Ideas for relaxing at EPCOT in the France Pavilion as the Skyliner and Disney Resort boat transportation goes by

EPCOT just seems to involve SO much walking—and so much relentless sunshine. Here are my favorite ways to take a break, relax and rejuvenate in the shade!

detail of rat image in fence at EPCOT's France Pavilion in Walt Disney World

This area pictured is found in the France Pavilion—just before you get to the Place de Remy Courtyard. Imagineers did such a wonderful job creating this area and including so many clever details and nods to the animated movie Ratatouille. Not only is this a great spot to people watch, but you also have great views of the FriendShip Boats and Disney Skyliner gondolas zipping past.

FaceTiming a friend from EPCOT

Granny couldn’t join you? Need to check in on your pet sitter? Surprise them with a quick FaceTime call. You can show them how cool your surroundings are and share a bit of your adventures with them. Notice this is my only tip with a phone involved. You’re in a special place, you don’t need to have your nose in a phone all day!

Playing a game to pass the time like spying an arch, bird and chimney in EPCOT

This is one of the “Waiting Games” from my Disneyland guide book. All three books have different games you can play when taking a break, standing in line, waiting for your food at a restaurant, riding on the monorail, etc. You can play the games just for fun or keep score and let the winner pick your next destination!

Sending postcards from Walt Disney World

Going To Guides postcards cost less than the ones sold in the parks and I think they’re cuter too! Don’t forget to get your postage stamps at the Post Office and be sure to ask for POSTCARD stamps instead of regular letter stamps to save a bit of money. Find GTG Postcard Pals Packs HERE, the GTG Blog post about where to find Walt Disney World mailboxes HERE and the one about Disneyland mailboxes HERE. Many hotels in the Resort also have mailboxes. Ask at the front desk and they’ll be able to help you get that mail mailed!

bakery treats from Les Halles patisserie in EPCOT's France Pavilion

Of course there are OODLES of places to get a snack in EPCOT but you cannot go wrong at Les Halles. If you didn’t think of grabbing a snack on your way to relax, have one person hold down the fort while the other person goes and get the snacks. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Spaceship Earth on the front of the park guidemap at EPCOT

Free park guide maps make such a great souvenir! You can pick them up all over the Resort and if you’re having trouble finding them, just ask a friendly Cast Member.

A page about Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion at EPCOT

The Walt Disney World Going To Guides book has this unique space-saving ratings style which is different from the Disneyland Resort books. I worked hard to fit all the wonderfulness of Walt Disney World into 208 pages so that the book wouldn’t be too large to carry around or have to cost too much!

three Going To Guide books for Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney World

Yes, I’m biased but…if you don’t have these books yet, what are you waiting for?! Find out more about the books HERE and find out where they’re available HERE. If you end up trying out any of these fun ways to relax in EPCOT—or any other Disney Park, let me know!

POST BY SHANNON W. LASKEY • APRIL 24, 2025 • SEND QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR FEEDBACK VIA EMAIL