Epcot with young kids

[mandy92]

My twins were 3 the first time we went to Epcot, and they loved it then. They are 6 now, and it's still one of our favorites, especially at night. Like the above poster, we usually hop there a couple of nights during our trip. Things they enjoy: The miniature trains in Germany, running around the maze in the UK, The Seas pavilion, Test Track, the ride in Mexico, the jumping fountains in the Imagination Pavilion, the dancing fountains, the light-up side walks in Future World, and dancing to the various performers. They used to love Off Kilter (sigh). They love the drummers in Japan. Club Cool is a favorite. There are so many meet & greets there, too. And the food. They love the caramel shop in Germany. We've wandered through Innoventions a couple of times. The fire safety and money saving areas were fun for the kids, very interactive. And it is so much more fun during Flower & Garden. There are a couple of playgrounds set up, the topiaries, and a butterfly tent. It's my favorite time to visit. We haven't done the Agent Perry thing yet, but I think we will on our next trip.

 

[mandy92]

Oh, and we always stop in the store at the Japan pavilion. They have a lot of fun things for kids, and we always enjoy watching the ladies at the pick a pearl area. So much fun! I usually let the kids pick up a little bowl in the back of the store. They are fun little souvenirs for about $3 or $4 and they can remember the trip whenever we have snacks at home.

 

[cjparker0110]

You might consider looking at the Birnbaum Disney book. They go into a lot of detail about ALL of the attractions in the parks, including WS. I think there is even a Birnbaum book for kids. Those might help you make your best decision for your children.

 

[tink9702]

I'd check out the drummers in Japan and the acrobats in China. Small little things that they might like are the phone booth in the UK, ice cream in France, shaved ice in Japan. We also liked meeting characters. The 2 year old might like meeting Pooh/Tigger in the UK. Most of the other meet&greets are princesses. In Future world DD liked meeting Mickey & Minnie at the Epcot Character Spot. Turtle Talk, the Seas, Nemo ride, Living with the Land were all good too.

 

[GillianP1301]

My DS loves Epcot and has since we first went when he was 4 (he's now 7), but really it's the FW portion he likes. He can spend a couple of hours just in the seas section and he loves most of the attractions in FW as well. We do Mission Space and Spaceship Earth multiple times a trip. As for WS, he's not super keen on it. We do usually do a walkthrough and pop into a few of the pavilions each time. He's fine with that and although it's not a favourite thing for him to do at Disney, he doesn't dislike it either.

I wouldn't skip Epcot with small kids, there is a ton to do, so much so that if they don't like one section all that much, there is tons more to move on to. We usually do 3 1/2 days at Epcot when we go. 2 of those are FW and the other one is WS.

 

[philschrek]

Our kids have all LOVED Epcot, particularly World Showcase at young ages. 2010 we had a 5 year old and 1 year old, 2012 it was 7, 3, 1 year olds, and last year we had 9, 5, 3, 1 year old. They really enjoy the Kidcot stations and buying the passport book you can get stamped around the world. They also enjoyed the Agent P adventure. Even the baby liked the entertainment in the pavilions and our kids all love the different, unique snacks and food you can find in the World Showcase.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

The kidcot stations are all the same. They offer you a Perry or Duffy on a stick to color. That is pretty much it. Some CM's interact with the kids, but most of them just sort of sit there handing out the cutouts to color. While each country has a station, there is no reason to do them all. The American Adventure is a neat show, but it depends on how long they can stay put, it is a longer show.

The Agent P thing is fun but unless they are older, an adult needs to be with them and help them along. The UK, Mexico, and Japan missions are in that order the most fun. Just my opinion tho.

I have to agree with what many said, there isn't enough for kids to do in WS.

 

[lauraleh]

We enjoyed Epcot but for our family at this stage it is definitely a one park day park. (A full day though!) I have a 4 year old girl and a 1 year old boy. We had a great morning in FW but in WS we pretty much hopped from country to country meeting princesses. Which was great for us because we got a small taste of the country. We are also not shoppers and browsing with a 1 year old in a stroller is anything but relaxing. Suddenly they develop 8 arms like an octopus and can reach extraordinary distances. Lol.

I do think as our family grows up we will add in things like Agent P and maybe do pressed pennies in each country. Epcot was my favorite park until I had young kids and I think we will get back there eventually.

 

[MainMom]

The kidcot stations are all the same. They offer you a Perry or Duffy on a stick to color. That is pretty much it. Some CM's interact with the kids, but most of them just sort of sit there handing out the cutouts to color. While each country has a station, there is no reason to do them all. The American Adventure is a neat show, but it depends on how long they can stay put, it is a longer show.

The Agent P thing is fun but unless they are older, an adult needs to be with them and help them along. The UK, Mexico, and Japan missions are in that order the most fun. Just my opinion tho.

I have to agree with what many said, there isn't enough for kids to do in WS.

My kids 'collect' the stamps from each country on their Duffy stick. If you collect all of the stamps be sure to tell the CM at the last station because the kid(s) get a certificate.

They also ask each CM to sign their autograph book. Most also wrote a message in their language along with their name. My kids enjoy these autographs as much as any characters.

 

[sweetnjmom]

We skipped the World Showcase during our last trip, beyond the Canada pavilion because we had dinner at Le Cellier, when my son was 4. He wasn't interested in that and he really only like the Seas pavilion and the Disney Visa character meet. But now, 18 months later, he is really into geography--from "international month" at his aftercare--and I think he'll enjoy checking out the countries. We will try the Agent P activities and we're hoping to meet a few characters.

I haven't been on the Mexico ride in years... so we'll definitely hit that. I just don't know which way to go first... left or right.

 

[Tippytoes1111]

When my daughter was 2, she loved WS and all the people from different countries interacting with her. When she was 7, not so much. But we'll make her do it again anyway this upcoming Dec!

 

[itchin2go]

My kids 'collect' the stamps from each country on their Duffy stick. If you collect all of the stamps be sure to tell the CM at the last station because the kid(s) get a certificate.

They also ask each CM to sign their autograph book. Most also wrote a message in their language along with their name. My kids enjoy these autographs as much as any characters.

I was going to point this out. There actually IS a reason to do all the Kidcot stations. When my daughter did it, she got a poster after she visited all the stations. I think that particular CM went above and beyond because I believe she gave my daughter a pin as well.

 

[Twojays017]

Epcot has always been my kids' favorite and still is now at 17 and 20. They have been going to Disney since they were babies. It's different - shops have different stuff, the food is different than the other parks. They enjoyed Agent P and kidcot and trying new foods. Oh and there are still some good entertainers - Sergio in Italy, British Revolution and Voices of Liberty are must sees every time I'm there.
They always complain about the heat in DHS - definitely the least fave.
Like someone else said - to each his own! That's the best part about having 4 parks to choose from!

 

[cjparker0110]

Suddenly they develop 8 arms like an octopus and can reach extraordinary distances.

So it's not just my children? Whew!