Is EPCOT Good for Toddlers?

Is EPCOT worth it for toddlers? If your kid is two or under, he or she gets in free. It should be easy to get that amount of value from the visit. The question, however, is whether the rest of the family will be happy with the experience with this short person holding you back.

Pro tip: There are ways to save at Disney. Don’t pay full price. Check out Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets and purchase discounted gift cards before your trip to cover your food cost.

2. Day Bag Packing

You generally don’t want to overpack. It’s hot at Disney World. It gets even hotter when you’re carrying unnecessary items. Fortunately, it won’t be a big deal if you bring a bunch of stuff because you will have a stroller. Be sure to check the weather before your trip so you know what to expect. Don’t forget:

A. A poncho

B. Nausea medication (for you, not the toddler)

C. Headache medication

D. A hat or sunglasses

E. A refillable water bottle

F. A portable phone charger

G. Sunscreen

H. Snacks (outside food is allowed)

I. Diapers, wipes, and any other baby stuff you need in a typical day

J. Noise-canceling headphones

3. Transportation and Parking

Guests at Disney’s on-property resorts can take resort transportation to the park for free. Depending upon your resort, you may access the park by foot, bus, boat, monorail, or Skyliner. If ease of transportation is important to you, stay at a resort that has access to the Skyliner or is within walking distance of the park.

If you’re stuck with a bus, they start running about 45 minutes before the park opens. Get to the stop at least an hour before the park opens if you want to be near the front of the line.

If you drive to the park, the parking fee is $25 per day for standard parking and between $45 and $50 per day for preferred parking depending upon the day.

Pro tip: If you park hop, you don’t have to pay for parking twice on the same day.

Bonus pro tip: Guests of on-property resorts (who likely paid for parking at their hotels) do not have to pay to park at the theme parks.

4. How Long Do You Need?

EPCOT doesn’t have that many rides for little kids, but there are plenty of places to walk and play. You could knock it out in less but plan to spend the day there while moving at a toddler’s pace.

Pro tip: If you stay at a Disney World hotel, take advantage of early park entry.

Bonus pro tip: You need a theme park reservation to visit. Be sure to make one.

Extra bonus pro tip: Consult a crowd calendar to pick a less crowded day to visit.

Extra bonus pro tip: Guests of the Swan and Dolphin and Disney World’s Deluxe properties get extra time after the park closes on certain nights. If your toddler can roll at night, this is a great opportunity to avoid crowds. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.

5. There Are Places to Play

Is EPCOT a good park for toddlers? When it comes to play areas, it definitely is. There are several options that have climbing structures and buttons to push. You can fill a lot of time in these sections.

Advanced Training Lab

Advanced Training Lab is a play area you encounter upon exiting Mission Space. There is a play structure and several computer games that anyone can play. You don’t need to ride the ride to visit the play area.

Location: World Discovery

Bruce’s Shark World

Bruce’s Shark World is a small play area located within the aquarium you encounter upon exiting The Seas with Nemo & Friends. There are a few games, and you can pretend to be eaten by a shark.

Location: World Nature

ImageWorks

ImageWorks is a play area geared specifically toward young kids. There are lots of bright lights and noise to make on instruments. After exiting Journey into Imagination with Figment, you encounter this area, but you don’t have to ride the ride to visit.

Location: World Celebration

Project Tomorrow

Project ~~1995~~ Tomorrow is a play area featuring screens and interactive games. You encounter it upon exiting Spaceship Earth, but you don’t need to ride the ride to play there.

Location: World Celebration

Test Track

There is a small play area upon exiting Test Track where you can design and race cars.

Location: World Discovery

6. Utilize Rider Switch

Toddlers can’t ride things that you can. Fortunately, Disney World has a Rider Switch program that allows multiple adults to ride things that their short companion cannot.

You wait in line one time with your entire party. One adult stays with the child while the other rides, then the adults switch without having to wait in line a second time.

Pro tip: If you have an older child, he or she can ride with both adults.

7. What Can They Ride?

The park isn’t ride-heavy in general, and there are even fewer rides that toddlers can enjoy. What are the best rides for toddlers at EPCOT?

Rides for Everyone

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After is a boat ride through the story of Frozen. The animatronic Olaf’s movements are impressively natural. At one point, the boat goes backward. Even if Frozen isn’t your thing, it is worth a stop.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (Norway)

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

Gran Fiesta Tour is a slow-moving boat ride with an angry Donald Duck wearing a sombrero. It never has much of a line and is a great place to sit down and soak up some air conditioning.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (Mexico)

Journey into Imagination with Figment

~~Barney~~ Figment, a purple dragon (?), sings and takes you on this slow-moving ride through rooms about imagination. At one point, a strong gust of air is blown in your face. The good news is this ride is a walk on all the time.

