Complete Guide to Epcot for Toddlers & Young Kids

Whenever we think about visiting Epcot, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is only for grown-ups. With all the worldwide festivals that revolve around drinks and cuisines, we assume that Epcot is not kid-friendly.

But this is not true because this park is for the whole family and all ages. It has so many fun things to do for the little ones. Lately, Disney has been putting a lot of effort into providing more rides and activities that will cater to all age groups.

In this guide, we have added everything you need to know about visiting Epcot with toddlers and young kids. It includes detailed information on rides, food options, and more fun activities for kids to do at Epcot.

The Best Rides at Epcot for Kids

Although some people believe Magic Kingdom is the go-to place for the best rides for toddlers, Epcot is no less. It offers many options with no height requirements, which are also great for kids.

Here are some of the rides that they are going to love and enjoy:

1. Frozen Ever After

Located in Norway Pavillion, Frozen Ever After is a must-have ride for all Frozen fans. Listen to “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go,” beautifully sung by Elsa, as your boat rides through Arendelle. This ride has a little drop, but you don’t have to worry, as it is nothing that would scare a toddler.

Kids love this ride and can see Elsa’s ice place and meet their favorites, Olaf, Ana, Elsa, and Kristoff. Beautiful decoration and mesmerizing lights in this attraction leave everyone in awe.

2. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

This fun ride is located inside the beautiful pavilion of Mexico. You travel slowly by boat as it takes you through the adventures of Donald Duck in Mexico as The Three Caballeros attempt to catch her. This ride is ideal for your toddler, thanks to cheerful, festive Mexican decorations and a lively soundtrack played in the background.

This ride is just like It’s A Small World, with the only difference being that it only takes you through Mexico’s cities and monuments. Also, while in Mexico Pavilion, check out the interesting Coco displays and the Mexico Pavilion gift store before or after the ride.

3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Located in France Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is Epcot’s latest addition. In this ride, a rat-shaped car will take you on an insane excursion through Gusteau’s restaurant. This is the type of ride that visitors of any age will enjoy, so this is perfect for the entire family. Disney’s art of scent-evoked nostalgia can be sensed here, too, as you will smell baked bread and cheese during the ride. Moreover, this attraction will immerse you completely as it uses exciting 3D effects.

4. The Seas With Nemo and Friends

One of Epcot’s best rides for kids is The Seas With Nemo and Friends. So, it’s time for you to board “Clamobile” and find the lost Nemo again.

Enjoy the ride while listening to “In the Big Blue World” and seeing the characters. Your kids would love recognizing Dory, Marlin, Bruce the Shark, and Crush by their familiar appearances and noises as you are on the finding Nemo adventure. This ride moves slowly and has nothing scary, so it is perfect for your little ones.

Also, it is a dark-themed ride whose entrance is picture-perfect. There is a big Bruce shark; children love jumping inside its mouth and taking pictures. But the most feature of this ride is its closure. After you finish the journey, you will arrive at an aquarium. It is a massive one with 5.7 million-gallon saltwater, so it is worth exploring. You can also get a complimentary scavenger hunt guide at the exit, a fun activity for kids.

5. Journey Into Imagination With Figment

A fun ride for kids at Epcot is Journey Into Imagination with Figment. With Figment, a cute little purple dragon, you and your children will use all five senses: touch, sight, taste, sound, and smell. The vibrant flashing colors and catchy songs will be a hit with your toddlers and young children. Although it is a good attraction for kids, it has a dark moment with loud noises, which can be scary for some children.

Once the ride is finished, you can also check the Imagination area. Children as young as toddlers will have a blast in this section. At Figments Melody Maker, you can play music while waving your hands. Kids and the kids at heart can also jump between the blocks on an entertaining and interactive ground.

The Best Food Options at Epcot for Kids

A long day of taking rides and having fun? It’s time for some good food to refill that much-needed energy.

Fortunately, Epcot has lots of eating places that won’t only serve you delicious food, but their ambiance will leave your kids in awe.

1. Space 220

The latest dining option at Epcot is this space-themed restaurant. You must have a pass before it transports you to “outer space” in an elevator. While eating and enjoying yummy food, you can observe the stars, giving you the impression that you are in space.

Space 220 has a fantastic kids’ menu with many options. Children will enjoy watching many astronauts and other objects floating in space.

2. Garden Grill

Looking for Character Dining at Epcot? Garden Grill is your place. The characters here are renowned for being extremely interactive, and the place is often rated as one of the top Character Meals at Epcot. The entire area spins slowly as you eat, and the characters will meet you at your table.

At Garden Grill, you can meet Chip and Dale, and Mickey and Pluto wearing farmer-style costumes. Moreover, as this place offers family-style dining, children under 3 years old can eat for free.

3. San Angel Inn

A calm and dark place, San Angel Inn is a Mexican Restaurant located in the huge Mayan Pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion. This place has a truly fantastic ambiance. Although it serves classic Mexican food, there are plenty of kid-friendly alternatives for those picky eaters. Since The Three Caballeros ride passed right by the San Angel Inn Restaurant, toddlers love and enjoy eating here. Also, as it is inside a popular pavilion, there is much to look at! (Hello, little explorers?)

