Make the Most of a Rainy Day in EPCOT

Central Florida is known for its intense afternoon thunderstorms, but occasionally there are days where the rain just doesn’t want to let up and it can be considered a wash. Instead of losing a valuable day in the Disney Parks, Guests can throw on a poncho and still make the most of their time by slightly altering their plans and enjoying indoor activities and experiences. EPCOT is a great choice for a rainy day as there are plenty of dry locations to enjoy that include everything from shows and attractions to dining and exploring. Let’s check out some of the best activities to enjoy in EPCOT on a rainy day.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion

One of the largest pavilions in EPCOT can be found in World Nature and boasts attractions and learning opportunities to keep Guests busy and dry for a long time. The Seas with Nemo and Friends is home to an attraction of the same name that brings Guests on an adventure with favorite friends from Finding Nemo as well as Turtle Talk with Crush, a fun show that allows Guests the opportunity to interact with Crush in real time. In addition to the two attractions, The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion is home to two floors of exhibits and habitats that Guests can explore. With hundreds of species of sea creatures, interactive elements, a fun play area featuring Bruce the Shark, and quiet corners to relax, Guests can easily stay dry spending two hours enjoying all that this pavilion has to offer.

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The Land Pavilion

Found right next to The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion is The Land Pavilion, a large building that houses several great experiences for Guests to enjoy. Once inside and dry, Guests can enjoy Soarin’ Around the World, a hang-gliding experience like no other that showcases the beauty of Earth with a fun ending paying homage to EPCOT. Living with the Land is located just across from Soarin’ Around the World and brings Guests on a serene boat ride through different environments and greenhouses to showcase the versatility and beauty of the land. The final attraction in The Land Pavilion is an often-overlooked show called Awesome Planet which shares the importance of preservation of our beautiful planet. In addition to the attractions, Guests can stop by Sunshine Seasons to enjoy a delicious fresh quick service meal or even score a reservation at the table service Garden Grill Restaurant.

Mexico Pavilion

Moving back into EPCOT’s World Showcase, each of the eleven pavilions offers some indoor locations, but the Mexico Pavilion is perfect for avoiding the rainy weather. The ancient pyramid located in the center of the Mexico Pavilion is home to the Plaza de los Amigos, a charming courtyard in perpetual twilight where Guests can explore various vendors selling bright and colorful wares. In one corner of the plaza is La Cava del Tequila, a cozy and popular lounge that serves up some of the best margaritas in Walt Disney World in addition to small bites. In the rear of the plaza is the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros which brings Guests on a whirlwind tour of Mexico in search of Donald. Lucky Guests can also try to grab a table at San Angel Inn Restaurante which overlooks the flowing water from the nearby attraction and features some of the best ambiance of any restaurant in EPCOT paired with authentic Mexican cuisine. With so much to enjoy inside the ancient pyramid, the Mexico Pavilion is a great option for avoiding the rain in EPCOT.

Reflections of China

The China Pavilion is home to several stores and dining locations that Guests can use to briefly avoid the rain in addition to a great film that showcases the beauty of the country. Reflections of China is a Circle-Vision 360 film which means that Guests are surrounded by screens above offering an immersive sweeping view of each scene presented. Narrated by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, the film features everything from China’s natural beauty with the Great Wall and Yangtze River to modern day cities like Shanghai. Reflections of China is a must do in EPCOT, but especially on very rainy days.

The American Adventure Pavilion

Continuing through World Showcase, The American Adventure Pavilion is another great option for avoiding the rain. The large colonial brick building welcomes Guests into a massive lobby where the Voices of Liberty perform throughout the day. This a cappella group sings classic American songs from the revolutionary era, interact with the crowd, and even pose for photos and take the time to chat afterwards. One side of the large lobby is home to the American Heritage Gallery where beautiful artifacts and items bring facets of American history to life. The main attraction in the large building is The American Adventure, an impressive show that combines audio-animatronics, artwork, photography, moving sets, special effects, and more to share the story of the people throughout American history. It is a moving presentation that also offers up a great opportunity to avoid the rain in EPCOT.

Palais du Cinema

The France Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is home to a beautiful theater that welcomes Guests to enjoy two unique films throughout each day. The Palais du Cinema presents Impressions de France, a stunning film that showcases the beauty, history, and diversity of France set to music by classical French composers. This film alternates with the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along which features musical numbers from the classic Disney animated film and encourages Guests to belt out their favorites. While wildly different, both shows share elements of French culture and offer up the chance for Guests to stay dry in a beautiful theater.

Last Minute Dining Reservations

The final way to stay dry on a rainy day in EPCOT is by scoring a last-minute dining reservation. EPCOT is home to some of the best dining options in all of Walt Disney World thanks to the various cuisines offered throughout World Showcase. Guests who check last-minute on the My Disney Experience App or even just walk up to the entrance of a table service restaurant can enjoy inventive cuisine hundreds of miles above the Earth at Space 220 Restaurant, authentic Italian pizza at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, fresh seafood with stunning underwater views at Coral Reef Restaurant, indulgent steakhouse classics at Le Cellier Steakhouse, teppan yaki-style cooking at Teppan Edo, and so much more. With literally dozens of options to choose from, Guests can stay dry and enjoy delicious food with a last-minute dining reservation in EPCOT.