updated May 2024

Traveling With Young Kids

Part II in our eight-part series on visiting the Disney parks for the first time focuses on traveling to Epcot with young children (the 6-and-under set).

On the surface, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow doesn’t seem like the kind of place young kids would enjoy—but believe us—little explorers will find plenty to do.

As we mentioned in Part I, every family is different. So, if there are any Disney pros out there reading, please send us your comments and suggestions at info@mainstreetpopin.com

With all the Disney parks, it’s best to arrive when the park opens (fans call this time “rope drop”). If you can also avoid major school holiday breaks, you will experience smaller crowds (see article, Best Month to Visit Disney?). And for those who want to pay a little extra to wait in shorter lines, get Genie+ and/or an Individual Lightning Lane pass.

How to Spend a First Day at Epcot with Young Kids

#1 Journey of Water – World Nature Neighborhood

When entering the park, you may be tempted to jump in line for Spaceship Earth, but so is everyone else. Head to the right of Spaceship Earth’s queue and walk slightly further to Journey of Water, EPCOT’s newest attraction. It is an interactive walking trail through a garden filled with water activities and Moana features. It’s a magical way to start the day.

#2 The Sea Pavilion – World Nature Neighborhood

The Sea contains three kid-friendly activities all in one spot. Start by boarding a clam to visit everyone’s favorite clown fish on The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Next, visit Turtle Talk with Crush, a belly-laugh of a show starring Crush and Dory. Last, stroll through all the SeaBase aquariums on the first and second floors. SeaBase is a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium filled with dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Don’t miss the manatees in the rehabilitation tank.

#3 The Land Pavilion – World Nature Neighborhood

The Land contains one of the most unique attractions we’ve experienced, Soarin’. Soarin’ is a hang gliding adventure around the world. If your children are too small (under 40 inches), talk to the Cast Member at the attraction’s entrance about doing a rider switch (where parents can take turns riding). This adventure is not to be missed. After exiting Soarin’, board the boats for Living with the Land, which includes a tour of the Disney greenhouses. How Disney grows food is fascinating, and you might catch sight of a Mickey-shaped pumpkin or tomato.

#4 Journey into Imagination with Figment – World Celebration Neighborhood

Figment is actually Epcot’s mascot, and Journey is the sport in which he plays a starring role. Most people skip this attraction for its silliness; however, kids enjoy it. The interactive play area (ImageWorks) is also fun for young kids. 

#5 World Showcase

With little ones, you may not get the chance to dive deep into the culture of each of the World Showcase pavilions but don’t let that stop you. There are so many sites, smells, and tastes to enjoy. Anyone can visit the Kidcot Fun Stops located in each country for an activity and a passport stamp.

We recommend starting your journey in Mexico. Visit the marketplace, then ride the Gran Fiesta Tour, which features the Three Caballeros.

Next travel to Norway, the most popular pavilion since the arrival of Anna and Elsa. Meet the princesses in the Royal Sommerhus and then catch a ride on Frozen Ever After. Take advantage of the shops in Norway too. The kids will love seeing the giant troll.

Next door, China has a fun shopping area and a Circle-Vision movie about the country. Sometimes, acrobats gather at the main entrance to entertain.

In Germany, the toy shop is worth a quick look, followed by the miniature trains and village located between the Germany and Italy pavilions.

Italy has some lovely photo ops, but kids love it for the pizza at Via Napoli (reservations recommended).

The American Adventure attraction offers a 30-minute patriotic film on American history. (You’ll have to judge whether your little one will sit through it, especially if they already watched the China feature.)

In Japan, try to catch the Taiko drummers. If you want to see the best shop in the World Showcase, visit Japan’s Mitsukoshi Department Store. Then, drift next door to Morocco and browse its unique market.

France is a must-do for eating—pastries, gelato, macaroons, crepes, etc. France is also home to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a zip-zagging family ride! France also has a great atmosphere. Have one of the street artists cut a silhouette of your child. It’s a precious souvenir. And if you like Belle, don’t miss the Beauty and the Beast sing-along.

In Britain, there is generally a character greeting with Alice or Mary Poppins. Kids always love to check out the iconic red phone booth (although you’ll have to explain what it’s for). 

