Walt Disney World is truly the pinnacle of American family fun, with four theme parks, two water parks, and several golf courses. The two biggest and most popular parks at Walt Disney World are the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and there is often fierce debate over which park is the better of the two. The answer to that is obviously Epcot.
Epcot is split into two separate parts: a rides section and the World Pavilion, a circle of 11 nations. Both of these sections cater to a wide audience, from small children to adults. Slow moving rides like The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Spaceship Earth are especially appealing to young children. Faster rides like Soarin, Test Track, and Mission: Space are more appropriate for for older children and adults, meaning that the whole family can enjoy the rides section of the park.
The World Pavilion, another section of the park dedicated to eleven different countries, is a mix of rides, as well as traditional food and live entertainment from each country.. The eleven countries represented in the World Pavilion are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United State, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as a small African themed refreshment shop known as the Outpost and nine undeveloped spots for additional countries. Each of the countries is staffed by nationals of that particular countries, as part of the Cultural Representative Program through J-1 visa agreements. There is a “travel-around-the-world” program, with a mask for young children and a passport for older children, allowing them to immerse themselves in the culture of each nation. For the adults, there’s a traditional alcoholic beverage, a feature not at Magic Kingdom, in every country, and they can play the game of “drink-around-the-world” if they so feel inclined. Like the ride section of the park, the World Pavilion contains attractions and experiences that can keep the whole family engaged.
A common theme throughout both sections of the park is the unique educational aspect that isn’t present at Magic Kingdom. Many of the attractions in the rides section at Epcot give you the chance to learn more about themes explored in the rides after you exit, such as exploring different ways of producing energy and the tracking progress of humanity in Spaceship Earth’s exhibit. The countries also have many fun and educational games and rides, each about that particular country, its customs, and its history. Furthermore, In one of the restaurants, you can take a tour of the park’s food growing facilities and explore the different methods they use to grow the food used all over the parks.
While one may argue that there are educational experiences and rides for older children and adults at Magic Kingdom, and that alcohol is served at the park, I disagree. The only educational ride at Magic Kingdom is the Carousel of Progress, and there is no opportunity to learn more about the topics covered on the ride, if you’re so inclined, and Space Mountain is really the only ride not suitable for young children. While technically alcohol is served at Magic Kingdom, it is only served at one point in the park, at the Be Our Guest restaurant, and was not served until 2012, while Epcot has been serving alcoholic beverages since 1982 in multiple locations throughout the park.
Clearly, with its ability to cater to a wide audience and provide a unique looking into other cultures in an educational, yet fun and enjoyable way, Epcot is the better of the two park. Next time you visit Walt Disney World, be sure to visit Epcot and experience the magic yourself
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