Epcot for little ones?

[Sleeping~Beauty]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on Epcot for little ones. My children will be 2 and a half, and 14 months when we go to WDW in October. Also in our party are five adults, and children ages 5 and 7, and another 14 month old.

We already have plans to go to Magic Kingdom a few days, including the Halloween Party, and we are going to MGM. I have been debating on Epcot because I wasn't sure on how it would be for the babies.

Any thoughts on this is appreciated.

 

[DisneyMom5]

My kids LOVED both the Land and the Living Seas (probably will still be closed though when you are there.)
They were a little scared of the Journey into Imagination ride and the 3-D Honey I shrunk the aud.
They just soaked up the atmosphere in the world showcase and kept an eye out for characters. Sometimes it is about looking at things vs. riding things, but my kids like both.
We had older and younger young kids at the time (9, 7, 4, 2, and 10 mo.) so we went everywhere.
Be sure you make it to AK, lots for little ones to do there with all the animal attractions, shows, etc.
We have always just taken everyone everywhere, and they have a great time.

 

[HappyMommy2]

We went to Epcot and had a great time when our kids were 17 months and 3 years.
The kids loved playing in the fountains, strolling around World Showcase, Journey Into Imagination (there is a loud bang at the end but it's right at the very end and then you get off so they weren't too traumatized), the interactive area following Imagination, and the play area inside Mission: Space. Spaceship Earth was a little loud for them but they liked it and we rode twice. They enjoyed some of the special programs in World Showcase--the drummers (outside Japan?), the Beatles impersonators, etc. And they LOVED Illuminations (I did cover little DS's ears since it was loud).

We were surprised by how much fun the little ones had at Epcot and we ended up going back for another day. DH and I didn't want to miss the "big" rides so we babyswapped and that worked out well.

Unfortunately two of the kids' favorite things at Epcot--Ice Station Cool and the Living Seas--will be closed in October, when we are going back too, but there are still plenty of sights for the little ones to see.

Have fun!

 

[iheartdisney]

My sister, cousin and I went last March with our kids8,6,5,3,2,and 2 15 month olds. Epcot was wonderful for them, much more than MGM, even with it pouring down rain all day. Some things that were great for us:

• Mission: Space- the post-ride area is awesome with a tunnel and tube type play area. The kids didn't even realize that their mommy had slipped away, or that we were there for over an hour with two sets of riders.
  The kid-cot stations. They loved these, little craft stops all over the place where you can color and other things. I was highly impressed.
  Living Seas was a hit with us, especially with all of the Nemo theming.
  Don't skip Innoventions, they had a lot of neat little things to play with and see.
  Imagination Labs was also alot of fun, lots of things to play with and on, and alot of musical things.

One thing I would consider, though is going to Magic Kingdom AFTER Epcot. The 8 year old was not very impressed with Epcot the day after Space Mountain!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No reason you can't enjoy it---on any vacation we go on...it isn't ALL about the kids, even at Disney.

All suggestions are great here.

Ours are 5 and almost-3 and they've been hitting EPCOT for a while. They love the NEMO exhibit at Living Seas and DD5 is now tall enough for everything but Mission Space.

 

[rt2dz]

We've taken the kids to Epcot the last two trips, 3 and 7 months then 4 and 15 months. They tolerate it; there are things for them to do there that they enjoy, but it is their least favorite park. DS4 loved Soarin', both enjoy the Living Seas, Kidcot stations are a hit, Journey into The Imagination is ok, and Test Track is a must (that is Epcot isn't it?).

One of the things we find that works really well for us, is to do Epcot towards the end of the week when the kids are ready to just ride in the stroller all day and rest, taking in only things with their eyes rather than being active participants.

As another poster said, I highly recommend if at all possible to get over to AK. THAT is my kids favorite park, beats out MK for them. Lots to look at and do. Need same type of mind set as Epcot--not out searching for what you can do but enjoying the sights. We do AK as our first park; kids won't let us do it any other way.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Theres quite a bit for little ones there. I think they even have splash area that kids seemed to play in while I was there in the past.

 

[Bellefan66]

Have to be honest, mine who were 15,11 & 5 at the time, didn't like it. They were bored. DH and I LOVED it. We will be back next April and already planned NOT to take them. They'll be 20,17 &10 so they can go hang out in anther park and let us ENJOY it!

 

[annie1995]

We bought our kids passport before hitting the world showcase. The kids can get it stamped and signed by people representing the different countrys. when you get home, there are stickers to place and a nice button as a little extra reminder. That made it a little more interesting for them. They did however love Future world.

 

[nuzmom]

When we took my first son with us to Epcot, at age 3 1/2, we did the countries while he napped in the stroller. When we went last year with second son, at age 3 1/2, he didn't nap. He like the drum show at Japan, the acrobats in China, the "soldiers" in America, and the living statues were "ok" with him. The water play areas and Mission Space play area were also a hit. Also, it's fun for everyone to check out a "show" or band while you're strolling around. We also enjoy checking out the flowers throughout the park and watching the water fountain by innovations "dance" to the music. (You could assign each young child a different colored flower to "search" for to help keep their interest.)

Oh, if they're into characters, there's lots to find in Epcot.

 

[annie1995]

Do they always have the drum shows in Japan, the acrobats in China, the soldiers in America, and the living statues? We obviously missed that last year, never saw anything like that. I wonder if they will have that in Mid September?

Riverside/POP June 2004
POP September 16-25 2005

31 Days!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Do they always have the drum shows in Japan, the acrobats in China, the soldiers in America, and the living statues? We obviously missed that last year, never saw anything like that. I wonder if they will have that in Mid September?

Riverside/POP June 2004
POP September 16-25 2005

31 Days!!!

For the most part yes.

There is an entertainment guide you can get when you are in the park that lists showtimes. It is possible to hit the showcase "just right" and not see one single bit of entertainment. We have had that happen. But most, if not all the countries have entertainment daily or 5 days per week at least. The 2 off days are staggered, so that is why some countries may not have any entertainment at all on a given day.

The ampitheater doesn't always have a show--but when it does, it is usually pretty cool.

ETA: the show times are staggered---so not all the countries are performing silmultaneously.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

Thank you all for your input. It gives me a much better idea of what the park holds for the little ones. I really appreciate it. And I'll also look into Animal Kingdom.