Epcot’s World Showcase
Most of a family Disney vacation is about letting our inner kid out, but sometimes adults need to have a grown-up good time doing grown up things. The World Showcase in Epcot is a great place to get in some adult fun while still showing the kiddos a great time-because let’s face it, nobody has a good time hanging out with a grouchy munchkin. For us, Epcot time is date time, even with our little rascal in tow. We can snack, drink, and shop our way around the world almost just as we did on our pre-kiddo trips. We rely on 3 things to help us keep the Disney magic going for our little one while simultaneously giving us some freedom to enjoy the day in the way we want – TASTING ALL THE TREATS!!
Making it possible for adults to enjoy their time in the world showcase while on a visit with small children.
What to Know Before Your Visit
Be Prepared: First things first, we have some important tools that we never travel the world without. And not to worry! All of them are available all over EPCOT in a pinch. When we travelled once a year from out of state, I’d stock up on items from local stores like Target or the Dollar Store. Now that we are local and going more often, I have Disney specific ones. Not gonna lie, the actual Disney brand items are our favorites.
Popcorn Bucket / Souvenir Cup – Something about eating or drinking from an out of the ordinary item just takes over a kid, and can buy a whole heap of stroller or quiet time. - Bubble Blowers – I do not know who invented them, but they could have drinks and snacks on me for a full day at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Our Disney bubble wand collection is priceless. In our family, they are only for use IN THE STROLLER, so they are kept safe in good condition and have the added bonus of being a bargaining chip for when Mommy wants to do or see something that’s not particularly entertaining to a youngster (you know, like waiting in line for a Tipsy Ducks in Love at the Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion).
- Light Up Toys – Parents can double down on tools by purchasing souvenir cups with light up ice cubes or the little light up characters that clip onto straws. These last for months, and can be submerged in water. The possibilities for future use are endless. But more importantly they keep a kiddo engaged while mom and dad wrap up the night with some poutine in the Canada Pavilion.
Establish A Freedom Agreement: I am always surprised by what things my almost 3yr old decides she absolutely must experience while on a journey around the world. We have a timer arrangement to give her freedom to choose some things for herself. If she finds something she needs more of, she gets 2, 5, or 10 mins (depending on my proximity to treats) to enjoy those things. Letting a kid do the little things goes a long way for the enjoyment of all. It can be as simple as getting a fork from the silverware dispenser and calling it a dinglehopper. One dinglehopper play time lasts about long enough to scarf down a Bratwurst from the Germany Pavilion, or to savor a refreshing Rosa Regale in Italy.
Utilize the Environment: Littles seem to like 4 things: water, climbing/jumping, holes, and freedom to run (or roll). There are some amazing spaces around the World Showcase to enjoy a treat or rest while letting them do the things they really want. Water is tops for us. We have a set rule for fountain play, on your belly or not at all. You can find fountains in most countries around the world and you are always in close proximity to the World Showcase Lagoon. Below are some of our favorite stops for a little toddler freedom and some of my favorite treats to enjoy while my kiddo plays.
- France Pavilion Fountain (Grand Marnier Orange Slush or Frozen French Martini in festival season)
- Germany Pavilion Epcot Garden Railway (Pomegranate Beer and Bratwurst)
- America Pavilion Chasing Birds (Ace Space Bloody Orange Cider)
- United Kingdom Pavilion Hedge Maze (Fish and Chips)
- Showcase Plaza (Joffrey’s Shakin Jamaican Cold Brew Coffee or festival treats from the nearby booths)
Disney Skyliner Station
There is one more Magical Extra that deserves a mention. The Disney Skyliner station is just outside the International Gateway (the back entrance to Epcot). A breezy flight on Disney’s aerial gondolas is a beautiful way to break up a long day in a park. Food and Drinks are allowed, and there’s no need to fold a stroller. Kids can try and spot wildlife in the ponds below as adults relax and take in a bird’s eye view of some of Disney’s most beautiful properties. Guests will have to go back through security to re-enter the park.
Though it’s totally possible to make this all work spontaneously for a great time, having a plan of action is always a benefit when vacationing with a small kiddo. Following these steps and gathering the necessary tools beforehand will make it easier to focus on the fun and flavors while actually in Epcot. Of course, after a day enjoying treats from around the world, you’ll want to utilize the complimentary transportation available to Disney resort guests. There are several convenient modes of transportation to and from Epcot including busses, boats, or the Skyliner.
The World Showcase has so much to offer for guests of all ages. And, there are always ways to sneak in a grown-up good time on a family trip.
To start planning your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, reach out to Travel Ease LLC for a customized quote to suit your family’s preferences. We want to make every visit your best visit, whether it’s your 1st or 21st.