To epcot or not to epcot?

[Amrita]

Our itinerary shows an opening on a Friday, but I cannot decide on a park.
My husband, and two kids ds5 and dd2 will be going mid may. Animal Kingdom, or Epcot?

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

In my opinion, I would do AK. I love Epcot, but the kids love AK (atleast my kids did and our kids are around the same age.)

 

[ssdeverell]

Well it depends . . . Friday's in May are evening EMH at Epcot, so it will be more crowded. While I would pick it most anytime over AK, this would cause me to pause. AK closes earlier than the other parks, so it might be a good day to go there and then plan a different evening event such as DTD, Hoop or other show. It really depends on whether the crowds will bother you. HTH

 

[FF04]

Both are very educational, with Epcot having a slight edge. But with the ages of your children, I think they will enjoy Animal Kingdom more. Good luck.

 

[Lorix2]

I would do AK also with kids their age. I love EC, but think you're kids might be bored there.

The safari ride is a great break from the heat and really fun, the animals are amazing.

 

[aspcamhreditor2]

Tough choice. Originally, I would have said AK but our last trip changed my mind. However, my kids we older than your's ... 3 & 6 on this last trip. We had not done Epcot on our first 2 trips but I insisted this last time. My girls LOVED Soarin' and the Living Seas. They also enjoyed doing the craft at the Kidcot stops in the World Showcase. Epcot is large and does involve a great deal of walking. We had park hopper passes so we were in Epcot for either parts of days or evenings 4 times this last trip.

If you've only got one day and want the most bang for your buck & to feel like you were able to see most of a park ... then the answer is probably AK. We love it, too. It is smaller so it's more do-able in a day. And, if your kids love animals then it might work better for you.

 

[Mom to 2]

Animal Kingdom

Lory

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

If it were just me and DW I would say Epcot but with kids I would probably go AK...I think they would be more entertained by the animals on KS and on the different trail walks than they would at Epcot.

 

[jj13]

Guess I'm in the minority on this one. I'd choose Epcot.

I've found AK to be particularly hot and stuffy. The paths are narrow and it's difficult to find any open space to breathe and relax. The animals are cute, but got old after a few hours. There are no straws or cup lids allowed in AK so if you choose that park remember to bring sippy cups (or something else the children won't need straws for).

As for Epcot - much more open space, the water fountain (which dances to music) amazes my kids. There are a few areas where water squirts out of the ground where the kids can run around and your DH can sit for few minutes. As for attractions, Spaceship Earth, Journey Through the Imagination, The Land all have things suitable. Don't overlook the place right past where the ball where the kids can explore (I can't remember the name - duh) - interesting stuff for the kids in there in a nice, air conditioned atmosphere.

There are various street shows in the country which are also entertaining.

Just my thoughts -

 

[princesstommi]

Alone with DH, I would do Epcot in a heartbeat. But with kids those ages, I would probably do DAK.

 

[MelanieRI]

My DD would chose Epcot anyday over AK. She loves the rides at Epcot more then AK. Her fav. ride at DIsney is Maelstorm. She loves to go around the world and play w/ the different toys in each country. And of course, there is Illuminations! But of course, every child is different and I'm sure you'll decide in the end which park is best meets your needs.

 

[cwnhokie]

You could always do AK in the morning and then hit Epcot for the evening and dinner.

My guys 3 and 5 really enjoyed Epcot this trip, so I wouldn't write it off. It may have become my favorte park. It was so relaxing and the kids were relaxed too. They loved innovations, living seas, and the kidcot stops.

At AK they like the animals, Kilamingro Safari, Boneyard, Triceratop Spin, and the lion king show, and they have discovery club stops.

 

[estnh]

If there is a more beautiful place on the planet than Epcot in May (in the midst of the Flower and Garden Festival), I've never seen it.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I agree, with your children's ages, you'll enjoy and get your value out of AK more!

 

[DebbieTN]

Besides the safari in AK there's not much that small kids can do. It's also hot and everything is sooo far apart. I think you would enjoy Epcot better. There's Spaceship Earth, Living With the Land(in The Land), Journey Into Imagination(and the room with all the stuff you do at the end of the ride), The Living Seas, Innovations(you can make a little "free" plastic robot to take home), Ice Station Cool(sorry I forgot it's new name) where you can get free soda drinks from around the world, The boat ride in Mexico and Norway, The candy-making lady in Japan(she picks out kids in the audience and makes free candy animals for them), the Chinese acrobats, lots of other steet performers, and of course Kidcot, where they can make masks and add decorations in each country. Epcot has been my daughter's favorite park since she was 5, and that was 21 years ago.

 

[Leota]

If there is a more beautiful place on the planet than Epcot in May (in the midst of the Flower and Garden Festival), I've never seen it.

You said it!

If I had to pick only one,I would choose Epcot also. It was my son's favorite when he was 4 (halfway between your kids) and that was 13 years ago. There is so much to do for kids.

The best plan would be to go to AK in the morning & then hop to Epcot later.

 

[POB14]

Besides the safari in AK there's not much that small kids can do.

I've never been to Epcot, so I can't speak to that, but the above statement just mystifies me. Not much for little kids? At AK? Okay, I'm an animal nut, and so are my kids, and if yours aren't, maybe so. But here's some of what little kids can do at AK:

Festival of the Lion King (A great show for kids -- not just a great Disney show for kids, a great SHOW, period)
The Pocohontas show (you'll hate it but the kids will love it, it has real animals in it)
The Flights of Wonder bird show
Character meets in Camp Minnie Mickey
TriceraTop Spin (Dumbo with dinosaurs)
The Boneyard playground
"Street" performers (Guitar Dan made up a song about my older daughter)
The petting zoo at Rafiki's Planet Watch
The Sue replica (what kid doesn't love dinosaurs)
Cast members with little animal presentations
And of course, animals everywhere!

 

[FSUGrad97]

Our almost 2.5 year old DD LOVES Epcot!

We go over for the day a lot, and I think she likes people watching. She is also a big Nemo fan, so she loves the Living Seas. Spaceship Earth is another one of her favorite rides.

She likes AK also, but she seems to like Epcot more.

If you don't want to miss out on both parks, do a half day at each park like Leota mentioned. We've done that before, and had a great time.

 

[maxsmom01]

I would go with EPCOT. My 4 year old son wasn't overwhelmed with AK. But, we make several trips a year to SoCal and visit the San Diego Zoo, so he sees plenty of animals.

He is a social sort and likes to chat at all the people in the World Showcase. It fascinates him to hear different languages.

 

[Anna114]

I seem to be in the minority here. I like EPCOT. IMHO AK has alot of walking and not as many attractions. If your children are really into animals then AK is a must, If not I vote EPCOT.

Have a magical day,
Anna