There are many Walt Disney World visitors who are under the misconception that Epcot is a theme park aimed at older kids and adults. In fact, many families with younger children skip this park altogether during their Walt Disney World vacation. What a pity! There is so much fun to be had by younger kids at Epcot. There are rides, shows, and restaurants that younger kids love. Before you to decide to skip Epcot, check out all there is for younger kids:
Attractions and Rides
Innoventions — This is an often overlooked attraction but it is FULL of interesting hands on things for kids to do. These two interactive playground pavilions feature such activities as Segway Central, The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, Video Game Playground, Storm Struck and Test the Limits Lab just to name a few.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends — This new ride in this pavilion is aimed at younger children and the huge aquarium at the end of it is endlessly fascinating. You also don’t want to miss Turtle Talk with Crush where Crush (from Finding Nemo) actually interacts with the children. Of course, there is the full-size working aquarium with real sea turtles, sharks and other wonders to explore!
Living with the Land — This gentle boat ride takes you through the many ways we live with — and rely on — the land. The end of the trip takes you through the Epcot hydroponic gardens where you can see 9-pound lemons, Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins and tomato trees!
Behind The Seeds Tour (additional charge) — For a small fee, you can actually walk through the hydroponic gardens and learn how the Walt Disney World scientists create this wonderful atmosphere. You will touch the plants, taste the food and release beneficial insects into the garden!
Ellen’s Energy Adventure — A fun look back at the prehistoric sources of energy. The kids will love the moving theater cars and the dinosaurs!
Captain Eo — Join Michael Jackson on a 3D adventure to deliver a musical gift to an evil alien queen. The special effects make you feel like you are part of the show!
The World Showcase — Truthfully, this section used to be a bore for young kids until the introduction of Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. Join Agent P. from Disney’s Phineas and Ferb to help thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest evil plan! Follow clues using your F.O.N.E. to connect with the characters from Phineas and Ferb. Follow the clues to help Agent P. save the day! All throughout the World Showcase, they have set up different elements of the adventure that your child will control. It’s a TON of fun and your children will love it. My son spent HOURS completing the adventures in every country.
Kidcot Fun Stops — Check out each international pavilion while the little ones color and
draw. See the Cast Member at any Kidcot Fun Stop to get a complimentary cardboard Duffy the Disney Bear for your child to decorate and personalize with the supplies provided at each station. Your friendly Cast Member will share insights about his or her native land, such as how to say “hello,” and give your child a stamp of Duffy in each country. Kids love to collect them all!
Club Cool — Take a break at Club cool and try for free Coke products from around the world! Let us know what your think of Beverly!
Dining
Princess Storybook Dining (Norway) — Four to six princesses are in attendance at every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in this castle setting! This fun meal takes place at Akershus in Norway and uses just one-table service credit. Many guests prefer it to the pricier Cinderella’s Royal Table. Your little princess will love it!
Garden Grill — The restaurant features Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale as well as amazing food grown right at Epcot. Even better, this restaurant revolves into the Living with Land ride!
Coral Reef — Located inside The Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion where you actually eat
inside the aquarium! One wall of the restaurant is the glass of one of the aquarium tanks. Watch sea turtles, sharks and stingrays swim by as you eat. Kids are fascinated by the swimming fish and will spend much of the meal trying to identify the aquatic visitors using the guide one each table. Parents join in the fun, too!
As you can see, Epcot is full of attractions for younger kids. You can easily spend a day — or more — enjoying all there is to see and do. If you were thinking about skipping this amazing park, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Christine Hardenberger (The Vacation ArchitectTM) can help you navigate the travel maze. She is an authority on Disney, Universal Studios and cruise vacations. She has been recently featured on MSNBC’s Today Travel, the NEA Magazine and the book Ultimate Family Travel Hacks: How to Have More Fun, Save $$ and Avoid Melt-downs When Your Family Hits the Road. Contact her at 800-272-7739 or Christine@magicalmouseplans.com and let her create a blueprint for a better vacation!