4. Coral Reef

The seafood restaurant called Coral Reef is located in the aquarium section of Epcot. Although it primarily offers seafood, it has other options, too, enough for everyone in the family. Children would love eating the food they choose while sitting close to the aquarium and watching various fish and other sea creatures swim by.

5. Biergarten Restaurant

Biergarten Restaurant in Germany Pavilion is also a perfect option to eat when you have little kids with you. A German meal would be served as you relax and enjoy the music of German musicians. Kids are often invited to dance close to the stage, and they love it. Participating in German culture is very exciting. So, bring your young kids to enjoy good food and dance with the Germans.

6. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Another Character Dining option at Epcot is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway Pavilion. You can meet Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Mary Poppins, and Ariel here. One thing to notice about this place is that you can enter the park before other visitors if you have an 8 am reservation for a princess breakfast. This is a win-win situation as you can enjoy a good breakfast and famous Norway Pavilion rides such as Frozen Ever After without long waiting queues.

7. Sunshine Seasons

A quick-service eating spot called Sunshine Seasons is near the Soarin’ and Living with the Land attractions. They are open for all three: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So it is a perfect place to grab a quick meal for those tired and hungry little people.

8. Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria

Little pizza lovers who don’t want to eat anything else? We got your back. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria serves the best pizza not only in Epcot but in the whole of Disney World.

Fun Activities at Epcot for Kids

Here are some other fun activities for your kids to do at Epcot:

1. Character Meet and Greet

We often associate character interaction with Magic Kingdom, but Epcot has something more than that. Nearly every country in Epcot has characters. While you can not meet them formally, you can find them in their places.

Here is a list of places where you can find characters in Epcot:

• United Kingdom – Mary Poppins or Alice in Wonderland
• Norway Pavilion – Elsa and Anna
• Mexico Pavilion – Donald Duck
• Morocco – Jasmine or Aladin
• Germany – Snow White
• France – Belle from Beauty and the Beast
• China Pavilion – Mulan
• World Showcase or Epcot entrance – Goofy, Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, and Daisy

2. Kidcot Fun Stops

Each of the eleven pavilions at Epcot has fun stations for kids known as Kidcots. These Epcot’s signature attractions have activities offered to kids that change occasionally. They may be provided coloring kits to be creative or explore about facts and culture of different countries. A card and a Ziploc bag to keep them will be given by cast members at each Kidcot station. Each card includes the name of a nation, its flag, its capital, and a brief description. This allows children to express their creativity and have fun.

3. Playgrounds

The playgrounds provided by Epcot are among the best things to do with toddlers or young kids while you are there. It would also work pretty well if you want your kids to take a break of an hour or so.

There are one outdoor and three indoor playgrounds.

1. Space Base – A colorful indoor playground ideal for beating the heat and staying cool on a hot day. It is situated in the Advanced Training Lab. It has two areas. A space-themed significant interactive playground with several tunnels for little ones to climb onto. For older kids, the other area contains several entertaining digital games.
2. Green Landing Play Zone – An outdoor play area with frequently changing themes. You can find it across from Test Track and behind the Creations Shop. Kids can have many fun-filled activities here. It also has a jungle gym for kids.
3. ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs – This interactive space is at Journey Into Imagination’s exit. Along with many other activities, it provides “Stepping Stones” with sound-producing picture panels for young kids, allowing them to explore different sights and sounds.
4. Another play space is at Sea Base, which provides learning and good photo opportunities.

Some other activities that kids may enjoy are:

• Turtle Talk with Crush: Located in the pavilion of The Seas with Nemo and Friends, it is a 15-minute play that makes all characters, including Crush, come to life. It lets you and your kids ask Crush funny questions about the “Turtle World.”
• Chinese Acrobats: While you visit China Pavilion, you will see extremely talented Chinese acrobats performing there. Your children will also enjoy seeing them spin and twirl in the air.
• Drums at the African Outpost: Between China and Germany pavilion is the African Outpost. If your kids like musical instruments, you should visit this place. Playing drums here is one of the children’s favorite activities at Epcot.
• Epcot’s Nighttime Spectacular: When the day ends, The World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot displays a spectacular show, including a blend of timeless Disney songs and tales performed by fountains, huge floating screens, lights, and fireworks. The well-known sounds from Disney films always make children happy.

Tips for Visiting Epcot With Toddlers and Young Kids

• Don’t forget to bring a stroller for toddlers since you will have to walk a lot. All strollers smaller than 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length are allowed. Moreover, they are available in Epcot near the main entrance if you want to rent a stroller. You can find more information regarding this check at Disney’s official website.
• Also, keep a stroller cover with you, as the weather at Disney World can be extremely unpredictable.
• If you want to feed your baby and change their diapers, head to Epcot Baby Care Center in the Odessey Center. It is a clean and well-maintained place that will never leave you disappointed.
• If possible, try to visit Epcot on weekdays because weekends are extremely crowded, which can sometimes be overwhelming for people with young kids.
• Note that toddlers under the age of 3 have free entry into all Disney Parks.

Takeaway

So this is it. We hope our guide will help you plan a perfect trip to Epcot with your kids.