Originally Posted By bigthunderranch My wife and I were debating the pros and cons of taking our son(2 and a half) to EPCOT and only came up with the Living Seas area for him to visit. Is there anything else of interest that a child his age might enjoy? What has been your experience at EPCOT?
Originally Posted By BlazesOfFire Epcot is great! However, for a two and a half year old, I can not think of much for a child to do & that they would appreciate (other than the Living Seas & Tme Mexican boat ride). My Little sister will be 4. She loves Epcot, but does get bored. She likes the sights and sounds, but not the rides.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I'm thinking I would skip Epcot with a two year old. I don't even think I would take my 3 year old yet.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I really think you should visit Epcot so you and your wife can experience it. If you keep the visit relatively short I think your son will be OK. Things your son might like: Spaceship Earth Living Seas (Especially Turtle Talk with Crush) The Land - I think both the 'Living with the Land' boat ride and Soarin' would be enjoyable for your son. Journey Into Imagination - I think both the JIY with Figment ride and some of the activities in the 'What If Labs' following the ride would be enjoyable. DO NOT visit 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids'; it scares most young children. Test Track - I think your son might enjoy this attraction. The ride is pretty mild. Even the fast spin around the building at the end is not much more than riding in a convertible on a freeway. This one might be iffy though; you probably will know if your son would like it or not. Mexico - El Rio del Tiempo boat ride. Germany - Miniature train and village. Boat ride across the Showcase Lagoon in a 'Friendship'. The Innoventions Fountains Many people are surprised at how much their young children enjoy Epcot.
Originally Posted By Fe Maiden Epcot saved the day for us with our son who was 2 1/2 at the time. We were spending the day at MGM, which my son hated, and had a couple of hours to kill before dinner over at Epcot. My wife and I debated whether or not we should spend the time at Epcot thinking he may not enjoy it. We decided to go anyway and he had an absolute blast. He enjoyed JII, could have spent hours in the LS. In fact the day we went was the first day Crush opened. I've got some great pictures of him playing at some of those mist machines. Then he met Mickey and Goofy by MS. When we went back to Epcot later in the week he still had a great time. I'd say go.
Originally Posted By Kimrue I took my daughter at 2 1/2 and she loved it. She LOOOOOVED journey into your imagination, and el rio de tiempo (sp?)and the fireworks...we actually did a full day and she had a ball. Also, don't forget to have a good time yourself. The biggest gift you can give your child is to see you and your wife laughing and having a blast. Oh, she also loved the kidcot stations. 2 1/2 is a perfect age for coloring the masks in the world showcase and it almost gives a "trick or treating" feel to the whole concept by having the children go from country to country to get the different clip on's from each stop. By the way...there is a reason that it's called a "family vacation." It's one thing if your child is having a miserable time somewhere but don't not do things because it's not "for kids." Epcot is every bit as much for kids as it is for adults, you just got to know where to go what to do and when to leave!!!! Anywhere can be "unfun" if your child is overtired, overhungry, or overstimulated. You know your child's limits. To answer your ?? I personally feel it would be a shame to miss out on EPCOT. But you have to do what makes you and your family happy. Have a great trip
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Well, if you aren't substituting Epcot for one of the other parks then I guess you can take your chances. All I know is that if my child isn't having fun...I'm not having fun.
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh I second the Kidcot stations. The first time we went to Epcot, the kids were a little over 3 and 5. They enjoyed doing the crafts at each country in the World Showcase. We also spent a lot of time meeting the characters in the various places. I recommend getting one of those books where you can put a picture over the autograph. Also, while one parents waits with the kids at the crafts or character greet, the other can shop.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I second all the above ( been taking my kids since they were younger than that ) also add Illuminations - the best fireworks presentation on the planet (IMHO) - and never too young to sit them in front of British Invasion and let them dance away
Originally Posted By trailsend Ditto RoadTrip, Fe Maiden, Kimrue, DouglasDubh, and vbdad! I don't know when you are going, but if it is this month, the Christmas decorations are spectacular and so colorful for the kids. The Kidcot stations are super. Also, EPCOT is a terrific place to see the characters. Pooh Bear, Tigger, Eeyore will be in England with The Beatles, as vbdad so stated, and their show is so much fun and plenty of room for children to dance away to their songs. There is a spot in France right outside one of the shops where there are always characters. EPCOT has so much to offer. Please go!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I would love to take my son (also 2.5 years old) to Epcot. He loves people speaking foreign languages, so we would spend time going around World Showcase talking to cast members. Also, all the live entertainment, the attractions Trippy mentioned, and of course the OMG that's amazing Illuminations. For me, I would say Epcot would be a highpoint for most people's vacation, regardless of age. Then again, Mikey has been visiting museums and travelling since he was about 8 weeks old. Go and have a great time!
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I think that Epcot is perfectly fine for little kids. Oh and RoadTrip you forgot the Vikingship in Norway. There are a lot of things of intrest for small children. The entire park is incredible! Oh course there are a few rides I would not do with a small child, mission Space, HISC, Energy might be a bit loud for small children.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn They really need to recreate The Wonders of Life pavillion to be geared toward the little ones. I still like the idea of a huge Disnified jumping inflatable playground inside - all shaped like the "inerds" of a human body.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <They really need to recreate The Wonders of Life pavillion to be geared toward the little ones. I still like the idea of a huge Disnified jumping inflatable playground inside - all shaped like the "inerds" of a human body.< Send your idea to the Imagineers that worked on the Pooh playground in MK- I'm sure they'd love it.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I mean what next -- a few sides and jungle jims to replace haunted Mansion ?
Originally Posted By Kimrue How did I know this would happen OK, who's going to bring up the strollers...c'mon anybody? anybody??? Let's go!! *happy happy silliness*
Originally Posted By wahooskipper When I didn't have kids I hated strollers. Now that I have a kid I'm glad to be armed with one.
