Considering bringing your kids to EPCOT? We’re sharing whether visiting EPCOT with kids is worth it, and what there is to do.
Sitting around the dinner table at a recent family event, the topic of Disney World vacations came up as it typically does with my Disney-loving family. To my surprise, most of my extended family with children had no interest in including EPCOT in their parks days, and they didn’t feel like it had enough to keep the kids entertained. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
EPCOT With Kids
EPCOT is one of my favorite parks, and it makes me think: do more people skip EPCOT when visiting Disney World? The park is absolutely worth visiting for my family, and I want to share why you shouldn’t overlook it on your next family vacation to Disney World.
EPCOT FestivalsÂ
Okay, hear me out. When you think of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, it doesn’t sound overly kid-friendly, but that’s not true. Sure, the wine is for the adult crowd, but there is so much kid-friendly food at the different booths throughout the World Showcase. For example, a whole building is dedicated to mac and cheese dishes! Every type of mac and cheese you could think of. Many kids would happily eat mac and cheese for every meal, and I know mine would. With so many varieties, your kiddo will happily partake in this mac and cheese journey.Â
Photo by Andy Jerzewski
Suppose mac and cheese isn’t their favorite, no worries! There are plenty of tasty food booths to explore, and they will find something delicious to eat. EPCOT has numerous dining options outside the festival booths, making it easy for you and your family to find a place to dine. Are you traveling during the holidays? At the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, you’ll encounter holiday storytellers at the different pavilions, and the kids can meet Santa himself at the Oddesy pavilion.Â
The entertainment during all four festivals is some of the best at the Disney Parks. Whether you’re grooving to the bands at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series or captivated by the Taiko drummers at the Japan Pavilion, there’s never a dull moment. You can experience a delightful cheese adventure with Emile’s Fromage Montage or participate in the Holiday Cookie Stroll—it’s a wonderful way for you and your family to enjoy everything the World Showcase has to offer.
Kidcot Fun StopsÂ
While exploring any EPCOT festivals or just strolling around the World Showcase, you might feel a more adult-friendly vibe with all the beautiful pavilions and picturesque views. As a parent, you’ll be pleased to know there are fun activities for kids at every pavilion. Kidcot Fun Stops can be found in all eleven World Showcase locations. They are an excellent way for families to tour the World Showcase and keep the kids engaged in this adult-friendly section of the park.Â
What is a Kidcot Fun Stop, you might ask? It’s an engaging way for children to learn about the cultures of each pavilion in the World Showcase. Kids can learn about different countries and collect fun mementos from each stop they make. Additionally, various activities, such as coloring, are available to keep them entertained, and they’ll be excited to explore each pavilion.
EPCOT Attractions
EPCOT has many rides and attractions for kids of all ages to enjoy. In the World Showcase, you’ll find Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, two of the most popular rides on Disney Property. Don’t pass the Mexican Pavillion without stopping by the Gran Fiesta Tour, Starring the Three Caballeros.Â
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
From thrill seekers to non-thrill seekers, EPCOT has so much to offer. For top thrill seekers, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must, and it is a ride you’ll want to go over and over. Soarin’ Around the World is something you’ll talk about long after your trip, and The Land is one of the most relaxing rides you’ll encounter at Disney. You’ll learn a lot, too.
Rides for Younger Kids
Take a ride in a clamshell in the Seas with Nemo and Friends on a journey to find Nemo. You’ll also find an interactive show with Crush and a breathtaking aquarium. Meet the resident Manatee and watch for the Dolphins swimming by as you take in this exquisite place. Dory also has a scavenger hunt for kiddos to enjoy while they explore the aquarium. After you leave, don’t miss out on Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. You get to interact with water, and it’s an unforgettable experience.
The EPCOT ball is iconic, but you can also ride in it. Spaceship Earth will take you on an exploration of the history of communication. And it’s one of my all-time favorite attractions, as is my son’s. I could go on and on about what to do at EPCOT and all that you can explore throughout World Celebration, World Nature, the World Showcase, and World Discovery, but my words can only capture so much—nothing beats the thrill of experiencing it all firsthand. Now, I encourage you to include EPCOT in your Disney Park plans for your next vacation. You won’t regret it!
