Epcot advice - going with 9 & 10 year olds

[gtpoohbear]

I think it depends on what you have in mind for "touring the countries". I know my kids would be bored to tears with the way my parents always toured- which was spending hours on end in the shops.

But we always focus on "doing" stuff in the countries- seeing the movies, entertainers, riding the rides, and most importantly trying out new foods.

The key is not to spend too long in any place, when they start acting bored, move on to the next country and find something else to do.

The p&f missions are fun, though I personally wouldn't have had the patience to do more than one.

 

[Ninnygunk]

They were definitely psyched about the Agent P stuff. And I really wanna hit Club Cool. I still can't believe those drinks taste so different!

 

[Ninnygunk]

So - what are your favorite things to see in Epcot. I loved Pick-A-Pearl! My son chose the biggest pearl of the day for me! We also saw the big fireworks show at end of the night - so cool!

 

[epcotty]

Ah, this is a question I definitely can help with:

I think that's a good age to go there. DS and DD like Epcot a lot. We all like lots of attractions: Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Innoventions, The Seas (and don't forget the aquariums), Soarin', Living With The Land, The Circle Of Life, Journey Into Imagination. In World Showcase we like Gran Fiesta Tour (boat ride in Mexico), the films (China, American Adventure (although we sometimes skip it depending on how we feel), France, Canada). In World Showcase I recommend just looking around at all the details of everything. In Japan they have a nice large exhibit of lots of different Japanese stuff, for example. Around Christmas you can look for decorations in each country. There's a boat you can take around World Showcase too, we like that. And of course ILLUMINATIONS REFLECTIONS OF EARTH (to be read with loud booming voice as they do on the announcement).

Back when I was 10 I went to Epcot (still "the old" Epcot Center then) for the first time and was fascinated by it all

 

[Mainemama]

Epcot is both my 7 year old thrill seeker and 10 year old more into stopping to smell the roses kid's favorite park. Although their favorite rides are not in Epcot, they both enjoy it so much that we have been adding more time there each trip. Favorites: test track, spaceship earth, sum of all thrills, living with the land, Agent P mission (just discovered this... Totally entertained my thrill seeker in The countries). Pick a pearl and the Japan Pavillion, Tokyo Dining for dinner and kakigori for dessert. My 10 year old loves to walk around the world showcase looking for souvenirs. She also is easily entertained by coloring Duffy in the countries. Their are many, often affordable, cool trinkets from different countries. We have purchased fans, little change purchases, hand carved wooded animals, and little stuffies from the different countries (on different trips) for $5 or less! She would spend all night choosing 1 little thing. She is willing to walk through park for a baguette, too! I. Fact we went to Epcot one night on our trip and did nothing else, just got a baguette! It was worth it! Both kids love the night atmosphere there, too, although we do not watch Illuminations usually. Skipping out over the illuminated sidewalk is the most magical day's end for us.

 

[lindsmom]

My daughter goes to each country (except England and Canada) and asks the CM to write a note (including her name) in their native language - her favorites are Morocco and Japan!

 

[Ninnygunk]

These suggestions are awesome!! I'm really getting excited now. And I especially love the idea of having a cast member write something in their native language. I went to the World's Fair as a child and had my name written in Chinese. I held on to that for years. Thank you all so much for the tips!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We went last year during food and wine and I was worried about this exact thing. I made savager books for both girls. (6 & 4 at the time) They loved it. They couldn't wait to find all of the landmarks and items from the gift shops. It was a bit of work before we left but it gave them things to do and look for while we tried all the different food.

 

[msmama]

My son (7) has also alwaysed loved world showcase.

Some things not mentioned. WE do explore the shops a lot (we stay clear of breakable stuff). There are places he gets his picture taken every year (liike the troll in Norway)

A couple times he's tried on a hat in every country (with pictures). We've also learned how to say Hello in every country.

Your kids may be a little bit old for coloring it the kidcot stations (it's been a cardboard duffy bear on a stick but i don't know if that will change now that duffy is gone) but I think tha'ts a great souvenir. The CM's from each country stamp the back and then write something or draw a flag or something.

 

[vanyel]

As an adult, I couldn't wait to be out of the Canada movie...I was shocked you have to stand during the entire thing -- my legs were about to snap off (we had done Future World earlier in the day) and I skipped every other World Showcase country "attraction" because I was afraid it would be another movie where I had to stand. Next week I want to give World Showcase another shot when I'm less tired...please tell me Canada is the only attraction where I have to stand. It was fun and funny, but LONG when you're exhausted.

I have to skip the China movie - besides standing up, it's in circle vision and I got motion sickness. Love the movie in France though - you get to sit down and it's very relaxing and beautiful.

 

[momimouse27]

My kids are 22, 18, and 12. Every one of them will tell you that even though MK has the best rides, Epcot is their favorite park. For my oldest two(girls) it has been their favorite since they were very young. They loved doing the Kidcot stops when very young, as they got older they liked going the Epcot Passport kit and meeting the cast members and now they enjoy shopping in each of the countries and sampling the different foods at F&W and F&G. I love it there too. But, I will say I really miss what Innoventions used to be. My kids loved the Piggy Bank adventure and the Fire game thingy(can't remember the name).

 

[g-dad66]

Surprised that no one has yet mentioned Sum of All Thrills. It has been my grandson's favorite attraction in all of WDW since age 9. You design your own bobsled, roller coaster, or jet plane ride, and then you "ride" it (simulator).

We also enjoy the 3-D hurricane (Storm Struck) which is in the same Innoventions building as Sum of All Thrills.

 

[havoc315]

We really want to check out Epcot next year but we're worried about the kids getting bored. The rides will keep them happy as will Crush/The Seas. It's touring all of the countries that we're looking forward to but I'm not sure that's enough to keep them interested. Do your kids enjoy Epcot & if so, what are their faves? What should we be looking out for in which countries? Thanks in advance!

Sign them up for Agent P's adventure--- makes them enjoy running around the International Showcase.

You will also find family/kids activities at just about every nation. Mix in some character meet and greets that take place in the Showcase.

 

[vinotinto]

The performers are good too. Our favorites are the acrobats in France (Serveur Amusant - a balancing act), the drummers in Japan (very different, lots of gravitas and drama), and the acrobats in China. I like the mariachis in Mexico a lot, but my DS gets bored. We like the oompah band in Biergarten, but you have to eat there to watch it. agent P is fun. We did all the countries back when it was Kim Possible, and have not yet finished the Agent P ones. I think the movies are a nice break, but my kids find those a little slow for them.

P.s. Sum of all thrills is great. Get there early for it.

 

[Ninnygunk]

Do the performs have several shows each day? We'll wanna see them all if possible. And the Agent P stuff sounds great. Also - anyone know the best place to watch the fireworks show (Reflections?)? I've heard we should head to Norway for a good spot.