Is Epcot Just for Adults?

I have a list of pet-peeves when it comes to conversations about Disney, but high on that list is when people rule out Epcot because they think it's not fun for kids or is strictly for adults. They claim that it's boring or that it's nothing but shopping and drinking. That is just not true! My family loves Epcot! And I have 2 young kids (currently ages 5 and 3, but we have been going since the youngest was 20 months). While Magic Kingdom feels the most iconic and has the most rides, Epcot may actually be our favorite! And here's why:

1. It has more family friendly rides than Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios combined. Nothing against the other parks. They are all wonderful! But if your kids really want rides and aren't as excited by shows or animals, then Epcot is your best bet! For all sizes and ages you have:

• Living with the Land
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Finding Nemo
• Spaceship Earth
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour

And if your kids are tall enough, you can add Soarin', Test Track, and Mission Space to that list.

2. It's a great place to meet characters, especially the princesses! I feel like lines here are often shorter than you'll see in Magic Kingdom for some of the same characters, especially the ones stationed in the World Showcase. It's the only place to see Belle in her blue dress. And you can meet characters in the atmosphere of their country of origin. And because there are fewer rides here than at Magic Kingdom, it doesn't feel like as much of a sacrifice to spend time meeting characters. My kids have met the following characters at Epcot (and this is only some of the ones you can meet there):

• Belle (blue dress)
• Aurora
• Mulan
• Snow White
• Anna & Elsa (the only place to regularly meet them)
• Donald Duck in his fiesta outfit
• Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in their traditional clothes
• Joy and Sadness from Inside Out (the only place to regularly meet them)
• Baymax (only place to regularly meet him)
• Daisy Duck 
• Mary Poppins

3. And if you want character dining, they have two excellent character meals. Akershus in the Norway Pavilion has the princesses and is a little more affordable and accessible than Cinderella's Royal Table in MK. And Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion (my personal favorite!). Garden Grill slowly rotates while you eat, so you get to see parts of the Living with the Land attraction during your meal. It's a smaller restaurant so it doesn't feel as crazy and loud as many of the other character meals. And because it's smaller, the characters often come by multiple times during your meal. We felt it was the most quality interactions we had of any character meal we've ever done. Also the food is locally grown and delicious! 

4. Splash pads. If you bring a change of clothes or don't mind your kiddos being wet for a while, they have 2 splash pad fountain areas for your kids to play at Epcot. This is perfect on a really hot day! 

5. Innoventions. There are two Innoventions areas in the park where your kids can do hands-on science related activities and games. This is perfect for your older elementary aged kids or even middle schoolers. Heck, my husband and I have spent some time playing in those areas too! 

6. Club Cool. You can try free samples of sodas from around the world. If it's your birthday, you can visit Club Cool for a free birthday drink. And be sure to try The Beverly! 

7. There are lots of other fun attractions at Epcot that aren't actual rides. The Pixar Short Film Festival, Turtle Talk with Crush (interactive and so cute, especially when he talks to one of your kids! He talked to my oldest and it was so magical!), and tons of live performers around the World Showcase. My kids have danced along with German musicians playing the spoons and washboards, and have watched in awe at jugglers, balancing acts, mimes, live statues, and more! Also, most countries have an educational show that may  be boring to some but interesting to others. Unfortunately the Reflections of China show at Epcot had my oldest asking to go home (not just to another attraction or back to the hotel, but straight home! lol!). But if you have a History fan among you, those shows are a nice opportunity to learn something new and enjoy the AC.

8. The Seas with Nemo & Friends aquarium. If your kids like ocean life, be sure to spend some time at the aquarium over by the Nemo ride. They have fish, crabs, sharks, dolphins, etc... It's nice and cool in there and a great place to take a break and let nature entertain you! If you're a seafood fan, you can also book a reservation at Coral Reef and eat dinner around the massive tanks.

9. Kidcot stations. Each country in the World Showcase has a Kidcot station where your child can get a stamp from each country as well as have their name written in the native language of that country. They also have a little coloring station, so my kids love to stop and color for a bit at each. These make great souvenirs and give the kids something to do if someone else in your party wants to stop and look around a shop or have a drink or bite to eat. 

10. It's not as dang crowded there! Okay, it can be crowded, but I feel like the walkways are bigger and there's just more room to move around at this park. You don't feel like you're walking shoulder to shoulder the entire day. The pace of the park is slower, while still fun. After a long day at Magic Kingdom, I welcome the more laid back feel of Epcot. 

11. The Festivals! Kids may not be as excited about festivals as adults, but it's Disney and they are keeping those kiddos in mind at all times! For each festival there is some special activity that your kid can do while you enjoy food booths! At the Festival of the Arts, they had a scavenger hunt to find Figment in different works of art. At Flower & Garden they have a butterfly house, an awesome interactive play garden, and a scavenger hunt to find Spike the bee in each topiary. There are similar activities for the other festivals as well. 

12. Agent P's World Showcase Adventure. If you have a smart phone, your kid can do an interactive adventure around the world showcase where they look for clues and cause their surroundings to change and interact with them based on where they are in the game. More info here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/agent-p-world-showcase-adventure/

13. I can't stop without at least saying that sometimes shopping and eating is fun for kids too! They have great foods for you and your whole family to enjoy from each country. I bet you can easily convince your kids to eat around the world with you if you include some dessert options! And if souvenirs is part of your plan, there are great unique options at Epcot that you won't find at other Disney shops and definitely not at your local Disney Store back home. 

14. Last but not least, teach them to find culture and history interesting! If you go into it saying how boring it will be, they're going to agree with you. But if you can point out the interesting aspects of each country and take in all the details and really appreciate it, then maybe your kids will too. They're never too young to learn about this stuff, and you never know -- maybe you have a History buff or human geographer on your hands and you didn't even know it! 

So what do you think? Does your family like Epcot? I really believe you should spend your time and money enjoying the parks that will most interest YOUR family. If Epcot doesn't fit the bill, fine! But please don't rule it out without considering all it has to offer and maybe trying it at least once!

Upcoming additions to Epcot that should be noted: Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster, Beauty & The Beast Sing-A-Long Show, and Ratatouille ride. Other additions have been rumored but not confirmed. I am willing to bet this park will be seeing some big changes and improvements in the coming years! So stay tuned!