EPCOT Kidcot Fun Stops are a fun solution to the ever-present problem of keeping kids entertained in EPCOT’s World Show Case. If, like Dad (and every other parent who has braved EPCOT with children), you’d like to enjoy a leisurely stroll around World Showcase, taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of each pavilion – this interactive experience may provide the kid-friendly distraction you’re looking for.
Several years ago, the folk at Disney clued into the fact that kids weren’t too excited to be heading to EPCOT –especially to the World Showcase. While it’s true that the World Showcase Pavilions offered great entertainment for older children and adults, there was little to help children connect to the cultures of the world. Enter EPCOT Kidcot Fun Stops!
In each pavilion around World Showcase you’ll find a small booth set up as a crafting station for kids to work on a fun, free (yes, I said FREE) souvenir. At the first country you visit, your child can pick up a Duffy the Disney Bear attached to a stick, which can be decorated in each country with special stamps, charms, and markers (provided by EPCOT Kidcot Fun Stops sponsor Sharpie, so keep those baby wipe handy!).
Previously, kids were given a mask to decorate, and at one point there was even a lanyard, but since Disney is working so hard to integrate Duffy the Disney Bear into the World Showcase, Dad predicts this particular project will be around for the foreseeable future.
Locations
So, where can you find these crafting stations in each pavilion? They are known to change locations temporarily during renovations, but in general you should be able to find them at the locations below (and if you have any trouble, consult your park guide or simply ask a cast member or a fellow parent!)…
- Mexico Pavilion near Animales Fastasticos
- Norway Pavilion at The Puffin’s Roost
- China Pavilion inside House of Good Fortune
- Germany Pavilion at Volkunst
- Italy Pavilion near La Bottega Italiana
- American Adventure Pavilion near Heritage Manor Gifts
- Japan Pavilion in Bijutsu-kan Gallery
- Morocco Pavilion in Marketplace in the Medina
- France Pavilion in Souvenirs de France
- The United Kingdom Pavilion in The Toy Soldier
- Canada Pavilion at the exit from the O Canada! attraction
Hours
Fun Stops are open during regular World Showcase operating hours, generally 11am-9pm daily.
Dad’s Bottom Line
If you have preschool aged kids, EPCOT Kidcot Fun Stops are a great way to keep them entertained while the older folks in your party spend a little extra time enjoying World Showcase – and maybe even get them interested in some of the countries along the way!
