Secrets of World Discovery
World Discovery focuses on science, education and an emphasis on space. Some of the park’s most recognized thrill rides are located here.
Nod to the Long Forgotten Horizons
Horizons was a beloved omnimover dark ride that debuted in the early days of EPCOT. The ride met a sad end. After being neglected for many years, it was officially closed and replaced.
Its replacement was Mission Space, a thrill ride taking guests on a mission to Mars.
But, Mission Space still has a small piece of Horizons. Inside the queue, on the large spinning wheel, you will find the logo for Horizons in the center.
The EPCOT Secrets of Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a modern day Space Mountain type ride. It revolves around the characters from Guardians of the Galaxy, and is a coaster unlike any other. The vehicles rotate and twist around the dark track in a shocking way.
But, before Cosmic Rewind was the Universe of Energy, a screen and ride experience featuring Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy. In the ride, Ellen learns about energy, where it came from, where its going and green energy.
The ride was replaced recently with Cosmic Rewind, but Cosmic Rewind pays homage to Ellen in a couple ways.
In the queue, during an interview with Peter Quill, he mentions being excited to return to EPCOT and experience Horizons and Universe of Energy, both defunct EPCOT rides.
Additionally, during the ride launch, Drax asks “Was that the Ding Dang?” This is a reference to a conversation between Ellen and Bill Nye during her exploration of energy.
Another EPCOT Secret About Rain
We’ve already mentioned that Spaceship Earth has been designed to deflect rain away from guests walking beneath the gian sphere, but EPCOT has another secret about rain.
During rainy weather, Test Track will more than likely close. Be sure to plan your Test Track ride around the weather. If you save test track for the afternoon or evening, and rain is in the forecast for that time, you may not be able to ride it on that day.
World Nature’s EPCOT Secrets
World Nature explores and celebrates nature and the human connection to it. This area features the Land pavilion, the Seas with Nemo and Friends, and the Moana themed walkthrough World of Water attraction.
Living with the Land
Inside the Land Pavilion, there are many EPCOT secrets. The first set of secrets revolves around the educational boat ride, Living with the Land. Inside the ride, you will find many hidden Mickeys, including some Mickey shaped produce on occasion.
Additionally, the mailbox in the homestead scene is stamped with an 82, which is a nod to the year EPCOT opened, 1982.
Living with the Land also grows produce and fish that are served all over the resort.
The EPCOT Secrets of The Land
While the mosaic inside Cinderella’s Castle tends to steal the thunder where this type of artwork is concerned, a little known EPCOT secret surrounds a similar mural on the exterior of the Land Pavillion.
The mosaic on the Land pavilion was created by Hans Scharff, the same artist who created the Castle mosaics. So, during your next trip, take a moment to admire this beautiful piece of art on your way into the pavilion.
Additionally, inside the Land pavilion, you will see four large hot air balloons suspended from the ceiling. These balloons are each themed to a season: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Soarin’ through the EPCOT Secrets
Soarin’ Around the World holds another EPCOT secret. You may have noticed that imagineers like to hide numbers that reference dates inside the rides. Soarin’ is no exception. During the preshow, and throughout the queue, you will see nods to flight number 5505.
This number comes from the opening date of Soarin’: May 5, 2005.
Another EPCOT secret regarding Soarin’ is how to find the best seats. Soarin’ is hosted in front of a giant IMAX style screen, with slight curves on the edges. Due to these curves, certain seats may see some of the images onscreen a bit warped.
There is some debate as to the exact perfect row, but we prefer to be seated in B1. Some people argue B2 is better, as it is dead center of the screen. But, we do not agree with this, as you do have one hang glider row above, so dangling feet can be seen.
In B1, you are center of the screen, with minimal warping of the picture, and no dangling feet.
EPCOT Secrets of the Seas
Another Epcot Secret is that the Seas aquariums were the largest in the world upon opening. Unfortunately many guests skip this section of the park. The Seas building is not as easily seen as some of the others. It is a bit tucked into the corner, and entirely indoors.
We highly recommend spending some time inside and interacting with the sea life. Here you can find dolphins, manatees, rays, and a myriad of fish.
Additionally, you’ll find Turtle Talk with Crush, a well loved, and somewhat hidden gem where guests can converse with Crush and ask him questions.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana Hides Its Headliner
Many guests have assumed that the large topiary that forms the centerpiece of the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction was the headline leading lady herself. In reality, this 16 foot tall topiary-style figure is Te Fiti, who works with Moana as a steward for water conservation.
EPCOT Secrets of the World Showcase
The World Showcase is a source of a lot of EPCOT secrets. It contains 11 different countries from around the world and serves to celebrate our connection to other cultures and people.
Each country was created with great detail, and no expense spared. This leads to many small details guests may overlook.
Our Neighbors
One of EPCOT’s secrets regarding the World Showcase is in the placement of the countries. Both Mexico and Canada serve as entrances to the World Showcase.
Disney designed this to represent the fact that Mexico and Canada are our direct neighbors.
