EPCOT With Kids

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. Global cuisine. Bars and lounges featuring hand-crafted cocktails and great wine lists.

There are plenty of things for kids and toddlers to do in Disney World, but EPCOT is known as the Disney World theme park most geared toward adults. So what if you’re traveling to EPCOT with kids? Well, don’t you worry… there is PLENTY for the guests all all ages — including the kiddos! — to love about EPCOT!

Before we explore, let’s talk logistics…

The Fundamentals

We want to share a few good-things-to-know when bringing children to EPCOT.

Baby Care Center

All four Disney World theme parks have Baby Care Centers, and EPCOT’s is located inside The Odyssey pavilion (which, can be found between Test Track in World Discovery and the Mexico Pavilion in World Showcase).

Baby Care Centers are quiet, air conditioned spaces offering child care amenities and services such as private nursing rooms, changing tables, and feeding areas with high chairs. You can find out much more about them HERE!

Check out everything you need to know about Disney World Baby Care Centers

Stroller Rental

While you’ll find Stroller Rentals in each park, EPCOT is unique in that it hosts TWO Stroller Rental locations: one can be found to the left of Spaceship Earth as you enter the park’s main gate and the other is located at International Gateway Guest Relations. (International Gateway is between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase.)

The basics when it comes to Disney World Strollers is that they are recommended for children 38 inches tall and 50 pounds or less. A single stroller costs $15 per day, and double strollers cost $31 per day. But if you’re looking for more details, you can find MUCH more info HERE.

Click HERE to learn about Stroller Rentals in Disney World!

Lost Child/Lost Parent

Hopefully, you won’t need this info at all during your vacation; however, it’s always best to have in the back of your mind what you should do if a child accidentally gets separated from a parent in Disney World.

In this situation, first things first: notify the nearest Cast Member, and they will set the process of finding the lost child in motion (with help from supervisors and/or Security). You will likely be instructed by a cast Member to stay in the immediate area where you last saw your child, hopefully everyone will be reunited quickly. (Seriously, there is a great system in place for this circumstance.)

But it may be good to know that a child who becomes separated from his or her parents while in the park will be escorted by a Cast Member to the Baby Care Center (as discussed above). Once there, the child will be looked after until the “Lost Parent” comes to claim the child.

What To Do if You’re Separated from Your Child in Disney World

Nearest Restrooms

We can all use this info, of course 😉 , but parents in need of changing or attending to a child will find it helpful to know how to quickly find the nearest restroom. There are a few tools in place: restrooms signage is clearly marked and park guide maps also designate restrooms.

But here’s one more tip: did you know you can find the nearest restroom by using the free My Disney Experience app?

You can access virtual maps on the app and Filter to choose which park you’re in. Then you can see all the restrooms (oh, and characters, attractions, restaurants, and more 😉 ) in that park. You can learn exactly how to Filter the information on our My Disney Experience app page.

Okay, friends! Now let’s get into THE FUN STUFF…

Attractions for Kiddos

With the arrival of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT now has a true thrill ride in its ranks! Your child — depending on age and preferences — may be more than ready to help the Guardians save the galaxy. But say they’re not quite there yet… While the vast majority of rides and attractions at EPCOT are great for guests of all ages, there are some that are specifically geared towards or especially fitting for children that you may want to include on your EPCOT Must-Dos.

Spaceship Earth

Not only is Spaceship Earth EPCOT’s icon, it also houses an attraction!

Spaceship Earth is a journey through the history of communications, and while that in itself may not sound too exciting, history comes to life in this slow-moving gentle ride thanks to the presence of incredible Audio-Animatronic scenes.

All ages and heights are welcome on this family-friendly ride!

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

In World Nature, you’ll find The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

The Seas is a slow-moving ride in your own shell, featuring familiar characters and songs from Finding Nemo.

All ages and heights are welcome!

Living with the Land

Living with the Land is a gentle 14-minute boat ride through unique indoor greenhouses that shares with guests Disney’s innovative growing methods and fish farming.

This ride is SUPER relaxing and long enough to provide a nice rest for weary feet and legs.

All ages and heights are welcome! Living with the Land is tucked inside The Land pavilion, just steps away from…

Soarin’ Around the World (*Height Requirement)

Get ready to SOAR above The Great Wall of China, get a bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Harbor in Australia, glide around the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and MORE!

Soarin’ Around the World is a family-friendly attraction. But we do want to bring your attention to the height requirement of 40 inches to ride.

Journey into Imagination with Figment

World Celebration houses Journey Into Imagination with Figment, where the beloved purple dragon himself adds a little mischief while teaching about the 5 senses in the sensory labs of Imagination Institute.

P.S. Later this summer, EPCOT guests will be able to MEET the dragon behind the ride: Figment himself!

All ages and heights are welcome!

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Join Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito — The Three Caballeros! — on a colorful and music-filled boat cruise celebrating the Mexican cultures.

All ages and heights are welcome!

