The idea of touring Epcot with kids intimidates some parents. It's too big. It's too adult. It's too--drum roll--educational. Some even think you can't get a true taste of all that this sprawling park has to offer in a single day. But, as they say in the France pavilion, au contraire. Jordan's favorite Epcot attraction is Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Appropriate, I think, because the key to touring this monster park is to shrink it, to present it to your kids in easily digestible bites. Though Epcot dazzles you with big stuff, the true magic begins when you savor the details, like meeting Pooh in a perfect English garden or watching your 10-year-old master her first virtual-reality ski jump.
The park is composed of two sections: the nine pavilions of Future World and the 11 nations of World Showcase. The hip and high-tech Future World pavilions have names like Wonders of Life and The Land, and are full of hands-on exhibits, rides, films and shows. World Showcase lets you stroll from Mexico to China in minutes, and the best restaurants and shops are there. As Jordan says, "Future World is more like science, and World Showcase is geography." Close enough.
While it might be tempting to view attractions in the order you encounter them, I don't advise it. Better to mix it up a bit, alternating the pizzazz of Future World with the laid-back charm of World Showcase. You may do less, but you'll enjoy more. Here's the plan--hour by hour, detail by detail--that we came up with on our latest Epcot trip, on which we were joined by Jordan's friend Nick, also eight, who helped provide the kids'-eye view. So, get a good night's sleep, set your alarm for 7 A.M., strap on your most comfortable shoes, and we're off.
FamilyFun is also proud to present Epcot's Kidcot Fun Stops at Walt Disney World, where families can make crafts from around the world.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
