One of the questions I get all the time when planning trips for families with younger kids, is 'Do we really need to go to EPCOT?' and my answer is always a resounding 'YES!' Now, I may be a little biased considering that EPCOT is my favorite park and has been since I was a teenager but there are so many great experiences for families of all sizes. Let's go through my top 5 reasons that EPCOT is a must-do park every visit.
Characters everywhere!
Did you know you can meet SO MANY characters at Epcot? Seriously, there are characters everywhere! Some of my favorites are the princesses that meet in their countries inside the World Showcase. Mulan meets in China, Snow White meets in Germany, Belle in France, and don't forget Epcot is the only place to meet Anna and Elsa (more on this later)! Along with all the princesses, you can meet the Fab 5 around the park, such as Pluto and Goofy at the entrance of the park, Mickey and Minnie are in the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, and Donald is usually by the Mexico pavilion. You can find Joy from Inside Out and Figment hanging out at the ImageWorks building. There is also a great princess dining experience at Akershus in the Norway pavilion that is a slightly cheaper alternative to Cinderella's Royal Table. If you have a character loving kiddo, this park is a great place for them to get those autographs and photos!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion
If you have kiddos that aren't huge fans of rides, this is a great hang out spot for them. There are several activities located in this building alone, which if you're there in the warmer months, is a great escape from the heat. I love to visit each attraction in this building, starting with The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a slow moving ride in a seashell that takes you on a journey with Marlin and Dory to find Nemo. You get to see all of Nemo's friends and at the end, you get to see inside the aquariums. Once you step off the ride, you are immediately in the SeaBase aquariums where you can see all kinds of marine animals, including manatees and dolphins. There is also a indoor play area, Bruce's Shark World, for the kids to get some energy out! Lastly, you can't miss Turtle Talk with Crush. This attraction is a show where the audience gets to ask Crush the turtle all about being a turtle. It usually ends up being hilarious as mostly kids as the questions and Crush often likes to mess with the adults. This is a must do every time I'm here with my kiddos!
Kidcot Stops
Are you taking the kids during school? Well, this is a great way to involve learning into your trip. Each country has a Kidcot stop where they can pick up a memorable momento with facts and activities teaching about their culture and traditions. These are a fun (and free!) souvenir for the kids to collect while also allowing their grown ups to enjoy all the food and beverage offerings throughout the World Showcase.
Frozen Attractions
Although you may see Anna and Elsa in the parade at Magic Kingdom, Epcot is the only park you are able to meet them and emmerse yourself in Arendelle. You can have a special moment with both Anna and Elsa and the Royal Sommerhus located in the Norway Pavilion. There are usually PhotoPass photographers there to capture the moment so if you have the MemoryMaker package, this is great place to use it. Also in the Norway Pavilion, you will find the only Frozen themed ride in Walt Disney World, Frozen Ever After. This is a slow moving boat ride (with one little surprise that I don't want to spoil!) that takes you through Anna planning a party for Elsa. If you have a Frozen fan in your family, these attractions are a must do!
Image Works
ImageWorks is located in the World Celebration section and features several fun activities for kids of all ages! Journey Into Imagination with Figment is an easy ride for the whole family with no height restriction. After the ride, you exit into ImageWorks and the 'What If' Labs. Throughout the labs there are interactive activities where kids can explore the science of sound, create music, record themselves in slow motion, and even create their own dragon! This is also a great place to meet some unique characters as mentioned previously. Like The Seas with Nemo and Friends, this is a great place to take a break from the heat if you are coming in the warmer months.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Do you have a kid that loves Moana or just playing in the water? This is a must do for them! This interactive water experience lets you play and interact with water in all sorts of ways, while giving you the opportunity to stay dry if you wish. This attraction is inspired by Moana's journey and her love of the ocean so sometimes you might even find Moana hanging out! This attraction is a self-guided trail so you can take as much time as you'd like exploring and playing. My favorite part of this attraction is the larger than life Motunui at the end!
As you can see, Epcot is a top notch choice for families with children and definitely worth spending a day there. I'd love to help your family experience not only the magic of Epcot, but the entire Walt Disney World Resort and Theme Parks! Reach out to me at kelly.mills@vincentvacations.com to start planning your trip today!
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