EPCOT, one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, is often thought of as a park for adults, but it offers plenty of fun and engaging experiences for kids, too! With exciting attractions, interactive play areas, and kid-friendly dining, families can have an amazing time exploring the park. Here are our top tips to make the most of your visit with little ones.
1. Start Early and Plan Your Must-Do Attractions
EPCOT is a large park, and getting an early start helps you experience popular attractions before crowds build. Prioritize must-do rides like Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends for younger kids, while older children may enjoy Soarin’, Test Track, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (height restrictions apply). Download our suggested itinerary for families with young children here.
To make the most of your day, consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you opt for Lightning Lane Multi Pass, be sure to select Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as one of your advanced picks. You’ll want to try to get an early return time for one of your three advanced reservations so that you can make your first in-park selection for the which ever attraction of the two listed you did not get already. To learn more about Lightning Lane, read out blog post that breaks it all down.
Pro Tip: Book an early breakfast reservation at Cape May Cafe or Trattoria al Forno (7 AM). Both restaurants are located at restaurants that are within walking distance of the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. After enjoying your meal, you can head to EPCOT through the International Gateway entrance. This entrance will bring you into the park between the UK and France pavilions, making it easy to quickly “rope drop” (head to an attraction right at opening) Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Recommended Itinerary for Families with Young Children
One of the nice things about visiting EPCOT with young children is that they will be able to do most of the attractions as only a few have a height requirement. Attractions with a height requirement include:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (42″)
- Mission: SPACE (40″)
- Soarin’ Around the World (40″)
- Test Track (40″)
All other attractions are able to be enjoyed by the whole family, making it a park with lots for children to experience.
To help you plan your visit to EPCOT, download our suggested itinerary for families visiting EPCOT with young children.
PRO TIP: If you have members of your party who are not tall enough to experience an attraction but all other members would like to ride, take advantage of Rider Switch. To use Rider Switch, check with a Cast Member at the entrance of the attraction to ensure that it is offered at the attraction. If it is, have your entire group approach the Cast Member and divided your group into two parties. “Party 1” includes those riding the attraction first, while “Party 2” consists of non-riders and their supervising guests. The supervising guests of Party 2 – which can include a maximum of 3 people – will have their admission media/tickets scanned and must wait in the designated area – usually outside the attraction – while Party 1 waits in line to experience the attraction. Once Party 1 experiences the attraction, they can take over supervising the non-riding guest and Party 2 can utilize the Lightning Lane to enter the attraction, cutting down on their wait time.
2. Explore the Kid-Friendly Play Areas
After some time in line for attractions, kids may need a break to run around. EPCOT has several play areas, both inside and outside, that offer children a place to get some energy out safely.
- Play Zone: Located outside of the Creations Shop opposite Test Track, this play area’s theming is often changed to complement the festival occurring in the park.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: While not technically a “play area” there is so much to explore and engage with in this walk-through experience that children will love!
- Mission: SPACE Play Zone: This indoor play area is located at the exit of Mission: SPACE and can also be accessed by entering through the Mission: SPACE gift shop (to the left of the attraction entrance).
- Journey into Imagination Exit: Located at the exit of the attraction, there is a large, mostly carpeted, area with interactive exhibits and character meet and greet opportunities at select times throughout the day.
- Sea Base at The Seas: After riding The Seas with Nemo and Friends, children can explore the aquarium and even complete a scavenger hunt with Dory from Finding Nemo. Grab a “Finding Dory’s Friends” scavenger hunt booklet as you exit the attraction.
Download our suggested itinerary for families visiting EPCOT with young children
3. Take Advantage of the Kidcot Fun Stops
Located in each of the eleven World Showcase pavilions, Kidcot Fun Stops allow children to collect activity cards and learn about different countries in a fun, hands-on way. This free activity is a great way to keep kids engaged while exploring World Showcase at a more relaxed pace.
4. Enjoy the Character Meet-and-Greets
EPCOT offers lots of opportunities to meet favorite Disney characters, including many of the princesses. Below is a list of characters meeting in EPCOT at time of writing this post. We always recommend you check the My Disney Experience app for updated times and locations.
Characters in World Showcase
- Alice – UK Gardens
- Anna & Elsa – Royal Sommerhaus
- Asha – World Showcase Friendship Ambassador Gazebo
- Belle – France Promenade
- Daisy Duck – International Gateway
- Donald Duck – Mexico Promenade
- Mulan – Great Hall of China
- Princess Aurora – France Fragrance Gardens Gazebo
- Princess Jasmine – Morocco
- Snow White – Germany Wishing Well
- Winnie the Pooh – Christopher Robin’s Room
Characters in World Nature
- Moana – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Characters in World Celebration
- Figment – ImageWorks
- Goofy – Mickey & Friends at Communicore Hall
- Mickey Mouse – Mickey & Friends at Communicore Hall
- Minnie Mose – Mickey & Friends at Communicore Hall
- Pluto – Near EPCOT Main Entrance
Characters in World Discovery
- Star-Lord – Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
PRO TIP: PhotoPass photographers will take pictures at most character meet and greets. To ensure you get the best pictures and can get the whole family in them, purchase Memory Maker. Memory Maker provides you with unlimited downloads of all of your PhotoPass pictures. To save on Memory Maker, purchase it in advance of your trip.
5. Opt for a Midday Break
Full park days can be overwhelming, especially for young children. Consider taking a break at your hotel for a nap or some pool time before returning in the evening. If leaving the park isn’t an option, enjoy a relaxed meal or visit one of our recommended “rest spots” in EPCOT for some downtime.
6. Make Dining Kid-Friendly
EPCOT has fantastic dining options and most will offer kid-friendly options on the children’s menu. However, if you have picky eaters who may not be the most adventurous, consider one of the below:
Quick Service Options:
Table Service Options:
8. Take Advantage of the Baby Care Center
Baby Care Centers are located at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and provide a convenient and comfortable space to feed, change, and nurse little ones. These centers are complimentary to use and have include quiet room with rocking or gliding chairs, changing rooms with tables, restroom facilities, feeding areas with high chairs, seating, and television, and a kitchenette with microwave and sink. Many essentials items, like formula, diapers, over-the-counter medications, and wipes are available to purchase.
The Baby Care Center at EPCOT is located on the walkway from Mexico towards The Odyssey Pavilion and is open during park operating hours.
Start Planning Your Vacation
With a little planning and flexibility, EPCOT can be a fantastic destination for families with children. From kid-friendly attractions to engaging activities in World Showcase, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained while adults enjoy the park’s unique offerings.
If you’d like assistance planning your Disney vacation, be sure to reach out today! Our team of Travel Advisor are dedicated to providing each family the resources and support you need to have a magical, memorable and stress-free vacation.
