Visiting EPCOT with Kids

At the Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT is known as the park where you can eat and drink around the world! I often hear that people plan to skip this park with their kids. However, there is actually quite a bit for kids to experience here. This complete guide will help you plan when you are visiting Epcot with kids.

Arriving at the Park

There are two entrances to EPCOT. If you come to the main entrance, you are in the World Celebration part of the park. It’s easy to recognize because it’s where the park’s icon, Spaceship Earth, is found. If you are staying in an EPCOT area resort or along the Disney Skyliner, you arrive at the International Gateway. The International Gateway is between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions in the World Showcase.

It’s always recommended to arrive prior to the scheduled park opening to be sure that you get to those popular attractions first. This is especially the case if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel since you can enter the park early.

Should I take my kids to EPCOT?

The short answer to this is an emphatic YES! You should definitely take your kids to EPCOT. It’s a common misconception that EPCOT has nothing for kids. My opinion is, there is quite a bit for kids of all ages to do and this park should always be included in your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. Right now, there is a lot of re-imagining happening at EPCOT. However, trust the process. There are amazing things coming!

In the meantime, there are attractions unique to this park that shouldn’t be missed because kids of all ages will love them! From Nemo and Dory to the royalty of Arendelle, there is so much fun to be had in EPCOT!

There are even two new attractions.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure takes guests into the world of Remy and his family as they venture through the kitchen at Gusteau’s Restaurant and escape the evil Chef! If you have young thrill seekers in your family, make sure you head over to World Discovery during your visit to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This attraction is truly one of a kind and features the beloved Marvel characters!

Check out our touring plans for visiting with kids to help you plan your day at the park!

The nighttime show at EPCOT, Harmonious, is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever produced by Disney. This all-new show is simply amazing and celebrates cultures around the world and the World Showcase. It’s a great way for any family to end their day at EPCOT!

Must-Do Attractions

Most of the attractions at EPCOT are great for young children. There are only four that have a height requirement – Soarin’ Around the World (40″), Mission: SPACE (starting at 40″), Test Track (40″), and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (42”). Rider Swap is available for each of these attractions too. Everything else at this park can be experienced by all ages, even the youngest visitors, making the park incredibly family-friendly.

Frozen Ever After

Located in the Norway Pavilion, “Frozen Ever After” is a must-do for anyone in the family who loves Frozen and the Arendelle royalty. Furthermore, your little ones may find Queen Anna and Elsa in the Norway Pavilion. Take a stroll over to the Royal Sommerhaus to find the sisters greeting guests. It’s the perfect spot to get a warm hug!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened in October 2021 and is a great attraction for all ages. With familiar characters and no height requirements, it’s the perfect addition to EPCOT!

The Seas Pavilion

Another spot that is great for kids is the Seas Pavilion. The Seas Pavilion is located in Future World. It is home to the popular attraction “The Seas with Nemo & Friends”. If seeing your little ones light up and maybe even dance along to music on the ride isn’t enough, wait until you are done riding! The Seas Pavilion is home to manatees, sea turtles, and more. Kids are able to explore the different aquariums and if you time it right, you may even see dolphins interacting with their trainers and putting on a little show!

The Imagination Pavilion

The Imagination Pavilion is another great place for kids to run around and explore. It’s home to EPCOT’s mascot, the beloved purple dragon Figment. After you exit the attraction, ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs allow kids to get creative with a variety of sensory activities and games.

Characters

Here is a little tidbit that not many people realize. There are SO MANY characters at EPCOT! In nearly every country in the World Showcase, look for at least one character, including several Disney Princesses. Did you know that EPCOT is the only place to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen?

Your kids will love exploring the World Showcase and meeting their favorite Disney friends along the way!

Dining

When it comes to dining, I have two words for you: World Showcase. In EPCOT’s World Showcase, there are quick service options, sit-down meals, and various food booths. There are so many choices that you are bound to find something to please everyone’s palate. With great festivals happening throughout the year, there is always something to see and EAT in EPCOT!

In addition, there are two character meals at EPCOT. One is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway Pavilion. This character meal is open for dinner and features interactions with several Disney Princesses as you dine. The meal is served family-style.

The second character dining experience is at Garden Grill. This restaurant is located in the Land Pavilion and features Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. The food is delicious and includes many freshly grown ingredients, right from EPCOT’s greenhouses!

Baby Care Center

There is a Baby Care Center in each park at the Walt Disney World Resort. In EPCOT, you can find it between Test Track and the entrance to the World Showcase, closer to the Mexico Pavillion. Each Baby Care Center offers a quiet space for families with babies and young children. There are several changing tables, space for nursing mothers, and an area for little ones to sit and decompress. In addition, a cast member is available and you can purchase a variety of baby items if needed.

Even though there are many changes in the works, EPCOT is always worth a visit. There’s no doubt that memories will be made with your little ones! This park is so unique and offers experiences that cannot be found anywhere else!

Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.

Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.