A client recently asked me, “What is there for kids to do in Epcot?” They had expressed during a previous visit they didn’t feel there was much to do with kids, especially younger children. And I would agree, on the surface, most would think there isn’t much that’s geared for kids. However, I disagree with this. We have been going to Disney since our daughter was three and Epcot is a family favorite. While I would agree that child-friendly activities have to be sought out a bit more than they would at the Magic Kingdom, there is definitely a world to explore at Epcot. So I thought this was a perfect opportunity for a blog post. If my client is asking this question, then they probably aren’t the only ones with this same thought.
1. Kidcot at Epcot
Kidcot Fun Stops keep kids engaged and motivated to travel each of the World Showcase pavilion. They can collect country cards from each of the 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. With art supplies provided at each pavilion, you and your family can draw, color and collect activity cards at every country throughout World Showcase. Chat with Cast Members who share rich stories about their native countries and learn to say “Hello” in their native language. At the end of the day, you have a memorable keepsake. The kids learned a little along the way and parents were able to explore the pavilion right alongside their children.
2.Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
Go undercover as a secret agent with Phineas and Ferb. Your mission, should you choose to accept, begins with signing up online at agentpwsa.com while you’re at Epcot. Then, you’ll use your smartphone to connect with the powers that be at OWCA, aka, “The Agency.” The clues will lead you through the World Showcase to solve a mystery involving the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Each adventure will take approximately 30-45 min. After successfully maneuvering through the mission, agents will experience a very special “thank you” for helping save the world and giving Doof the boot! Click the link above for more detailed information. Another great way for kids to interact in the World Showcase while parents can also explore.
3.Character Meet and Greets
There are approximately 14 different Character meet and greets scattered throughout Epcot’s Future World and Showcase Pavilion. Some of these character meet and greets are exclusive to Epcot so be sure to explore and make sure you don’t miss your child’s favorite character.
Some of the characters that you can meet in Epcot include: Disney’s Anna and Elsa, Joy, and Sadness from Inside Out, Baymax from Big Hero 6, Ralph and Vanellope from Wreck-it Ralph just to name a few. If you happen to be a Disney Visa Card Holder you can enjoy an exclusive Card Member Character Experience, but be sure to bring your Disney Visa Card with you.
4. Epcot Character Spot
Say hello to some of your most beloved Disney friends at this cartoon clubhouse located in Future World. This experience does have a FastPass+ option available. Here you can meet Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy all at one time. They usually have a Photo Pass person on sight and the littles can get their autograph books signed. Great time-saver, it’s indoors which makes it a great place to take a break from the weather; heat or rain.
5. Imagination! Pavilion
The entire Imagination! Pavilion is fantastic for kids. My daughter loves this area. Here you will find Journey Into Imagination with Figment (a must-do with littles). Figment the playful, purple dragon is your guide on this whimsical ride through the Imagination Institute. ImageWorks, Explore this interactive play area—after you Journey Into Imagination with Figment—where little ones can explore and create. Disney & Pixar Short Film – Experience popular Disney and Pixar short films like never before—in 4D for the first time ever. A great place for everyone to take a quick rest and enjoy 18 minutes of 3 short films.
6. Living with the Land
This is a family favorite for us! My daughter can’t get enough of this and I LOVE IT! Mesmerizing and educational all at the same time. This is a gentle boat ride that takes you through Epcot’s greenhouses. This is where some of the food served at The Land pavilion restaurants such as Garden Grill and Sunshine Season (a quick-service restaurant) is grown. It’s fun for kids to see where the food they are eating comes from and how it is grown. Who knows, maybe they will try something new and different just because of this experience. They also offer a Behind the Seeds Tour – Visit 4 greenhouses and a fish farm to catch a glimpse of amazing plants, insects and fish. This is available to all age groups. Great family interactive adventure!
7. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
This is another family favorite. And if you have small children, you can’t go wrong as most of the activities here are geared for small children. Go under the sea—without getting wet—on this attraction based on Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo which finds Nemo lost again. Your underwater adventure comes to a magical, musical crescendo when the Finding Nemo characters join real, live sea creatures in the massive 5.7- million-gallon saltwater aquarium they call home.
8. Turtle Talk with Crush
Gather ’round a window to the ocean for a real-time Q-and-A session with your favorite totally tubular turtle. Righteous! Got a burning question for Crush? This intimate 15-minute conversation is your chance to ask him! Using his high-tech “hydrophone,” Crush can communicate directly with little dudes and dudettes about literally anything that’s on their minds. This is perfectly paired with The Seas with Nemo. After exiting the Nemo ride, Turtle Talk with Crush is right there! Highly recommend both!
9. Frozen Ever After
Located in the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. If you have a Frozen fan this is a must-see! Hoist the sails in Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel as you set out into the wondrous wintery world of Frozen! Be sure to get a FastPass+ for this as lines can be very long! After you board your Norwegian vessel be sure to stop by Royal Sommerhus – This is where you can meet Anna and Elsa!
10. Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros
Don’t miss this one! You must go inside the Mexico Pavilion to board this adventure. Take in the sights of Mexico and the antics of the 3 feathered amigos on this gentle boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion. This is another family favorite and rarely is there a line! I think the last time we were there we rode this ride 9 times in a row per my daughter’s request. It’s fun, wacky and so much for little ones to see! A great place to rest and relax; perfect if it’s hot or raining. Plus there’s tons of fun and brightly colored handcrafted items from Mexico. The perfect take-home treasure.
11. Club Cool – Update: This has been closed since this post was written
Located in Future World West – Hosted by Coca-Cola ® Exclusive Coca-Cola ® merchandise and complimentary samples of soft drinks from around the world! Club Cool doesn’t cost a penny and kids love it! It’s self serve and what kid doesn’t like dispensing their own soda! Don’t worry parents the cups are sample size.
Here are the choices:
Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique, Fanta Kolita from Costa Rica, Beverly from Italy, Vegeta Beta from Japan, Kinley Lemon from Israel, Lift Apple from Mexico, Smart Watermelon from China, Mezzo Mix from Germany.
One will leave you wishing you hadn’t taken a sip, but I will let you figure that out on your own. Besides, if I told you, it would spoil the fun! Happy tasting!
12. Soarin’ Around the World
Located in Future World West – Take flight on a breezy, airborne adventure as you hang glide above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer. This is a fantastic experience and not to be missed. Take note that there is a height restriction – riders must be at least 40″ tall to ride. If you have a little one that does not meet this requirement, ask a cast member about “Rider Switch”. This will allow everyone to still experience the ride even with a little one that doesn’t meet height requirements. Another thing to note, lines can get long for this ride and you cannot hold a FastPass+ for Soarin’ AND Frozen at the same time so you will have to choose between the two rides. Suggestion is to get to Epcot at park opening and head straight for Soarin’ to avoid long lines and still hold a FastPass+ for Frozen.
And you said there was nothing geared for kids…I just shared a dozen different activities to do with your kids at Epcot. I promise you can’t do them all in one day. Pick your favorites and the ones you think your family will enjoy most.
Thanks for reading! I am sure I missed a few other great things to do with kids. If I did, please share in the comment section below. Others would be grateful to hear. What’re your favorite things to do at Epcot with your kids?
Ciao – Kellie
**The opinions within this post are my own and no financial compensation was provided in exchange for this review
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