Is EPCOT for Kids?
I am grateful and privileged that, on most trips, I don’t have to exclude a Park. We typically make it to all 4 major Parks. However, I’ve recently started helping families who are going on shorter trips, have stricter budgets, and/or have younger party members less interested in bigger rides. In these circumstances, Hollywood Studios (with its bigger thrill, higher height requirement rides and longer shows) is frequently the first Park to go from the itinerary. Magic Kingdom is generally a must for this same demographic. This leaves EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. In most cases, I find families who don’t choose two Magic Kingdom days quickly picking Animal Kingdom as their second Park.
I have been a huge fan of Animal Kingdom since my first visit as an adult, it wasn’t around when I was younger. Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened on April 22nd of 1998, and my last childhood visit to Walt Disney World was December of 1997.
Since I started taking my daughters in in 2023, I have adamantly disagreed with anyone who claimed Animal Kingdom was a “half day park.” Aside from the rides, we love the shows, the varied opportunities to view and interact with the animals, and the unique experience of watching the vets and animal ambassadors interact and care for the park’s varied residents. That being said, there are only a handful of rides. Many have height requirements and thrill factors. Also, given the current state of refurbishments at Animal Kingdom, I am starting to recommend families take a second look at EPCOT.
EPCOT opened on the 1st of October 1982. It has evolved over the decades. Edutainment has less of an obvious influence, and some bigger rides have emerged. Walt’s vision of a Planned Community inside the Park was never realized. The Disney Company even moved away from the Park’s longer, original, name EPCOT Center (“The Experimental Prototype of Tomorrow.”)
We find more IP (Intellectual Property) influencing EPCOT than it did 43 years ago, and it has gotten quite the reputation as a place to “Drink Around the World.” However, many things remain constant. The Jumping Fountains in the Imagination Pavilion still remind me of warm November and December days playing with my brothers. The Park’s majestic icon, Spaceship Earth greets visitors as they enter the Park for the first time. The ride inside is full of familiar sights, sounds, and smells. World Showcase is still host to cultural Ambassadors and, when explored, offers examples of food, art, and culture from the represented countries. Circle Vision shows give views of the landscapes one could explore if you possessed the means, time and passport.
So, is it an adult and older kid park or is EPCOT also fun for your littlest Disney Fans? Having traveled there on numerous occasions with my own children, I can assure you…it is kid friendly.
An Overview of EPCOT Offerings
Rides:
Even reluctant, minimal thrill seeking, individuals have more choices here than you might think. There are 11 rides, 6 of which are for “Any Height.” For the adults in your party, or those who want a coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is located in EPCOT. It is, arguably, one of the best coasters on Walt Disney Property. You’ll also find several experiential attractions to enjoy, such as Turtle Talk with Crush and the walkthrough Moana Journey of Water.
Play Spaces:
If you have a kid who just needs some unscheduled free play time, you are in luck. There are play areas near the ride exits of Mission Space and Journey into Imagination with Figment. Bruce’s Shark World is an interactive exhibit inside SeaBase, the Aquarium you exit into after The Seas with Nemo and Friends. You’ll also find a large interactive area in Spaceship Earth’s exit. Perhaps best of all, there is a more traditional outdoor playground located between outside Creations Shop, across from Test Track.
Live Entertainment:
Musicians, acrobats, and other performers can be found in many World Showcase Pavilions, by Walt’s Statue in Dreamer’s Point, on the CommuniCore Plaza stage, and on stage in the American Pavilion during Festivals. The JAMMitors drop fun and danceable beats on trash cands in World Celebration.
Characters:
Did I mention Character Meet and Greets? I don’t think people realize this, but you can meet more Princesses in EPCOT than Magic Kingdom. You can also meet Asha, Alice, Winnie the Pooh, Star Lord, and all of the Sensational 6 (Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.) Check your MDE App for times and locations.
Food:
Perhaps not a focus for our children but worth mentioning. The food and drink options at EPCOT are plentiful and delicious. If you have a soda lover, check out Club Cool next to the Creations Shop and sample Coca Cola Products from around the world. Have adventurous eaters? Explore the many Festival Food booths in the different countries or consider one of the plentiful sit-down dining options. Garden Grill inside the Land Pavilion is a Character Dining experience with Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. Akershus in Norway provides the opportunity to meet 5 Disney Princesses. Have pickier eaters? There are two cafeteria style dining options: Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion and Connections Cafe in World Celebration.
If you have a shorter upcoming trip and/or less bold members in your party, give EPCOT a look. Animal Kingdom is also wonderful, but will have even more to offer for 2027/28 Trips when Tropical Americas is supposed to open.
In reality, I can make an argument for every Disney Park. You really can’t go wrong whatever you choose. At the end of the day YOU know your family/travel party best.
Hope this helped as you consider Park choices for your upcoming Disney Vacation.
Happy Planning,
Jody
