Epcot for kids!

For many people that venture to Epcot they do not understand the big deal about Epcot and especially those with children so here's my must do list for Epcot!  This place is huge and I mean lots of walking so for those of you trying to debate my kids are on the fence of using a stroller and not needing one I have two words for you.  Take it!!!!!!!!!  Our family loves Epcot and we typically spend about the same amount of time at this park as we do Magic Kingdom.

1.  Soarin' is a must do ride for anyone who meets the height requirement and for those with children who don't find a way to make it happen, even if you ride by yourself.  This ride is amazing and for anyone that gets the pleasure it is probably the best theme park ride I have ever been on and I have ridden alot.  It is not a roller coaster but there is a little bit of height involved and some movement so for those who get motion sick it can be a little iffy, so be smart.  Get there early because the fastpasses will be gone and the line here can reach a couple hours easily.  Also if you are tall enough, go catch Test Track especially if you have boys because it is cars and speed every boys dream!

2.  The character greeting here is the best at Disney for two reasons.  Number one is that nobody thinks of Epcot as kid friendly so there are very small lines to get pictures with characters.  Number two is because if you walk around World Showcase and see the princesses and many times get princes also.  It is cool to get Snow White and Droopy together in a picture or Jasmine and the Genie together because they make great pictures with the kids!

3.  These rides are definite for kids especially under the age of 8:  Journey into Imagination with Figment, Seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico, or just spend some time in Innoventions playing with the exhibits.  Turtle Talk with Crush is a show that can be seen multiple times, it is never the same twice, and it is hysterical.

4.  Illuminations is a spectacular nighttime show that is performed every night and lasts 13 minutes.  Earth Globe is the world's first spherical video display system, wrapped in 15,000 LEDs which sits in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon.  This show combines music with lasers, fireworks, water effects, and so much more in an amazing night time spectacular that is definitely worth the wait.  This is not my personal favorite of the three night time spectaculars that Disney does and as a matter of fact it probably comes in third, but Disney's third best is still better than anyone else's first.  This is a must do so schedule your kids break time/nap in during the day so you can return for this show at night!

5.  Last but least is the food.  Epcot has many spectacular dining options too offer and they are all inside the park which is very convenient.  Each pavilion around World Showcase has restaurants and some have both counter service and table service.  Our personal favorite is LeCellier in the Canada pavilion and is some of the hardest reservations to obtain ranking right up there with the Castle.  Call exactly 180 days in advance and take anything they have for dinner because you will not be disappointed.  There are also some good options in Japan, France, Mexico (for the scenery), and also China for eating and many counter services are excellent.

6.  My kids and wife love to shop at Epcot!  Why?  Many people do not realize that many toys and luxuries we enjoy in America are not derived here but rather from some of the countries represented in World Showcase.  We typically spend a good hour in Japan shopping because of things like Hello Kitty and these little things we had as kids called Mon Chi Chi's (baby monkey's).  These as well as Pokeman and other toys are imported from Japan and they have stuff here not available in your local department store.  Spend some time enjoying the culture of the shops and the goods derived from those countries because it is remarkably interesting.  Also as a side note Disney offers many foreign exchange programs and most if not all employees working in these pavillions actaully are from that country (more ambience).

Next time I will give suggestions for Hollywood Studios!