Of Disney's four main theme parks in Florida, EPCOT is universally considered the least kid-friendly. This is especially true of the World Showcase. It gets a bit of a bum rap for being a showcase of ideas and cultures and not having many rides. It's a park meant to inspire and inform, but it also has a lot to offer the kids, if you know where to look.
Come along as we give you our Top 10 things for kids in EPCOT's World Showcase!
1. Character Greetings:
There are plenty of characters to see around the World Showcase. Most of the countries have character greetings, so if your children are autograph hounds, one trip around the lagoon can help fill up those autograph books.Duffy the Disney Bear has his home in World Showcase Plaza, so be sure to stop by and see him!
Another unique character experience is offered in Norway, where you can dine with Disney Princesses in Akershus restaurant!
They're sometimes as difficult
to locate as a hidden Mickey,
but each pavilion has a location
specifically for the younger members
of your family to pull up a seat and
do some coloring or make a craft. Grab a blank Duffy Bear and your child can color it as you go from country to country. Cast Members will add their own special touch as well, so be sure to say hello,
3. "Hats" around the world: Adults have drinking around the world, so kids need something of their own. We love to try on the different hats in the shops in each country. They make for great picture opportunities, especially if your child is a ham in front of the camera.
If you're kids aren't into hats, you could search out other items, such as each country's flag.
Collecting pressed pennies or pin trading around the world is fun. Or your child could pick out a word or phrase and ask Cast Members from each country how to say that word or phrase in their native language.
4. See the "Candy Lady" in Japan:
Miyuki, the "Candy Lady" shows off the Japanese art of candy sculpting. The demonstration is amazing to watch and afterwards, she'll solicit suggestions from the crowd, so your kids might get to see her make their favorite animal.I've heard that kids used to be able to keep the candy sculpture, but in recent years that policy has changed. She did pose for a picture with our daughter and the pink dolphin candy she requested.
Join Perry the Platypus from "Phineas and Ferb" on an interactive secret mission around World Showcase to thwart the plans of the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.Fun for the whole family, even if you may not be familiar with the popular Disney TV show.
6. Take a Boat Ride:
Get from one side of World Showcase to the other by boarding one of two Friendship boats that traverse the lagoon. It's a wonderful way to see the pavilions all around you. Feeling more adventurous? Take a stroll out of the International Gateway to board a boat to the Epcot resort area. Feeling really adventurous? Ride one of two boat rides located indoors! The Maelstrom (Norway) is a dark and potentially frightening ride with small dips, while the Grand Fiesta Tour (Mexico) offers a more relaxing journey.7. Performers:
Throughout the day, there are various performances put on all throughout the World Showcase. Your whole family can enjoy live music, juggling, acrobats, drummers, and even living statues. Remember, there's no rules against dancing, singing along, or having fun!!
8. Play the Drums: The African Outpost is not considered a pavilion, but it has a refreshment stand, some items for sale, and this great drum setup. Located between Germany and China, it provides a shady spot for the kids to bang away on some large drums, while you enjoy a refreshing beverage. Sounds like music to our ears!
For more music fun, check the shops in each country for various music instruments unique to each one.
9. Try New Foods:
Each pavilion is an opportunity to get your kids to try something new. After all, experiencing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the host countries is what the World Showcase is all about. If you missed our piece last week on Disney's
TRYit! initiative, check it out here!
10. Illuminations:
Of course, we can't leave EPCOT's spectacular
fireworks display off our list, since it occurs
right in the middle of the World Showcase lagoon.
There are great viewing locations all around World Showcase that put you so close that you can feel the heat from the pyrotechnics. If your kids are small or a bit afraid of loud noises, you can retreat to a safer distance by heading toward Future World and picking out a spot on the walkway.
You can still enjoy the fireworks portion of the show from a distance, and in case you want to make a quick exit, you're that much closer to the front of the park!
What are your favorite World Showcase kids' activities?
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