This past Tuesday, I had the chance to spend a day at EPCOT thanks to an invite from my friend Branton, who I know through my son’s Cub Scout pack. Since both of us are dads with the usual after-school pick-up duties waiting later in the day, we kept the visit short and sweet—seven hours. Even with that time frame, we packed in quite a lot, especially in EPCOT’s front half.
Last year, when I visited with my wife, we spent almost all of our time wandering World Showcase, which is always a favorite. But this trip was all about exploring rides and areas that were new to me, or ones that had been updated since my earlier visits (back in 1990 and 2004). Those earlier trips left me with some great memories—Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Maelstrom, and even Body Wars. Sadly, Body Wars didn’t survive the years, but the other three have either been reimagined or rethemed, so I was curious to experience them again in their new forms.
Branton told me right away, “This is your day—you pick the rides. As long as we start with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” Done deal. I couldn’t have asked for a better plan.
Rope Drop to the Galaxy
We got to EPCOT just before rope drop at 9 a.m. Spaceship Earth was unfortunately closed for refurbishment, but it was still neat to see the work happening on that iconic sphere. Once the ropes dropped at 8:58, Branton and I made a beeline straight to Cosmic Rewind.
I’ll admit—I’m not the most well-versed in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. I know Groot and Rocket, and I’ve seen the first film once, but that’s about it. Still, this coaster was going to be Coaster Credit #149 for me, and I was excited.
The queue alone was worth the wait. Walking through the Galaxarium felt like stepping into another world—a mix of planetarium and sci-fi museum. There were models, projection mapping, and all sorts of Xandarian artifacts that really set the stage. The dual-loading station and high-capacity dispatches kept the line moving surprisingly fast.
And the ride itself? Absolutely phenomenal. The combination of smooth coaster track, immersive visuals, and storytelling make this an attraction EPCOT really needed. No wonder fans rave about it.
Revisiting Test Track
After Cosmic Rewind, we headed over to Test Track. I’ve experienced the original version before, but missed the 2.0 era. This time I got to ride the third and current version.
The updated queue is sleek and high-tech, and the ride is still fun, though I have to admit I preferred the original. There was something simple and exciting about being part of a real vehicle testing facility. Now it’s more about digital design and futuristic overlays. It’s cool, and I get what they’re going for, but I’m old-school on this one. That said, the outdoor speed loop still hits the same as always, and the new visuals make you feel like you’re in Tron for a few moments.
Cosmic Rewind—Round Two
With time still on our side, we circled back to Cosmic Rewind for a second spin. This time the wait was only about 45 minutes. Being Deaf, I usually remove my hearing aid on coasters, but since Cosmic Rewind doesn’t have huge drops, I kept it in. I caught the music, though not clearly enough to identify it, while Branton filled me in. Our first ride had “Disco Inferno” and our second had “September.” With eight possible tracks in the rotation, there’s a fun surprise factor each time you ride.
This is hands down one of the best coasters Disney has ever built, and I’d recommend it to anyone planning a trip to EPCOT.
Lunch at Connections
For lunch, we headed to Connections Café & Eatery. Honestly, Disney does quick service right. The prices are still reasonable compared to what you’d find at other parks (cough SeaWorld cough). I had a chicken sandwich and fries, which hit the spot, and Branton went with pizza—an absolutely massive slice, practically the size of my head. Next time, I think I’ll go for the pizza.
Frozen Ever After
After lunch, we made our way over to Frozen Ever After with a 50-minute wait. That gave Branton and me plenty of time to reminisce about Maelstrom, the ride that used to occupy this spot. I have vivid memories of the backwards section with the polar bear, the cliff-hanging boat moment, and of course the troll before the final drop. Even the troll statue in the exit shop is still around—and sure enough, we found him after our ride.
The Frozen retheme really surprised me. The queue winds through compact but detailed spaces, including a charming look at Arendelle, and even a peek into Oaken’s sauna. The ride itself follows the same track as Maelstrom, but the updated technology is stunning. The animatronics now feature fluid eye and mouth movements that really bring the characters to life. It felt short but well done.
