How do you explain EPCOT

[Forevryoung]

I am going with a first time family of 2 adults 2 kids (10 and 12). My friend thinks that they are just going to totally skip the world showcase because it is going to be terribly "boring". She doesn't think the kids will enjoy it at all. How do I explain it so I can actually put it into our "schedule"????

She has pretty much left this planning thing up to me (yay ocd!) but we will only have 4 days at the parks-
So far I am thinking 1 day at MK, 1 at MGM, 1/2 at AK, 1/2 at EPCOT and last day at MK and whatever else we felt we missed. I am actually staying two days longer than they are so I can do it on my own if need be.

TIA

 

[Moosysmom]

The world showcase's aren't just the countries. They have the Kidcot stations (not sure of the ages but the kids get to color masks), And Norway has Maelstrom (a boat ride with a big drop--I've never opened my eyes so I don't know how big the drop is). There's another boat ride in Mexico and in China they have these amazing acrobats. Italy has Imaginerium (I know I spelled that wrong), but it's a moving statue show that is so much fun. America has the American Adverture which isn't a bad show, Canada has a band called Off Kilter which is very good as is the British Invasion at England. That's all I can think off but I think they might enjoy it.
Lynn

 

[eeyore45]

Well, usually the Norway, and Mexico ride sell friends to give it a try (and the dad's are usually sold when you tell them you can get beer in Germany and Europe!!)

Then mention the Kid's station, and the trains at Germany, the hidden Mickey's... something for everyone!!

 

[Trinity721]

I would say talk about the Mexico and Norway rides and some of the entertainment. China has those acrobats, at least I think they still do?, Oh, also Japan has those drummers and the candy artist!, there's the living statues too, and don't forget the amazing Illuminations show.

DH and I LOVE Epcot WS, it's our fave. I think our DD will love it too, even though she's 2. To us it's just like traveling to places we could never dream of going right now w/o the money

 

[DisMN]

How to explain Epcot. Hm...that's a toughie.

How about this. Where else can you walk around the world in a single day?
Don't forget to get the kids their passports! The CM's will stamp them in each country and write a little bit in the passport.

I'd love to hear how it went afterwards (especially when you're going with naysayers LOL) so please post when you return!

 

[Lil_Tink]

Epcot- I went there when I was 12 and enjoyed some of the world showcase.. mainly Norway.. but the videos i would skip and go to

Test Track
ext.. a few countries are exellent.. I was bored to death when my mom took me to all the movies but the rides for them were great

 

[Forevryoung]

I am keeping my fingers crossed. We dont have much time so if they still arent too keen on going I will just have to kidnap their children to take them back to Disney That will be a good excuse! It has taken us five and a half years to take this trip (the other adults procrastinated despite their children's pleas). I have two extra days because I am flying instead of driving that they dont have so I definitely wont be missing EPCOT.
We will definitely go try out test track and see the "not boring part".

 

[Micca]

Epcot is part theme park, part world's fair. There are fun rides (some "extreme"), and part travelogue. It is a beautiful park, but there is plenty there for kids of that age. Besides, everyone likes to eat, and that is a major draw to WS. One of the upsides to Epcot is that if kids do get board, in most areas you can move along at your own speed.

 

[tazdeb]

Also the Shopping!!!!!!! There are authentic items in each country, authentic foods. Character greets galore. Mission to mars, test track, a cool place where you get free samples of coke products from around the world (some taste like terpintine) 3-d shows, a cool nighttime show. I think EPCOT is one of the most misunderstood, underappreciated parks.

 

[disney1990]

My daughter, now 20, grew to love Epcot more and more every year -- beginning with her first trip at age 5. It's now her favorite park.

I took my granddaughters (3 and 5) to Epcot 2 years ago. They especially loved the acrobatics in China and the living statues.

I will be taking them back for Thanksgiving -- so that they can experience the magic of Christmas at Disney.

 

[debbiedoo]

I enjoy the shows at each country by that country. Have seen some amazing things.

 

[patattack]

I would convince them to go for the nightly fireworks. Most nights they are at 9:00, although on rare occasions I have seen them at 9:30. Most spots around the lagoon provide good viewing. If you are sensitive to smoke and it is windy stay upwind of the fireworks. I would get there 3-4 hours early and walk arround the entire lagoon. Start in Canada, the adults can grab a beer to go at the Rose & Crown in England. As you go through the countries the kids will find attractions or performance they like. If you can try to catch the statue performance in France, there is a lot of interaction with the audience & it is hilarious.

