World Showcase with Kids???

[Plutos Pal]

to everyone for the input on this board. It really helped us make a choice in going to the WS. We didn't know if we should bring the kids to WS or not. I see that we will be able to make it educational and fun without them knowing it.

 

[mking624]

I don't have kids, but I sawa ton of kids having so much fun at WS while we were there. I decided to go ahead and participate in Kidcot...and I can say that as an adult I had fun looking for the Kidcot spots and adding to my passport and mask. And the kids had a blast doing it. There really is quite a bit to do/see in WS if people really stopped and took their time through it. And it's wonderful because the kids can really learn about different cultures in a fun and creative way. The only thing we didn't particularly care for (as another person mentioned) were the travel movies.

 

[Baloo]

Here's something fun we started when DS Erich was around 6yrs old.He's since taught his step brother Jonathan too.The boys practice saying hello in the WS languages before we go to WDW.The first time Erich was so excited about going to each country and talking to a CMs! The CM's seem to be really happy when you greet them in their native langauage!! So here's a few that I know!

Mexico...Hola (OH-lah)

Norway...god dag (goo-DAHG)

China...Ni hao (nee HOW)

Germany...gutten Tag (GOOT-en tahkh)Good Day

Italy...buon giornio (boo-on JOR-no)Good Day
or ciao (chow)hello or good bye

Japan...ohayo gozaimasu (oh-hi-yoh-goh goh-zy-ee-mahs) Good Morning

Morocco... Salam alekoum (sah-LAHM wah-LAY-koom)

France...Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

 

[dianemb]

One thing that is neat to do is buy a candy bar i each country or some other small snack to share. it sort of makes it neat to visit each shop area at least.

Each country doea have some sort of entertainment that might keep them busy for a few minutes.

 

[poohluvrs]

I went with my family back in December. Our DD4, DD3 and DS1 really loved the British Invasion, as did my wife and I. The kids were dancing their hearts out while we took a load off our feet.

One thing that no one else has mentioned are the acrobats in China. They performed some truly amazing balancing acts. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show to get a decent spot or you will have to sit on the hard concrete.

where are your photos w/ belle, beast, ariel from? theyre great!

 

[debbi801]

I think it depends on the kids. Both in 2004 and 2006, this was our kids' favorite place to go. My kids are DS 4, DD 11, and DS 13. My 4 yr old and 11 yr old loved making masks, and meeting the different characters that hang out in different countries. All 3 kids enjoyed seeing the different shows, exhibits, rides, and tasting the different foods.

 

[disneyigr]

We leave in 6 days. My DH and I went last year alone for our 10 year anniversary. I loved it but really wanted to come back and bring the kids (felt guilty the whole time). So this time we are going with our DD 9 and DS 7. I have spent lots of time explaining all the things they can see and do in WS and then asked their opinion on whether they would like to spend the time there, or not. Surprisingly they were very excited and can't wait to explore. Each has different countries and things in mind that they want to see. My DS loves "japanimation" type shows, so is excited to go to Japan and see all the things in the gift shops there. My DD loves music and dance, and so is excited to hear the different musical artists. I really think WS will be a hit. I will let you all know when we get back.
I think if you let the kids be part of the planning and decisions it really helps.
On the other hand, I can see how it isn't for everyone. Some kids are just not into that sort of thing.

 

[Rowlf]

My little guy LOVES World Showcase. It's all about the shows, music, and interaction. From watching the drummers in Japan to playing with a mime in France to watching a woodcarver in Africa to dancing to the British Invasion, he has a BLAST there.

 

[kaysmommie]

My DD6 loves the World Showcase. She love making a mask and getting all the stamps put on. She did the passport thing on another trip when she was 3 and liked that too. In the afternoon there is all kinds of stuff going in WS. Also the lines for charcters are very short unlike MK. WE all like WS better than Future world. There are a ton of good restaurants and Illuminations is awesome.

 

[pixie@heart]

Where do you get the masks and passports from?

You can pick up the mask at any of the kidcot stations, they have blank ones in all the countries, so you can start it at any time. The passports are usually on sale in the gift shops.

My kids love the masks, not only do they get to color it at each country, they get a stamp with Mickey dressed in the native attire and they get a paper "medallion" of something normally identified withe that country. Quite often you get lucky and there is a native of the country willing to talk to the kids while they are there.

Don't pass it up!

 

[S.Poppins]

My kids 10 & 6 really enjoyed it last year. We spent most of the day going to all the countries. My kids loved the Kidcot. We also gave them each some spending money and let them pick souveniers from a few countries
I of course looked for my ornaments!

 

[tripletots]

Our kids love World Showcase.
Then there are the puppets for sale in China, that kids can play with even if they don't buy one,

Funny thing about the puppets and marionnets (sp) in China.........we bought one and when we got home we noticed on the packaging that it is made in Orlando Florida.

