Our first time at WDW and we are doing Epcot....

[disneyaddictwannabe]

I have a 8, 5 ,2 1/2, and 1yr old. We will be doing Epcot first on a Tuesday. We will have 2 hours in future world, before our p.s at san angel inn for lunch at 12:00pm. Then I remember reading something about some crafts that can be done in some of the lands maybe someone could tell me about that and what time those are at. I thought we could hang out in the world showcase until maybe 3:00 doing some of the attractions then go back over to future world for an hour and half till 4:30. I want to be able to take the kids back to the hotel after that for a little lay down. We have a p.s at Garden grill for 7:00pm and then I thought we would just walk around and find a good spot for Illuminations. (any advice on where to sit for that would be appreciated too.) I know that Epcot is a huge park from what I have read and that it needs lots of time but could we still enjoy a good chunk of it with that limited time span? My children are young so we would be centering the attractions around stuff they would enjoy.(tips on that?) I wouldn't go back to the hotel if it weren't for the fact we have p.s. for CRT at 8:15am next morning then full day of MK. With the late night at epcot I'm afraid they will be miserable next day if I don't. Sorry about all the questions

 

[jann1033]

i am guessing you plan on getting there about 10..is there a reason why you are getting there so late? I know we get the most done when we are up at the front of the rope at opening (do not know when you are going but Jan hrs just posted for 9)so we can walk on alot of the bigger attractions..especially if you are going to take the late afternoon and early evening off, I would try to get there early so you aren't trying to tour when the most people are there .plus with your little ones you need to allow time to get back and forth so basically you have tops an hr and1/2 before lunch as it would take you close to 20 mins from the gate (I would guess) to just get to Mexico with young children, provided you do not spend more than 1 hr for lunch, 3 1/2 hrs there and maybe 1/2 hr( if you eat really fast, get seated right away ,so on) at the most after dinner by the time you eat and get to WS and find a spot for illuminations( 9:00 in Jan)

 

[tjkraz]

I'm no Epcot touring expert, so I'll only share a couple of vauge thoughts on your touring plan. It sounds like a LOT of walking to me. I personally think you would be better served to spend the morning and early afternoon in FW, and then move back to WS in the evening.

But I am a bit more qualified to answer your question about your childrens' schedules while at WDW. Our son was 18 mos at our first visit and 22 mos at our second visit. Both times we made a point to return to our hotel room for his normal nap time (12pm to 3pm) almost every day. Once or twice he fell asleep in the stroller, so we just stayed at the parks. But we found that stroller naps weren't nearly as restful as back in the room.

You know your family better than anyone, so you'll have to decide how their down-time fits into your vacation schedule. But please remember that your little ones won't know that "we're on vacation" when nap time arrives. If they are on relatively fixed schedules, I would personally recommend that you try to stick to those schedules. If their nap times tend to vary from day-to-day, then you may have some flexibility.

Just realize that a crabby 2 1/2 year old does not make for an enjoyable vacation.

Oh, and with regard to things for the kids to do in Epcot, check out the passports that they sell in the gift shops. The passports can get stamped "land" in the World Showcase. The CMs are usually very good with the kids. It gives them some exposure to people from different countries on a level appropriate for their age.

 

[jerseydizdreamer]

Hi there! OK, right off the bat, I have no kids. I have, however, made sort of an informal study (as in I go and observe on a regular basis) the "kid-friendly" nature of many things, as I'm helping my best friend to play a trip with his family (including two young daughters) for next year. So here are my thoughts on what I've perceived to be pretty kid-friendly stuff to do in Epcot:

In the Future World section, I can't wait to take my two godkids into Spaceship Earth. It's always been a favorite attraction of mine, and I think they'll just look around with such a sense of wonder at everything the cars glide past!

Also, there's Honey, I Shrunk The Audience (although this may be too intense for some kids... everyone has to sort of judge that one for themselves!). Oh, and Journey Through The Imagination. Kids seem to really love Figment, the little purple dinosaur! (Then again, hey, who doesn't?)

As for the World Showcase, that's a whole lotta walking with kids. And I'd have to say that it might bore the pants off of many kids (although the stations where they do crafts, which are situated in most of the lands and you'll find them indicated on the maps you can pick up at the park entrance) are sure to be a hit with the tykes. Attraction wise, the boat ride in Norway is fun for older kids, but some might be spooked by the trolls (and by the brief thunder storm).

It might be fun to just sort of wander through Epcot and let the children lead the way. They'll know what they want to see, and they'll make sure you're aware of it too, no doubt!

But I agree with everyone who says not to let them wear themselves out. I've seen so many bickering, arguing, worn-out family units trudging back to their resorts, all of them having either skipped nap-time or misjudged how long the kids would be able to hold out before naptime.

In any case, remember this: You might make the most detailed of plans, thinking, "We'll start with this, then move to than, and finish up with the other" only to find that when the kids find and begin playing in/around the fountain which shoots up out of the sidewalk near the international gateway leading from Future World to the World Showcase, that's all they want to do. Smart folks let their kids play, meet the other kids, and generally enjoy themselves. Try dragging them away from that - or any other thing they're enjoying - and you'll have a pouty child on your hands... and nobody wants that! It's rather like Christmas morning... you spend $100 bucks on the toy, but they want to play with the empty box. Hey, whatever makes them happy, right? I've known families who say the thing their kids remember most about Disney world is something as simple as the parrot in the lobby of the Polynesian.

