How many hours in Epcot do I need to do...

[triplefigs]

the BIG attractions for preschoolers? Thinking
1. Turtle Talk with Crush
2. Rio de Tiempo
3. Journey Into Imagination
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Kidcot stations throughout WS
6. Soarin'
7. Maybe the ride at Norway
8. The boat ride at The Land

Am I missing anything else they'd like? How long will I need the 1st week in December? Also will be trying to get a PS for the PSB.

Thank you!

 

[whacked]

Interesting question.

We expected not to really like Epcot that much based on what some of our friends said. We loved Epcot.

We spent a couple of pretty full days in Epcot (broken up over about 3 days), just wandering and looking. There is enough stuff to keep the kids interetsted too. You spend a lot of time just looking and deciding what you want to eat and drink.

We also take the time to talk with CM's in the various lands. They have some great stories, and we have been to many of the countries. The cast member are rightly proud of their countries of origin.

We didn't even use the kid stations on the last trip, because our DS was only about 2 and didn't care. We figure at least two days for MK, two for Epcot, and one each in MGM and AK. that will leave us two days to hit our favorite rides/shows again.

We tend to visit the early entry park in the morning, and then park hop to one or two additional locations in the afternoon/evening.

We're looking forward to the Segway tour in Epcot on our next visit.

We rush around like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland in the mornings hitting the rides before others are up, and then take it easy with parades, shows, and wandering in the afternoon/evenings.

 

[RyMickey]

If you're going in December, your kid(s) will love going around to the World Showcase countries and hearing from the different Santas from around the world.

To do the rides that you mentioned, I wouldn't think there would be any need for more than 4 hours (Soarin' probably won't allow a preschooler due to height restrictions). However, our family (all teens and adults) loved walking around World Showcase during the holidays because of the Santas.

 

[triplefigs]

If you're going in December, your kid(s) will love going around to the World Showcase countries and hearing from the different Santas from around the world.

To do the rides that you mentioned, I wouldn't think there would be any need for more than 4 hours (Soarin' probably won't allow a preschooler due to height restrictions). However, our family (all teens and adults) loved walking around World Showcase during the holidays because of the Santas.

I forgot about the Santas. They'll LOVE that. They are huge Christmas fans, just like me!

What's the height requirement for Soarin? They are all around 41-42" tall and weigh about 35 pounds each.

Thanks!

 

[RyMickey]

What's the height requirement for Soarin? They are all around 41-42" tall and weigh about 35 pounds each.

Thanks!

According to Disneyland's website, Soarin over California's height requirement is 40''. I'm sure it'll be the same at Epcot.

I would suggest getting a Fastpass for this right away upon entering the park. Then, you might be able to do Journey into Imagination, Turtle Talk, and Living with the Land before you even go on Soarin'. Remember that you can always save Spaceship Earth until the middle of the day or early evening. It's ALWAYS less crowded after the morning.

 

[kidzmom3]

It takes a long time to walk around the show case and do all the kidcot stations but it is so worth it. My kids love it!! They do the kid cot stations, at Norway they climb on the Viking Ship, We do malestorm there also, the el rio del tiempo (plus looking around the inside market, trying on hats etc...), we love the living statues. They have seen many many surprise characters, Genie at Morocco all alone and Mulan at china all alone. Stop at the stalls and check out the wares from different countries my kids love it. I would say time wise, stopping for a meal 4-5 hours.

 

[ccgegg]

If you're going in December, your kid(s) will love going around to the World Showcase countries and hearing from the different Santas from around the world.

We're planning our first early December trip. Can you explain a little more about the Santas in WS? I know this is a slow time of year, but are there still long lines to see them? Does every country have one?

 

[whacked]

My DS went on Soarin' in DCA when he was 4.

He thought it was the best thing he'd ever seen, and after our first ride, that and Tomorrowland Speedway were the only things he wanted to do.

I don't mind going on Soarin' a bunch of times, but I began to loathe the Tomorowland cars. I hate the exhaust smell there.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We did the Santa's last year in Epcot and they were really great. It is called "Holidays around the World and it is actually how each country celebrates the season, there was a Nutcracker in Germany, a Christmas Witch (friendly) in Italy and the Monkey King in Japan along with all the Santa's from the other countries. They each only do about a 15 minute talk about the holidays in their country and then they do a photo and autograph session if you want. We were there the week after Thanksgiving last year and it was very quiet during the week. The only problem you might encounter is that each session is on a time schedule (you can get a schedule when you enter the park). Since there are so many, you really have to check the schedule and get from one to the other if you want to catch them all. They do quite a few performances each day so if you miss one there should be another one starting in less than on hour. We did not have any kids with us so we did not stop by the kids station. In America, they also have a Hanukkah storyteller and a Kwanzaa storyteller inside. We did both of these too. The other thing in Epcot for the holidays is the Candlelight Procession. This is in the American Garden Theater and it is performed three times each night. It is the story of Christmas along with a very large choir - it is really beautiful. The line for this gets very long. You can book a dinner package for this that gives you perferred seating (we did this). They also do a treelighting ceremony each night with a performance of all the Disney characters putting on a show and singing - it is about 30 minutes. Christmas is the best time to spend in WDW so if you celebrate the holidays I would not try to rush through Epcot.
Linda

 

[dreamingdisney]

My DD is 4 years old and she's been on Soarin' at DCA several times - it's one of her favorite attractions!