Top 9 Do’s & Don’ts for Exploring Epcot’s World Showcase with Kids

Epcot truly has something for all ages! Unfortunately, the World Showcase has the reputation of being too “boring” and too “educational.” But wait!! Yes, it’s true – the front of the park is saturated with some incredible attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Mission Space, Test Track, and Soarin’ Around the World, which are not to be missed. But that doesn’t mean you and your kiddos can’t enjoy those attractions PLUS check out the World Showcase! Explore the 1.3-mile World Showcase loop with these do’s and don’ts in mind, and we have high hopes both you and your kids won’t be disappointed.

9 – DO Ride the Attractions

There is now a fantastic new attraction in the France pavilion. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a family-friendly attraction where guests feel as if they shrink to the size of a rat and race through Gusteau’s restaurant, joining the “Little Chef” in creating a culinary masterpiece. Guests board colorful rat-shaped vehicles and then don 3D glasses to begin their adventure, seeing everything from a “rat’s-eye view.” It’s a whole lot of fun and not to be missed. Let’s not forget the other couple of attractions your children will enjoy around the World Showcase! We especially recommend Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in Mexico and Frozen Ever After in Norway. 

8 – DON’T Pass Up the Characters

Did you know the World Showcase is loaded with characters that your kiddos are sure to love?! Some of the most unique characters are available around the World Showcase, such as Jasmine, Anna and Elsa, Mulan, Mary Poppins, Alice, Pooh, Belle, Snow White, and Prince Aurora… just to name a few! You could even make character dining reservations at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway and dine with multiple princesses in one swoop! Have the kids get those autograph books ready.

7 – DO Stop for the Entertainers

Our kids love stopping to watch the many different entertainers around the World Showcase. We highly recommend the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China, Serveur Amusant in France, Sergio in Italy, and Voices of Liberty in America. There are plenty of other entertainers, but these are our kids’ top picks!

6 – DON’T Forget to Stop for Kidcot Fun

A favorite Epcot souvenir for our kids has been the World Showcase Passport or the Kidcot Cards. These souvenirs provide an excellent chance to have our child go on a scavenger hunt around the World to collect cards from Kidcot stations in each country. Collecting the cards is educational and a lot of fun!

5 – DON’T Overlook the Different Cultures

While adults might find the architecture breathtaking at Epcot, kids typically aren’t amused. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should overlook the different cultures in each country. Play a quick game of I-Spy; point out something you think they would find interesting, or even ask them to listen to how the music changes as you walk from one country to the next.

4 – DO Be Let Them Pin Trade

Continuing along with exploring the different cultures – Epcot is bustling with Cast Members typically from the country they are working in. The best way to make your child feel comfortable chatting with a Cast Member is likely to ask them to Pin Trade! Let your kids have those lanyards and pins ready, and just watch as they converse with the many different Cast Members representing cultures from around the World!

3 – DON’T Exclude Young Taste Buds

We, adults, find the variety of food and drinks available around the World Showcase to be a huge perk that we can’t get enough of! But don’t forget about your children in tow. Each pavilion surely has something your child will enjoy. Our kids especially love the pastries in France at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie and just about anything that comes from the Karamell-Küche shop in Germany.

2 – DO Rest Little Legs

Probably one of the most essential tips on this list – do be sure you provide opportunities to rest. Whether this is with an ice cream cone in hand, a sit-down lunch, or people-watching on a shady bench, you definitely want to take advantage of a little rest time. Don’t tackle more than you and your kids can physically (and emotionally!) handle.

1 – DON’T Miss the Fireworks

Finally, the icing on the cake… be sure your kids have a chance to watch the fireworks at EPCOT. Your kiddos will be impressed with fireworks, water displays, and awesome music. Tip – some of our best experiences with the kids and the evening spectacular at Epcot have been to leave Epcot in the afternoon to rest/nap at our resort, then head back to Epcot for “Luminous the Symphony of Us.” Book a dinner package at a waterside restaurant such as Rose and Crown Pub if possible. This way, the kids are distracted by food while they wait for the big show! Plus, if you have small ones that fear fireworks, you can head inside the restaurant so it won’t be too loud for them.