With four theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort certainly offers fun for all ages. One of the questions I’m asked the most is whether or not Epcot is worth visiting with small children. My answer: yes! My kids are all under 4, and they love Epcot. We spend multiple days there. To us, it’s the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Here are 5 reasons of my top reasons you’ll want to visit Epcot with young kids.
Reason #1: Rides & Attractions for Young Kids
While Epcot may not be known for its quantity of attractions, it does offer some of the most fun. Check out some of these experiences you’ll want to include on your “must do” list!
Kid Favorites for All Ages
These experiences are perfect for kids of all ages, especially fans of Frozen and Finding Nemo.
Frozen Ever After – Board a boat and travel through the kingdom of Arendelle with all your Frozen friends (good luck not singing along!)
Spaceship Earth – Travel inside the iconic Epcot sphere for a tour through the history of communication.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Explore the wonders of the imagination with Figment, Epcot’s famous purple dragon.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Climb aboard a clam shell and explore the ocean with Nemo, Marlin, Dory and their friends.
Turtle Talk with Crush – Interact with everyone’s favorite sea turtle as he shares stories about life under the sea and answers questions from the audience.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – Take a boat tour of Mexico with Donald Duck, Panchito Pistoles, and Jose Carioca.
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival – Enjoy a 4D viewing experience featuring three animated short films.
Evening Fireworks Spectacular – Who doesn’t love fireworks? Gather around the World Showcase Lagoon to view a dazzling display of music and pyrotechnics.
Family-Friendly Experiences for All Ages
These experiences can be enjoyed by the whole family, and include shows that will expose kids to new interests.
Living with the Land – Take a boat tour of Disney’s green houses and learn how innovative growing techniques are used (and how they create Mickey-shaped produce).
Reflections of China – Enjoy a film that explores ancient and modern China in a 360-degree theater.
The American Adventure – Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain share stories of American history, with 35 Audio-Animatronic figures and rousing patriotic songs.
Impressions de France – Enjoy a film that showcases the grandeur and charm of France.
O Canada! – Enjoy a film that tours the wonders of Canada in a 360-degree theater.
Attractions for Mid-Sized Thrill Seekers
If your kids have hit 40″, they have a few additional experiences to enjoy.
Soarin’ Around the World – Fly over iconic world landmarks on a hang glider in this relaxing tour. (Height Requirement: 40″)
Mission: SPACE – Train to be an astronaut as you board a rocket and orbit the Earth. (Height Requirement: 40″)
Test Track – Design and test your very own concept vehicle. (Height Requirement: 40″)
Reason #2: Character Experiences
Did you know that, next to Magic Kingdom, Epcot offers the most opportunities for character meet & greets? It’s true! There are a wide range of characters you can meet in Epcot, including many that small children will love.
Disney Princesses
Epcot is my favorite place to meet the Disney Princesses. Not only do you get to meet several, but you get to meet them in their “native” lands. It’s also the only place you can meet Anna and Elsa, the famous Frozen royals.
– Norway – Anna & Elsa (at the Royal Sommerhus)
– China – Mulan
– Germany – Snow White
– Morocco – Jasmine
– France – Belle and Princess Aurora
Mickey & Friends
You’ll also find classic Disney characters in Epcot. Currently, you can find Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in the Epcot Character Spot. This location will close temporarily beginning September 8, 2019 and these characters will find new homes around Epcot, along with Daisy Duck and Pluto.
You can find Donald Duck in the Mexico pavilion donning his favorite sombrero.
Other Disney & Pixar Characters
Epcot is also home to a few additional Disney friends. Here are a few to watch out for:
– Mary Poppins (UK Pavilion)
– Alice (UK Pavilion)
– Winnie the Pooh (UK Pavilion)
– Joy & Sadness (Future World)
– Baymax (Future World) *Ending Soon
– Ralph & Vanellope (Future World)
Reason #3: Family-Friendly Dining Options
Hands down, Epcot offers the best food options of any Disney Park. With pavilions representing 11 different countries, you can find just about any type of cuisine you could be interested in. It gets even better during Epcot’s famous festivals! But we’re talking kids, so here are some of the best places to dine with small children.
Character Dining
Epcot is home to two of the best options for character dining. The best part? It’s offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can pick a time that works best with your schedule.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall offers Storybook Dining with the Disney Princesses. Typical characters include Belle (in her golden ball gown) and up to four other royal friends. These often include Snow White, Princess Aurora, Ariel, and Cinderella. The menu is Norwegian-inspired.
Garden Grill offers Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast. Typical characters include Chip, Dale, Mickey (in his farming attire), and Pluto. The menu is inspired by farm fresh favorites and offers views of Living with the Land as the restaurant rotates.
Unique Dining
Epcot offers several table-service restaurants that will keep kids engaged and still offer everyone a great meal. Here are a few options to explore:
Coral Reef Restaurant – Dine under the sea surrounded by the fish of the SeaBase aquarium.
San Angel Inn Restaurante – Dine at the base of a Mayan pyramid with authentic Mexican food.
