World Showcase with preschoolers...

[Miller1412]

So what is a "must do" at Epcot's World Showcase for young children and what do you typically stay away from?

I have a 4 year old and a 6 year old. How do kids typically do with the WS movies and shows? I'd love them to get some of the educational aspects, but I don't want to be fighting a losing battle if it's way over their heads.

And how much time would you spend in WS with young kids?

 

[mamaprincess]

They can do the kidcot funstops where they can make a mask and get a passport stamped by all the countries. They will love riding the Maelstrom in Norway and El Rio del Tempo in Mexico and they will love meeting the characters in the countries. Mulan is in China, Snow White is in Germany. Mary Poppins is in Great Brittain, Belle is in France and Alladdin, Jasmine and Genie are in Morroco. Hope this Helps.

I'm not sure a pre-schooler would like the movies enough to sit throught them. My twins who were 6 thought they were pretty boring. They saw the one in China and Norway. They may get more info talking to the CM's from the countries.

 

[Baloo]

Norway has a fun Viking ship play area for kids to blow off steam.

We like to try on hats in each country and take pictures!


Make sure they see Miyuki the Candy Artist in Japan.She is amazing!


Y'all could look for Hidden Mickeys! Here's a link to a terrific list of the Hidden Mickeys in WS.
http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/catalog.php?id=15


My kids still enjoy saying hello to the CMs in their native language.I taught DSErich when he was about 6.
Here's a link with the greetings: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=504754



Here's the info we have about kids and Epcot here at the DIS.

FUN FOR KIDS AT EPCOT
There's a misconception about Epcot. Some think it's only for adults, but kids love it too. In Future World, there are fun filled hands on activities that will appeal to the junior set at Innoventions, Imagination and Mission Space. The junior set will have the best time at the Nemo themed Living Seas.

A funny thing happens at Epcot. Kids think they're playing, while the grownups know that they're learning in the process.

There are two play fountains. One is near Test Track, the other is by the center walkway that connects the two sections of Epcot. The kids delight in "testing the water" not knowing if it's going to be a trickle or a deluge. It's a great way for them to cool off, but be sure that they're dressed appropriately or have a change of clothes as they can get saturated.

At the Attractions and in World Showcase, there are "Kidcot" stations. The little ones are given a mask that they can decorate with a unique item from each station. These are free but you can also purchase a World Passport to bring to the various countries where they will be stamped. (An autograph book is fine to use as well.)

In each country, fairy tales come to life as the beloved characters from the different lands meet and greet visitors. You'll find Pinocchio in Italy, Aladdin in Morocco, Snow White in Germany and Belle and the Beast in France.

And finally, no Disney park is complete without an appearance by Mickey Mouse. He and his friends arrive via a double decker bus for a lively session of photos, autographs and hugs.


Epcot has always been our favorite park.I home schooled DS Erich for a couple years and we always had learning trips when we were in Epcot.He has loved the Universe of Energy since he was tiny because of the dinosaurs.

In Future World Innoventions has several great hands on things to do.Stop in the East side and the kids can put together their own plastic robot and take him home with them...for FREE!

 

[disnut8]

The FunStops are a must. Free and easy. The Cast Members are great. Our then six year old granddaughter loved her time there. Her mask turned out fantastic. She also liked collected the pressed pennies from each country because my son and her mother had her ask where each machine was. Cost of $.51 each. We also took a world map with us (free from AAA) and showed her where each country was on the map.

Now that she's "grown up" and eight years old? Her favorite park? Epcot and World Showcase.