Epcot and Disney Studios with a 3 1/2 year old?

[sherry7]

We are headed to Disney World at the beginning of February, and this will be our first time with a small child. We haven't been to WDW for several years, so my memory is kind of foggy on the attractions, shows, etc. My DD is 3 1/2 years old. She is tall though, at 41", so she meets the height requirements for almost all of the rides. She's ridden a lot of rides at our local amusement park, so she's pretty adventerous.

I'm debating on going to Epcot or not. What is there that will interest her? What things should we definitely skip? Is there anything in the World Showcase that is a definite must do, or just skip the entire part? Ditto on Disney Studios - what are our must do's/avoids for that park? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Canooknic]

My boys were 4 when we went last year and they loved Epcot. They had so much fun in WS, trying different foods and looking at the buildings. I assumed we'd literally just walk around it and be done within an hour or so but we ended up spending the entire day there!
DS1's favourite ride of the entire trip was Soarin' and they both want to go on the Three Caballeros 'if' we ever go back (which is in 16 days, they just don't know yet!!)

I think you should at least try it.

DHS was my favourite day of our trip. We got into the Disney Junior preview show and TSMM was hilarious. The Beauty and the Beast show is lovely, and they both enjoyed the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

 

[letsgoreds]

We went with DS3.5 in December and loved all of the parks. Here is what we did at EP and HS, but honestly, all of the parks have something for young kiddos...and also what about you...you deciede what you want to do, and they will happily tag along.

EP
Test Track (several times, his favorite ride)
Soarin'
Mission Space (didn't ride, but enjoyed the 'after' area with a climbing area for younger kids + game)
Spaceship Earth (+ game area afterwards)
Land (who doesn't like a boatride)
Turtle Talk (didn't have time for)
Spitting Fountains by Journey to Imagination
Nemo (didn't have time for)
Innoventions (killing time while DS8 rode Sum of All Thrills)
Some time doing Perry Adventures in World area, but kinda slow for me
Character Spot (kicking and screaming ; ) )

HS
Jedi Training Academy (yes, I know you are supposed to be 4...he rocked it)
Toy Story Mania
Star Wars simulator (his second favorite ride)
Muppets (also loved this, even though he didn't know who muppets were)
Buzz Woody M&G (fun to interact with...tell woody he has a snake in his boot, etc.)
Stunt Show
Indiana Jones (ran out of time)
Backlot Tour
Little Mermaid

My DS3 is pretty adventurous (season passes to local coaster park). My DS8, not so much when it comes to big box rides. This trip was the first time he rode Dinosaur! and Tower of Terror, DS3.5 loved Dinosaur (AK) as well. No way DS8 would have liked it at that age. Don't be afraid to do certain rides with a more adventurous kiddo. We were there a year ago with my 4yo nephew and skipped Dinosaur and Test Track, and those were some of DS3.5 favorite rides. I just tried to absorb some of the movement on Test Track, for him.

Malestrom is fun in the World Showcase ,but mostly we skipped it this trip (ran out of time).

Have a great time!

 

[maplevale]

If you have never been - I say you should try each park!

However - our last trip ODD was 4 (YDD was 9 months) and we did HS - however we found there was lots of shows (the timing made it hard to do much) and character's with lines! It was also the only day we got to a park late (11) and we just felt like we didn't do much.

The parade was the BEST though!

Epcot - ODD loved. Loved the Sea's and all the gardens/playsets and music options in the World Showcase.

 

[Gillyrose779]

Went in Sept with my 2 and 4 yo boys and they loved Epcot and HS. Many of the rides in the showcase are mild but they loved all the sights and sounds. Figment is hit or miss for kids but I bet yours will love test track.

For us HS is a must just for the simple fact that is the only place that has Disney JR. characters. If yours is into Disney Jr. you must go to the show and consider having breakfast or lunch at Hollywood Vine & Dine- you get to meet Jake, Sophia, Doc, and Oso I think. Plus, the one ride my 4 year old keeps asking about is the "shooter game" which is the Toy Story ride in HS.