Three most underrated attractions at Epcot

POSTED: Thu, 03/03/2011 - 13:00 | POSTED BY: Kristen Heptinstall

When you think of Epcot, what do you think of? Soarin'? Test Track? World Showcase? Million: Space? Spaceship Earth? All popular attractions. But what about underrated attractions? We've compiled our top three below.

1. Living with the Land. This is a favorite attraction for me. A boat ride exploring agricultural advances, it's fun cruising through the Epcot greenhouses and seeing folks on the Behind the Seeds Tour (also highly recommended). It feels like being on a fun middle school field trip. It's peaceful, educational, and there's rarely more than a 5-minute wait. Grab your Soarin' Fastpass, then a meal at the highly-rated Sunshine Seasons, then hop on Living with the Land.

2. Maelstrom. "The spirit of Norway has always been, and always will be, adventure!" If you've ridden Maelstrom before, you'll recognize this quote. Tucked into the back of the Norway pavilion, this ride is often overlooked by those traipsing about the World Showcase. It's a fun little boat ride through Norway's Viking history and current industry, with some trolls, storms and spirits thrown in for good measure. Have you ever stayed put for the movie afterwards?

3. American Adventure. I have to admit that I only experienced this patriotic attraction for the first time in the past year. As big a production as Magic Kingdom's Hall of Presidents, the American Adventure is a 30-minute moving tribute to the United States' past and present, as told by animatronic hosts Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin. Thirty-five different animatronic figures are used throughout the course of the show. And if you show up very early for a showing, you might luck out like we did and get chosen as the First Family! Be sure to check out the a capella Voices of Liberty before or after the show, too.

What are your top three underrated Epcot attraction? Leave a comment below!

In:

runrinrun wrote on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 16:29:

I loved Maelstrom! It was one of the most memorable parts of my Epcot trip as a kid. ♥

Mase wrote on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 18:26:

Maelstrom is a great ride. I remember when I was little, my Dad and I stumbled upon it. We rode that ride so many times in a row, because no one knew about it! Good times!

Julie wrote on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 21:46:

My family likes Ellen's Energy Adventure, very educational yet entertaining too.

gaylin wrote on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 22:06:

I love the Behind the Seeds tour, I have done it twice! Also love Turtle Talk with Crush, I don't have kids and love watching small humans interact with Crush. I like going on Spaceship Earth on the way out of Epcot, a relaxing way to end the day.

JeffC wrote on Thu, 03/03/2011 - 23:58:

Living with the Land - we were so disappointed the last time we were there, it was being refurbbed.

It's interesting and relaxing, and I love seeing Mickey pumpkins :)

gaylin wrote on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 00:46:

1. Turtle Talk with Crush. Love, the kids reactions and questions.

2. Taking a quick demonstration spin on a Segway at Innoventions.

3. Having a sit down in the gardens behind the UK when there is no performance on, a great quiet spot.

DonaldDork wrote on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 01:42:

I could not agree more about Living With The Land.. I LOVE this ride! and yes.. the Behind the Seeds tour is a MUST do! and at $12 it's probably one of the best bargains on property!!

Kristen H wrote on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 03:48:

Great lists, everyone! I'm glad y'all agree with Living with the Land and Maelstrom! I also love Turtle Talk with Crush. Though I must admin I have never experienced Ellen's Energy Adventure. Should I add to my bucket list?

DonaldDork wrote on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 04:37:

I'll admit.. the Ellen ride put me to sleep :(
BUT... in my defense.. it was really hot outside, really cool inside, and it's very slow moving.

disneybert wrote on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 08:03:

I never really liked Epcot for some reason. But I do enjoy the Test Track and Spaceship Earth. But I guess the reason I never like the theme park is because it seemed to be more into science than being a true theme park on the same level as Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studies.

worldfanatic wrote on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 02:23:

Epcot is far and away my favorite theme park at Disney World.
And I agree that Malestrom is a hidden gem.
I wish it was a longer ride, but it remains one of the few attractions within WDW that I never miss on our yearly visits.

Julie wrote on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 17:39:

Ellen's Energy is like Spaceship Earth, it's relaxing when it's super hot out and you need a break. It's not exciting, but we still enjoy it. The dinos are cool, my kids still like them and they are teenagers!
We also like Maelstrom, and Living with the Land is a must do too, LOVE the greenhouse with the 9 lb lemon and Mickey pumpkins!

chelsy wrote on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 18:02:

Maelstrom will always be my favorite wdw attraction. I also think it should be longer, but at least its there. Many of the pavillions have no attraction/ a movie so its cool thats there. Then theres the grand fiesta tour in mexico, i think that one is a forgotten attraction.

DisneyVixen wrote on Mon, 03/07/2011 - 21:06:

Excellent list- I totally agree with it. As far as adding anything, I'd recommend the drummers in Japan, which for the life of me, I can't remember what they're called.

Ellen's Energy is awesome through the dino part, but it's definitely on the cheesy side. Personally, I'd prefer if they took Ellen and the Jeopardy bit out, but I still recommend going on it at least once if you haven't before.

(arrived here from DisMarks)

Caleb Berg wrote on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 14:50:

Excellent list... these 3 are always in the top 10 things to do at Disney for me and my wife. Epcot is our favorite park, we always start and end there. Our first ride is Spaceship Earth but I think Living With The Land is my favorite, hardly ever a wait (unless its a holiday) and the Behind the Seeds tour was awesome!

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