Since it’s initial opening in October 1971, Walt Disney World has become one of the most popular family vacation destinations throughout the entire world. Every year millions of parents with young children flock to the resort to enjoy the rides and attractions as well as meet the Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and the Disney Princesses.
As theme parks evolved, Disney has developed a number of rides, attractions and entertainment that is suitable for not only children but guests of all ages. And if you have been to Disney World in the past few years, you can see that it has become quite popular for adults and seniors.
Out of all the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, we feel that EPCOT is the most suited for seniors. Even with the recent expansion and re-imagination, there are a number of rides and attractions that older adults would find enjoyable.
Following is our list of the best rides and attractions for seniors at EPCOT as well as some other experiences and things to do when visiting this amazing theme park.
The Best Rides & Attractions for Seniors at EPCOT
- Living with the Land
- Spaceship Earth
- The American Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Journey Into Imagination with Figment
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
- Canada Far and Wide
- Reflections of China
- Matsuriza (Japanese drummers)
Living with the Land
One of the most underrated attractions at EPCOT is Living with the Land which is located on the first floor in the Land Pavilion. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely boat ride to learn about farming and how food is grown.
The highlight of the attraction is the trip through the greenhouses where actual food is growing.
Spaceship Earth
Located right at the entrance to EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is one of the most recognizable attractions within the Walt Disney World Resort. This attraction is a geodesic sphere which houses a dark ride where guests travel through time, exploring some of the most significant events throughout the course of human history.
The American Adventure
The American Adventure is one of the highlights of the World Showcase at EPCOT. Designed not only for seniors but for guests of all ages, guests will enjoy learning the inspiring story of our nation’s history. The show features a 72-foot video screen along with 35 Audio-Animatornics figures include Mark Twain and Ben Franklin.
Visitors will also enjoy hearing the Voices of Liberty sign patriotic songs in the rotunda.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Riders will enjoy a smooth trip on a Clammobile “under the sea” to find Nemo in The Seas with Nemo and Friends. This 10-minute ride features some of the characters and music from the Pixar movie franchise.
In addition to the Finding Nemo ride, this pavilion features a 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium which is one of the largest in the US. There are a number of marine life exhibits including manatees, sea turtles, dolphins and sharks.
While the aquarium area is often overlooked by most guests, we find it quite enjoyable and spend a lot time here (especially on a hot summer day).
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Located in the Imagination Pavilion, riders take a Journey Into Imagination with that cute little dragon called Figment who inspires you to use your imagination. This slow moving indoor ride is one of the classic Disney rides at EPCOT.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Inspired by the movie, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a slow moving trackless ride that takes visitors through the kitchen and dining room of Gusteau’s restaurant in Paris France.
This attraction is one of the newest at EPCOT and is located in the France Pavilion.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Seniors will enjoy a musically themed boat ride through Mexico to find Donald Duck. Located within the Mexico Pavilion, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros features the people and culture of Mexico.
Canada Far and Wide
Canada Far and Wide is a video presentation that is shown in Circle-Vision 360. Located in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase, this 12-minute indoor show highlights the natural beauty and wonder of Canada.
Reflections of China
Located in the China Pavilion, Reflections of China this 14-minute video presentation that features both ancient and modern day Chinese life. This indoor, fully air-conditioned show is shown in Circle-Vision 360°.
Matsuriza
Visitors to EPCOT will enjoy the Matsuriza drummers perform the ancient sound of Taiko. Held in front of the Pagoda tower at the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase, this 15 minute show is held several times a day.
Senior-Friendly Experiences and Other Things to Do at EPCOT
EPCOT Forever
Cap off a great day with EPCOT Forever. There’s not a bad place to watch this spectacular fireworks and special-effect show from anywhere across the World Showcase. This show is inspired by the history and attractions at EPCOT.
Epcot forever is held nightly typically starting at 9:00 PM.
Annual Festivals
Every year EPCOT hosts a number of festivals which have become some of the most popular annual events at Walt Disney World. These festivals are held at different time periods throughout the year and are completely free with the cost of admission.
- Festival of the Arts: Traditionally held from mid-January to near the end of February, the Festival of the Arts is a showcase of visual and performing art as well as fine international cuisine. This festival also features the Disney on Broadway concert series which includes live Broadway Disney themed performances.
- Flower and Garden Festival: Typically starting from March 1st and running through the 4th of July celebration, Disney horticulturists transform the EPCOT grounds with amazing topiary displays. There are a number of outdoor kitchens providing culinary delights and live entertainment if offered with the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
- Food and Wine Festival: Out of all the festivals, Food and Wine is the most popular for adults. Traditionally held from late July until just before Thanksgiving, visitors enjoy food & wine from six continents along with amazing entertainment in the Eat to the Beat concert series.
- Festival of the Holidays: Celebrate the holidays at EPCOT which includes elaborate holiday themed decorations and cuisine to accompany the famous Candlelight Processional.
Walt Disney World Monorail
Seniors will enjoy a leisurely ride from EPCOT to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The ride includes a loop around EPCOT as well as views of the Magic Kingdom.
For those with time on their hands, walk over to the Magic Kingdom Express Monorail at the TTC and enjoy a ride around the picturesque Seven Seas Lagoon.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a Gondola transportation that shuttles guests from EPCOT to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Along the way, there are stops at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