Richard

 

[Grumpy92]

Keep in mind WS does not open until 11am. Each of the countries has Kidcot stations where the children craft a mask and add to it at each station. They can also collect stamps in a passport that is available at EC or at any Disney resort.

I have to agree on the afternoon break. Even we do mornings at the park and then return to the resort for lunch or afterwards. We take naps or go for a swim and have some downtime then return to the parks in the evening. Also find it is a way to escape the heat and cranky children that are prevelant in the afternoon.

 

[snoopy5386]

if i were you I would switch your ps's. spend the morning in futureworld, eat at the land in future world. Leave after lunch, get your nap in, come back around 4 or so, spend some time in the world showcase before and after dinner and eat in mexico then.

 

[Baloo]

You might like to pick up an Epcot WS Passport for your kids.They are available everywhere in Epcot and also at DTD MktPl.The CM in each country will write a note to the child and put a special stamp in it for them.There are stickers of pictures and flags of each country with the passport that your kid's can put in themselves.Be sure to visit the Kidcot Stations.That's where
the CM will usually be signing the passports this is where the craft for your kids to do is located.Your children will get a mask to decorate.As you make your way around WS they add something to their mask from each country.It makes a nice free souvenir to take home!

Personally I think you're trying to pack a whole lotta stuff into that time frame with the ages of your kids...y'all might just start feeling rushed and not have a good time.

jerseydizdreamer for not having any kids is a wise man! So much of what he said is true...I've tried the "let's see everything" trips and they are our families least fond memories!

Here's some of the things I know kids like...maybe pick one or 2 and then let your kiddies play and lead the way as Richard said!And you're kids might just "learn" something along the way! SHHHH! Our secret!


Space Ship Earth...the audio antimatronic figures are some of the best left in WDW.The laser lightening towards the end is really cool.

The Land...Food Rocks...food comes to life to sing some familair songs on the subject of good nutrition.

Journey into Imagination...the ride...sorta lame but the kids like it!Figment, the lavender dragon, is the star of this ride.He's so draned cute! There is a fun interactive play area here too!Better than the ride IMO! The Leaping Fountains outside the pavillion are a big hit with little ones.

Universe of Energy..the dinos are a big draw in our family for this ride/show.Might be a bit intense and boring for little ones if they aren't dino freaks...like my son!Good place to sit down, cool off and catch a few winks!

Wonders of Life...great inter active play areas here based on sports.We also like the snackbar that has fresh fruit.

Mission Space and Test Track probably not on your list this trip.All your children won't be able to ride as they are too small.

At night in front of Innoventions the sidewalks light up...kids of all ages are fascinated by this!

Onto WS...I've already mentioned the Kidcot Stations.They are located in every country.If you can't find it just ask a CM,they'll point you in the right direction.

Mexico...alot of times in the trees outside there are real,parrots perched out there.My boys like the Rio de Tiempo boat ride inside the pyramid.Reminds us of SmallWorld...look up at the ceiling at the end to see fireworks.My boys 9 and 10 still like these!

Norway...the Viking ship play area near the restrooms...great place to let them blow of steam.Also inside the one shop there is a Lego Area where they can play.

China..the acrobat show is good.My kids also like the bird string puppets that you can purchase, small ones are around $8.You can play with them even if you aren't buying!

Outpost...the drums!!! Another great blowing off steam place!!!

Germany...the little train set outside.My boys love to watch this.Sometimes there's even a Hidden Mickey to found here.

Italy...the Living Statues...totally AMAZING!!

American Adventure...we always find characters here.

Japan...the person who makes candy figurines.

Morocco...the alleys are fun to wander down...Jasmine,Aladdin and Genie hang around here.

France..blanking here...sorry!Have to come back later on this one.

UK...the maze in the garden and my boys along with Dh and me love to listen to the British Invasion band.They play alot of Beatles tunes.

Canada...has my son Erich's all time favorite WDW treat...Beavertails! Look for the Hidden Mickey on one of the totem poles.

There are various fountains throughout Epcot that kids like.Some they can get in and play! Ice Station Cool in FW is a fun place too,to try out different Coke products from around the world.

Epcot is kid friendly...y'all will have a great time...just don't try to pack too much into one day!!

 

[disneyaddictwannabe]

I have written down each and every idea!! Thank-you so much for responding and all the detail I just got so excited reading through it!!! I haven't been to Epcot since I was really little so I don't really remember much about how big the park is. I had no idea I was packing too much walking in. I definetly don't want to do that with 4 kids. So I'm definetly going to go with the advice and do just FW in the morning and eat there. ( whats the land?) Oh and I didn't realize Epcot opened at 9:00am I thought it was 10. That will give us more time, thanks. I am disappointed to have to cancel that lunch at san angel inn. I was really looking forward to that. I read there was a little boat ride in the restaurant the kids could do. I can't cancel the garden grill for 7:00pm dinner cause I requested the rehitching ceremony as a surprise for my honey. This trip we have been waiting 10 years to do.( 10 yr anniversary, we didn't have a honeymoon) we will go back for the rest at hotel after lunch then head back around 4:00pm to WS. The kidcot stations, are they still available to do at that time of day? I hope 3 hours is enough time to check out all those great ideas you have given me in the WS before our dinner p.s. Illuminations, will we have far to go to see that when we come out of the garden grill after dinner? Where do we go? What a wonderful group of people you are spending your time helping others plan there vacation!