How crazy are we to attempt Epcot in 1 day with child?

[Caitsmama]

Let me first explain a bit, this is our 3rd yr in a row going with my dd - she is now almost 6. But, there is such a difference this yr in her vs last.. She has been learning about the countries and such from shows on Disney Channel She picks up quite well on all this, and seems to want to know more this year..
The last two years we have gone, we never really devoted a FULL day to Epcot.. We sort of breezed thru it, going on the must do things like the Spaceship Earth (my LEAST fav!!) and Test Track.. We very quickly walked thru the countries with her.
Now with the opening of Turtle Talk, and the new Nemo ride.. i am sure we will want to spend much more time exploring Epcot with her. As well as the countries, since she is grasping alot more now.. And i think she would love to do those kid activities in each country as well..which we have never done.

We are staying at the YC - and i am now seriously contemplating on buying another day pass so we can go to Epcot the first day we arrive as well, maybe just doing the countries (or just even SOME of them!) to give us somewhat of a head start..
But, the more money consious side of me (ok - cheaper!) hates to spend upwards of $60 or so to only go in the park for about 4 hrs..
However, I think it would also be money well spent if it meant that we weren't pulling our hair out trying to see it all in 1 day. And then having to get up early the next day (thanksgiving day) to hit a.m. EMH at MK!

Advice pleeeeease!

 

[Big Daddy Incredible]

Cost issues aside, my family recently spent two full days at Epcot on our recent trip and it is the one park where we feel we shorted ourselves. You already listed a number of great things that smaller children can do (we have a DD6, DD5 and DS3). But there are plenty of other things.

Does your daughter like to bake? The Land has a cookie baking activity that our kids love to participate in. Approximately the first 12 smaller kids are selected to participate in the program, so show up 15 to 20 minutes early. I believe it runs hourly starting at 11:30AM or 12:30PM. The kids get to keep the hats. I included a picture below.

I see that you did not like Innoventions in Future World. Our kids love this place! There are so many hands on activities for them. It is also a great place for adults to stay out of the hot weather.

Have you seen the acrobats in China? You daughter will absolutely love this show. I recommend getting a guide at the beginning of the day to see when the shows are. They usually do approximately four different 20-minute shows. I also recommend arriving approximately 15 minutes before the show and sitting down at the rope that surround the perimeter of the act. The area to view the act will fill up fast. You and your daughter will get a very up close view of a phenomenal act.

In two different trips, our kids have liked to chill out toward the end of the day by watching the British Invasion play at the United Kingdom pavillion. In case you don't know, they play a very wide variety of Beatles songs. They sound just like the Beatles. If you and your daughter have any rock n' roll in you, don't miss these guys.

The guide will also tell you where the characters are at. We met the classic Disney characters at the Character Connection in Future World. They are pretty much there all day during daylight hours. Two weeks ago, there were Aladdin characters in Morocco, Beauty and the Beast at France and Tigger and Pooh at the United Kingdom.

The kidcot stations are great if your child has never done it before. It is also good rest for the parents. Some of the these stops also allow you the opportunity to browse at merchandise in their shops while you are keeping an eye on your child.

Don't forget Illuminations. I'm sure there is much much more. Have fun planning!

 

[Caitsmama]

No, i just didn't like the Spaceship earth, we never actually did innovations.. which is what i was looking forward to doing this yr..lol.

 

[MEK]

What type of ticket do you have? Do you have a ticket where you could just add another day at nominal cost? (eg. upgrade a 5 day ticket to a 6 day ticket).

I find that even though I've been to Disney 4 times (with a 5th trip next month), I never seem to spend enough time in the countries, so I know how you feel. I've only been there in the summer and by the time the world showcase opens it's almost time for lunch. Then is becomes too darn hot to walk around, so we speed through everything. This trip I am spending an entire afternoon in the world showcase (11 - 4pm), taking my time, seeing all the attractions, and soaking in the decorations. Can't wait.

Hope you have a great time. No matter what you decide, you are staying at YC and are within walking distance to everything. I envy you!

 

[Caitsmama]

Actually, We currently have 3 day PH's from past yr's trips.. So, I only have to buy (technically) a 1 day to get thru my trip this yr.. But, if i want to buy 2 days, this is where it gets more expensive.. Then it almost makes sense to just by tix from UT for 3 days get 3 days free, and save my passes for next nov..
But, i really liked the idea that i didn't HAVE to spend a bunch on tix this yr.. So, this is my deliemma! LOL