EPCOT Itinerary with Genie Plus Guide

Planning a trip to EPCOT can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make the most of your time with Genie Plus. I've been to EPCOT plenty of times, and trust me, having a solid plan can make a huge difference. After trying out different strategies, I've figured out what works best to maximize your day without feeling like you're just running from ride to ride.

In this guide, I'll share my personal EPCOT itinerary with Genie Plus, so you can get the most out of your visit while still having time to soak in the magic.

Key Points

• Book the most popular rides with Genie Plus first, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
• Save your Lightning Lane reservations for peak times to skip the longest lines.
• Plan breaks to explore the World Showcase between rides — it's a great way to recharge!

Why I Use Genie Plus at EPCOT

EPCOT is a massive park with so much to see and do — from thrilling rides to wandering through the World Showcase. During my visits, I've found that using Genie Plus really helps cut down on waiting time, but it’s all about knowing how to use it effectively. You can't just book whatever's available and hope for the best — it takes a bit of planning and strategy. I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you can make the most of your day without feeling overwhelmed.

The trick is to prioritize the rides that usually have the longest wait times. Start with the most in-demand attractions, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and then work your way through the list based on your preferences. You’ll also want to balance ride times with breaks — trust me, EPCOT can wear you out if you’re not careful!

If you want a full rundown of all the rides, check out the complete list of all rides at EPCOT.

My Morning at EPCOT: Rope Drop and Early Entry

Getting to EPCOT for rope drop is one of the best ways to get ahead of the crowds. I always aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the official opening time.

If you're staying at a hotel within walking distance to EPCOT, definitely take advantage of Early Entry — it gives you a bit of a head start on the big-ticket rides. I usually go straight to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind because it fills up fast. After that, I move on to Test Track or Soarin’, depending on availability and wait times.

My Top Morning Ride Picks

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Genie Plus)
• Test Track (Single Rider if Genie Plus isn’t available)
• Soarin’ Around the World

One tip: keep an eye on your My Disney Experience app to see wait times and availability throughout the morning. I also like to review the rope drop and early entry strategies at EPCOT beforehand — it’s always good to know what to expect!

Afternoon: Exploring the World Showcase

After hitting the big rides, I like to take it easy by wandering through the World Showcase. It’s a great way to slow down, especially after the morning rush, and take in the different cultures, food, and atmosphere. I love the relaxed pace and the chance to explore the unique shops and experiences in each pavilion. Plus, it's a great opportunity to recharge and grab a snack or drink while soaking in the ambiance.

I usually start my World Showcase adventure at Mexico and work my way around the lagoon. The timing works out well since the World Showcase doesn’t open as early as the rest of the park. This way, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on any rides while I’m exploring.

One of my favorite tips is to snack around the world as I go. I’ll grab some nachos in Mexico, a croissant in France, and maybe some sushi in Japan. It keeps the energy up and makes the experience feel more immersive.

My Favorite Pavilions to Visit

• Mexico: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros — A fun, family-friendly boat ride with catchy music.
• France: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Genie Plus) — A charming ride that’s especially great for families.
• Japan: Mitsukoshi Department Store — Unique souvenirs and a great place to shop for gifts.

If you’re curious about all the countries you can explore, here’s a complete list of EPCOT countries.

Evening: Making the Most of Genie Plus

As the evening rolls around, the lines tend to get long again. I’ve noticed that by this time, many of the most popular rides are experiencing their peak wait times. This is where I really focus on using my remaining Genie Plus reservations to hit the big rides I might have missed earlier. I usually check the My Disney Experience app to see which rides have the longest waits and prioritize those with my remaining Genie Plus slots.

If you still have energy and want to squeeze in another thrill ride or two, go for it! But I personally like to balance out the excitement with something a bit more laid-back as the day winds down. Spaceship Earth is perfect for this — it’s a classic and a nice way to relax before heading out.

My Go-To Evening Rides

• Mission: SPACE (Genie Plus) — An intense space-themed adventure that's even more fun at night!
• Test Track (if I skipped it earlier) — Try for the Single Rider line if Genie Plus isn’t available.
• Spaceship Earth — A chill way to wrap up the evening and reflect on the day.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Lightning Lane availability during dinner. Sometimes, reservations pop up last minute, and you can snag a spot while you’re taking a break.

For more tips on which rides are worth the wait, check out this guide to EPCOT’s thrill rides.

Step-by-Step EPCOT Itinerary with Genie Plus

• Arrive at EPCOT by 8:00 AM (30 minutes before rope drop) to maximize your early access.
• Use Genie Plus to book Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as soon as your window opens (usually at 7:00 AM).
• Start with Guardians of the Galaxy at rope drop, then head to Test Track (Single Rider if necessary), and Soarin’ Around the World.
• Around 11:00 AM, take a break and grab breakfast at Sunshine Seasons (near Soarin’).
• Spend the early afternoon exploring the World Showcase, starting in Mexico. Enjoy a snack like churros or a margarita.
• Visit France around 1:00 PM for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Genie Plus) and enjoy a pastry from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.
• Continue around the World Showcase, stopping at Japan for sushi at Katsura Grill around 2:30 PM.
• Use Genie Plus to secure evening rides around 4:00 PM, focusing on Mission: SPACE and any missed morning rides.
• Have dinner around 6:00 PM at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the American Adventure Pavilion.
• Use remaining Genie Plus reservations for thrill rides, then relax with Spaceship Earth to wind down around 8:00 PM.
• End the night with Harmonious (nighttime spectacular) if available, and take a leisurely stroll through the park on your way out.
• Keep checking the My Disney Experience app throughout the day for spontaneous Lightning Lane availability and to adjust your plan as needed.