Frozen Ever After

Have a little Anna, Elsa, or Kristoff in your midst? Then you simply CAN’T miss Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion!

You’ll see all of our favorite Frozen friends and more (and, of course, hear “Let It Go!”) during this beautiful boat ride.

All ages and heights are welcome! But do be aware that there is a small drop in the attraction.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure uses a trackless ride vehicle to carry guests through Gusteau’s fabulous Paris restaurant — all from the perspective of a rat (of course)!

Remy’s is a “4D” experience, so you can look forward to some added ride elements like getting splashed with water.

All ages and heights are welcome!

Mission: SPACE — GREEN Mission (*Height Requirement)

Mission: SPACE in World Discovery is primarily known as a thrill ride, but did you know there is also a more gentle way to experience this attraction? While the Orange Mission is a more intense experience, the Green Mission presents a milder journey with lighter movement in a beautiful flight circling the Earth.

Note that there is a height requirement of 40 inches to ride (and guests who aren’t fans of small, enclosed spaces may want to pass on this one).

Shows, Films, and More Entertainment

Just like there are plenty of attractions for kids to enjoy, you’ll find several shows for all ages, too… and who knows? Kids of all ages may learn a thing or two along the way!

Awesome Planet

Awesome Planet finds its home in The Land pavilion (along with Soarin’ and Living with the Land).

This film, made in partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, is literally more than meets the eye, as it’s complete with in-theater effects!

Turtle Talk with Crush

Turtle Talk with Crush is… well.. It’s EXACTLY what the name says it is! A real-time conversation with the laid back and lovable Crush from Finding Nemo!

Kids love having the chance to ask Crush questions and chat with the hilarious sea turtle, while adults are likewise entertained and left wondering, “How did they do that?”

Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along

In the France pavilion, the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along invites and encourages the whole audience to belt out favorites from the animated film like Be Our Guest and Gaston!

So, you’re expected to join in, too, Dad… c’mon… we know you know the tunes 😉 .

Reflections of China

Reflections of China is presented in Circle-Vision 360° throughout the day in the China pavilion, which means that viewers are immersed in the film that literally surrounds them.

It’s a beautiful, fun, and interesting way to learn about both ancient and modern China.

The American Adventure

The American Adventure is not just the name of the host pavilion of World Showcase. It’s also the name of the attraction found inside the Colonial theater that serves as the pavilion’s centerpiece!

Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain lead you along on this story of America’s history, joined by over 30 audio-animatronic figures (including Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Chief Joseph, and MANY more)!

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival showcases three Disney and Pixar shorts shown with special effects.

You’ll don some 3D glasses as you all watch Get a Horse, Piper, and Feast.

JAMMitors

The JAMMitors are a live act performing several times throughout the day in World Discovery. Combining comedy and percussion, the JAMMitors present a fun and high-energy show… using garbage cans as drums!

Check the My Disney Experience app for performance times.

Characters! Characters! Characters!

The Gang’s All Here… in EPCOT! Get ready to meet Mickey and many more Disney pals all around the park! Your best tool to locate Disney Characters with their specific greeting times is the My Disney Experience app, which allows users to sort Character Greetings filtered by parks (so this is a useful tool for all four theme parks, not just EPCOT).

Ahead of that, though, you can also check out our list EPCOT Character Greetings right here:

Mickey Mouse

Meet “A Favorite Pal” (that means MICKEY!) in World Celebration!

You’ll find him in the building that houses the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival… for now. You see, Mickey will be getting a BRAND NEW space to meet when Mickey & Friends opens later this year!

Classic Disney Pals near the Park Entrance

You never know exactly who you’ll find right when you enter EPCOT (in a space just to the right facing Spaceship Earth).

You might find Goofy, Donald Duck, or Daisy Duck on a rotating basis!

However, if you don’t spot your favorite here, they may be greeting at International Gateway (between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase).

Vanellope and Joy

TWO friends can be found in ImageWorks (which is located in the Journey Into Imagination pavilion).

These are, as seen above, Vanellope von Schweetz from Wreck-It Ralph…

… and JOY from Inside Out!

Alice in Wonderland

Let’s start our way around World Showcase by sating “Hello!” to Alice in the United Kingdom pavilion!

You might also happen upon Mary Poppins in the pavilion.

She’s Practically Perfect in Every Way!

Aurora and Belle

TWO beloved Princesses can be found in the France pavilion.

Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) greets in a gazebo.

And Belle from Beauty and the Beast can be found in front of France by lagoon

Princess Jasmine

Find the lovely Princess Jasmine in the stunning Morocco pavilion.

Her greeting location is inside the pavilion’s Marketplace.

Snow White

While she’s “Wishing, for the One [She] Loves…”

… Snow White is also greeting guests by the Wishing Well in Germany!

Mulan

The China pavilion presents the chance to meet Mulan!

We have seen her greeting outside in the pavilion, but most often you can find her inside the House of the Whispering Willows.

