Epcot - Not Just For Adults Anymore

"We won't be going to Epcot...there's nothing there for the kids."

I can't begin to tell you how many times we hear that statement from families who are planning their Disney vacations.  I believe that nothing can be further from the truth !!  In fact....

EPCOT IS FOR KIDS !!!

When Epcot opened in 1982, it really wasn't very kid friendly.  Most of what is now Future World was very, let's say, scientific.  And the World Showcase offerings were pretty slim, too.  Over the years, the Imagineers at Disney have been working quite successfully to add attractions that are more Kid Friendly.  Unfortunately, Epcot has had a difficult time shedding that image of so long ago.  Let me help a little bit, as I believe that everyone needs to know that Epcot is VERY kid friendly......

I thought I'd share some of my kids' favorite attractions and "things to do" at Epcot.

1.  The Rides.  Not your mainstream "amusement park" rides, the attractions at Epcot are unique, fun, and can take your breath away.  Imagine gliding over the mountains of California, or the dessert, or the surf.  Our favorite attraction is Soarin', an exhilarating scenic view of the best of California's beauty from a simulated hang glider.  Test Track is another of our favorites.  Ride a simulated proving ground for the newest General Motors vehicles.  End your ride with a 60+ MPH trip around the track.  Weeeeee.  (Test Track will soon be undergoing a total refurbishment and will re-open in the fall)  For a more calmer journey, ride through the seas with The Seas With Nemo and Friends.  Afterwards, make sure you hang out with Turtle Talk with Crush.  Kids get to hold a real conversation with Crush from Finding Nemo.  See a real aquarium with your favorite Finding Nemo characters swimming right along.  There are plenty of fun attractions that we haven't even mentioned here.  If your kids are into exploring their senses.....

2. Innoventions East and Innoventions West are areas where kids of all ages can explore sight, sound, and so much more.  Just opened this week is Healthy Habits, an exhibit of healthier lifestyle and activities.  Kids have so much fun that they don't even realize they are learning at the same time.  One of the coolest activities in Innoventions is.....

3.  Sum of All Thrills.  Here, kids (and adults) get to create their own roller coaster on a computer, and then the ride comes to life as they get to ride their very own creation in a roller coaster simulator.

4.  I know that we've all heard that the World Showcase is snoozeville for the kids.  Well....no more.  Thanks to the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, kids can now get their own "Kimmunicators", high-tech communication devices that use state of the art technology, to help find Kim Possible characters who will give them clues to stop the villains.  Each "scene" is located in a country in the World Showcase, so the kids are now seeing these countries in a whole new way.  Very entertaining for the kids !!

5.  Dining options vary for the kids, too.  From fun themed restaurants such as Biergarten in Germany (reminiscent of a German village, complete with an Oom-pah band and other entertainment), to fine dining with a little special chef in France, there is enough to keep the youngest of kids enthused.  Character dinners are plentiful, too with Mickey and friends at Garden Grill.  One of my favorite dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World is the Princess Storybook meal at the Royal Banquet Hall in Norway.  If you kids are into princesses in the slightest way, then this is a "can't miss".  Imagine having a meal and being visited by Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan or Mary Poppins.  If your little girl is in her princess outfit, a special "fuss" will be made over her, I can assure you.  Other than the beaming smiles on the kids' faces, I especially like that this experience is still only one table service credit on the Disney dining plan.





6.  Another great idea to keep the kids excited at Epcot is with the various KidCot Fun Stop areas.  With over 14 locations, KidCot areas are places where kids can take a break and enjoy drawing, stamping, writing and much more.  Our favorites are the locations in the various countries where the kids are lead by a native of that country.  Kids can also complete a Passport at each location.  See if you can fill your book for a special souvenir.

As you can see, Epcot has come a long way in making sure that kids of all ages have a great stay.

Our guests with kids will see many of these suggestions in their planning documents and daily park itineraries.  Have fun at Epcot...and bring the kids with smiles on their faces !!!

Karen
karen@mymickeyvacation.com
www.mymickeyvacation.com