For me, Frozen also has a personal connection—it was the first Disney movie my wife and I watched together, and our wedding colors were inspired by it. Riding this version of the attraction felt like revisiting both an old favorite and a personal memory at the same time.
When we reached the exit shop, Branton snapped a side-by-side picture of me with the troll—one from 2004 and one now, 21 years apart. Looking back at how much I’ve changed and accomplished since then was a proud moment.
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana
It was time to get a little sprinkle of water in the Florida heat, so we headed over to the brand-new Journey of Water. This walkthrough was charming and surprisingly interactive. There were spots where you could play music with flowing streams, make water jump by waving your arms, or send splashes rippling based on how big your movements were. Hidden details like Pua and the Kakamora kept things playful, and the finale with Te Fiti was absolutely stunning.
What stood out to me most was how accessible the whole thing felt—it’s truly for all ages. Even a grandma in a scooter could enjoy this attraction alongside little kids. It reminded me of last year when my daughter came here with her group for an Adventure requirement, and she came home so excited about it. Finally experiencing it for myself after hearing about it made it that much more special.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Needing a little AC, Branton introduced me to The Seas with Nemo & Friends. For some reason, I always thought this was just the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction—but it’s so much more. We boarded our “clamobile” and glided under the waves, passing coral reefs, jellyfish, and even Bruce the shark before reuniting with Nemo and friends.
Afterward, we explored the massive aquarium inside the pavilion. At 5.7 million gallons, it was packed with marine life—sharks, clownfish, rays, and more. It had a very different vibe than SeaWorld, but still offered plenty of fun ways to learn about the ocean.
Soarin’ Around the World
With about an hour left before we needed to head home, we joined the 20-minute line for Soarin’. Last year, I did Living with the Land with my wife, so it was fun to try something new right next door.
Soarin’ takes you on a breathtaking journey over famous landmarks: from the snowy Alps to icy Greenland, past elephants in Africa, across the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and more. The huge IMAX-style screen and hang-glider seating make you feel like you’re truly flying.
Interestingly, the opening shot reminded me of SeaWorld’s Odyssey Expedition. They felt similar, though framed differently, which made each stand out in its own way. Personally, I preferred SeaWorld’s destinations, but the ride system on Soarin’ is top-notch. We had seats in row 3 (the lowest row), so next time I’ll aim for row 1 to get the best view without the “bent” perspective of the screen.
Wrapping Up the Day
As we made our way to the front of the park, Branton pointed out a pop-up kids’ area where families could meet Goofy and cool off. It’s a fun seasonal space, and I’m curious what it will be swapped out with during the winter.
Before heading out, we stopped at Dreamer’s Point to see the Walt the Dreamer statue. The life-size bronze shows Walt Disney seated and reflecting on his vision for EPCOT. It was unveiled on December 5, 2023—Walt’s birthday—and sits in the World Celebration Gardens as a symbol of optimism and imagination. Walt has always been an inspiration to me, and while it’s bittersweet knowing he never saw Walt Disney World completed, his vision continues to shape the parks today.
Final Thoughts
It was an amazing day, and thinking back, I realize we barely stepped foot into gift shops—something I usually make a point to do on theme park trips. Aside from walking through The Fjording after Frozen Ever After (and seeing my old troll friend again), we mostly kept to the attractions.
In just seven hours, Branton and I rode brand-new favorites, revisited classics, and explored some of EPCOT’s most creative updates. EPCOT always hits close to home for me with its unique atmosphere and balance of nostalgia, innovation, and culture. It truly stands apart from the other three Walt Disney World parks, and this visit reminded me why I’ve loved it since the very beginning.
A Huge Thank You to Branton
I have to close this trip report by giving Branton a massive thank you. Not only was he the perfect host and guide—navigating EPCOT like a pro—but he was also the kind of friend who made the day feel easy, fun, and meaningful. From planning the perfect rope drop strategy, to swapping stories in long queues, to capturing a 21-year “before and after” troll photo, he made this visit one I’ll never forget.
Branton, thank you for blessing me with this opportunity to spend a day at EPCOT. It wasn’t just about the rides we rode or the attractions we saw—it was about the company. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide, or a better friend, to share it with.
