Epcot world showcase with kids

[Iott Family]

We are going in October, I know the food/wine thing should be going on but its our only time to go, our kids will be 11,9,3 and 18months(where does the time go?) at time of trip. Can you give me a good itinerary? We always seem to miss out on all the fun here. We tried to do kidcot last visit but with December crowds it wasnt possible.

Im still trying to work out an itinerary for Future World but with all the ride and pavilion options I know one of us can take older kids one way and babies another no problem! Id just really like to stick together in World Showcase.

Also, TourGuide Mike or Bob Sehlingers itineraries, which would gives us a smoother, relaxing trip?

Thanks!

 

[May Queen]

When I was younger, KidCot hadn't been invented yet. And, to me, KidCot just seems like a cheesy thing only kids of certain age can enjoy. That's just my opinion though. El Rio del Tiempo in Mexico is a very calming ride that is full of stuff that kids like...dolls, colors, etc! Maelstrom in Norway is another boat ride that may appeal to your older ones (has some sort of height stipulation). There are many 3d movies to watch in World Showcase and if you have any Beatles fans in your midst, I strongly recommend the Beatles invasion in United Kingdom (I am a huge Beatles fan and could have watched forever!)
You should probably get to Maelstrom quickly if you intend on riding it (El Rio really has no wait...EVER!) I would suggest doing World Showcase in the mid-afternoon into the night. And have a nice dinner at one of the restaurants!
Hope that i helped you!
~May Queen

 

[lake queen]

My kids really like the Chinese acrobats, and we always character hunt in the WS. They also like the 3D movies, its OK if they sit down, they still can see and it's a good rest time for them!! I agree that the Kidcot stops seem like a waste of time, so we stop at some, but not every country!

 

[ajcolorado]

Epcot is my favorite park and three of my four children really like Epcot too. The one who doesn't like Epcot still prefers it to staying home and doing chores.

I personally thought the Kidcot stations looked kind of dumb but my girls really had a great time - and they enjoyed interacting with the cast members from other countries. One highlight was having the cast member from Japan or China write their names w/ the characters from those countries, rather than our letters.

The boat ride at the Mexico pavilion is similar to “It’s A Small World”. The kids may or may not enjoy the American Adventure or the Circle Vision movies in China & Canada. If I was going to choose one, I’d go with the China movie. There is a little hedge maze in the UK pavilion that is too short for adults to find challenging but I saw a bunch of kids gleefully running through. I also saw kids intrigued by the model train at the Germany pavilion. My kids loved wandering through the Morocco pavilion. There are Koi fish in the pond in Japan. Norway has a Viking boat play area. There is some fantastic entertainment that kids will enjoy: The “Serveur Amusant” (France) is a comedic balancing act. Japan has three great things for kids – “Matsuriza” is a traditional drum act; “Miyuki” is a very neat candy artist, and there is a Japanese Storyteller “Honobono Minwa” on Wed, Thurs, & Fri. Sergio (Italy) is a juggler. “OrisiRisi”, he drum circle and African Storytellers (Mon- Fri) in the Outpost get good reviews. Kids always love the Dragon Legend Acrobats (China) because they are children too. Some kids will enjoy “Off Kilter” (Canada) – bagpipe rock and “MoRockin” (Morocco) – Middle Eastern pop sounding band. IllumiNations is the evening fireworks show and it is excellent.

Epcot takes a little advance planning so that you see the entertainment that you want to see - some starts earlier in the day, others a little later in the afternoon. You'll received a "Times Guide" when you get to the park but you can get an idea of the schedule by clicking on the "Epcot" tab at http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

 

[sticker231]

We just went in October and my kids(5/4/3) loved Epcot, we ended up in Epcot three times. They enjoyed strolling around Epcot and trying the different foods and seing the shows in each country. It all depends on your kids.

 

[disnut8]

I really don't think there's an "itinerary" for World Showcase. Just choose to go either clockwise or counterclockwise. Then enjoy each country as you get to it. Get a times guide for the shows and see as much entertainment as possible. I think the longest set is 30 minutes but with all of them, you can leave at any time. Most of the performance areas are open for people to stand and watch. Each pavilion has something. It's tricky to see everything but check out Steve's site for a description and figure your priorities. There are three films to see - France (the only one to sit down), Canada, and China. Everyone can enjoy these. The boat ride in Mexico is usually a walk on and everyone can ride that. The only thing you'll want to look at is Maelstrom in Norway. It's a bit scary at one part but the ride in only about 5 minutes.

You don't really have to do the Kidcot stations. Each Cast Member in the shops or kiosks is more than willing to talk.

You can also exit via the International Gateway (between France and the United Kingdom) and tour the Epcot resorts, especially the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk picks up around 7:00. I agree to tour World Showcase in the afternoon and not right when it opens at 11:00. It's really dead then and you don't get the spirit of the countries.

And since you will be there during the Food and Wine Festival, I'd advise not to do this on a Saturday afternoon or evening. It is mobbed with locals. Friday night might be dicey as well.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We took our 2 nieces with us this past October. DH and I love the F&W and the girls had a great time at Epcot. We took them on the Mexico and Norway rides, there were characters out and about in the countries so the little one was thrilled.

 

[tjmw2727]

We all love WS including my dd's, they have enjoyed WS since they were toddlers. ITA with the poster above who suggested starting at one end and Just working your way around. Take is slow and just enjoy whatever you come across in each country. If its a movie that looks good, take it in, otherwise move on. We personally love the live entertainament, favorites are the acrobats in China, Miyuki (the candy maker) in Japan and Mo-Roccin in Morocco as well as of course the Voices of Liberty in Ameican Adventure. We usually do a few evenings at WS and I think after the excitement of the other parks my kids liked the slower easier pace of WS.

Of course the Mexico and Norway boat rides are fun, there are no restrictions on the Malestrom in Norway btw. During the day and into early evening you may find characters in their respective countries. My dd's had Alice to themselves one evening inside the UK pavillion, she was sooo sweet and totally in character.

Food & Wine festival is a great time to go, we like to try the sample sizes of the foods and share. This way the kids can give something new a try they may otherwise not. There are also special concerts, who knew my kids would love the Commadors?

HTH
TJ