1st Timer Tips

[jksky4]

We leave 2/28 for our 1st trip. DH 36, DD 7, DS 5 and DD 2 and myself. We are staying at OKW and plan on spending one day at the pool if weather permits. The kids don't know we are going so I am trying to make it really special for them. Is there anything that we MUST do? We are going to Chef Mickeys for breakfast and am doing a Fantasmic dinner package but wonder if there is anything else that I shouldn't miss. We will do one day at AK, one day at MGM and probably 2 days at MK. I am unsure about Epcot just because of their ages. We have a 6 day park hopper n/exp passes so I wouldn't mind saving a couple days so my dh will just have to take us back next year. Thanks.

 

[1of6]

I wouldn't skip Epcot altogether. My kids had a blast! DS9 favorite ride was Mission Space. DD7 & DS4 loved, and I mean LOVED, soarin. (So did DS9) Spaceship Earth was great for the 3 youngest- no thrill seekers there. Turtle talk with Crush, Imagination and even Energy went over very well with them all. (We had to cover DD2 ears in energy but then it was ok.)

 

[Smoondancer]

EPCOT can be kid friendly. My 3 year old DS loved Ellen's Energy Adventure (it's about Dinasaurs) and Space Ship Earth. We had to ride them both twice. Also, he had a good time at the world's, especially Germany with the miniature train garden. Plus, we went to a Mickey Character meal at the Garden Grill in the Land Pavillion. My 17 month old DD had a good time with the bird's at the Cantina De San Angel in Mexico. It was great!

 

[indigoxtreme]

Your oldest will love the Kidcot stations at Epcot.
From the Dis Website
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/ep-futureworld.htm


FUN FOR KIDS AT EPCOT

There's a misconception about Epcot. Some think it's only for adults, but kids love it too. In Future World, there are fun filled hands on activities that will appeal to the junior set at Innoventions, Spaceship Earth, Imagination, the Living Seas, Wonders of Life, and Mission Space. Not only will they be entertained, they'll be learning something as well!

There are two play fountains. One is near Test Track, the other is by the center walkway that connects the two sections of Epcot. The kids delight in "testing the water" not knowing if it's going to be a trickle or a deluge. It's a great way for them to cool off, but be sure that they're dressed appropriately or have a change of clothes as they can get saturated.

At the World Showcase, each country hosts a "Kidcot" station. If you've purchased a World Passport, you can get it stamped and get a hand written note in a foreign language. (An autograph book is fine to use as well.) Kids also can make their very own masks to keep as a unique souvenir of their trip "around the world." You'll find that the Cast Members are especially attentive to children and enjoy these opportunities to teach them about their country.

And finally, no Disney park is complete without an appearance by Mickey Mouse. He and his friends arrive via a double decker bus for a lively session of photos, autographs and hugs.

 

[staci]

Our two year old found epcot to be extremely boring, but if he were just a year or so older he may have been happier. I agree your older children will find some things to appreciate there.

Get to MK early and get through fantasyland. Then your little ones can ride on everything without a big line.

Chef mickeys was great (we did dinner). it was the highlight of our trip.

 

[mary's mom]

Try to ride up infront of the monorail with the driver going to MK. Everyone gets an "official monorial driver" pass to keep. The view from upfront is really unique. On mainstreet there is a barber shop that will put "pixie dust" in everyone's hair for free. I did this the last time I was at MK and I am 42 years old. Who cares what you look like, chances are that you will not see any of the people again outside of wdw If you can swing the $ the family magic tour is very good. It only takes two hours out of your day. It is very interactive and at the end of it you get a surprise that no one else in the park gets Hope this helps.. Have a great time. Wish I was there....

 

[stahshee]

My kids hated Epcot! It was boring for them. I know they can go into the kid cot stations but they can color at home!

 

[Ghost]

My kids hated Epcot! It was boring for them. I know they can go into the kid cot stations but they can color at home!

Every kid is different of course. My son was 3 when he went the first time and 6 the second time. EPCOT Kidcot Stations was loved by him. Collecting the mask and a little cut out at every land... I would try it, they don't like it... just hop to another park. (go to the monorail and ask to sit with the driver, and even hopping with children will be fun)

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

I would strongly consider going to Epcot, for at least part of a day. My kids love it, Future World more than World Showcase, but there's enough there for them to do that it's the boys' favorite park, and has been for several years. Spaceship Earth, Soarin', Test Track, Universe of Energy, Journey into Imagination, these are all must-dos for my kids, and my kids haven't seen it yet, but I've heard Turtle Talk with Crush is fantastic for kids. The character meal at Garden Grill is really good, great character interaction every time we've been there. My dd really enjoys Epcot too, Test Track is her favorite ride out of all Disney rides, but overall her favorite park is still MK. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a great trip!

 

[KristiKelly]

I would not skip it either. Epcot is not our kids favorite park but some of their favorite rides are at Epc. DD loves Soarin & Test Track and DS loves Mission Space. There is lots to do there. We usually spend an entire day there. A must for our kids is the Kidcot stations, Mexico & Norway rides, If the Coca Cola tasting exhibit is open they like that, there really is a lot of things for kids to do in Epc.

 

[jksky4]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I think we will plan on going. Can't wait. Only 4 more days.