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Walt Disney World is a sprawling, massive complex that includes many theme parks, resorts, and water parks. We don’t blame anyone if you find it overwhelming. Do you need to visit every park? What time does each park open? Is there a variety of rides at different locations? Are there many parks? Two parks within […]


Walt Disney World is a sprawling, massive complex that includes many theme parks, resorts, and water parks. We don’t blame anyone if you find it overwhelming. Do you need to visit every park? What time does each park open? Is there a variety of rides at different locations? Are there many parks?


Two parks within Walt Disney World are Epcot and Animal Kingdom. They are very different. Let’s compare the features of both parks and see how Animal Kingdom stacks up against Epcot.


The primary difference between Epcot & Animal Kingdom is…


Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s newest and most popular theme park. It is a large focus on wildlife, and includes a free-roaming safari ride and a section inspired by the Avatar movies.


Epcot was originally designed to be a park that focused on the future. Even though the vision is no longer relevant, bits of it can still be seen in thrill attractions like Mission: Space. Epcot has a lake where pavilions representing 11 countries can serve food, sell merchandise, and display their cultures.


What is the Animal Kingdom?


The animals


It’s impossible to talk about Disney Animal Kingdom or Epcot without talking about the animals. It’s impossible not to see some of your favorite animals at this park, from the birds that greet you upon your arrival to the giraffes who chew leaves right next to your ride vehicle.


The most popular Safari in Africa is the Kilimanjaro Safari. It boasts some the finest, such as:


  • Elephants.


  • Crocodiles.


  • Ostriches.


The ride is open-air and guests can relax in the vehicle. A driver will keep up a humorous commentary.


You will also find walking trails with different animals scattered throughout the park, a live show with many birds, and a conversation station which includes a petting-zoo.


The lands


Animal Kingdom’s new land was completed in 2014. It took three years to construct before it opened its doors in 2017. Pandora — The World of Avatar features two rides: Avatar Flight of Passage, and Na’vi River Journey.


Flight of Passage is the main attraction of the show. It often has the longest wait, but the 3-D experience can make up for it.


Animal Kingdom also has a number of big thrill rides, including the largest roller coaster on Disney property. Expedition Everest was opened in 2006. It features both a large drop and a reverse-ride section. It is located in Asia Land, while the dark ride Dinosaur can be found in Dinoland U.S.A.


The food


Animal Kingdom’s food is not as well-known as Epcot. Epcot versus Animal Kingdom 2023 is a completely different story, thanks to Tiffin’s, a fine dining restaurant with a high-end Bar. The park’s food options are standard. There are quick-service options in all lands, and there is a character buffet at Tusker House in Africa.


What is Epcot?


The rides


Epcot has been troubled in recent years due to its original vision for a utopian future city. But that doesn’t mean Epcot rides have been compromised. Epcot has some of the most popular attractions in Disney World.


You’ll find Epcot’s most famous attractions like Soarin’ which takes guests on an aerial flight over the globe, and Test Track which allows guests to build prototype cars and then take them for a ride.


Epcot also houses Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, an indoor high-speed roller coaster. It opened in May 2022 and allows guests to enjoy other attractions while they wait to board.


The World Showcase pavilions also feature the Frozen Ever After ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the Frozen Ever After ride.


The World Showcase


The World Showcase is competing for your attention at Epcot. This is where you will find the 11 pavilions mentioned earlier. Each pavilion offers its own food, drink, merchandise, and some pavilions even have rides.


These pavilions are


Epcot pavilions


  • United Kingdom.


  • United States.


It is easy to spend several hours wandering around the lake, sampling all the foods and browsing the products for sale (many of which are authentic to the country).

Tip


Enjoy the best of both the parks by visiting Animal Kingdom in the morning and Epcot at night.


The food and drinks


Epcot is most well-known for its excellent dining options. It used to be possible for people to buy an annual pass that was specifically designed to allow them to enjoy dinner at the park.


There are so many options when it comes to Epcot’s food offerings, whether you want a full-service meal or quick snacks. We would be remiss if not to mention the many festivals that are held throughout the year.


You could be at Epcot depending on the year.


  • International Food and Wine Festival.


  • International Festival of the Holidays.


  • International Flower and Garden Festival.


  • International Festival of the Arts.


These festivals offer unique food and beverage options throughout the World Showcase.


Disney Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom


These two parks have very little overlap, as you can see. You’ll see that each park is focused on a different theme if you try to compare Animal Kingdom and Epcot in 2023.


Animal Kingdom is all about the animals. They are the main attraction, and they’re visible everywhere.


Epcot is more difficult to identify because it is split between the World Showcase area and the rest. It’s a great combination of great rides, great food, and an unforgettable time.


To visit Epcot or Animal Kingdom


Disney World continues to grow and is still as big as ever. The theme parks are not the exception. Animal Kingdom is home to Pandora, while Epcot has its newest roller coaster.


Both parks can be equally enjoyable to visit. However, if time is tight, it’s worth doing some research to find the best park for you.


(Featured Photo courtesy Walt Disney World)


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