Tips and Tricks- Part 3: Epcot and Animal Kingdom

So today's tips are going to be about Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Since I worked at Epcot, I think of myself as an expert in this area... Just kidding! But I do know Epcot very well. So if you have any specific questions about Epcot, tweet me @ltddream1.

Epcot

Soarin or Test Track?: 

For those of you that have been to Epcot before know that when picking a fast pass they only allow you to pick Soarin or Test Track, not both, But fear not, for I have an amazing trick up my sleeve that will get you on both, without waiting hours. Just follow these simple steps. 

1) Get a fast pass for Soarin.

2) Get to the park before it opens for the day.

3) Make your way over to Test Track.

4) Have your whole group go into the Single Rider line.

But I know what your thinking. What about all the other people ahead of me who are waiting in line? Well the best part is that you can skip all of them by going in the single rider line. And yes you can do this with your group and still get in the same car. 

When Test Track first opens, all the groups head over to the Stand-by line and have to go through the process of creating their own car. This process of the people creating their own car can save you a lot of time. If you and your group head into the single rider line, you are essentially skipping the step of creating your own car. So while the groups of people are creating their own car, you can skip them and go straight to the loading area. And because you are there right when it opens, there will be no one from the stand-by line at the loading area yet. So you and your group in the single rider line, will be placed in the same car.

So you get to be some of the first people on Test Track that day, and you already have a fast pass for Soarin, so no need to worry,

Best Bathroom:

The best bathroom throughout all of Epcot are the Journey Into Imagination ones. These are located next to the right of the entrance. There isn't really anything special about them, but they are the least busy, because not everyone knows that they are there,

Fun Fact: Throughout the World Showcase, a bathroom is located in every other country, except American Adventure. There are 2 located here.

World Showcase Boats:

My tip to you is to NOT wait around for the World Showcase Boats. Basically these boats take you from one side of the World Showcase to the other. If you are capable of walking it's not worth the wait. You will mostly likely get to the other side by walking before the boat even arrives 

Explore the Different Countries:

I worked there and I still didn't get to explore all the different countries. There are so many little areas and shops to walk around in, so don't just breeze through the countries. Walk through the different shops. Y
ou will be amazed at what you will find.

Beat the Fireworks Crowd:

The fireworks are set off in the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon, So close to the time of the fireworks, the Showcase can get a little crowded and finding a fireworks viewing area can get hard. One spot that always seems to be empty is an area by the Odyssey center. The  Odyssey Center is a building right before the Mexico Pavilion. There is a pathway that leads to the First Aid and Baby Center, but this pathway also is a great spot to view the fireworks. Because the Odyssey Center is so close to the Showcase, it is pretty easy to see the show from here. I'm not saying it's the best viewing area, but it will help you beat the crowd.

Animal Kingdom

 Rainforest Cafe Entrance:

If there is a long line to get into the park, you can always go through the Rainforest Cafe. The restaurant is right in front of the Animal Kingdom Park to make it more accessible to guests. A lot of times people make reservations here and then go into Animal Kingdom Park. So they have a separate exit from the restaurant that will allow guests to enter the park. Although you do need to have your tickets just like any other park because they have people there who scan your tickets. But this is a good way to skip the ticket line if it is busy. (Note: this does not mean you get to skip the security line)

Explore the Trails:

Take your time walking through the Oasis area and Discovery Island Trails. Throughout these trails they have animals and a lot of times the have animal specialists there telling people facts. It's great if you want to take your time and learn something. You will never know what or who you will see.