I did not mean to make this a series, but here we are. My fellow insane people will understand that you cannot be this close to the parks without going, even if it means doing it in less-than-ideal ways – for me, that meant a few hours post conference. I share this to ease your mind if you’re in the same desperate situation.
Step 1: Test Track 3.0 in Future World – 5:35 PM
I love original, creepy crash test dummy Test Track 1.0. I was alright on Test Track 2.0. Test Track 3.0 is hitting better marks than 2.0. It doesn’t feel faux-futuristic or Tron-y in a bad way (minus the messy screen at the end, ugh) while still being more updated than 1.0. I still don’t think we have seen Test Track in its final form, though – something is missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.
The single rider line for Test Track is a godsend, I would have had to skip this without it.
Step 2: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind in Future World – 5:50 PM
WHY HAVE I STILL NOT GOTTEN “EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD” AS MY SONG? Still, this “Disco Inferno” ride confirmed that it’s worth the wait, even with limited time on your visit. You just cannot beat the re-rideability aspect of having a favorite song and hoping that’s what plays. This took the biggest chunk out of my pretty short visit, and I nearly got right back in line hoping for Tears for Fears to grace my ears.
No single rider line, no lightning lane, no worries – let this take up a chunk, it’s worth it.
Step 3: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion – 7:05 PM
… I get why the rumor is that this will be Coco soon. I know why it is better for optics and kids and IP and money and blah blah blah. But my goodness, KEEP EPCOT WEIRD! I knew I had to add this to my night in case it was a goodbye, and wound up with the front center row to myself. I must confess, dear reader, I was only at EPCOT because Magic Kingdom was closed, but I still felt like I got It’s a Small World vibes by going through the village scene. Hopefully this was not the end, Dear Donald. 
Step 4: Festival of the Arts Booth, The Painted Panda, in the China Pavilion – 7:26 PM
Delicious, no notes, next question.
Step 5: Karamell-Kuche Mickey Mouse Caramel Cookie in the Germany Pavilion – 7:35 PM
Hopefully I am not making things harder for Cast Members by saying this highlight of my trip, but you should absolutely surprise your loved ones with mobile ordered treats from the comfort of your couch. World Showcase mobile order options are pretty limited, but my mom and sister were able to send me a cookie for pickup all the way from Ohio by using the My Disney Experience app and giving me the pickup number.
Step 6: Hot Sake and Shopping in the Japan Pavilion – 8:00 PM
It was a freezing January night which meant I indulged in ways unheard of during summer – a hot beverage. The hot sake was deliciously dry and the cast members were particularly lovely (I can’t seem to find the name of this specific stand, but it was between funnel cakes and Matsuriza!)
I have a huge pet peeve of paying for entry just to shop somewhere… unless it is Mitsukoshi. I WILL BE SHOPPING! Normally, theme parks are just a few years behind the trends, but I was impressed to see authentic Smiski and Monchichi at the entrance (which absolutely came home with me).
Speaking of trends, was also thrilled to see gashapon machines tucked away behind Katsura Grill!
Step 7: Walk to Beach Club Resort and Uber — 8:45 PM
I didn’t stay until park close due to exhaustion and cold. If you are looking to do a few hour trip like this, I would stay for fireworks or even hop in the Soarin’ Around the World line when it gets close to 9:00. Instead, not wanting to fuss with buses or rideshare pickup, I exited through International Gateway, enjoyed a walk to Disney’s Beach Club Resort and called a rideshare to my hotel.
All in all, my Epic Universe four hour trip was arguably more successful, but I have no regrets about this short Epcot evening. If you find yourself with a mini window to visit the parks, let this be your confirmation that you can still knock out some big-ticket items and get your fix of the mouse.
Hannah is an accidental internet meme, drummer, loud talker, and proud owner of a purse that functions as a working analog clock. She got the media writer gene from her dad, PF Wilson, another writer for Pop Culture Beast. Her favorite bands come and go on a seasonal rotation, but Marina & The Diamonds and Say Anything are here to say. She’s probably watching The Grand Budapest Hotel right now, but if she isn’t, she’s out photographing rock concerts.