Epcot World Showcase

[autismgoesdisney]

We are going back to DW in January and last time we went, we didn't spend enough time throughout the World Showcase so this time we definitely want to spend more time doing that. Anything you can suggest to make sure we don't miss in the World Showcase? We enjoyed going on Maelstrom with our kids, and are wondering if there are any other types of rides through World Showcase like that? Also, any shows that you particularly enjoyed through WS? We will be with our 3 children ages 5, 3 and 1.

thanks!

 

[coruth4]

The big hit with my kids was the Candy lady. Through the boards here we got great tips on how to make sure we got a creation from her.

 

[Tinkerbella86]

I went with my little nieces and they loved the passports. I think you can buy them at one of the kiosks when you first walk into the WS, then there's a spot at each country where they can get them stamped. Very cute.

 

[thepwa]

Here are 10 things to do, not necessarily in this order:

1. Voices of Liberty at American Adventure.

2. Have a Grey Goose Slush in France

3. Try the School Bread in Norway

4. Watch the Off Kilter show outside the Canadian Pavillion

5. Watch the Dragon Legend Acrobats in China

6. Listen to the Mariachi Band in Mexico

7. Watch the Matsuriza drummers in Japan.

8. Watch the Serveur Amusant in France

9. Watch the World Showcase Players in Italy and UK

10. Listen to British Invasion -Beatles lookalike and cover band in UK.

Okay, one more..pick a pearl in Japan.

 

[CKBear]

It you are going with kids make sure and do the Kidcot stations, this is also where you can get the passport stamped if you buy one. My DNep loved doing both of these.

 

[shaun&miranda]

My two WS can't miss things are the Dragon Legend Acrobats in China, who do different shows at different times of day, plus listening to the Mariachi band inside the Mexico Temple.

I can't think of another "ride" like Maelstrom in WS, apart from a very sedate river cruise in Mexico, that's a bit like a Mexican "It's a small world" but without the catchy theme tune!

I think a lot of the fun of World Showcase is just gently drifting through the pavillions and soaking up the atmosphere - for example, there's not much to do inside the Morocco pavillion, but it's great to wander through and look at the cool stuff, then maybe catch one of the entertainments (belly dancers outside the Moroccan pavillion in this case).

The other shows listed in the previous poster's top ten are all excellent. Although I would add eating snacks around the WS as an activity too, with french crepes and patisserie heading my list

Have fun exploring!
Miranda

 

[thepwa]

I didn't put it on my original list because the OP was going to be with three small children, but let's not forget Drinking Around the World!

The great thing is, all of the other WS attractions can be enjoyed while indulging in such an activity!

Don't know if I would do so with the little ones, but to each his own!

 

[RMulieri]

The Taiko Drummers ( Matsuriza) in Japan and Miyuki the Candy Artist in Japan.

 

[Skoolie]

The ride in Mexico has changed a bit to be more kid friendly. Its nice and relaxing still for the most part and a good idea to get out of the heat.

The Maelstrom as noted is the only other real ride inside the world showcase.
The norway store has a huge statue of a troll in the middle of it, perfect for a picture with the kids.

In africa there is a little merch stand with drums which the kids seem to love.

As a kid and still now I loved to go through the shops. I love the japanese shop, just to browse through is awesome. They also have japanese snacks you can buy. Pocky, which is like a bread stick dipped in chocolate was my favorite. They also sell handmade fans that you can buy for about 5 dollars, ask the casheir to write your name on the fan in japanese. These are great on hot days and make a cute inexpensive souvineer.

Also in Japan is the candy artist

Germany has a store with kids toys in it, fun to browse around there as well.

in China ni the Temple of Heaven there is a folk music group that plays Shanghai music which is very neat to watch.

I think there is a bush maze in UK

There is various entertainment in each world. A juggler in Italy, the drummers in Japan and so on and so forth.

Do they still do the kid mask thing. Where you go to each country and you get to get something either a stamp, or something written in the langue. Is that part of the kidscot thing?

 

[Sagginit]

look out for characters- my favorite moments were the characters. i met alice and mary poppins in the uk and they are so fun to talk to. also there is a toy store down an ally, in there at the back they have it set up as mary poppins nursery and a scene from pooh with the characters. there was no line when i went and we got to meet pooh, tigger, and eyore all in one shot.

if you eat remy is at les chefs de france for lunch which would be really fun if youre kids like the movie.

