Best Rides and Attractions at EPCOT

To some, Walt Disney World's EPCOT in Orlando, Florida, is a disappointment. To others, it is a fascinating theme park every bit as magical as the Magic Kingdom itself. Whatever your opinion of EPCOT, there is no escaping the fact that it is one of the most unique theme parks on the planet. And when you pay a visit to Walt Disney World, you will very likely want to experience EPCOT for yourself. Here is a guide to the best rides and attractions at EPCOT.

Over the past few years, EPCOT has added some extra thrills to its section of the park known as Future World. One of the newest thrills EPCOT added was Soarin'. Found at The Land pavilion, Soarin' takes riders on a free-flying hang gliding adventure over the beautiful state of California. You will be literally lifted into the air and you will experience the feeling of flight as you watch scenes of some of California's most beautiful settings. You will soar over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, over San Diego, over wine country, even over Anaheim's Disneyland Park. Soarin' is truly an exciting new adventure and one of the best new rides at EPCOT.

EPCOT also added Test Track. Test Track is touted as being the longest, fastest attraction in Disney history. Ever want to be a crash test dummy? Now is your chance. (Don't worry; you don't actually crash). But you do experience many other tests newly manufactured motor vehicles have to go through before they hit the market. Including wild steering tests, handling tests, endurance tests, and brake tests. You will have to endure extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. And hold on to your hat, because once you hit the outdoors, your speedometer hand nearly breaks off.

There has been for the past few years a lot of hype over Mission: Space. Is it deserved? Not exactly. If you are claustrophobic or experience motion sickness, you will want to skip this ride. And you will not be missing much. You will blast off, which can feel a bit exhilarating, but the rest of the ride is pretty much a let down. And if you close your eyes and take them off the view screen, you will become disoriented, maybe even sick.

On the other hand, there are a number of fun rides and attractions to pass the day. Your young ones will love Journey Into Imagination with Figment; the 3-D film, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience; and The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a new whimsical journey at the Living Seas pavilion. Spaceship Earth, though badly in need of some updates, remains a can't-miss classic.

Of course, no visit to EPCOT is complete without a stroll around World Showcase. Visit the pavilions for each country, and shop and dine around the world. One of EPCOT's best rides, in fact, is hidden away in the Norway pavilion. Maelstrom is a thrilling boat ride through the Viking era, where you will come across trolls and experience the magic of Norway. In Mexico, you can also catch a boat that floats along the River of Time, on an attraction called El Rio del Tempo.