Young children and the parks

[captJack88]

I was wondering how younger kids enjoy epcot , in particular the world showcase. I'm now planning out days/parks and I'm not sure how well my kiddies will enjoy ECWS. Also I've never been to MGM or AK, so I don't really know what to expect, any tips? Thanks all!


P.S. My dd is 7, ds is 5, and dd is2

 

[CamColt]

Weve never really done much in WS with our kids, however on this last trip we planned to spend Christmas Eve day walking around there and checking out as many storytellers as we could catch. I didnt think my kids would enjoy WS or even doing those masks, but they surprised me. As soon as DS, 7, saw a mask he asked if they could make them so we did. Of course, my other DS(almost 4) wanted to because his brother was. They really had a good time coloring and couldnt wait to get to the next country to add on to the mask.
I will admit they werent extremely interested in everything else, but they didnt hate it either. We didnt really go in depth exploring each country, but we did do the 2 rides(Mexico & Norway) and the kids enjoyed those.

As for the rest of Epcot,they have loved that for years! I often hear how theres not much in Epcot for young kids, but even when my youngest wasnt even 2 yet he enjoyed the fish at the Living Seas, the interactive play area in Imagination, things like that. For years now my oldest has loved Food Rocks(Land), Universe of Energy, Fitness Fairgrounds(WOL),Living Seas, Innoventions...just about everything. I find there is alot of hands on stuff there and my kids really enjoy that.

 

[QuickGold]

For a kids touring guide to the MGM Studios, try http://www.mgmstudios.org/kidsguide.html

 

[captJack88]

Thanks for the link it was helpful!

 

[HaleyB]

One big WDW surprise for us was just how much our 10 year old loved the world showcase. We ended up spending quite a bit of time there. My son loves history and he found talking to the CM's from other countries very interesting. A great CM in Marroco had him enthralled for about 30 minutes telling him all about what it was like there. He also really loved the Canadian CM's who were really sweet to him. Our best pictures are from the World Showcase and most of them have CM's in them.
We also had a 2 year old with us and he and I both loved that it was calm and uncrowded enough for me to let him walk on his own a bit. He took it all in and seemed to like the slower pace and tasty treats the WS had to offer. He also loved the boat ride. He was very excited by the Chinese acrobats, and was always entertained in some way. I have a picture of Mary Poppins holding him that I just adore.

 

[Mainebound]

Our DS 1 and DS3 loved Epcot. In WS, DS3 rode Maelstrom. DS1 had a surprise encounter with Pooh and Tigger in England. We ate at Norway and Morocco -- both DS belly danced at the latter. We saw various bands and acrobats. They both worked on masks at the various pavilions.

MGM, on the other hand, was a bust for my boys who prefer participating to watching. (except for Playhouse Disney and the Honey I shrunk the Kids Playground). It really depends on how much your kids dig watching performances.

AK is wonderful. Something for everyone. DS3 loved Kali River Rapids. Everyone enjoyed the action packed Lion King show, the Boneyard playground, and Safari, the parade, and the Rainforest Cafe. DS1 loved just watching the animals, taking in the sights.

Have fun!

 

[honeymom]

My kids like Epcot the best, even better than the Magic Kingdom (they were 2 and 1/2 and 5 years old the last time we went).

 

[Maude4Disney]

Our oldest DS was 4 the first time we took him to WDW. EPCOT has been his favorite park ever since...he's 10 now. We spend much of our time at EPCOT. The live entertainment has always been a big hit w/ him and now DS2/3. AK would probably come in 2nd for them both. They love the safari and the walking trails to see the animals. As well and the shows and lots of characters.
MGM is fun, but not a big hit for DS10. The shows were good, but he wasn't really into any of the rides that he could do...and not willing to try RnR or ToT. MK would maybe tie w/ AK, depending on what kind of mood their in, but would more than likely be 3rd for them if given a choice.

 

[BrotherBear]

I have found that their are alot of characters in Epcot from 10am to 2pm walking around their countries at worldshowcase. If your kids like characters, this would be a great place to see some and it is not so crowded like in MK.