You know that we specialize in solo theme park traveler tips and tricks! But recently, we realized, what good is talking about the BEST Epcot rides for solo travelers if we don’t talk about the WORST ones too?!
Now, just a quick disclaimer before we dive into the three WORST Epcot attractions for solo travelers: in theory, do the three rides we list below allow solo travelers?
OF COURSE! Might you actually enjoy going on these theme park rides as a solo traveler?
SURE! So, as you’re reading, keep in mind, this is just one ThemeParkHipster’s recommendation, so that your day of solo adventures is full of more fun than awkwardness.
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3 WORST Epcot Attractions for Solo Travelers
And so, without further ado, we present to you: the 3 WORST Epcot Rides for Solo Travelers!
1. The Sea with Nemo and Friends
Not to be confused with the rides over at “The Land” like Soarin’ and Living with the Land, The Sea Pavilion is in a smaller building located to the Land’s right side.
Now, before we talk about this ride specifically, allow us to mention that the building “The Sea” itself is pretty solo traveler friendly with self-guided aquarium exhibits and displays.
However, for the ride Nemo and Friends? We feel a little bit differently…
First we’ll say that this ride is pretty slow going, similar to The Cat in the Hat ride at Islands of Adventure, or Under the Sea, Journey of the Little Mermaid in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
It’s a low lit ride that takes you through the story of Finding Nemo with singing from the most popular characters…
In other words, it’s very much a ride intended for kids and their parents. No sudden drops, no adult jokes, this ride really is just one of those meant to pass the time or calm down the kiddos.
Plus, since it’s not as dark as other rides like Dinosaur or Under the Sea, Journey of the Little Mermaid, you’re definitely able to see other riders the whole time…
…and there’s nothing more awkward than making direct eye contact with a Karen mom who can’t believe you took their perfect clamshell ride vehicle before she could drag her kicking and screaming two year old on line…YIKES!
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2. Mission Space – (Orange Team!)
Ok, before we dive into the reason we feel this is one of those Epcot rides that can be skipped by Single Riders, we want to be clear, we are only really talking about the Orange Team of Mission Space!
What do we mean by that? Well, Mission Space is probably the most unique of all Epcot Rides in that you get the choice of which exact attraction you want to ride on.
You see, Mission Space has two tracks: Green, and Orange. And all that sets them apart, is the motion intensity of the ride.
Both rides are “space capsules” that load four riders each, and both rides last 4.5 minutes each. But…let’s get back to the difference in the motion of the ride, shall we?
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Green Team
The Green Team version is less intense, and more Disney-fied if you will. On the green ride, you’re loaded into a space rocket capsule and each rider is given a “mission” that they will have to execute i.e. pushing a button, to simulate a “space team” take off sort of experience.
In other words, the capsule merely shakes gently to simulate a spaceship taking off from Earth.
And, to be honest, the green version of Mission Space isn’t too bad for solo travelers. Yes, it’s still a little awkward, considering you’ll be in VERY close quarters with your three other teammates once seated in the ride capsule…
…but in terms of the waiting experience, Single Riders will often be called up to the front of the line to finish out a team of four, meaning if you don’t mind bumping elbows with strangers, you’ll enjoy a shortened line wait time as a solo rider.
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Orange Team
The orange version of Mission Space however, is wayyyyy more intense. You will experience 2.5 G force, or whatever your body weight is, times 2.5! How is this accomplished? By each capsule spinning at 35 MPH!
The reason for this intensity is to very accurately simulate what it feels like when a rocket takes off from Earth, which is cool in theory…but listen, astronauts go through years of NASA training for a reason!
Even the strongest of stomachs leave their Mission Space Orange capsule feeling queasy, if not actually throwing up (yeah…complimentary barf bags are stashed in the ride too).
And, this motion sickness is only further exaggerated by the fact that you feel like you have to accomplish your assigned mission while riding by fighting against the G force to lean forward and click various buttons (pro tip: DON’T!)
Anyways, we hope now that we broke down Green Team vs ORANGE TEAM you understand why Mission Space isn’t our favorite option for solo Epcot rides.
Aside from super close quarters with strangers, we don’t know about you, but if we feel like we’re going to barf, we’d like to have a friend nearby, wouldn’t you?!
3. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the 3 Caballeros
Alright, alright we know…who doesn’t love Mexico Donald? Obviously he’s SUPER cute in his sombrero and sarape, but let’s be honest, that’s still not a good enough reason to go on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the 3 Caballeros alone!
Look, this ride has been in talks of being replaced (possibly by a Coco themed ride!) for years for a reason. It’s kind of boring.
Similar to The Sea with Nemo and Friends, there’s no thrill or “wow factor” moment. It really is just following some silly cartoons “around the world” as they get into shenanigans.
Because let’s be honest, this ride needs some serious updates and renovations that Disney just doesn’t seem to want to do. I mean, just check out these phantom animatronics from the ride if you don’t believe us!
Anyway, with 16 people being able to fit in a boat at a time, odds are you’ll be seated with complete strangers on this ride. And not only that, probably very young cranky children complete strangers.
And, just like Nemo and Friends, this ride is in low lighting, not complete darkness, so you can see everyone…making your chances for awkward, unwanted eye contact pretty high.
Basically, Single Rider or not, this is one of the Epcot rides you can skip! Instead, spend your time exploring the indoor Mexico pavilion, or grab some nachos, sangria, and/or a margarita. That’s solo time spent WAYYYY better if you ask us!
So, what should I actually look forward to as a solo traveler in Epcot?
Hey, don’t get discouraged! If we’re being honest, Epcot is probably THE BEST park to solo travel!
With lots of cultural experiences, and a variety of food and drink options, your solo experience at Epcot can go way beyond Epcot rides.
But, just in case our solo traveler no go suggestions bummed you out, we’ve got some AWESOME insider Epcot tips, tricks, and secrets below to keep your spirits up!
1. Attend a Festival – Solo!
Like we said, there’s way more to Epcot than just rides. And, believe it or not, one of its most popular offerings is its year round festivals.
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Attend January through the end of February for the Festival of the Arts; or fine arts exhibits, interactive artistic experiences, and nighttime concerts!
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Or, if flora and flowers are more your thing, then book your solo trip March, April, or June for the Flower and Garden Festival, where Epcot becomes even MORE beautiful!
And of course, in typical Epcot fashion, exclusive, limited-time (and delicious) food and drink offerings are also available during this festival.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival
And of course, we know you’ve heard of Epcot’s third and perhaps most popular annual festival: The Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Cooking classes, delicious food and drink booths, and limited-time activities are just a few reasons why you need to book your solo theme park expedition between mid-July and mid November!
Epcot Festival of the Holidays
Or finally, have you always wanted to attend Disney for the holidays? Then the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, offered late November through New Years Eve is definitely for you! Cookie strolls, pop-up holiday kitchens, and gorgeously diverse décor are all waiting to greet and impress you!
2. Check Out New, Upcoming Epcot Rides and Experiences!
So, the Epcot rides we listed above? They’re only a small handful of ride offerings at Epcot, especially since Epcot has been the focus of a lot of new renovations and additions lately.
More specifically, we hear that in addition to the rumored Coco ride change we mentioned earlier, you can look forward to a new Ratatouille ride in the France pavilion to open on Epcot’s 50th anniversary, or October 1, 2021. It’s rumored to mirror the ever popular ride in Disneyland Paris, France.
And finally, and perhaps most excitingly, at D23 Expo four years ago, rumors were confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster would be built and opened for Epcot’s 50th anniversary as well!
And, while this ride might not be ready in the coming months as originally planned, it’s definitely still something for solo (and all other) travelers to look forward to as it will replace the outdated Universe of Energy and will be the world’s longest enclosed roller coaster!
Pretty awesome, don’t you think solo travelers?!
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Wrapping Up…
Thanks for joining us today as we took you through the WORST Epcot rides for solo travelers, while also touching on some awesome Epcot silver linings too!
Do you have any other Epcot rides in mind that aren’t ideal for a solo traveler experience? Which of the above new attractions are you most excited to try out once they open? We can’t wait to hear all about it in the comments below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors at www.ginaarfi.net.
UP NEXT: Magic of Possibility: 9 BEST Epcot Rides and Attractions You MUST Experience