Top 5 Rides Based on Movies: EPCOT Edition
Disney is famous for basing rides on blockbuster movies. Let's travel around the world and break them down!
BY: V. RHODES
TOP 5 epcot RIDES + Attractions BASED ON MOVIES
At its opening in 1982, EPCOT was primarily an educational park. There were very few references to IP or other Disney movies. But as Walt said: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” As time went on, more rides and attractions were added to EPCOT featuring our favourite stories.
#5
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
FAST FACTS
PARK: EPCOT
PLACE: ORLANDO, FL
OTHER LOCATIONS: NONE
OPENING DATE: January 17, 2020
Based on: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
RIDE TYPE: Show
DURATION: 15 MIN
France Pavilion is home to the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along”, a Lion King 1 ½ (2004) style show that tells the story of Beauty and the Beast from the perspective of LeFou. This is last on my list because, although it is fun, there are no live performers. You’re better off skipping this show and just seeing the broadway style performance of Beauty of the Beast at Hollywood Studios.
It’s no secret that France is one of my favourite pavilions in EPCOT, and * spoilers * I will be circling back to France later on this list! In addition to the great food and shops, you can also have character meet and greets. During the Christmas season you can meet Belle in her rare red Christmas dress!
#4
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
FAST FACTS
PARK: EPCOT
PLACE: ORLANDO, FL
OTHER LOCATIONS: None
OPENING DATE: April 6, 2007 (Overlay)
Replaced: El Rio del Tiempo
Based on: The Three Caballeros (1944)
RIDE TYPE: Boat Ride
DURATION: 7 MIN
Our first boat ride on today’s list is ‘Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros’ and it is located inside the Mexico Pavilion. It is based on the 1944 movie, The Three Caballeros. I will admit that I haven't seen this movie in an actual lifetime, but the ride is super cute and great for the whole family. My favourite part is the fireworks on the ceiling at the end.
The best part about the Mexico Pavilion is getting a giant Margarita on your way in! Do you start your world tour from Mexico or Canada? Let me know in the comments!
#3
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
FAST FACTS
PARK: EPCOT
PLACE: ORLANDO, FL
OTHER LOCATIONS: None
OPENING DATE: January 4, 2007 (Overlay)
Replaced: The Living Seas
Based on: Finding Nemo (2003)
RIDE TYPE: Aquarium Dark Ride
DURATION: 7 MIN
‘The Seas with Nemo & Friends’ is an omni-movie dark ride with integrated character projections through the Living Seas aquarium. The best part about this ride is that it really does look like Dory, Nemo, Marlin, Crush and all your other favourites are swimming amongst real life fish. This is another great ride for the whole family, and especially fun for little kids. The ride also exits into a larger aquarium, which is a hidden gem in EPCOT.
#2
Frozen Ever After
FAST FACTS
PARK: EPCOT
PLACE: ORLANDO, FL
OTHER LOCATIONS: Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Walt Disney Studios Park Paris
OPENING DATE: June 21, 2016 (Overlay)
REPLACED: Maelstrom
Based on: Frozen (2013)
RIDE TYPE: Boat Ride
DURATION: 5 MIN
When Frozen (2013) was an unexpected overnight worldwide sensation, Disney knew they needed an attraction, and fast! So they landed on a complete overlay of an existing flume ride in the Norway Pavilion. At the time of opening, ‘Frozen Ever After’ was home to the most advanced audio-animatronics ever created by Disney imagineering. Although the face animations of Elsa and Anna have mixed reactions from fans, the Olaf and Sven animatronics are incredible!
As you can imagine, ‘Frozen Ever After’ is a very popular ride. It is family friendly, and features characters from the most popular modern Disney movie. If you have the opportunity to buy a Lighting Lane pass, I would highly recommend it. Especially if you have little ones who love Frozen. There won't be any other opportunities to have this level of immersion for this story.
#1
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
FAST FACTS
PARK: EPCOT
PLACE: ORLANDO, FL
OTHER LOCATIONS: Walt Disney Studio Park Paris
OPENING DATE: October 1, 2021
Based on: Ratatouille (2007)
RIDE TYPE: Trackless Darkride
DURATION: 4:40 MIN
Our number one goes to ‘Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure’ based on Ratatouille (2007). This trackless dark ride was originally created for Disneyland Paris, and was recently built in Florida for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. This ride is so fun and unexpected, and has given new life to an underrated Pixar movie!
Some of my favourite food at EPCOT can be found in France! Including an ice cream shop with macaroons, and a crepe stand! If you are looking for something a bit fancy, check out Chefs de France for fine dining.
Which Ride is YOUR FAVOURITE? Let us know in the comments!
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main Beauty and the Beast, main Nemo and Friends, and Ratatouille Photos by Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Three Caballeros photo by Jenn Marie from The Happiest Travels on Earth
Nemo Ride Vehicle by Disney