In this post: Learn all about these really fun facts and secrets at Epcot. These revealed Disney World secrets will equip you with some really cool and interesting things to check out next time you are in the parks
Interesting Facts About Epcot You Didn’t Know
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When it comes to visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth, one of my family’s favorite things to do is to discover the magic and find those hidden details around the Disney Parks.
There’s something about having the insider info that makes the parks even more fun!
Every single thing that Imagineers put into the Disney Parks is intentional and planned out, whether it is blatantly obvious or hidden in the background…
That’s how the magic comes to life.
Below, we will explore the hidden details and secrets of one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, Epcot.
There are so many secrets to discover, but today we will be sharing our top 20 Epcot Secrets! Let’s get into it!
Animatronics in Spaceship Earth
​If you’re not familiar, that famous big ball that is the focal point of Epcot is, in fact, an attraction known as Spaceship Earth.
This attraction takes you through time, covering 30,000 years of history and the evolution of technology through time.
A fun hidden detail includes some of the animatronics in this attraction!
In the Printing Press scene, you can find President Andrew Jackson, and in the Rome scene, you will find presidents Zachary Taylor and Teddy Roosevelt. Disney Imagineers will often recycle things from other attractions when they are able to, and Spaceship Earth is a great example of this.
Oh, and if you want even more fun facts about the Epcot ball, you’ve got to check out my deep dive into more Spaceship Earth facts!
America’s Neighbors
Epcot is home to World Showcase, a display of 11 countries from around the world featuring their customs, culture, food, and more! There is literally so much to explore. You could spend all day just in the World Showcase.
Bit did you know that you can enter World Showcase from either end and the two entering countries were strategically chosen based on America’s neighbors… Canada and Mexico!
Mexico Is Almost All Inside!
The Mexico pavilion is special because it’s the only one that’s almost entirely indoors, giving you a perfect moonlit night vibe all day long.
Step inside the 36-foot-tall Pre-Columbian pyramid, inspired by the Aztec Temple of the Feathered Serpent from the ancient City of the Gods near Mexico City. It’s like a mini escape to Mexico right in the heart of Epcot!
Don’t forget to hit up the boat ride with Donald Dunk and friends, and La Cava del Tequila while inside. Inspired by the cellars of Mexican haciendas, this tequila cave is dĂ©cor and artwork inspired my Mexico’s heritage of tequila making.
Grassy Roofs in Norway
As you’re walking through the Norway pavilion you may notice that many of the buildings have grass on the roofs. These roof types were extremely common in Norway during the Viking and Middle Ages when most structures had sod roofs. It’s a double bonus, as animals will graze on the grass for food, while providing insulation and durability for the house.
You may be surprised to know that the grass on those roofs in Epcot is in fact real! Cast members actualyl go up to cut it when it starts to get too long.
Forced Perspective
Disney utilizes forced perspective in many areas of its parks and there are a few instances it is used at Epcot.
These design elements include the main building at American Adventure Pavilion where forced perspective is used to make the building seem shorter as to go with the design structures during that time period.
Another example of forced perspective is the Eiffel Tower in the France pavilion, this time it is used to make the tower seem much taller than it actually is in order to make it seem as close to the original as possible. The Eiffel Tower is also the only structure at Epcot that guests do not have access to in any way.
The Size of the Park
​When traveling around the world as you navigate through the World Showcase Promenade, you will probably be tired, and you’re sure to hit your steps for the day. This is because the total length of the area is 1.2 miles!
Epcot has been jokingly nicknamed Every Person Comes Out Tired and that is due to the size of the massive park and the sheer amount of walking that is required!
Many think of Epcot as a park that you can leisurely enjoy and drink around the world, which is absolutely true, but you will certainly be getting some exercise while you do it. Epcot is nearly twice the size of Hollywood Studios!
Imagineering overlaps
​When it comes to designing their parks, Disney Imagineers try their best to keep some cohesion across the parks and maintain the theming in various areas to keep the magic alive.
Well, when Imagineers were building Hollywood Studios they realized that the Tower of Terror would be seen from World Showcase in Epcot so they designed and painted the building to blend in with the Morocco Pavilion so as to not ruin the illusion!
Bonus Fun Fact: The Morocco pavilion is as authentic as can be because The King of Morocco was so excited for his country to be featured that he sent over a team of designers to oversee its construction and ensure that it was as accurate as possible.
Taste Test Sodas for Free
​Many don’t know that if you head to Club Cool in World Celebration, you can taste test sodas from around the world for FREE.
Club Cool is sponsored by Coca-Cola and they offer free samples of 8 sodas from countries around the world including Italy, Korea, Russia, Madagascar, and more!