 

[Redbudlover]

Don't miss the gardens in Canada - they are gorgeous. My little dgd loved the mazes in GB. The drummers in Japan are awesome as are the acrobats. I love shopping in Morocco. And in December I absolutely must follow the storytellers in the different worlds. I have the times and a plan all worked out to see as many of them in a row as possible!

 

[delaneyc52]

If they still have it, the Kim Possible (Save the World!) is really a lot of fun!! There are kiosks around the site where you can start. Here's a link explaining it... http://www.wdwinfo.com/Wdwinfo/guides/epcot/ep-worldshowcase.htm#kim

 

[cclovesdis]

I definitely second the Kim Possible Adventures. The pastry shop in France is nice too. I cannot eat chocolate, but if you can, I recommend something with chocolate. I was so much happier with my food there when I could eat it chocolate. The mousse is so good. You could easily split that and a lot of other desserts there.

 

[OffKilterMom]

We try to leave a day with no dining...and then share a little something between us from each counter service as we stroll around the world. But really...share...or you won't make it very far before you're stuffed.

And of course, from my DISname you can tell my families' favourite thing to enjoy at the world showcase...

 

[MickQuinn]

Another vote for the Kim Possible adventures. We had the UK and my DS (7) loved it!

We also liked Sergio the comedian/juggler in Italy. He was great with the kids. For a quiet break, the paths in Japan near the Koi ponds are nice as well as the waterfall in Canada.

We shared snacks in several countries and made a lunch out of all the desserts one day!

Have a great trip.

 

[cropper]

We have an ADR in Norway for 10:30 breakfast then plan to tour WS.
I know you can spend any amount of time there...but how long would you allow?

 

[marshmellow86]

For kids that age, I would recommend in no particular order -

candy lady in Japan - amazing!!!!

acrobats in China

Kim Possible adventure (hint they vary in each country, so if they like it, they can do it multiple times and do different missions)

boat ride in mexico (donald duck is in it)

characters throughout the countries (Donald is usually in sombro in Mexico, Mulan in China, Jasmine, Genie, Aladdin in Morroco, snow white and dopey in Germany, Sleeping Beauty, Marie (aristocats), Belle and Beast in France, Mary Poppins and Pooh characters in UK, Brother Bear in Canada)

Make the mask at each kidcot stop

We go multiple times during our trip and can spend the entire day there! Do as much or little time as your kids allow.

Also, don't miss the two different Innovention centers in the front of the park. They have fun stuff for the kids. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure and Where's the Fire are my kid's favorites. They also have a What's your Problem slapstick show and you can make a velco frog afterwards.

 

[Amber Leigh]

Miyuki that candy artist in Japan is great. REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE ON CANDY ARTIST! If you attempt to get one, know that she only does ONE PER family now, so everyone will share the same one. Ask for something the kids will all like and be happy with. I once saw a brother and sister have a total breakdown cus he picked something she didn't want. It was not pretty >.<

Lots of character in their somewhat natural settings. Snow White by her wishing well in Germany, Aladdin and/or Jasmine in the marketplace of Morocco, Donald done up in a sombrero in Mexico, Mulan in China, Alice in UK (Mary Poppins rumored to be gone fly kites most of the time nowadays last I spoke with my friends), Pooh and Tigger in the Tin Solder Toy Shop in the UK (best place to get these two! Not advertised on the times guide and hidden away where not many know about), Belle in France (you might be able to get Beast, but he's not out all the time), Aurora in France, and Marie in France. I believe that's all there is in showcase right now beside the princesses in Norway dining. Kenai and Koda are no longer in the parks at all. I miss those bears :-( As you can tell by my icon to the left.

The Epcot Kidcot is great. You're kids get a little mask that they have to travel to each country to get decorated.

They might be a little young still for the Kim Possible missions but just in case, you get a little communicator like from the Kim Possible TV show and go on scavenger hunt style missions in all the different countries, learning about the country on the way, solving puzzles. Might still be to young to that now, but mom and dad might enjoy it.

 

[Must C Mickey]

My Top 5:

1. Voices of Liberty at American Adventure.

2. Have a Grey Goose Slush in France

3. Ride Maelstrom in Norway

4. Try a pastry from France

5. Ride the Three Caballeros in Mexico

 

[J Le]

If it hasn't been posted yet visit http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ for and click on Epcot for showtimes.

Don't miss the train in Germany too!