Living with the Land at EPCOT: Disney’s Greenhouse Ride You Can’t Miss
Looking for a Disney attraction that’s relaxing, educational, and completely unique? Living with the Land at EPCOT is one of those quiet gems that surprises guests every time. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a future farmer, or just need a break from thrill rides, this serene boat ride through Disney’s working greenhouse is a must-do.
Let’s explore what makes this ride a fan-favorite hidden treasure—and why it should absolutely be on your EPCOT itinerary.
Where to Find Living with the Land
You’ll find Living with the Land in World Nature, inside The Land Pavilion—the same building that houses Soarin’ Around the World and Sunshine Seasons restaurant.
Here’s how to get there:
- As you enter EPCOT, head toward World Nature, located to the right of Spaceship Earth
- Pass The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and The Land Pavilion will be just beyond it
- Once inside, take the escalator or stairs down to the first floor—the attraction entrance is located directly across from Soarin’
What to Expect on the Ride
This slow-moving indoor boat ride takes you on a 15-minute journey through:
- Four different ecosystems, including a tropical rainforest, desert, and prairie
- Disney’s futuristic greenhouses, where you’ll see real produce, fruit, and fish being raised
- Innovative growing techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical gardening
You’ll even get a look at Disney’s fish farm, where tilapia and other aquatic life help fertilize the plants in a fully sustainable cycle.
🎯 Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys among the plants and produce—it’s part science, part scavenger hunt!
Sustainability in Action
One of the most fascinating parts of Living with the Land is learning how Disney is pioneering eco-friendly farming techniques. You’ll see:
- Vegetables grown upside down, helping to reduce pests and improve water flow
- Closed-loop systems where fish waste is filtered and used to fertilize plants
- Edible crops like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and bananas—all grown onsite and served in EPCOT restaurants
🌍 Disney doesn’t just talk about sustainability—they live it.
Eat What You See: Farm-to-Table Disney Style
Once you finish your tour, keep the experience going with a fresh-from-the-greenhouse meal:
- Sunshine Seasons – A quick-service food court with healthy, flavorful options grown right there in the pavilion
- Garden Grill Restaurant – A family-style character dining experience that rotates slowly as you dine and overlooks scenes from the ride
Many of the fruits and vegetables served in these restaurants are harvested directly from the Living with the Land greenhouse. That’s as fresh as it gets!
🌟 Bonus: Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tour
Want to dig deeper? Check out the Behind the Seeds Tour, a paid add-on experience that gives guests a guided walking tour of the greenhouses. It’s an amazing opportunity to:
- Ask questions
- See experiments up close
- Interact with horticulture experts
- Learn how you can apply Disney’s techniques at home
Perfect for plant lovers, science fans, and curious minds of all ages.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Treasure with Heart
Living with the Land is more than just a ride—it’s an inspiring look at the future of food, farming, and environmental stewardship. It offers a peaceful break from the hustle of the parks while teaching valuable lessons about sustainability, conservation, and innovation.
This is the kind of Disney magic that doesn’t scream for attention—but quietly changes the way you see the world.
Have you discovered Living with the Land?
Tell us what you loved about it—or what you learned! And don’t forget to look for the hidden Mickeys during your next ride.
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This ride sounds like such a hidden gem! I love how chill it sounds compared to the usual thrill rides, and the behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s farming techniques sounds super cool.
Do they change up the plants or displays depending on the season? And is it true you can eat some of the produce at the restaurants in the park? Anyone done the Behind the Seeds tour? Worth it?
Absolutely love your comment—this really is one of those hidden gems that sneaks up on you in the best way! The relaxing ride vibe paired with real-world innovation is such a cool combo, and it’s awesome to see others appreciate it too.
Yes, they absolutely do change up the plants and displays seasonally—there are always little surprises depending on when you visit! And yep, the produce grown in the greenhouse is served at both Sunshine Seasons and Garden Grill (how cool is it to literally eat what you just saw growing?!).
I’ve done the Behind the Seeds tour and it was so worth it! You get up close with the plants, learn some seriously mind-blowing facts, and even get to interact with some of the growing techniques. Highly recommend for anyone who loves Disney details or has even a tiny interest in sustainability!
