“Living with the Land,” nestled in Epcot’s Future World, is one of the gems of Walt Disney World that captures the essence of agricultural innovation and the beauty of nature. This 14-minute boat ride, which debuted with Epcot on October 1, 1982, offers guests an insightful journey through various ecosystems and agricultural practices. It’s not just a ride; it’s an educational experience that illuminates the pioneering work in sustainable farming.
Journey Through Ecosystems and Greenhouses
As you embark on “Living with the Land,” you’ll traverse a range of environments from the American plains to tropical rainforests and the harsh conditions of the African desert. The attraction highlights the fascinating world of aquaculture—showcasing the farming of fish and aquatic plants. A highlight is the Aquacell, where you can see aquatic life like alligators, eel, and fish up close.
The ride takes you through several meticulously maintained greenhouses:
- Tropics Greenhouse: Here, plants such as rice, peanuts, cacao, bananas, and sugar cane thrive under a controlled dome setting, mimicking a tropical climate.
- Temperate Greenhouse: This section focuses on sustainable agriculture practices like intercropping and advanced irrigation systems, showcasing how science aids in efficient plant growth.
- Production Greenhouse: Observe vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce growing abundantly. These fresh ingredients are used in Epcot’s restaurants, offering a farm-to-table experience.
- Creative House: Perhaps the most futuristic segment, where you’ll learn about innovative farming techniques including aeroponics, hydroponics, and space farming.
Enhanced Learning with Behind the Seeds Tour
For those intrigued by the science behind the scenes, the “Behind the Seeds” tour is a must. This hour-long guided tour takes you through the greenhouses and labs seen on the ride. It’s a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the cutting-edge agricultural techniques used at Epcot. The tour is family-friendly, welcomes children, and even provides strollers for the little ones. The cost is reasonable, and reservations can be made in advance or on the day of your visit, space permitting.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Lines for this attraction typically build from mid-morning and start to diminish later in the day. To avoid longer waits, plan to visit early in the morning or after dark.
- Accessibility: “Living with the Land” is fully wheelchair accessible, with specially designed boats to accommodate wheelchairs. Guests using Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) will need to transfer to a wheelchair.
- Dining: After enjoying the ride, consider dining at The Garden Grill or Sunshine Seasons to taste the produce grown right in the Living with the Land greenhouses.
“Living with the Land” is not only an attraction for all ages but also an inspiring showcase of what the future of farming could look like. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and education, making it a quintessential Epcot experience that teaches us about the symbiotic relationship between humans and the land.
