Epcot for kids!

spaceship earth

When discussing the parks with clients, one of the most frequent statements I hear is, “We aren’t going to do Epcot.  I hear it’s boring and there isn’t much to do for kids”.  My response is always, “There are a lot of things for kids in Epcot!”  While there are not as many rides as the Magic Kingdom, there are a lot of fun learning opportunities for everyone, young and young at heart.  Also, if you ask me, Epcot is the BEST place to meet the characters.  Many princesses have meet and greets around the World Showcase, the Main Mouse himself is at the Character Spot in Future World  and there are plenty of other characters (such as Duffy, Winnie the Pooh, Alice, Marie, etc) around the park.   The lines are remarkably much shorter here than in the Magic Kingdom! We can easily spend at least 2 full days in Epcot!

jumping water epcot

Below are some of my family’s favorite things to do in Epcot in addition to the meet and greets.

  1. The Fountain of Nations. On October 24, 1982, during the dedication of the fountain 21 gallons of water from 29 different nations were poured into the fountain.  The fountain holds 149,000 gallons of water and uses 200 shooters to make the water dance to absolutely beautiful music.  It really is a site to see and on warm days, the mist that comes off in the breeze is an excellent way to stay cool.
  2. Innoventions! While there is a lot of great interactive activities for kids of all ages, one of my favorite here is the “Where’s the Fire?” exhibit.   It is currently the largest fire prevention exhibit in the US. It is divided up into several activities such as a game house where teams pair up to find fire hazards in the home.  There is also a Play It Safe maze where kids ages 5 and younger can learn how to safely exit their homes in case of a fire.  Also in this exhibit is a real fire truck where you can learn the ins and outs of how it works and even get your photo taken with it.
  3. Club Cool.  You can find Club Cool near Innoventions West.  Here you can sample different Coca-Cola products from around the world. It’s a fun way to cool off!
  4. Water, Water everywhere. Epcot has two cool water areas just for kids. First, over in the Imagination Pavilion, you can find the jumping water. Streams of water seem to jump around from area to area, it entertains kids and adults! Try to catch the water, or make it fly through your arms. Second, there is a fun water play area near just South of the Fountain of Nations near the entrance to the World Showcase. Fun abounds, but so will soaking wet clothes, so you may want to bring a change of clothes if you plan on spending any time here.
  5. KidCot stations throughout the World Showcase.   Each country has one and this is a great way for kids to learn something new about a country while coloring a fun craft they can take home.  This is also a great way to acquire a free souvenir!
  6. The World Showcase Players.  Located in the United Kingdom pavilion, this improv comedy troupe comes out every hour on the hour between 11am and 4pm. Usually they tell a tale such as King Arthur and his nights, or a variation on a Shakespearean play (Romeo and Anna, etc).  They often use members of the crowd as extras and it is always a hilarious outcome.
  7. Matsuriza.  These are the Japanese drums that can be heard half way around the World Showcase.  They are great performers and definitely worth your time to stop and listen for a few minutes!  While you are in the area, you should take a walk through the garden.  There are some excellent photo opportunities here, absolutely beautiful landscaping.
  8. Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China.   This acrobat troupe from China is awesome.  I can’t even imagine being able to do some of the things they accomplish.  Wow, that is all I can say about the awesomeness.
  9. Mariachi Cobre.  This mariachi band plays every 45 minutes throughout the Mexico pavilion. Kids love to stop and dance and this is also a great time to get a photo with that stylish sombrero you have been eyeing to buy!
  10. Illuminations! Simple one of the best Disney fireworks shows around. Not only is in great, but since it is located in the World Showcase, it is easy to find a front row spot for your young ones where they can sit on the ground and still see everything perfectly!

Plus, don’t forget about all the amazing rides, movies and attractions that can be found around Epcot. Trust me, just take a few minutes to plan your day and you will not believe how much you and your kids will absolutely love Epcot.

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