5. Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is not suitable for everyone. Height restrictions and physical advisories will prevent some guests from the ride itself, but all ages and tolerances are welcome to experience galactic adventures in the Advanced Space Lab at the Mission: SPACE exit.

Advanced Space Lab delivers four unique space-themed amusements. Forget postcards from Orlando! Create and send the most extraordinary vacation Postcards From Space, with various celestial backdrops, to share your out-of-this-world experience with earth-bound loved ones. Explore the surface of Mars on a treacherous mission to save fellow astronauts at Expedition: Mars gaming kiosks. Even the youngest astronauts have exploration opportunities, in the form of the Space Base playground.

The main attraction within the Advanced Space Lab is Mission: SPACE Race. Here, 56 players divide into two teams - ground control versus astronauts - in the ultimate, fast-paced, round-trip rocket race to Mars and back.

6. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion features an Aztec pyramid which houses the Gran Fiesta Tour slow boat ride, but this is only one small part of what’s in store within the towering structure. The interior of the pyramid serves as both a pre- and post-attraction area, providing an array of shopping, dining, and amusements.

La Vida Antigua is a simple museum-esque exhibit depicting life in Ancient Mexico and Mesoamerican culture. Along with various artifacts on display, skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old Oaxacan craft of woodcarving - creating vibrantly colored masterpieces representing animals, mythical beasts, and the powerful spirits within them.

Wood carvings are also made available in the pyramid’s Mexican village and marketplace. The village is elaborately themed to resemble a bustling, open-air market at twilight. Carts and kiosks overflow with authentic Mexican treasures: pottery, jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, and so much more. Prices run the gamut, meaning that there is an original souvenir for every budget.

The Mexican marketplace provides one of the most alluring locations for simply taking a break from the fast-paced chaos of a day at the theme park. The famed La Cava del Tequila is known for being a favorite respite for weary Epcot travelers. Is that due to it’s cozy, intimate atmosphere, or its seemingly endless menu of Tequila varieties? You be the judge! If nothing else, the marketplace certainly offers up one of the most breathtaking views on property.

7. The Seas With Nemo and Friends

Technically, The Seas With Nemo and Friends is a pavilion housing multiple attractions, all themed around the “big blue world” of Earth’s oceans. The innovative dark-ride centered around Nemo and his fishy pals is only the beginning of an awe-inspiring underwater journey. The ride unloads into a colossal, multi-level complex bursting with marine life and aquaculture.

Over 5 million gallons of saltwater fill a series of aquariums loaded with a variety of oceanic residents, including sharks, turtles, manatees, and more. High-tech model research facilities, natural habitats, and educational presentations combine to inform and amaze guests of all ages. Among the displays, look for the aquarium that challenges you to find Nemo for yourself!

Little ones will delight in Bruce’s Sub House, an interactive play zone centered around Bruce the shark, and his efforts to educate pint-sized guests on the facts and myths surrounding his species. Near the exit from the aquariums to the gift shop, be sure to make time for some Turtle Talk With Crush!

8. Journey Into Imagination With Figment

After joining Figment on a Journey Into Imagination, test the boundaries of your senses in a virtual wonderland playground that could only come from the fanciful mind of a spunky, purple dragon. ImageWorks is a spectacle like no other - a sensory adventure that encourages wonder, curiosity, and creativity in the form of interactive play and creation.

Compose your own rhythms and tunes with the help of cutting-edge attractions such as Figment’s Melody Maker and Stepping Tones. Melody Maker allows guests to conduct an entire orchestra like a maestro. Conversely, Stepping Tones makes use of your fancy footwork to command a symphony.

When you’ve completed your masterful, musical compositions, move on to “composing” a Figment of your own imagination. Design a virtual dragon at these easy-to-use creation stations, through a variety of physical features and color options. Then, email your brilliant design to family and friends.

ImageWorks, and the adjoining gift shop, feature a host of photo-related souvenirs to capture your freshly inspired creative spark. Options include self-service photo booths, and digitally-enhanced green screen photos with your image superimposed on a variety of clever, Disney-themed scenes.

A rainbow of colors and a spectrum of sounds create a whimsical environment fostering creative thought and of course, the value of imagination. Unfortunately, ImageWorks lost a bit of its appeal after a refurbishment cut the ImageWorks area in half. An entire upstairs level of additional exploration has been shut down, which is perhaps one of the biggest renovation-related heartbreaks for longtime park visitors. While I’d be somewhat pacified with simply reopening the brilliant neon rainbow tunnel that once led into ImageWorks, it’s impossible to avoid a nostalgic sadness when considering all that was lost in the renovation. I value my park privileges too much to risk them, but a few guests have managed to make their way into the now-abandoned upper level of ImageWorks, where some of the displays remain eerily still and silent.

Though its true that many exit areas are just simple gift shops, they aren't all just blatant cash grabs! Some exit areas are attractions all by themselves. These 8 post-show areas offer guests a whole lot more than just souveniers, and many can be considered attractions all by themselves!