As a mom, I have to say this ride sounds like such a hidden gem! It’s so nice to hear about something relaxing, especially when you’re used to all the intense thrill rides. The idea of getting a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s farming techniques is so unique—what a cool experience for families.
I’m curious, do they change up the plants and displays depending on the season? And I love that the produce grown there actually makes its way to the park’s restaurants—what a fun way to eat something that was just growing right there! Has anyone done the Behind the Seeds tour? I’d love to know if it’s worth the time!
Living with the Land really is a hidden gem for families! It’s such a refreshing break from the high-energy attractions, and it offers something so different: a chance to slow down, learn, and just soak it all in. I think that’s part of what makes it such a special experience, especially for parents traveling with kids who might need a calm moment between the excitement.
To answer your question—yes! Disney does refresh the plants and displays seasonally, and they even theme some of the greenhouse sections for holidays. During the fall, you might spot pumpkins or gourds; around the holidays, you’ll often see festive touches and wintery crops. It’s one of those rides that can feel slightly different every time you visit, which is part of the magic.
And you’re spot on about the food! It’s so fun (and kind of mind-blowing) to know you’re eating produce grown right there in the greenhouses when you dine at places like Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill. That farm-to-table element just makes it feel extra special and meaningful.
As for the Behind the Seeds Tour—yes, it’s absolutely worth it! If you or your kids are curious about gardening, science, or sustainability, you’ll love getting to see everything up close. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and you get to walk through the greenhouses, interact with the plants, and even learn some tips to take home. It’s one of those lesser-known extras that really deepens the Disney experience without a huge time or cost investment.
Thanks again for such a thoughtful comment—and here’s to discovering more peaceful, magical moments like this one at EPCOT!
Living with the Land is hands down one of the most underrated attractions at EPCOT—and this post captures exactly why it’s so special. I remember the first time I rode it, expecting just a quiet break from the crowds, but I walked away genuinely inspired by Disney’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The greenhouse section is absolutely fascinating. Seeing real produce growing in such creative ways—and knowing it’s used in the nearby restaurants—makes the whole experience feel meaningful and connected. It’s the perfect reminder that entertainment and education can go hand in hand.
Also, thanks for the tip about the Behind the Seeds Tour! I’ve never tried it, but now it’s definitely on my list for our next trip.
—Jason
You nailed it—Living with the Land really is that perfect blend of peaceful and powerful. It’s amazing how something that starts as a quiet escape from the crowds can turn into one of the most meaningful experiences of the whole trip. I love that it left such an impression on you too!
The greenhouse section blows me away every time. There’s something so magical (and futuristic!) about seeing food grown right before your eyes—and then realizing it might end up on your plate at Garden Grill or Sunshine Seasons just minutes later. It’s Disney storytelling at its best: immersive, intentional, and inspiring.
I highly recommend the Behind the Seeds Tour—it takes everything you love about the ride and brings it to life in such a fun, hands-on way. Definitely worth adding to your next trip!
Thanks again for sharing your experience—and I totally agree, this ride is criminally underrated.
It is interesting to hear of the many fun activities that Disney has to offer, from the many rides, meeting your favorite cartoon characters and so much more. With all of this that goes on it is easy to create lasting memories that can last a lifetime. Disney is not only for kids but adults as well. It is great to see how Disney caters to the young, middle age and the old, this seem to be a good vacation spot where you can relax and just have fun.
You summed it up perfectly—Disney really is for everyone! I love that you pointed out how it caters to all ages, because Living with the Land is such a great example of that. Kids get excited spotting hidden Mickeys and unusual plants, adults appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at innovative farming, and grandparents often enjoy the peaceful ride through the greenhouses.
It’s the kind of attraction where you can slow down, relax, and still feel that Disney magic—without a single roller coaster in sight. Plus, knowing that some of the fresh food you see is served right there in EPCOT makes it even more special.
Whether you’re there for thrills, characters, or just a serene boat ride surrounded by greenery, Disney really does have a way of creating those lasting “all-ages” memories you mentioned.