Today we continue our discussion on park structure. It helps to have a basic understanding of the park layout to plan your visit to the parks. We will begin with EPCOT. First and foremost, it is larger than the Magic Kingdom – almost three times the size. EPCOT is designed as a park of pavilions to be visited and explored. It is divided into two lands: Future World and World Showcase.
*If you need to catch up on the last post about park structure click here.
Upon entering EPCOT through the main entrance (EPCOT has two entrances), you’ll see Spaceship Earth. Once you have passed the “golf ball,” you’ll have a choice to go left or right to explore Future World.
When I think of Future World, I imagine the human brain. The left hemisphere deals in logic, mathematics, science and linear thinking. This side of the park is the home of Mission: SPACE, Universe of Energy and Test Track. The landscaping reflects the hard lines and right angles of this area as well.
If you head to the right side of the park, you’ll see curving arcs of flower beds and several water features. Much like the right side of the brain, the pavilions here deal in the creative venues. You’ll find The Sea, The Land and Imagination on this side.
Heading straight from Spaceship Earth, you will head to World Showcase. Eleven countries make a circle around World Showcase Lagoon. Our own border countries act as the borders of World Showcase. To the left you’ll find Mexico, to the right is Canada. Directly across, marking the half way point, is The American Adventure.
Earlier I mentioned two entrances to EPCOT. Between France and the United Kingdom, you’ll find the International Gateway. This smaller entrance serves guests from the EPCOT area resorts.
Hopefully, this quick tour of EPCOT helps you understand the layout of the large park that is EPCOT!