Epcot vs AK with kids aged 7, 5, and 3

[Hikergirl]

No question for me, I would do AK over Epcot with my kids.

 

[TwoMisfits]

AK...a million times AK...EPCOT is a shell of its former self...AK has the new rides and experiences and just more for your family to enjoy...
I mean, you have little kids - the walks those kids have to make on a concrete jungle to get anywhere in EPCOT will just be so draining, whereas in AK, you have things to see almost with every step...

 

[KrazeeK120]

With young kids, I'd pick AK.

 

[Juliet0778]

For my kid, AK all the way. He was pretty bored at Epcot.

 

[ariane37]

I also have a hard time telling you one over the other, but want to speak up for Epcot with young kids When my boys were toddlers they LOVED Epcot, even more than they do now at 11 and 15. Granted some of the things they loved are gone but there is still so much there for kids to enjoy-some of it you just need to look for! In Future World you have Test Track and Soarin (depending on age and height), Spaceship Earth, Journey into Imagination, The Seas pavilion that has the Nemo ride, Turtle Talk with Crush which is so fun not to mention walking around the aquarium, Mission: Space for those a bit older, Living with the Land, a quick stop in Club Cool, and in the Innovations building Glidden right now has an exhibit called Colortopia and while not the most exciting thing in the world, my 11 year old spent about 30 minutes playing around there last Nov. Character meets in FW include Baymax, Joy and Sadness and Mickey, Minnie and Goofy in the Character Spot.

Then in WS you have Frozen Ever After and the Anna/Elsa meet, the boat ride in Mexico, other M&G's like Belle in her blue dress, Mulan, Aladdin & Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora in case you missed them anywhere (but unless you do Akershus you won't meet Belle in another park). Plus there are all the cool entertainers in the different countries my kids loved watching like the acrobats in China, Sergio in Italy and Serveur Amusante in France and the drummers in Japan; you can buy your kids a passport book and they can go around to a CM in each country and get it signed, not to mention the free KidCot stops in each country where they can color a character on a stick for a little break. Gives adults a chance to browse some shops I know I just listed pretty much everything in the entire park, but I get sad when people think there isn't anything for kids in Epcot. It will be busy on a weekend during F&W and during EMH I don't believe Future World is open so you should check and see what you could do during those later hours. I agree with a pp who suggested making a list of the attractions in each park that your kids would like and either having them choose, or you choose based on the lists. Whatever you decide have a great trip!

 

[DISfam2401]

Gotta agree with the majority - AK for sure. Epcot is great for adults, but when I'm there, I want to wander around the countries and the kids get bored. Especially if it's F&W, it will be very crowded and the kids won't want to stand in long lines. Animal Kingdom has a great atmosphere and lots of stuff for the kids to see and do. Also, just keep in mind that the 7pm closing might change - keep checking, but they often tend to push closing times later as it gets closer, especially now with Pandora

 

[DH-2-mamaduck]

Also, just keep in mind that the 7pm closing might change - keep checking, but they often tend to push closing times later as it gets closer, especially now with Pandora

Very good point. Had this happen last year for our June trip. We scheduled, made ADRS...then a few weeks before the trip, park hours changed.

Key to AK is get there and in line before it opens (well, that applies to all parks, but AK has the shortest hours of all the parks). With Pandora now open, I assume everyone will flock there right away?

I'd still choose AK over Epcot any day.

 

[Jackie35]

I also have a hard time telling you one over the other, but want to speak up for Epcot with young kids When my boys were toddlers they LOVED Epcot, even more than they do now at 11 and 15. Granted some of the things they loved are gone but there is still so much there for kids to enjoy-some of it you just need to look for! In Future World you have Test Track and Soarin (depending on age and height), Spaceship Earth, Journey into Imagination, The Seas pavilion that has the Nemo ride, Turtle Talk with Crush which is so fun not to mention walking around the aquarium, Mission: Space for those a bit older, Living with the Land, a quick stop in Club Cool, and in the Innovations building Glidden right now has an exhibit called Colortopia and while not the most exciting thing in the world, my 11 year old spent about 30 minutes playing around there last Nov. Character meets in FW include Baymax, Joy and Sadness and Mickey, Minnie and Goofy in the Character Spot.

Then in WS you have Frozen Ever After and the Anna/Elsa meet, the boat ride in Mexico, other M&G's like Belle in her blue dress, Mulan, Aladdin & Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora in case you missed them anywhere (but unless you do Akershus you won't meet Belle in another park). Plus there are all the cool entertainers in the different countries my kids loved watching like the acrobats in China, Sergio in Italy and Serveur Amusante in France and the drummers in Japan; you can buy your kids a passport book and they can go around to a CM in each country and get it signed, not to mention the free KidCot stops in each country where they can color a character on a stick for a little break. Gives adults a chance to browse some shops I know I just listed pretty much everything in the entire park, but I get sad when people think there isn't anything for kids in Epcot. It will be busy on a weekend during F&W and during EMH I don't believe Future World is open so you should check and see what you could do during those later hours. I agree with a pp who suggested making a list of the attractions in each park that your kids would like and either having them choose, or you choose based on the lists. Whatever you decide have a great trip!

What a great post! Thank you!

 

[Jackie35]

Gotta agree with the majority - AK for sure. Epcot is great for adults, but when I'm there, I want to wander around the countries and the kids get bored. Especially if it's F&W, it will be very crowded and the kids won't want to stand in long lines. Animal Kingdom has a great atmosphere and lots of stuff for the kids to see and do. Also, just keep in mind that the 7pm closing might change - keep checking, but they often tend to push closing times later as it gets closer, especially now with Pandora

Good to know about the possible later closing! That's promising!

 

[Sundowner2]

I also would say AK. While there aren't princesses, your 3 year old will be able to meet several at MK, and AK is just absolutely enjoyable for all ages. The kids can also meet other characters, like Doc McStuffins, Minnie, etc... and there will be rides that your 3 year old can go on and enjoy but it's also nice and shady, and lots of places to toddle around in and not get stepped on.

 

[ariane37]

Good to know about the possible later closing! That's promising!

Yes, I can't see them keeping a 7pm closing now between RoL, Pandora, and the Tree of Life Awakenings so I would put $$ on a later closing. However it might not be announced until 4-6 weeks ahead of time so keep that in mind, too