Canada offers a new Circle-Vision movie and some interesting structures and wood carvings. Go all the way back for a photo-op in front of the waterfall.

#6 Eating

You are always near something delicious in Epcot. If you are in Future World, grab a quick meal at Sunshine Seasons. It is by far the best place to eat. Space 220 continues to be the hottest reservation in town. Still, its offerings are fancy, so it is only sometimes preferred by the younger set.

In the World Showcase, almost every pavilion has something extraordinary and unique to try. Our favorites include:

• Churros (Mexico).
• Pastries from the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway).
• Appetizers at The Nine Dragons Restaurant (China).
• Soft pretzels (Germany).
• Wood-fired pizza from Via Napoli (Italy).
• Shaved Ice at Kabuki Café (Japan).
• A sit-down meal at Spice Road Table (Morocco).
• The fish and chips at the Yorkshire Country Fish Shop (United Kingdom).
• Cheese soup at Le Cellier (Canada).

A beloved food option at Epcot is Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in France. It has authentic French sandwiches and pastries, including baguettes. This gem is hidden in the back but worth searching for.

#7 Creations Shop – World Celebration

Kids will love all the toys, stuffed animals, and sparkling things at Mouse Gear. This is the place in Epcot where you can grab souvenirs. (Please note that Mouse Gear is temporarily located due to construction. Park maps will guide you to its location.)

#8 Characters

New Information on the new EPCOT Character Meet and Greet spot is coming soon!

#9 Take a Break

EPCOT now has large areas in the World Celebration neighborhood for lounging.

But if you want a more significant break, it’s a great idea to return to your hotel for a nap or dip in the pool in the afternoon. If you are staying at the Boardwalk Inn, the Yacht or Beach Club resorts, The Swan, or The Dolphin, you can walk back to your resort using the International Gateway between the France and United Kingdom pavilions. The new skyway can also swiftly return you to more hotels, such as the Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. If you want to stay close but need some quiet for a stroller nap, exit the gateway and walk the path around the Boardwalk area. You will also likely find a comfy and quiet spot inside a resort lobby during the day.

After returning to the park refreshed, it is not uncommon to want some adventure. There are a few thrill rides at EPCOT that your little one may not be able to enjoy. But ask a Cast Member about a rider swap if parents want to take turns trying some of these swifter rides out! The grownups can take turns riding while the little ones check out some toys at the gift shop or tumble on some greenspace in the World Celebration neighborhood.

#11 Test Track – World Discovery

Test Track allows guests to design a virtual vehicle and test its performance. At the end, there is a high-speed zoom around an outdoor track. This attraction is only for guests 40 inches and up; however, kids of all sizes can visit the showroom connected to the gift shop and climb in and out of various cars. If only the grownups in your group want to ride, use the single-rider line. It moves much faster.

#11 Mission Space-Green Mission – World Discovery

The new Green Mission takes guests on a space voyage around Earth. Again, this is for kids 40 inches and up. Still, the attached Advanced Training Lab is an interactive play area for all ages and sizes.

#12 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – World Discovery

This state-of-the-art rollercoaster is new to EPCOT. Team up (and rock out) with the Guardians of the Galaxy on an intergalactic mission.

#13 Spaceship Earth – World Celebration

You’ve got to go inside the giant golf ball, right? This attraction uses Omnimover technology (a fantastic Disney invention) to take guests on a journey through human communication and innovation history. 

#12 Dinner

Food is EPCOT’s specialty. Whether you want to sit down and enjoy something international at the World Showcase (Our favorite family spots are Japan’s Teppan Edo, Italy’s Via Napoli, Morocco’s Spice Road Table, and Germany’s Biergarten Restaurant) or sample bites from whatever foods are being offered at a festival kiosk, you’ll find plenty of food to love at EPCOT.

#13 Fireworks

If you have kids that are okay staying up late, catch the fireworks show. It never disappoints.

Congratulations! You just had a magical day.

More stories from our First Time Visitor Series:

Part I Magic Kingdom With Young Children
Part II Epcot With Young Children
Part III Animal Kingdom With Young Children
Part IV Hollywood Studios With Young Children
Part V Magic Kingdom Without Children
Part VI Epcot Without Children
Part VII Animal Kingdom Without Children
Part VIII Hollywood Studios Without Children

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