When my friends plan a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, they often ask if it is worth visiting Epcot with kids. I always respond with a resounding “YES!!”. Epcot with toddlers is a blast too!
Things to do at Epcot With Kids
By Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids
In my humble opinion, Epcot is the most underrated of all of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Now, as a former Cast Member and someone who loves to travel the world, Epcot is my favorite (and the favorite of my family.)
Admittedly, I am biased. But, there are so many things to do at Epcot with kids!
Not only is it filled with Disney magic, but unlike Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios which are fun in their own ways, Epcot is educational. Both the front part of the park – called Future World – with more engineering and science-based attractions and the back of the park that features Epcot’s World Showcase, kids can learn something in this park. And, have fun!
But, to me, no vacation to Walt Disney World is complete without a visit to this park, as there is so much to do at Epcot with kids. In fact, you could easily fill an entire day here and still not do it all.
Travel The World in Epcot with Kids
One of my kids’ favorite things to do is visit the World Showcase in Epcot. Staffed with Cast Members from the countries featured, along with shops, dining, and entertainment, it is a great first introduction to countries and cultures around the world.
Each country has something to explore, be it a ride, a short movie, or entertainment. You can take time and stroll through several countries or explore each one in more depth. It is our favorite thing to do at Epcot with kids.
Experience Kidcot
Each of the countries in Epcot’s has a Kidcot stop, where kids can meet Cast Members and collect a small card. Often the Cast Members will write something in their language on the card, but the cards tell kids more about the country they are visiting. They make great keepsakes!
My kids also love to get a souvenir from one of the countries as a way too remember their trip. The shops feature items specific to that country, so it is another way to discover another culture.
Taste Your Way Around The World
Dining in Epcot’s World Showcase is also a highlight! Whether you enjoy a longer meal at one of the best restaurants at Disney World or grab a quick-service snack, each of Epcot’s countries offer dining themed with cuisine from that country.
In fact, my first taste of French, Chinese, and Moroccan food as a child came from Epcot, and I was bit by the travel bug. Tasting your way through Epcot is a wonderful way to introduce kids to cultures and countries around the world, and it is my favorite thing to do at Epcot with kids.
Enjoy Thrilling Attractions at Epcot with Kids
Epcot’s attractions are very exciting, so don’t confuse this educational theme park with being boring! Oh no, my kids LOVE Epcot’s marquis attractions like Test Track, Mission Space, and Soarin’ Around The World. These exciting rides will definitely make their tummies jump, and it is another of our family’s favorite things to do at Epcot with kids.
Epcot with preschoolers can be so much fun too! The Nemo and Friends ride and Turtle Talk With Crush both take place inside “The Seas”, which also includes a real aquarium with dolphins and manatees! Young scientists to may also enjoy The Land boat ride.
Read More: The Best Rides at Epcot
Explore Future World
In the Future World, the giant iconic ball you see when you enter is called Spaceship Earth, and it isn’t there just for decoration. In fact, it is a fascinating ride through history to show innovations that have happened over time. For older kids and adults, it is quite interesting, and young ones just enjoying watching the scenes go by.
The Image Works “What If” labs is a great place for kids to let their imaginations run wild and explore. It is an interactive and creative play space for little mousketeers to explore their senses. If you enjoy the Journey Into Imagination With Figment ride, which is great for toddlers, you will be let off right here!
The Advanced Training Lab near Mission Space will train kids for their next Mars adventure in this high-tech play area. Kids will love the space-themed games and activities, and it is definitely one of the best things to do at Epcot with kids.
Character Visits in Epcot with Kids
Just because Epcot is educational doesn’t mean it is without kids’ favorite Disney characters! Princess character dining is available at the Norway pavilion at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. You can also dine and meet Chip and Dale at the Garden Grill restaurant.
There are other spots around to meet your favorite pals as well. Find Mickey and other friends at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Alice from Alice in Wonderland appears at the England pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Other locations for favorite Disney characters include:
- Belle in France
- Anna and Elsa in the Royal Summerhus
- Donald Duck in Mexico
- Mulan in China
- Jasmine in Morocco
- Snow White in Germany
- Joy near Imagination! In Future World
- Pluto near the Main Entrance
- Minnie near the World Showcase
- Ralph and Vanellope inside ImageWorks
Special Experiences in Epcot with Kids
A couple of times of year, Epcot hosts special events. The Epcot Food and Wine festival, Christmas celebrations, and the Epcot International Flower and Garden festival are the main events. These typically run over several weeks and are a great thing to do at Epcot with kids.
The Epcot Food and Wine festival typically adds additional countries to the World Showcase area, where kids can try foods and treats from even more countries. The Epcot International Flower and Garden festival and holiday celebrations are a site to behold with beautiful flower and topiaries, sometimes in the shape of characters, decorate the park.
Additional musicians and events are typically on the schedule during these times as well. It is a great thing to do at Epcot with kids!
Bonus! Interactive Games
Until February 2020, Epcot had an interactive game kids could play based on the Phineas and Ferb characters, called Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. Kids could travel through Epcot in a scavenger hunt style with an interactive game piece and unveil hidden surprises throughout the park.
This will soon be replaced by a Disney Duck Tales World Showcase Adventure using the Play Disney Parks app on your phone. Depending on if it is available for your visit, this is another exciting thing to do in Epcot with kids!
As Epcot is always thinking into the future, many changes will be coming to the park soon. A walk into Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience will give you a peak into the future of this exciting an entertaining park.
Final Thought On Epcot With Kids
There is so much to do in Epcot with kids, including toddlers! It is a great place to visit during your next vacation to Walt Disney World, and it should definitely be part of your trip. With so much to do to fascinate kids, inspire them to discover new things, and capture their imagination, it is a wonderful way to experience the magic of Disney.
It is also a wonderful way to plant the seeds of wanderlust in your kids! The World Showcase is worth a visit alone, even if you don’t have time for the whole park. You can even just book a lunch or a dinner at one of the restaurants if you don’t have time for much else. It is a great way to begin to open your kids’ eyes to the world, and one of the best things to do in Epcot with kids.
About the Author
Keri Baugh is a family travel blogger at Bon Voyage With Kids. She has lived abroad three times and traveled to more than 30 countries, and worked as a Cast Member for Walt Disney World and for an educational travel company. Keri travels with her family, including her three children, several times throughout the year, and loves sharing tips on traveling with kids.
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