 

[tjmw2727]

Add me to the list of those with kids who love WS, they have since they were 3 and 5 and still do now at 9 and 11. In fact with the exception of Soarin if they had to choose between FW and WS they would choose WS. Its also a nice change of pace especially in the evening when you have been going for a couple days.

My dds like to do the mask activity so they can meet a CM in each country although my 11yo skipped the mask in favor of the passport this time. Obviously the two rides are favorites but my dd's really love the live entertainment all around the countries. Some favorites are the acrobats in china, the "chair guy" in Italy and the candy maker in Japan, she is amazing so sometimes we have to see her more than once a day. There is a cute comedy show in UK and they also like to watch the belly dancers in Morrocco. Of course mom has to catch a show or two of off kilter and british invasion! There are often CM's out having fun with the kids like playing hopscotch in UK and juggling in Japan.

I suggest a relaxing walk around the WS to see what catches your eye, especially in the evening. It dosen't take too long and if your not enjoying it you will end up back at the entrance to FW anyway!

HTH
TJ

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

great posts!!

My kids are 13, 10 and 6 but have been going to WS since their first trip 2001. They LOVE World Showcase. And they haven't even done the kidcot stops.

My son, who is all boy if you know what I mean, wasn't happy until we saw the chinese acrobats. Those of you that think WS is boring, have you seen this?? Anything but boring. Six year old boys sit and watch without moving.........that's proof its not boring.

I loved the Living statues in France, but they aren't there anymore. But the guy with the chairs is amazing also.

Love the British Invasion and my kids love the gift shops in UK.

We get a piece of candy at the German shop.

Love Norway and Mexico and our favorite restaurant is Le Cellier.

 

[phisigprincess]

There was an article in the allears newsletter a few months ago with all kinds of tips for kids at the WS. I didn't save it since I don't have kids, but maybe you can see if anyone saved that edition or go to the website www.allearsnet.com and try to locate a back issue.

 

[bopper]

Of course do the Kidcot stations (the masks) like others have said. These are free. Ride any rides, and watch at least one of the movies.
Other things to consider:
1) At any Epcot store buy the Epcot passport. You can get these stamped in each "country" I think at the Kidcot station.
2) Buy a pressed penny in each "country". There is a mickey/country themed one you can get for each country.
3) Take pictures wearing the hat of each country (e.g., a sombrero in Mexico).
4) Most countries have some type of performer outside at some point. My kids' favorite is the "candy lady" at Japan. To have the best chance of being picked, get their before the time she will be there and stand at the rope. Don't be obnoxious and say "pick me!!" , but smile, be polite, show respect and admiration at her creations and you have a good chance to be picked. She may pick you or your child, so know ahead of time what your child would want if you got picked. This has worked twice for me. Be early!

 

[ErinInCT]

WS enjoyment really depends on your attitude. I think those who think it is going to be boring will be bored. Those who go in thinking it will be fun should have a good time. I was unsure about WS but knew we'd be going to the Norway Princess breakfast so I figured we may as well spend some time there. DD4 LOVED IT! It actually became our favorite park. Next time I need to plan 3 EPCOT days to do it all. We made our own personal passports ahead of time (your 9 yr old could do this easily) by stapling paper together & wrote how to say hello & thank you in each country. We left space for the stamp the CM will give them & a place for CM comments. DD still loves looking at it. Wish I laminated it since it got a bit wet!! The CM's were very impressed by it too! DD4 learned how to say hello & thank you (very impressive for a 4 yr old). She LOVED pin trading with the CM's. She loved the penny presses & still pulls out her pennys. She loved the mask at the kidcot stations & proudly displays it in her room. We only made it half way around because we saw all the shows & she was fascinated by everything!! The shows are very high energy or fast music which helps keep the interest up. We also tried a "treat" in each country so we could taste how other people eat. And it was super easy to get princess autographs since no kids were around. We saw all the same princesses from breakfast in their respective countries. We really had a great time. I can't wait to go back now that dd is older & can appreciate it even more and little sister can enjoy it for the 1st time!!

 

[disneymom2one]

As some others have said, it's all how you approach it. When our daughter was four and five we made "country books" at home before we left. For each Epcot country we colored a map, cooked a recipe, and learned about the children of that country. By the time we got to Epcot she was so excited about seeing the different countries that she had learned about in her book. At 6,7, and even 9 it was all about the masks and kidcot stations. Now at 10 and 11 it's all about the shopping! Buying a toy or game or jewelry from each country is fun. And she's always loved eating at different places in W.S. We've done most of the sitdown restaurants and loved them all. Learning is fun in this house and World Showcase is just another learning experience for us!

 

[Clotho]

As some others have said, it's all how you approach it. When our daughter was four and five we made "country books" at home before we left. For each Epcot country we colored a map, cooked a recipe, and learned about the children of that country. By the time we got to Epcot she was so excited about seeing the different countries that she had learned about in her book.

I just LOVE hearing stories like this--what a wonderful, creative way to share knowledge and respect for other countries with your children! I know not all Moms have time to do such elaborate projects with their kids, but when they do, how wonderful!