You’ll want to make sure to at least try the famous.. or infamous Beverly! It’s a bitter bevvy because it contains grapefruit rind.
There is a HUGE Aquarium
​SeaBase is an aquarium located at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at the Sea Pavilion.
The aquarium itself is not a hidden secret but a fun detail that many don’t know is that SeaBase is actually one of the largest man-made ocean environments in the world. If your family is a big fan of aquariums, you’ll definitely want to spend some time visiting SeaBase.
You can even see animal experts feed and train some of the wildlife and if you’re looking to add some extra magic to your experience, look into the enchanting extras offered including DiveQuest (certified scuba divers only) and Dolphins in Depth!
There’s also a fun play area called Bruce’s Sub House for the kids themed after Bruce and friends from Finding Nemo. It also has a cool little photo op, where kids can stick their heads out of Bruce’s mouth!
Personalized Fan
​Did you know that if you purchase a fan from the China Pavilion a cast member will happily personalize your fan by writing your name in Chinese at no additional cost to you! What a cool souvenir.
Adding More Countries?
​When Epcot was initially constructed, they planned enough room for the initial 9 countries and room for additions. Upon opening, there were 9 countries in World Showcase, with the additions of Norway and Morocco. There are 11 countries’ pavilions that have come to life, but that means there is still room for 8 more. Can we expect to see more countries in the future? We sure hope so!
Germany Clock Tower
If you happen to be in Germany at the top of any hour, be sure to take a look at the clock tower! At the top of every hour, you will see a wooden boy and girl emerge to ring the bell and let everyone know that a new hour has arrived.
The Train Set at Germany Pavilion
Germany is home to a few fun little secrets. Another one we love is the details in the train set at the entrance of the pavilion. Disney goes as far as to change the decor and flags within the village to suit the seasons, holidays, and/or festivals that are going on at Epcot during that time. For instance, you’ll see cute little Food and Wine festival street banners around the train track during Food and Wine each year.
The Hollow Mural
Yet another hidden detail goes to Germany! In the back of the pavilion next to the Biergarten, you will find a mural. The secret of this mural is if you knock on it, you’ll notice that it’s hollow behind it. Some say that this wall covers an area that was originally supposed to be the entrance to a Germany water ride on the ‘Rhine River’ that would take guests through a tour of Germany. The mural wall was put up in its place once the project was scrapped.
Hidden Mickeys on Soarin’
​Searching for hidden Mickeys is always a popular activity for many Disney goers. When riding Soarin’ Around the World, you will be able to spot a couple. Pay attention during the hot air balloon scene as well as during the fireworks as you ascend into Epcot, there are a couple hidden Mickeys to check off your list!
Crossing the English Channel
​The bridge that is used to cross between France and the United Kingdom was designed and placed by Imagineers to be indicative of crossing the English Channel just as you would in real life when crossing from France to the UK.
The Sword in the Waterfall
​At the Norway pavilion there is a waterfall located near the entrance of Frozen Ever After. What many don’t know is that behind the waterfall is a sword stuck into the rocks. Try to spot it next time you’re at Epcot!
A Hidden Familiar Face
​ Another fun hidden secret for Norway! Just to the left of the Frozen Ever After entrance, you will see a small sculpture of an ice maker. If you’re a fan of Frozen, you’ll notice that this little sculpture resembles everyone’s favorite ice maker, Kristoff!
Walt’s Childhood Bedroom
​During the Living With the Land attraction, you will pass by a farmhouse. On the upstairs level of the home, there is a bedroom that is said to be decorated as Walt’s childhood bedroom. There is a light that is always left on as a tribute to Walt!
Avoid the Rain
​If it’s raining at Epcot, you can stay dry by standing underneath Spaceship Earth. If you look closely, you will see that there are spaces between each of the triangles that make up the sphere. This acts as a rain system that diverts the water into the lagoon, giving you the chance to stay dry if you are underneath the structure.
Tiny Footprints
As you’re walking through the standby queue for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, take a look at the ground. You will see tiny rat footprints showing off Remy and his rat friends scurrying off to the kitchen to help. A fun hidden detail to bring everything together!!
Final Thoughts
There you have it — some really fun hidden secrets you can find at Epcot!
All of the Disney parks, including Epcot, have a ton of these fun hidden secrets and details to look out for during your next visit.
So make sure to look for these easter eggs next time you’re at the parks!
I would love to hear from you in the comments below! Let us know what your favorite secret was and if you know of any that we missed! Do you have anything that you would add to the list? Which park do you want us to dig into next?
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