Anna & Elsa

Right next to Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion stands Royal Sommerhus. Anna from Frozen is found in this Scandinavian cabin.

And who should join her, of course…

… but ELSA herself!

Donald Duck

Meet the NUMBER ONE Duck — Donald! — in the Mexico pavilion!

His greeting spot is just to the right facing the pavilion’s pyramid.

Pluto or Minnie

There is a small gazebo placed across from Disney Traders on the World Showcase Promenade. Here, you may find Mickey’s best pal, Pluto.

Or you might see Mickey’s best gal, Minnie Mouse!

A Place to Rest… OR Get Those Wiggles Out!

As you can see (and we’re not even done yet!), there is PLENTY to fill the day when it comes to visiting EPCOT with little ones. With all the activity, you or your kiddo may need a spot just to chill for a bit… or burn off some extra energy!

The Baby Care Center we mentioned earlier can be a great spot to get away from the crowds for a bit.

Post-ride activities in both The Seas and Imagination pavilions offer little ones the chance to play and explore even more, from the ImageWorks sensory games you’ll encounter after riding Journey Into Imagination, to the 5.7-million-gallon aquarium in SeaBase (in The Seas pavilion which also houses The Seas with Nemo & Friends).

The Advanced Training Lab, located at the exit to Mission: SPACE, offers more activities in the air-conditioning (along with some seating areas).

While The Odyssey pavilion often hosts a booth for one of EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals, it also has plenty of room to provide a little air-conditioned R&R to those in need.

The House of Whispering Willows in the China Pavilion hosts a huge area with seating and space to roam a bit, as does The American Adventure pavilion.

There is also a fun playground between the Creations Shop and Test Track!

And if the weather is on the cooler side, the upper level of Canadian Pavilion offers a lovely outdoor respite.

Encourage NEW Foods… But Have a Back-up Plan 😉

What better place than EPCOT to encourage the kiddos to try some new foods from all over the world?

Table Service Dining

When it comes to Table Service (or Sit Down) Dining, kid-friendly options include Biergarten in Germany, thanks to its live German “oompah band,” inviting audience participation and variety of buffet options.

The Japan Pavilion’s Teppan Edo also presents a full meal with a “show,” of sorts… thanks to the entertaining table-side chefs.

Via Napoli specializes in pretty much EVERYONE’S favorite dish (or at least mine…): PIZZA!!

A la carte options are also available.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway offers the chance to dine with Disney Royalty: several Disney Princesses!

Parents concerned with particularly picky eaters may want to opt for Breakfast at Akershus, which returns to this Character Meal location on May 14th, 2023.

Breakfast is also returning to EPCOT’s other Character Dining location — Garden Grill — on June 14th!

Here, diners are greeted by Chip ‘n Dale, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto as they eat!

Snacks and Counter Service Eateries

Especially great snack spots include Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Norway), Karamell-Kuche (Germany), and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie (France) for oodles of choices. Just about everyone is likely to find a yummy treat that pleases in these locations.

Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion may also be a place where Kids Meals include some possibly familiar options like Sweet and Sour Chicken and Pot Stickers and Egg Rolls.

BUT when all else fails, here’s a little tip: know where to find some kid-friendly and familiar foods in case your picky eater is just NOT HAVING IT while you’re in EPCOT…

Connections Café in World Celebration is a “Best of Both Worlds” situation, serving up global cuisine (with a twist) alongside classic Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Pizza, and Chicken Strips.

Sunshine Seasons likewise offers a few unique options to please mom or dad while also serving kid-friendly Pizza Rolls.

Refreshment Outpost and Fife & Drum Tavern in The American Adventure have HOT DOGS up for grabs (not to mention soft-serve ice cream), while the Refreshment Port is your Chicken Nuggies spot.

The American Adventure hosts its very own Funnel Cakes Stand, while Regal Eagle Smokehouse serves up BBQ specialties.

Kidcot Fun Stops

Now this one is JUST for the little ones… Kidcot Fun Stops can be found in all of the 11 World Showcase international pavilions!

Kids can collect activity cards in each country and learn about the culture of each destination in a kid-friendly way!

Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure

Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure made its EPCOT debut in the fall of 2022. This fun interactive game can be played in the park for FREE, simply by downloading the free Play Disney parks app.

We have more how-to info here, but in a nutshell, YOU (or your crew) can help Scrooge McDuck find ancient artifacts — the 7 Lost Magic Treasures (located, handily enough, around World Showcase 😉 )

Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby join in on the search, too, and together you’ll follow clues to find and return the treasure to their rightful owners (while setting off some super cool effects around World Showcase along the way)!

This one’s great for both kids AND kids at heart.

Click HERE to find the Guide To Disney World Itineraries for EVERY Type Of Visitor

WHEW! We sure weren’t kidding when we said EPCOT has TONS to offer guests of all ages, were we? And if you’re looking for even MORE EPCOT fun, check out our AllEars video or grab our EPCOT cheat sheet at the link below!

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