By David Eckstein-Schoemann
Are there times where you feel overwhelmed by large crowds? Do you want a quiet place to cool down without being tempted to jump into a fountain? Lucky for you, there are SO many places to take a break at EPCOT. Below, in no particular order, are some of the ones we don’t hear enough! Email us and let us know your favorite escape at EPCOT and we may add it here.
(Please note, these locations are based on our experiences and may vary based on crowd levels.)
Below is a map with each location. The numbers on the map, and in the descriptions, match the numbers on the EPCOT map you can get when you enter the park.
Spaceship Earth Playground (1)
Break from:
One important detail to keep in mind, there are a lot of families inside here. As a result, it’s noisy and packed. This area is purely meant to escape the heat and have a fun way to stay occupied.
Located:
If you’re in the park and are already feeling overheated, then this is the place to start. You can enter either by riding the attraction “Spaceship Earth” (which is a great break in itself), or by entering the side of the building.
What’s There:
Here you and your party can sit down, chat, and play some of the many video games they have there.
Mission Space Playground (14)
Break From:
Similar to “Spaceship Earth”, this area is meant to be an escape from the heat, but is noisy.
Location:
It is located in the “Mission Space” attraction. You can enter either by riding the ride or by entering through the gift shop at the ride’s exit.
What’s there:
Like Spaceship Earth, this location has sit down areas and video games, but it goes a step further by including an actual indoor playground.
China Pavilion: Reflections of China (33)
Break From:
This area is a good place to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
Location:
It is located in the building connected to the Chinese temple.
What’s There:
When you walk in, you’ll get a sneak peak of Shanghai Disneyland with multiple figurines showcasing all the fantastic attractions and hotels they have in Shanghai. It’s a great way both to decompress from the heat and compare the similarities of Florida’s Disney to Shanghai’s!
If you are looking for more of a place to sit down, don’t worry. If you walk into the room next to the Shanghai Disneyland preview, there is a waiting room for “Reflections of China.” This show is a 12-minute film journeying through China. The waiting room for this show has plenty of seating, so you don’t have to rely on the showtimes to catch a break!
Germany Trains (54-55)
Break From:
This is an area to decompress and step away from the crowds.
Location:
Located in the Germany Pavilion.
What’s There:
When walking through Germany, as you near Italy, a path stems from the typical walkway guiding you through a section with a miniaturized town with toy trains. The trains run under bridges and through the area. This section is in the sun, so the heat may limit your time here. However, if you ever want to take a short break from walking and appreciate the small details, or imagine yourself as Godzilla tearing through the small city, then this is the place to be.
America (83)
Break From:
In the American Pavilion, there are picnic table areas in the shade.
Location:
It is connected to an art gift shop next to the “American Adventure” (which is also a great way to cool down).
What’s There:
This area is mainly a sit down spot for you and your party to take it easy, and, if needed, take a bathroom break. There is also a “KidCot” area here where kids can do crafts with a cast member.
Japan (64)
Break From:
This is an area to escape the crowds.
Location:
Located next to the Japanese temple.
What’s There:
It is a zen feeling place where you can watch koi fish and follow the upwards river which leads to a table area where you can avoid the crowds and heat. This area is more secluded, making it a great place to recharge.
If you go further back into Japan, you will also find an indoor place where you can also relax.
Morocco (68)
Break From:
This is a location that does not get enough attention (even we didn’t know it existed until recently)! The Morocco pavilion may not seem like much, but if you walk deeper it, you’ll find PLENTY of shaded places to sit.
Location:
It is located in the Morocco Pavilion.
What’s There:
This area is filled with sit down areas where you can avoid the crowds and unwind from the heat. There is also a character meetup with Princess Jasmine, and a quick service place to order drinks.
Future World Play Area (40)
Break From:
Transitioning from World Showcase back to Future World, this is an area where you can escape both the crowds and the heat.
Location:
After leaving the Canada Pavilion and heading on the path towards “Journey into Imagination with Figment”.
What’s There:
This area is a tarp covered rest zone filled with fans and tables for families to sit down and enjoy themselves. The sun is still beating down, but don’t underestimate the cooling effect ]of a giant Disney fan!
CommuniCore Hall (7)
Break From:
This is the latest addition to EPCOT’s growing park and it’s the perfect place to get away from both the crowds and the heat.
Location:
It is located across from “The Land” Pavilion near the center of Future World.
What’s There:
It is a calm and quiet place where you and your party can relax in the AC at a table or on a couch before you feel like you are ready to get back into the action (or even take a nap while the rest of your party stays in action).
The Land (23)
Break From:
The Land pavilion is entirely indoors, making it a great way to escape the heat! While the crowds seem to follow you in here, there are still places to escape them inside.
Located:
The Land Pavilion is located between “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” and “Journey into Imagination with Figment.”
What’s There:
Inside the pavilion there are multiple things to do to take a break. When you walk in, in the back right corner is the show “Awesome Planet” which is an educational video on earth. Beyond that, if you go down the escalators, there is the “Living with the Land” ride, a food court, and “Soarin’ Around the World”. “Living with the Land” is a great way to take a break, as you take a boat through Disney greenhouses and learn about agricultural techniques. It’s a relaxing boat ride that never has a long wait, unless it’s the Holiday season, the Christmas lights on this ride are VERY popular!
The SeaBase with Nemo and Friends (26)
Break From:
This area is another one of our personal favorites, as it is not only a place to avoid the crowds and the heat, but you also get to marvel at all the aquatic life surrounding you.
Location:
To get to the aquarium, you can either ride “The Seas with Nemo and Friends,” or you can enter the gift shop at the ride exit.
What’s There:
The aquarium has SO MUCH to observe and there are many cast members waiting to teach you about ocean life. You will find clownfish, blue tang, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and manatees. (Just beware about asking about the real life clownfish, the facts may disturb you!)
There is also more to this area than the live ocean life! For one, there is also a small playground themed to the sharks in Finding Nemo. Next to this playground is the infamous “Turtle Talks with Crush,” which is always a hit with little ones (and big ones, if you’re anything like us).