Meet and Greets
A surprising EPCOT secret is regarding character meets. Most expect to find characters in Magic Kingdom, scattered throughout Galaxy’s Edge, but not inside the countries of the World Showcase.
Many would be surprised to learn that many impromptu character meet and greets take place inside the World Showcase. In fact, Mary Poppins, Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Aurora, Tinkerbell, and more can often be found at or between the France and UK pavilions.
Speaking of Mary Poppins, a bonus EPCOT secret can be found inside the Toy Soldier Shop inside the UK pavilion. If you look carefully in the shop, you will find a package containing a coatrack and umbrella addressed to:
Mr. Banks
17 Cherry Ln, London.
Authenticity to the Max
An often overlooked EPCOT secret regarding the World Showcase is the plant life. Next time you meander through the countries with a drink or snack in hand, take a look at the plants that surround each country’s pavilion.
You will quickly notice that the plants change with each country. Not only do they differ per country, but they are authentic. Imagineers made sure that each country’s pavilion had plant life authentic to the areas they represented.
Drink Around the World Passport
This EPCOT Secret cannot be considered official, per se. But, many different companies make a Drink Around the World Passport that can often be printed for free.
These “passports” are not needed to drink in EPCOT, but can be a fun way to ensure you know which drinks are available in each country. They also outline the specialty drinks available during the various festivals.
The Only Reverse Forced Perspective
Its not a secret that all over the Disney parks, forced perspective is used to make buildings appear taller. Forced perspective is when the upper parts of the buildings are made smaller to appear farther away, hence making them appear taller.
There is only one place where this system is used, but in reverse, and it perfectly fits into our EPCOT secrets list.
In the American Adventure pavilion, the building appears to be 3 stories tall. But, in reality, is 5 stories tall. The building has to be this large to feature the animatronic stage show it hosts.
But, Imagineers wanted the pavilion to be authentic to colonial times America. During this time period, buildings were typically only 2-3 stories tall, making a 5 story building improbable.
To make the building appear shorter than it is, Imagineers used the forced perspective concept, in reverse.
O Canada
The Canada Pavilion hosts two fun EPCOT secrets. The Canada Pavilion is home to a quiet and beautiful garden that many guests overlook. The garden features pathways for guests to view the flowers. The flowers are even changed based on the season, so be sure to check back during each trip.
Also inside the Canada Pavilion you will find 3 totem poles. When the pavilion was being constructed, two fiberglass totem poles were added, but Imagineers did not like the lack of authenticity of them.
Soon, Imagineers contracted David Boxey to carve a real wood totem pole to be genuine to the culture.
Mexico’s Addition
Speaking of carvings, the Mexico Pavilion has a large blue carving structure at the base of the pyramid stairs. Upon the pavilions opening, this art piece was not present.
Cast Members realized quickly, children (and many adults) repeatedly tried to climb the very steep faux stairs of the pyramid. The artwork was installed as fast as possible to keep guests safe and away from the stairs, and it remains today.
Norway Hides Its Secrets on Top
Today the Norway Pavilion sees a lot of attention. Guests flock here due to Frozen Ever After and it can be hard to maneuver about. Despite this, many people overlook the EPCOT secret found here.
In Norway, (the country, not the pavilion,) many roofs are made of grass. In reality, this is real sod and to helps insulate the roofs from the extreme cold.
As we have already discussed a few times, Imagineers insisted on authenticity for each country’s pavilion and their buildings. So, many of the buildings in the Norway pavilion feature this sod type roof as well.
The grass on the roofs is even trimmed by hand so it can be kept tidy.
Germany’s Many EPCOT Secrets
The Germany Pavilion hosts a slew of EPCOT secrets you will want to look for during your next trip. Next to the Germany Pavilion, but still a part of it, is a miniature train set and town.
This train set is riddled with hidden Mickey’s, although we won’t tell you where they are and ruin the fun. Additionally, be sure to check the banners on the light posts in the miniature town.
These banners change based on the festival occurring inside the World Showcase, which is a fun Disney detail.
Another fun EPCOT secret in Germany takes place inside the clock. On the hour, the clock opens up and a figurine of a German boy and girl emerge and dance about.
The Germany that Never Was
Do you want to know Germany’s biggest secret? It’s the never built boat ride. To the right of the Biergarten restaurant entrance, a large mural covers an even larger wall. This wall was not originally intended to be there.
During the early days of EPCOT, a boat ride through four of Germany’s most famous rivers was conceptualized. Behind this wall was supposed to be the boat ride, that never came to be. Rumors persist that the entire show building was constructed, and sits empty today.
This is only partly true though. While most of the show building does not exist, part of it does. The area where guests would load and unload from the boats does still exist, and it most likely used for storage today.
EPCOT Secrets Never End
While these are just a few EPCOT secrets, many more exist. Additionally, many more will come to be as the park continues to grow, expand, and change. As Walt Disney said, “Disneyland (and Disney World) will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
