Epcot is Fun for Kids!

Becky Criswell11.29.18I hear it all the time. “We are going to skip Epcot because there’s nothing there for the kids.” I can remember being on a family trip to Disney World when I was 6 years old. I came down with a 24-hour stomach bug and my Dad and older brothers chose to go to Epcot that day and assured me that I wasn’t missing anything because there was nothing in that park that I would like. Well that was a long time ago and things have changed! But sadly, many people still consider Epcot unsuitable for smaller children. I’m not here to guarantee that your children are going to love Epcot. I can’t guarantee how much your family will enjoy any of the parks. Everyone has different interests and everyone differs when choosing their favorite Disney park. What I am going to do is give you five things you may want to consider before writing off Epcot for younger children.1. The Seas with Nemo and FriendsThe Living Seas Pavilion has a long history in Epcot, dating back to 1986. Now this pavilion, which has been renamed, is more kid-friendly than ever. Here you will find “The Seas with Nemo and Friends”, an adorable ride which takes you on a slow-moving clamshell where guests can go on their own search for Nemo. In addition to this ride, “Turtle Talk with Crush” is not to be missed! Before or after you participate in these attractions, your family can enjoy time in the aquarium. Here you will see a large variety of sea life, including rare and beautiful manatees. The exhibits here are both educational and interactive.2. Character InteractionsEpcot is home to several character Meet & Greets, currently including the beloved Baymax as well as Joy and Sadness. The Epcot Character Spot typically features some of the most popular Disney pals such as Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. In addition to these character spots, your family can dine at two of my favorite restaurants. The Garden Grill is a delicious and fun experience where you will enjoy farm-to-table food served family style. Here you will usually get to meet characters such as Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale. Mickey looks adorable in his farmer overalls! Another popular restaurant in Epcot is Akershus. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Akershus gives you the opportunity to dine with the princesses for only one table-service credit as opposed to Cinderella’s Royal Table which will cost two of your table-service credits.3. Soarin’ and Test TrackOlder children who are at least 40” tall can experience both Soarin’ and Test Track. These are two of my favorite rides in Disney World. Soarin’ is an amazing experience for the whole family and gives you the sensation of flying around the world. If you have children who are car fanatics, Test Track could very well be a highlight of their vacation. In addition to the ride, my car-loving son could spend in hour in the vehicle showroom that you will walk through upon exiting the ride.4. Agent P’s World Showcase AdventureWe all know that adults love the World Showcase in Epcot. Who wouldn’t love to get a glimpse of 11 countries in one location and maybe grab a drink (or two) and some authentic ethnic cuisine. However, I often here parents voicing concerns that their children will be bored. Did you know that your children can become secret agents and embark on a mission to defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz while you are traveling the World Showcase? By signing up online, children can use a smart phone to receive clues via text that will help them solve the case. The clues will lead you to one of the World Showcase pavilions where you will begin a mission that lasts 30-45 minutes. You can do one mission, or you can try them all!5. Kidcot Fun StopsThere’s nothing wrong with a little education on vacation! Kidcot Fun Stops offer a way to keep your child entertained while also being educated on each country that you visit. For more detailed information on the Kidcot Fun Stops, check out this great blog by my fellow agent:Kidcot Fun Stops and Bit of Pixie Dust by Sarah McClureI hope I’ve given you a few reasons to consider taking your children to Epcot. In the coming months and years, there will be even more attractions coming to Epcot that will be geared towards families with children. Older children can get excited about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster set to open in 2021!For more information about planning your Disney vacation, please contact me at beckyc@wishesfamilytravel.com!