Epcot---is it a MUST DO with a 5 year old and 2 year old

[broncobill]

The first time we went to Disney, my daughter was 4, and we went for half a day, but she enjoyed it very much.
The second time she was 8 and we spent a couple of days there.
There are some very fun and interesting things to do there.
With park hopper tickets, it's almost a "must do". If nothing else, so you don't regret not going.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I would skip it with kids that age, if you aren't into it. If you think your time would be better spent at the MK or another park, go with that!

 

[tsme]

Nope, they'll probably be bored. I love Epcot though, but it doesn't have a lot for that age group.

 

[newdeal]

We have a 2 and 5 year old (both girls). Epcot is ok but not their favourite. They like the memo ride, and spaceship earth. Although they aren't in love with them. They like the games after spaceship earth also. Ellen energy adventure is ok for them. The oldest one loves Soarin, the little one is too short for it yet. They don't love journey into imagination, but they do like the activities to do after the ride. Other than those things there is nothing else to do.

 

[TSR6]

They like the memo ride, and spaceship earth. Although they aren't in love with them. They like the games after spaceship earth also.

...be sure to stop and show them the Manatees!

 

[MischaOz]

Hm, this is a tough one. At 2yrs 8mos my daughter loved Epcot. We did one day on that trip and are upping it to two days this year. For us, Epcot is more of a "quiet" day and we spend more time just exploring rather than doing rides all day, and it is a nice break after a late night at MK. That being said, kids pick up a lot from their parents, so if you don't like it, they might not like it either... Also, I know people like to plan their park days ahead of time for FP purposes, but it is not the end of the world to make up your mind when you get there! On our last trip we switched one of our park days to MK at the last minute bc we decided we hadn't gotten enough MK time in, and I was able to switch all our FPs the night before and even got 7DMT.

 

[tlmadden73]

I took my son to WDW at 2 and didn't hit Epcot. We are going again in August (and going with his cousins) and Epcot is being skipped again.
I don't plan on going to Epcot with him until he is at least in elementary school and is starting to learn things in school that may show up at the park.

I just don't see anything there for pre-schoolers until the Frozen ride shows up.

Frankly there isn't much there that interests me besides maybe hopping over there and having some dinner . .that park needs some fresh things.

 

[kaybird]

People tend to overthink parks. At that age, the kids are just excited to be with family on vacation. They will take their ques from you. My grandsons very favorite ride is Living with the Land, could ride it morning til night. Spend lots of time in the Seas, Nemo, Turtle talk with Crush, the Big aquarium. Journey into imagination, the jumping waters, Spaceship earth, Gran fiesta, We never have enough time!

 

[holden]

Our kids have always loved Epcot. When they were little they loved just running around - exploring both Innoventions buildings, splashing in the fountains, watching the sea life, and running around World Showcase.

During a week visit, we hit Epcot for 2.5 days. MK is also a favorite - another 2.5 days there. DHS and AK are the least favorite (though the DDs love RNR and EE!). We do maybe .5 to 1 whole day at each of those.

 

[itchin2go]

My then 5 year old (now 13 year old) loved Epcot. It was and remains her favorite park. YMMV, but there's plenty to do there for us. It's a can't-miss for us every trip.

 

[biondagirl]

My kids have been going to WDW since they were both 13 months old. We have never skipped EPCOT. They love it. We get them a Passport in the World Showcase and it keeps them interested. Also, coloring the Duffy bears gives them something to do while we shop. Of course, now that they are nearly 9 and 12, it's a lot easier.

 

[busymommy2pink]

I don't how people say there isn't anything for little kids here. My girls love this park MORE than MK and have since they were 3 lol. We dedicate at least 2 full days and still end up here many evenings.

Their highlights are:

Nemo and Seas
The Aquarium. They love going to the top level and watching for the sea turtles (their favorite), We've even had divers blow kisses to them while watching.
Soarin'..get rider swap with the 2 year old.
Living with the Earth (i think that's what it's called). My kids always get a kick out of how they grow things differently. Many see this as boring or a time waste, we find it interesting, and if nothing else, it's a nice cold sit down ride for 10 minutes.
Test Track (again, do rider swap)...2 year old can splash around across the path!
Meet the FAB 5 at the Character meeting place
LOVE the store Mousegears, we find they always have the best selection of souveniers!
Water fountain to play in on the bridge to World Showcase
World Showcase is a whole new ball game. We get the passports (not the Duffy faces). They also love seeing the different items from the different countries. We always buy a small candy or chips or drink and share it as a family to all get a chance to experience something. They love the performers in the different countries, essepcailly the Japanese candy making lady and the Chinese acrobatics. Oh the mime in italy was hysterical too. We eat sushi and such at home, so we always pick a few new pairs of chopsticks each. We are reminded almost weekly of our fun trip memories! France has THE best ice cream, no seriously, and it's about half way around, so always a stop for a break for us.
We did the Phineas and Ferb mission, and while its really neat, the adults in our party (me especially..I have ADD) lost interest very quickly.
We do Ellen's energy adventure most times. We find it funny. The little ones would usually nap on this ride lol
Mission Space is fun. I don't love it, so hubby takes turns with each daughter. This ride has a really fun play area for little kids to play at while they wait for older siblings to ride.

edit: TOTALLY forgot to add. There's nothing cooler than meeting Alladin and Jasmine in Morocco. Belle is also in France, last year we saw her with the beast as well.. Mulan is in China (only place to see her). Snow White in Germany by the well. Alice in the UK!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Even if you don't do much at Epcot you can wander over to the Boardwalk and she the sights and entertainment there.

Seas is worth it for kids. I'd say Maelstrom too but alas....

 

[newdeal]

...be sure to stop and show them the Manatees!

yeah they like the manatees and fish but its not really enough to hold their interest for a long period of time

 

[Paigesmom2013]

We have girls that age and I'm looking forward to Epcot for our first time there. I think there will be less pressure for me to find princesses and characters and all that. I hope to fastpass the Character Spot for the 2 year old and ride Soarin' with my older one. Well have lower expectations than MK. But I'm still planning to spend the whole day there.

 

[lynch34]

I took my son when he was 4. We were bored after 2-3 hours.

 

[ErinCat]

On another note, we planned a Disney trip during the school year and negotiated that my daughter's reading and writing homework could be completed through writing an Epcot World Showcase journal.

 

[mummabear]

No, we are going for 10 days and I am still considering skipping it.
There are some things you can do/enjoy but I would rather be at MK

 

[MomofKatie]

My then 5 year old (now 13 year old) loved Epcot. It was and remains her favorite park. YMMV, but there's plenty to do there for us. It's a can't-miss for us every trip.

Same for my 16 year old DD- she could spend part of each WDW day at EP. She loved it from the first time she visited at age 3.

 

[DisneyOma]

Depends on the family? If your family is into rides, rides, and more rides, then EPCOT is probably not the best place. If you are more into exploring, shopping, eating, playing in water fountains, interacting with CMs, and meeting characters, then there are a few afternoons' worth of entertainment for you.