The ride exits into the ImageWorks play area.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Celebration

Living with the Land

Living with the Land is a slow-moving boat ride through a greenhouse and the inner workings of how the park grows its food. It isn’t exciting, but it is a relaxing cruise in air conditioning. There is never much of a wait.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Nature

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a 3D ride in a rat car. It is screen heavy and not for those who get motion sickness easily. This ride always has a line. Try to ride first thing in the morning or shortly before the park closes if you don’t purchase Genie+.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (France)

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

This is a slow-moving ride through the story of Finding Nemo in a real aquarium. It is short, but sure to be a hit with kids. There is rarely a wait for this ride. Save it for the afternoon.

This ride empties into SeaBase, the aquarium.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Nature

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is a slow-moving, somewhat outdated, ride through the iconic ~~silver golf ball~~ sphere you see upon entering the park. The first half takes you up the ball through different periods in history with lots of animatronics, and the descent features an interactive screen in your car.

The ride exits into the Project Tomorrow play area.

This ride never has much of a wait and the line tends to move quickly. You should be able to walk on with no wait every morning and shortly before the park closes.

Height requirement: None

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Celebration

Rides for Tall Toddlers Only

Mission SPACE

Mission: SPACE is a motion simulator with two options. One has mild shaking (Green), and one is almost certain to make you vomit (Orange). Your toddler won’t make the cut on the Vomitron side.

This ride exits into the Advanced Training Lab play area.

Height requirement: 40″ Green, 44″ Orange

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Discovery

Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ lifts you up and gives the illusion you are flying over several landmarks on a screen. It is a smooth ride that almost everyone can tolerate.

Height requirement: 40″

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Nature

Test Track

Test Track’s occupants act as crash test dummies. Prior to boarding, you design a car on a screen that is incorporated into the ride. At one point, there is a fast lap around the outside of the building. The line gets long. Arrive early or consider using Genie+.

This ride exits into a small play area.

Height requirement: 40″

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Discovery

8. Do You Need Front-of-the-Line Passes?

Disney World used to have a free FastPass+ system that gave all guests some front-of-the-line passes. COVID-19 gave it the perfect excuse to drop this program.

Genie+

Genie+ allows you to reserve spots to skip the line on certain attractions throughout the day. The cost varies by the day.

Is Genie+ worth it with a toddler? Honestly, probably not. There are only a handful of rides for them, and most don’t come with long lines anyway. Download the app to watch the wait times and visit the rides early. You will be fine.

Individual Lightning Lanes

Individual Lightning Lanes require guests to pay a fee to ride an attraction one time. As of this writing, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the only ride that accepts Individual Lightning Lanes at EPCOT. The height requirement for that ride is 42″. Unless your toddler is exceptionally tall, it isn’t an option anyway.

9. It Has a Giant Aquarium

SeaBase is a large aquarium with everything from fish to sharks. The giant manatees on the second floor are not to be missed. There are also some interactive play areas, including Bruce’s Shark World, starring Bruce from Finding Nemo.

Pro tip: There is a free scavenger hunt activity in the aquarium. Employees are set up at a table on the main level to pass out the materials.

Location: World Nature

10. There Are Shows

What can toddlers do at EPCOT? In addition to rides, character meet and greets, and games, there are plenty of shows to see.

American Adventure

The American Adventure is a painfully slow, incredibly boring EPCOT show about the history of the US. It is a time suck. You don’t stand a chance of a well-behaved toddler.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (America)

Awesome Planet

Awesome Planet is a movie that shames you for not recycling enough. I don’t see a toddler lasting a long time here. You can view this movie while holding a souvenir that Disney gave you in a plastic bag.

Other than waiting for the next show to start, you will never encounter a wait. Save this for the afternoon when you need a break and some air conditioning.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Nature

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

Are you dying to sing some Beauty and the Beast songs in a room with a bunch of strangers? You’re in luck. If your toddler likes this movie, they will probably like this show.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (France)

Canada Far and Wide

Canada Far and Wide is a movie with a wraparound screen. You shouldn’t encounter a line other than waiting for the next show to start. It is standing room only. This is not a place to sit down and relax. Do you think your toddler will stand still? I don’t either.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (Canada)

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

This theater plays short films, usually three at a time. They are always cute. This is a great place to sit down and get out of the heat and/or rain. You will never have to wait. Save this one for the afternoon.

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Celebration

Impressions de France

Impressions de France is an educational movie. Best of luck with a toddler. At least there are seats and air conditioning.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (France)

Reflections of China

Reflections of China is a movie with a wraparound screen with air conditioning. It is standing room only. Other than waiting for the next show to start, you will be able to walk into this one with no problem. Your toddler is unlikely to be entertained.

