“Do you think we should skip Epcot? I’ve heard it’s boring for kids.”
Yes, we hear that quite often. And generally, our answer is that there is something in every theme park for all ages. And that is true.
The big difference is that in a park like Disney's Hollywood Studios, events have start and stop times, and our tour plans can direct you from spot to spot to help you get the most from the park. But, World Showcase doesn’t start and stop. It is a self paced adventure. And although the Hints and Tips packet you receive before you travel will Help quite a bit, we do hope that this Clue In will Help even more.
Epcot is actually one huge place, made up of two very distinct areas. And although there are FriendShips that traverse World Showcase Lagoon, walking is the preferred method of transportation thru the 300 acre park. That’s almost 3 times the size of the Magic Kingdom! Wow!
A Help Client Comment: “Rent a stroller, even if your kids don't usually ride in one. It’s too far for them to walk!” ...Valerie
Future World is where the rides are - so here you will find Soarin’, Test Track and Mission Space, along with several other ride and show type attractions. These are not really ‘hidden gems’, so we won’t go into much detail about them here. Suffice it to say that between Crush, Figment, Test Track and Character Spot, your children will have no difficulty enjoying Future World!
The other half of the Epcot park is called World Showcase. Here is where we find the pavilions with shopping, dining, and entertainment from around the World. And this is the area of Epcot that most people are referring to when they say “I‘ve heard Epcot is boring for kids”.
To be certain, if you don’t know what’s there, it is very easy to walk around the World Showcase Lagoon, look at the outside of the building facades, and wonder ‘is that all there is?’ So, let’s make sure you know what’s available.
"Kidcot Fun Stops," is a program designed to make World Showcase more interesting for the 5 –12 crowd. The Fun Stops usually are set up around a large table located somewhere in each pavilion. At the first country you visit, your child can pick up a Duffy the Disney Bear attached to a stick, which can then be decorated in each country with special stamps, charms, and markers. While there, Cast Members can answer questions about their home country and perhaps even teach you how to say a word or two in their native language.
Help Client Tip: “One of my kids likes to choose a phrase that she'll ask Cast Members from different countries how to say in their language, and insists on getting them to make sure she pronounces the phrase correctly” ... Trudy
This isn’t always easy. Our advice is to simply ask any Cast Member in that country to direct you to the Kidcot table. Not only will you save time searching, but you will have a reason to start a conversation with someone from a foreign country. And that is another hidden gem of Epcot!
Sharpies
The corporate sponsor of Kidcot is Sharpie, so yes-- they are going to give your 4 year old Sharpie markers to use. If you have something you don’t want stained -- like little hands, faces or shirts -- you might want to pack a few washable markers in your back back to use instead. However, if you have a budding Picasso, yet don’t have all the time in the world for him to complete his masterpiece, you may want to skip the coloring aspect altogether.
I’ve changed my mind
If all of your kids initially don't want to partake in the Kidcot activities, have an adult make an extra mask. That way, if Mr. Resistant changes his mind half way ‘round the world, you don’t have to circle back thru the countries to get his charms.
Most Epcot retail shops sell Passport Kits for about $13. Each kit contains a blank passport and stamps for every World Showcase country. As kids accompany their folks to each country, they tear out the appropriate stamp and stick it in the passport. The kit also contains basic information on the nations and a Mickey Mouse button. These Passports can be used in conjunction with Kidcot tables to encourage communication between each country’s representative Cast Members and the kids. Passports at great activities for kids who are upper elementary age and above.
A Help Client Comment: “That coloring activity takes way too long for me so we stick to the passport and enjoy a fun snack every few countries!”... Kathy
The game is based on the secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus, a faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Although just a simple pet to Phineas and Ferb, Perry turns into Agent P in each episode to help stop the misguided plans of his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
Here at Epcot, guests transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots.
Agents use a high tech detection device called a “F.O.N.E.” (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to receive clues for each case. Once you arrive at the pavilion, the FONE’s video screen and audio provide various clues to help you solve a set of simple puzzles necessary for defeating Doofenshmirtz’s plan. Don’t want to pick up a F.O.N.E? You can simply use your own smart phone. Log into agentpwsa.com.
This is a self timed event. Enjoy it? Complete it and start another! Not your cup of tea? Return the F.O.N.E. and move on. And by the way--- you don’t need to be familiar with the Phineas and Ferb TV show in order to enjoy the activity.
Help Client Comments: “My brothers' loved the Agent P thing!!” ... Bri
“Agent P missions have made the World Showcase so much better. While the kids are listening to their clues and trying to figure out where to go next, I get to look through the shops and displays.” ... Tamara
Mexico and Norway are the only countries that have a ride in their pavilion. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is a relaxing boat ride that is easy to add into any Epcot tour. Frozen Ever After is the newest Disney attraction and like anything that is brand new, it is bound to be VERY popular.
Movies
Canada, France, and China all have circle vision movies that highlight the sights and sounds of their countries. But-- in France-- you can sit down! The other two countries you will need to stand.
The Voices of Liberty are outstanding a cappella singers found inside the American Pavilion. The Voices often provide the vocals for many of Disney’s special events, and it is a treat to hear them up close and personal.
A cover band playing hits from The Who, The Beatles, The Stones, and the like.
Sergio
This whistle blowing, mime/juggler in Italy offers audience participation and most often, will choose children to help him.
Serveur Amusant
There’s very little audience participation here-- thank goodness! This incredible balancing act is found outside of France. We suggest you get a Grey Goose slush and wait for him. He’s amazing.
The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats
An acrobat troupe of young acrobats that can be seen in China.
The Mitsukoshi Department Store
Named for the oldest department store in the world, the original Japanese store goes back three centuries. This shop is “the mall” of Epcot’s World Showcase where you will see everything from Hello Kitty and Tamagotchis to traditional Japanese footwear and clothing. Plus-- they have really cool candy!
Pick a Pearl
In the department store, your child can pick their own oyster from a tank and watch as the Cast Member opens the oyster, finds a pearl, cleans it off and then measures it. Pick-A-Pearl costs under $20, but the settings can be expensive. Buying them at home or on line might be a better bet.
Henna
This is just the thing for your older elementary or middle school daughter. Found in Morocco near the water, you can choose designs from the simple and inexpensive to the elaborate.
Characters
World Showcase is a wonderful place to meet the Princesses and other characters. Here are the characters you can meet each day:
World Showcase is a wonderful place to meet the Princesses and other characters. Here are the characters you can meet each day:
Jasmine
Alice
Belle
Aurora
Donald
Pluto
Mary Poppins
Snow White
Mulan - This is the only place you can find Mulan
We hope this information, and all of our Help Around the Mouse Clue Ins, contributes to you having an even more magical Walt Disney World vacation! K
6/19