My wife & I spent out honeymoon at Disney World in 1979 when there was only the Magic Kingdom and we have been going there at least once a year ever since. Our son & daughter are Disney kid's and as they have gotten older the World Showcase has become their favorite, they are now 21 & 25. Now that I think about I think Pleasure Island may be their new favorite. My daughter was engaged at the pavillion across for ESPN Club on the Boardwalk. A couple weeks ago I mentioned to the kids that their Mom & I are going for the Epcot Food & Wine festival in November. Guess who is tagging along. Daughter, son-in law and my son even recalls me telling him a few years ago that once he was 21, I wanted to buy him a beer at the Rose & Crown. They want this as their Christmas present this year.

Try to get them to Epcot & have a great time.

 

[Destination Disney]

As far as the kids are concerned, each country has a kids station to where you get a mask and decorate it. Each country you visit will stamp it with thier counrty symbol, place a charm on it and possibly add a little something extra such as thier name written in Japanese, etc. We start in Mexico decorate our masks, then ride the ride, pose for funny pictures wearing the sombraros, grab a margarita and move on. The fun part is locating the "kids stations" in the countries. The shows are good, Japan is the best with those drums, which I am sure you already know. I love the world show case, to me it is the best part of Epcot. Especially the little pastry shop in France!

 

[rigsby25]

Definitely go to Mexico. If you like Mexican food, San Angel is a great restaurant. If you like beer in Germany, how about Margaritas in Mexico. Dining with the volcano in the background? I really love that place. Plus its nice and cool on a hot sunny humid day. Maybe you can convince the adults to have lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants.

 

[rigsby25]

One more thing - how could I have forgetten this? When we went in February, my son and his aunt did the "leave a legacy" for 25.00. You get your picture taken, and it is etched on a metal plate and mounted on one of the rocks as you enter Epcot. We just got the "proof"s this week, and the location. Now whenever we go, we can see my son's smiling face as we go in! Something to show his grandchildren years from now.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Epcot has been my favorit epark since I began visiting WDW as a child (younger than the ones you are traveling with )

Are they boys or girls? Girls will LOVE shopping at the World Showcase...the dept. store in Japan is always a favorite, and picking a pearl. Also, the store in Mexico was always my brothers favorite.

As for shows, my neice is 12 and I have been traveling to WDW with her since she was 4. She has always loved the acrobats in China and the candy lady in Japan. Also, the comedy troupe in the UK and the chair guys in France.

I might consider skipping the movies in the countries with the kids. They can be a little boring.

Learn how to say hello and goodbye in each language.

In Japan there is an exhibit about wind up robots and toys that is kind of neat.

As for the rest of Epcot, I think most kids will love Test Track, Mission Space and the new Soarin' ride sounds like a hit too. I noticed from my neice and her friends that 12 year old (girls at least, not sure about boys) tend to have a fondness for dolphins and manatees. The Living Seas might be kind of fun.

I really hope you get them there. Epcot, IMO, is the best part of WDW!

 

[InTheCheapSeats]

WELLLLLL......I guess at that age your kids could be sold on Maelstrom and El rio del Tiempo. Also maybe stop in Japan and buy your kids some candy. It's funtional and fun. Good luck.

 

[sk!mom]

My kids love the World SHowcase. The fun shows, characters, interesting snacks to try, trying out Japanese toys, etc... You just always run into interesting sights.

 

[ErinInCT]

Go to http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm & click on EPCOT which will give the info on all the stuff to see in WS. It generally stays the same but is updated every Sat so you can check it right b4 you leave. The shows are awesome (I too agree, skip the videos) & the music is awesome too. The kids are the perfect age. It is fun to learn in advance how to say hello & thank you in each countries language. The passport is really fun too. The food is fun too, you can "snack" your way around the world.
FW has great stuff for kids which has mostly been listed already but I had to mention Ice Station Cool sponosored by Coke which has FREE samples of Coke products from around the world. Some are good, some are gross but be sure to make the kids try Beverly!!!
I think EPCOT is a must see. I have not been into Innoventions but I think they have stuff that "tweens" would love (technology, computer game stuff I think). Please don't skip EPCOT. You have to go into it in a positive way & not say it is an educational park (that is the quickest way to turn off kids). Talk about all the cool stuff. Make them go for Mission Space & Test Track & then you can bring them to all the other cool stuff! I promise they'll thank you for it!

 

[skiingwife]

Where do we get the kidcot passports? How much do they cost? What ages like doing them? Thanks