Epcot doesn't exude the same kind of kid-friendly vibe you get at Magic Kingdom, but there is a lot for even small children, toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy there.
When it comes to Epcot and small children, it is probably better to have a plan or at least a to-do list. Since Epcot is so vast and sprawling, you could end up wandering in areas small children find boring or see the little ones tire easily from a lot of walking.
Here is a guide to finding the kid-friendliest things to do at Epcot Center in Disney World Orlando, as well as tips for making Epcot fun and pleasant for small children.
Kidcot Fun Stop
Easily one of the best things to do is to introduce your children to the Kidcot Fun Stations. The child will get a freebie (such as the theater mask on a long wooden stick received during a recent Family Travel visit). Then, at each country section in Epcot, the child can visit the Kidcot station for more bling for their prize, and to color and decorate it.
Disney Characters at Epcot
At the Magic Kingdom, it's just flat out unpleasant doing the Disney character thing. You wait in a very long and painful line with an unhappy child to meet characters like the Disney Princesses. You can deal with nasty Princess Goons for rare times when a princess is out in the park, or bouncers who let children stand in line only to abruptly announce the princess will soon be leaving. You can pay a lot for a princess character breakfast at Cinderella's castle.
At Epcot Center, it actually isn't unpleasant at all to meet Disney characters. There is even less expensive Princess character dining available at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion at Epcot that features more princess time and is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner (versus the Magic Kingdom version of only breakfast).
There are also other ways for the little ones to meet characters. Upon entering Epcot, get a map and look for the icons for character spots. A quick line was all that had to be endured to meet, get pictures and get autographs with several classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Chip 'n Dale and Goofy.
Another little tip: watch for random princess sightings in the country most likely to be their origin (such as Snow White in Germany, Belle in France, and so on).
Tips for Epcot Center with Small Children
- Seek out or make a list of the kid-friendly rides at Epcot. You also might want have a solo parent test out a ride first if the line is short. Nemo & Friends, for instance, is one of the best for small children. Still, the ride continuously moves. That can make it a bit awkward hopping on with a squirmy toddler in arms (and in arms they will be, since strollers must stay outside).
- Consider renting a stroller, even for an older child. Epcot Center covers a lot of acreage. If you'll be there for a day, even an older preschooler or child could end up with tired legs by end of day. It also could make things speedier for moving from section to section. There is also a ferry that crosses World Showcase Lagoon and can cut down on some walking.
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