What is at EPCOt for young ones?

[toothfairy]

OK, we leave this Thursday and will begin our parks on Friday. I have only been to Epcot once with no kids, and I cannot really remember what there is there for a 3 yr old and a 9 yr old. Since we only have 4 park days, should we skip Epcot and plan 2 days at MK? If not, what are the things we need to be sure to see and do at Epcot?

Last minute planning!

Toothfairy

 

[disneysteve]

I would certainly not skip EPCOT. I think there is plenty there to entertain children. My daughter is 7 and loves going there. In Future World, Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy (unless afraid of dinosaurs), Wonders of Life (not Body Wars), The Land, Living Seas and Imagination all appeal to kids. Don't miss Ice Station Cool, the Coke exhibit where you can sample sodas from around the world for free. SKIP THE ONE CALLED BEVERLY!

In World Showcase, there are lots of fun street shows. Be sure to check the show schedule you get at the park entrance. Take the rides in Mexico and Norway. Let the kids play on the boat in Norway.

When you get to International Gateway, near France, head out and walk or boat ride over to Yacht and Beach Club and have lunch or dinner at Beaches and Cream. YUM!

Steve

 

[mommystieg]

Our DD's are 3 and 10 and they love Epcot!! Be sure to pick up a mask and decorate it at one of the Kidcot Fun Stops in WS. Then as you visit each country, the CM there will add a little paper charm and a stamp from their country. There are lots of things for kids--some of our favorites are:
*Journey into Your Imagination with Figment
*Kodak Imageworks(I think that is what it is called)in the Imagination Pavilion
*The Living Seas
*Food Rocks
*Cranium Command
*Spaceship Earth
*El Rio del Tiempo
*Maelstrom
*Ice Station Cool
*Illuminations!
DD10 LOVES Test Track but DD3 was not tall enough this time. We really love Epcot because it is not as hectic as some of the other parks can get and our girls always have a wonderful time just walking around the checking everything out.

 

[jfulcer]

Also you can get a 'passport' from one of the shops and it has some stickers and place for a CM from that area to sign in their native language. Each of the pavillions around the World Showcase also has a kidcot station which allows the kids to design a mask and add something new in each country. Our DD LOVES doing this.

Of course there are characters too, the Living Statue, and Illuminations, which is a great laser and fireworks show.

Surprisingly, your kids should like Epcot. maybe not as much as MK, but DD likes going there...

And also you'd miss Test Track and Mission Space!

 

[swilphil]

We went a month ago and our 3 year old loved Epcot, as did we. We only spent a 1/2 day there and I regret not going back. We were only in the parks for 3 days. If you want to skip anything, skip AK.

In Future World, our 3 yo loved the Food Rocks show and Journey into the Imagination. There are also some rides that your 9 yo will appreciate, and your 3 yo may tolerate, depending on the child.

The best thing about WS is the Kidcot stations. They get to decorate a mask and get a stamp at each country. My 3 yo also liked the boat ride in Mexico, but skip the restaurant. My son really enjoyed just looking around the countries and splashing in the puddles--it had just rained. There are a lot more things for kids. You might want to look at some other posts about Epcot.

 

[sters]

I've been to Epcot with really young children and, believe it or not, it was their favorite park! My oldest was scared of the rides at MK. They liked the Food Rocks, Living Seas, the fountains they could splash in, and the shows in the countries... especially the drums at Japan and the jugglers etc. at the UK. Although this doesn't apply to you, I loved being able to enjoy the shows without constantly taking the kids out of the strollers as you must do at the MK. that way when they napped, I could still enjoy the shows. Don't skip Epcot!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says................................This is our favorite park.
MK is one point behind, MGM a few points, and AK a few more points behind but still scores as great.

WDW is not thrill rides, though you want a few to get the thrill!
A park can be more than just rides.

EPCOT is unique, compared to any other theme park in the world.

If you are looking for something specific, like thrill rides, kiddie rides, all shows, etc. EPCOT is not for you.

But if you want a little bit of everything, rides, culture, food,food, more food, shows, then EPCOT is it.

It will stimulate your mind, and maybe thats not a bad thing!

 

[Disneymoon04]

I loved loved loved LOVED figment when I was little! I also have fantastic memories of Spaceship earth and (may it RIP) world of motion. My mom didn't think I'd enjoy it either (my first trip was 16 years ago when I was 7), but it was my favorite park from the very start! Even being a picky eater I enjoyed sampling a little from each country.

 

[TestTrackBoy]

Epcot is my favorite! I spent 4 out of 6 days there. Test Track all the way!