Genie+ accepted: No

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Showcase (China)

Turtle Talk with Crush

Turtle Talk is an interactive show wherein Crush interacts with kids. Not all the kids. There isn’t time for that. He messes with a handful of kids at most. It is a cute show with subtle adult humor that is entertaining for everyone, including toddlers.

Pro tip: If you want to up your chances of your kid getting picked, consider going first thing in the morning. We were once with only one other family, resulting in a semi-private experience and priceless video footage that is certain to be pulled out on prom night.

Genie+ accepted: Yes

Lightning Lane attraction: No

Location: World Nature

11. There is a Baby Care Center

There is a baby care center near the Mexico pavilion. It includes rocking chairs for nursing, changing tables, high chairs, a microwave, a sink, and a store that sells baby items.

12. You Can Rent a Stroller

Disney World offers stroller rentals with both single-day and length-of-stay options. You can pick them up at either the main entrance near Spaceship Earth or the International Gateway entrance.

Pro tip: You can almost definitely find cheaper prices with an independent company that will deliver to your hotel. Do a little research if you don’t want to bring yours from home.

13. There Are Characters

Is EPCOT kid friendly? Yes, it offers a ton of characters.

You can meet characters throughout the day in various locations. The usual characters, like Mickey and Minnie, are there, but you will also find more obscure characters like Alice, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Joy, Mulan, Snow White, Vanellope, and Anna and Elsa. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.

14. You Can Walk Around Some of the World

EPCOT’s World Showcase is a walk around a lagoon through eleven countries. Each section is heavily themed with shops and restaurants from that country. Some countries have rides, while others have shows, walkthrough exhibits, and characters to meet.

EPCOT has sections representing America, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

15. Don’t Miss the Games

Is EPCOT good for kids? When it comes to free interactive games, it definitely is.

DuckTales World Showcase Adventure

DuckTales is a treasure hunt around the World Showcase on the Disney app. You can play this game while pursuing Kidcot stations.

Pro tip: Check to see which countries participate before you start.

Location: World Showcase

Kidcot

Kidcot is a free scavenger hunt around the World Showcase. It is a great way to keep your toddler engaged during the long walk around the lagoon. Kids are given a prize for visiting all the stations. Said prize is a postcard. Toddlers don’t know what things cost, so you should be able to sell it as exciting without much issue.

Pro tip: The stations can be hard to find. Check to see where they are at the time of your visit.

Location: World Showcase

SeaBase Scavenger Hunt

There is a free scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. Collect your cards inside the aquarium from an employee on the main level.

Location: World Nature

16. There Are Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Is EPCOT toddler-friendly? When it comes to dining, it is. There are some unnecessarily fancy options for a theme park, but there are good choices for families. Consider the following:

Biergarten

Why should you take toddlers to a restaurant that celebrates beer? Because it is a buffet with Polka music. They’ll have their choice of food, you can get it fast, and no one will be able to hear their temper tantrums.

Pro tip: You get a discount at this restaurant if you pay with a Disney Visa.

Location: World Showcase (Germany)

Coral Reef

Coral Reef is a little more upscale than I would usually like with toddlers, but it is worth a visit. It is a seafood restaurant attached to a massive aquarium. Your children will marvel at the sharks and fish as they eat fish of their own.

Pro tip: Order Nemo and Squirt’s Noggin Concoction for dessert.

Bonus pro tip: Request a table by the aquarium. It isn’t guaranteed, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Extra bonus pro tip: You get a discount if you pay with the Disney Visa.

Location: World Nature

Garden Grill

Garden Grill is a character meal starring Chip and Dale. To add to the fun, the restaurant slowly spins, giving you rotating views of the park. It is basically Thanksgiving food at a steep cost, but it is a big hit with kids.

Location: World Nature

San Angel Inn

San Angel Inn is Mexican food in front of a pyramid. It is more expensive than your local restaurant, but it is filled with air conditioning, unlimited chips and salsa, and views of boats floating by.

Location: World Showcase (Mexico)

Space 220

Space 220 is a restaurant in outer space. It is heavily themed with a lot to see and distract.

Location: World Discovery

17. There Are Nightly Fireworks

EPCOT rotates its nighttime shows periodically, but there will always be fireworks. It has to be dark, so these shows start late. If your kid can hang, the shows are worth watching. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.

Final Thoughts – Is EPCOT Good for Toddlers?

Is EPCOT good for toddlers? Yes, it is. There is a lot to see and do beyond just rides. If you’re at Disney World for more than a couple of days, I would not hesitate to visit.