What is the better Disney park: Epcot vs. Magic Kingdom? Both parks offer a lot of Disney magic, but lets break down what each park has to offer so you can plan your Disney vacation.
Magic Kingdom and Epcot are theme parks located at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida. They require separate admission tickets unless you have a park hopper ticket.
They are both vastly different in layout and attractions, but each has something special that is worth including in your Disney vacation. This is not an easy decision but I will try to break down what each park offers so you can make the best choice for you!
If you want a more in depth look at each park check out my full guides: Magic Kingdom Guide- What to Know About Your Visit and EPCOT Guide- What to Know Before You Visit.
Overview of Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Magic Kingdom is the first theme park and the one most people visit. It has Cinderella’s Castle and Main Street U.S.A., as well as other popular attractions like “it’s a small world”, the Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. It is the park most people choose for their first visit to Disney World.
Epcot is a very unique park in that it focuses on education and wonder with Disney themes woven through. At Epcot you can explore different cultures, ride Frozen Ever After, and experience a thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster.
Epcot is divided into sections: World Discovery, World Nature, and World Celebration-this area was previously known as Future World.
The forth area is The World Showcase that features areas based on countries around the world. All of the areas focus on education and technology along with weaving in Disney storytelling and characters.
Most people assume Epcot doesn’t have a lot to do but that is a misconception. There is a lot to do at Epcot for kids and adults. It is a large park that has attractions, an aquarium, and interesting things to see and do.
Both parks are full day parks that have thrill rides, your favorite characters, and dining options.
Which Park is Best: Epcot vs. Magic Kingdom
Deciding which park is best is very much a personal preference, but I wanted to break down the things I feel are important during a Disney vacation and let you decide for yourself.
You know your family and interests when visiting the park, so use this guide to learn more and decide what is best for you.
After visiting Disney World many times, I can give you my honest opinion about what we love at each park to help you make the best choice for your visit to Disney World.
Ticket Costs
The ticket costs at Epcot vs. Magic Kingdom vary but start around $150.00 on a low crowd day. I suggest checking the Walt Disney World site first for ticket pricing. You can also purchase tickets through third party like Tripadvisor.
Both offer valid tickets that are often at a discount. Keep in mind the cost per day will be less the more days you purchase. If you want someone else to do the research we recommend our travel partner Nikki for the best deals and advice.
Atmosphere at the Parks
Each Disney World park has it’s own vibe.
Magic Kingdom is all about suspending real life and stepping into fantasy and make believe. Young children will love the rides and character encounters at the Magic Kingdom park.
Epcot is more about the Earth around us in World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature and all about discovering different countries and cultures in The World Showcase.
If you are looking for classic Disney characters and attractions, Magic Kingdom is the park for you. If you are looking for a unique park that offers more than the traditional Disney experience, Epcot is a good choice.
Ride Comparison
Magic Kingdom has over 30 rides and attractions. Epcot has over 15 rides and attractions. A few of the rides are actually 3D shows or movies, but I have included them as attractions.
Magic Kingdom has popular Disney attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain), Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain. Magic Kingdom rides are great for all ages and perfect for families.
Epcot has Test Track, Soarin’, Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the Frozen Ever After attraction. The rides at Epcot are some of our favorites.
If you are looking for thrills Magic Kingdom has Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain, and Tron. Epcot has Test Track, Soarin’, Mission: Space, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster.
If you want to ride Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, and Peter Pan you will want to plan a visit to the Magic Kingdom. If you want to ride Spaceship Earth, Frozen Ever After, and the Seas with Nemo, Epcot is your park.
Both parks have some of the most popular rides at Disney World and will have long wait times. Crowds at the parks and long lines should be expected with either park.
Dining at the Parks
Epcot has The World Showcase which is host to 11 countries and the food options are plenty. From high end dining to quick service meals, there are many options for what to eat at Epcot.
We had one of our favorite breakfasts at Epcot during our last visit. It was at Les Halles in the France pavilion. I highly recommend including a visit in your Disney trip. Everything on the menu is delicious.
If you are going to eat at Magic Kingdom we suggest Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Some of our favorite Epcot dining options are Garden Grill, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, San Angel Inn Restaurant, and Katsura Grill.
Entertainment and Characters
There are so many characters to meet at Magic Kingdom. Guests can meet Tiana and Rapunzel, Mickey Mouse & Minnie, Goofy and Donald, plus a lot more. There are stage shows and parades. Magic Kingdom has fireworks nightly and a castle projection show.
Epcot also has a lot of characters to meet including Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Most of the countries have a character meet and greet that relates to their country. You can meet Alice in the United Kingdom and Mulan in China. Epcot also has a nightly fireworks water show too.
Check out the My Disney Experience app to see the entertainment and characters available at either park during your visit.
Better Park for Kids or Adults
Magic Kingdom is probably better for kids and Epcot for adults but not for every situation. If you have a child that lives and breathes Frozen you are going to want to visit Epcot. If you are an adult who loves classic Disney characters Magic Kingdom is your park.
Adults will appreciate the World Showcase with the food and beverage options as well as the seasonal events at Epcot, like Food and Wine Festival. If you are traveling to Disney with teens they will enjoy exploring the countries as well.
On our most recent visit we found ways to explore the World Showcase with Kids that made us realize that Epcot is not just for adults. If you have school-aged kids they can discover a lot of fun things.
Each country has specific activities for kids to learn more about the culture of the country. It may not be all rides but the countries have a lot offer as well.
My Final Thoughts
Epcot vs. Magic Kingdom is not an easy choice and I would plan one day for each of the parks if that is an option.
Both parks can be a lot to plan. Magic Kingdom is the busiest park at Walt Disney World and it will be a more fast paced day trying to see and do everything. Epcot has less rides but you will still do a lot of walking because it is a very large park.
Honestly there are things I like, and dislike, about both parks. When planning your Disney trip you need to consider what you want to do on the trip and what works for your family.
If you can only choose one, make a list of the rides, attractions, and characters that are a priority to you and visit that park! Either way you will have a lot of things to do and won’t be disappointed.
If you are overwhelmed with planning or just want someone to make all the reservations for you consider using a travel agent. Our friend Nikki at Royal Treatment Travel is amazing and has helped us plan and book many of our trips. She finds the best deals and her service is complimentary for most theme park vacations! It is a win-win. Learn more here.
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Leah has been a Disney fan her entire life. From growing up with the movies to planning amazing Disney trips. She loves sharing her passion for Disney and helping others plan amazing Disney trips.