Biergarten Restaurant – Enjoy live music as you dine on a German menu.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Experience family-style, wood-fired pizza and classic Italian dishes.
Teppan Edo – Enjoy dinner and a show as you watch teppanyaki chefs prepare a Japanese meal.
Restaurant Marrakesh – Dine on authentic Moroccan dishes while watching a live belly dancing show.
Rose & Crown Dining Room – Catch a view of the World Showcase Lagoon as you enjoy British fare and live music (great for fireworks viewing).
Note: If your kids fall into the “picky eaters” camp, know that there are several spots around where you can find things like burgers and chicken tenders too.
Kid-Friendly Treats
I know we hear a lot about “drinking around the world”, but “desserts around the world” is my personal favorite tour. There are so many amazing treats to find that small children will love (I’m not responsible for any spoiled dinners). Here are a few spots you’ll want to visit:
L’Artisan des Glaces (France Pavilion) – Incredible ice cream treats.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France Pavilion) – French pastries and baked goods.
Karamell-Kuche (Germany Pavilion) – Delicious caramel-coated treats.
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion) – Sample Scandinavian treats from this bakery.
Reason #4: Interactive Activities for Young Kids
Rides and shows are great, but we all know that sometimes little kids just need to run around and get some energy out. Epcot is surprisingly perfect for this! From playgrounds to scavenger hunts, plan some time to enjoy these kid-friendly experiences.
Play Areas
Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future – Located at the exit of Spaceship Earth, this experience helps kids explore the technology of the future.
Advanced Training Lab – Located at the exit of Mission: SPACE, this experience offers simulation games and a play ground.
SeaBase & Bruce’s Shark World – Located at the exit of The Seas with Nemo & Friends, this experience offers activities themed to marine life plus access to a large aquarium.
ImageWorks – Located at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment, this experience offers activities to help kids explore their different senses.
Playgrounds & Open Spaces – During festivals, Epcot frequently sets up play grounds (near Mouse Gear) and kid-friendly exhibits (such as butterfly gardens). Also check out open spaces such as the gardens of the UK Pavilion so kids can stretch their legs.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Kidcot Fun Stops – At each of the 11 World Showcase Pavilions your kids can collect activity cards related to those countries. These include fun facts, a sticker, and a print to color on the back. Buy a “passport” for kids to put their stickers in.
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure – Join a family-friendly scavenger hunt around the World Showcase as you follow clues left by Agent P (of Disney’s Phineas and Ferb).
Holiday Scavenger Hunts – During holidays (like Easter) and some of Epcot’s festivals you can participate in additional scavenger hunts around the World Showcase.
Reason #5: Cultural & Animal Experiences
You probably don’t think of vacation as a time for education experiences (especially for small children), but I love the way Disney incorporates opportunities for learning amidst the fun at the parks. Here are a few experiences the kids will enjoy!
The Seas Pavilion
Epcot is home to one of the largest aquariums in the world. At 5.7 million gallons, it houses 4,000 sea creatures from over 60 species. Kids will love getting up close to dolphins, manatees, and Caribbean fish. Inside of SeaBase, you’ll also find interactive activities such as Bruce’s Shark World and Turtle Talk with Crush.
World Showcase Pavilions
As I mentioned, Epcot offers pavilions themed to 11 different countries. These are:
– Mexico
– Norway
– China
– Germany
– Italy
– American Adventure
– Japan
– Morocco
– France
– United Kingdom
– Canada
The pavilions feature iconic architecture, cultural displays, restaurants, and shops, and some even offer rides or films. They’re a great way to expose kids to locations around the world. Plus, kids will love picking out some unique souvenirs from the different countries (for an affordable option, look for pressed penny machines).
Cultural Ambassadors
Inside the World Showcase you’ll find Cast Members from the countries represented by the 11 pavilions. They love to teach kids about their native lands! The best place to find them is at the Kidcot Fun Stops. Have kids ask them how to write their name in different alphabets or learn how to say “hello” in another language. Slightly older kids will enjoy asking questions about customs from other countries.
Live Music & Performances
You’ll find plenty of lively entertainment at Epcot, particularly around the World Showcase. Pavilions host live music from all different countries, such as the Matsuriza drummers (Japan), a mariachi band (Mexico), and the Voices of Liberty (American Adventure). You’ll also see skilled performers, such as the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (China) and the Serveur Amusant (France).
Also, be on the lookout for seasonal concerts and shows, such as the Eat to the Beat series and the Candlelight Processional.
How to Book Your Visit!
There’s so much to do at Epcot, and it can be tricky to find a balance between what the kids will enjoy and what the adults will enjoy. That’s where I come in! As a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations, I know all the ins and outs of the Disney Parks. I’ll help you design the perfect itinerary for your family.
My services are 100% free to clients who book their packages through me. I’ve traveled to the Disney Parks with small children dozens of times, and I’m always happy to provide my clients with personalized recommendations. Contact me today to get a free quote and eBrochure!
“There’s a great big hunk of world down there with no fence around it.” – Tramp
