Gimme one good reason--

[JudeBarnes]

We are spending 4 days in DW coming up here, having never been there, original plan was going to spend one day at each of the (non water parks). But having trouble committing one of the days to Epcot.
It really appears to be more of an adult and educational oriented park, which is not a bad thing, just that our party is mostly kids (10 out of the 15 in our party). I think the extra hours we will get at MK for example or the ability to get three more fastpasses there for experiences I'm afraid we might not be able to fit in with only one day at MK.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

However a fact I left out is that no one seems to want to get involved and do the work and put me in charge, so I'm making sweeping decisions.

Understood. I hope I'm not coming across as "you're doing it wrong," but I've been in your shoes as "the planner" and it ended poorly in my case. Nobody wanted to participate in the planning stages but then they decided they wanted to complain when it actually came time to do the things I had planned; and of course when any one member of the group was unhappy it was my fault.

 

[JudeBarnes]

HAHAHA Epcot your name gives your sarcasm away! I opened the thread hoping folks like you could chime in and frame a convincing argument to sway me. I came in more on the fence as opposed to convinced we should go to MK for another day. And of course the 2 minute minetrain ride isn't the focus, just one extra thing on the table. In fact, we love splash mountain (for example) so much I think we would look forward to going back to MK to have some additional opportunities to ride it as opposed to mine train. But my conscience keeps nagging me to spend the time at Epcot to make sure we see everything DW has to offer. Thanks again all and to anyone else who posts an opinion.

 

[rt06]

I would bookend HS and AK with MK. That is all

 

[epcotisbest]

HAHAHA Epcot your name gives your sarcasm away! I opened the thread hoping folks like you could chime in and frame a convincing argument to sway me. I came in more on the fence as opposed to convinced we should go to MK for another day. And of course the 2 minute minetrain ride isn't the focus, just one extra thing on the table. In fact, we love splash mountain (for example) so much I think we would look forward to going back to MK to have some additional opportunities to ride it as opposed to mine train. But my conscience keeps nagging me to spend the time at Epcot to make sure we see everything DW has to offer. Thanks again all and to anyone else who posts an opinion.

And with it being your first time I can envision some regret later if you do skip Epcot. But, that would also give you plenty of reason to go back...education be danged.

 

[Bedknobs and Broomsticks]

If you are using the hopper option...

I would do a full day in MK... and mix the other three days into half days for the parks.

I would do AK in two half days but in the morning both times.

I like MK and HS especially at night...

So maybe AK/ MK, AK/HS, Epcot/ MK or MK/Epcot etc.

 

[DManRightHere]

We are spending 4 days in DW coming up here, having never been there, original plan was going to spend one day at each of the (non water parks). But having trouble committing one of the days to Epcot.
It really appears to be more of an adult and educational oriented park, which is not a bad thing, just that our party is mostly kids (10 out of the 15 in our party). I think the extra hours we will get at MK for example or the ability to get three more fastpasses there for experiences I'm afraid we might not be able to fit in with only one day at MK.

I have to give more than one reason.

Epcot is really one of the most unique theme parks in the world. Kids will likely not appreciate the themed countriesas much as adults, but there is still many shows and attractions in this area. kids should still enjoy future world very much(older kids, not little kids). Epcot is also where some of the most unique rides are. There is also the fireworks show, illuminations here (which is my favorite fireworks on property).

If I had to choose a top 2 theme parks, it would be Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Bottom line, if yall go to epcot thinking you won't enjoy it, you probably won't.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

Based on the ages, I believe all of them would have a good chance of enjoying EPCOT and its offerings. I wouldn't give too much weight in regards to the educational premise of a visit there, but rather experiencing a chance for cultural exposure at the World Showcase. The 11 countries do provide a decent representation of their homeland especially if you take the time to speak with the CM's there. My children have a good time just having conversations with all the folks. They are 14 and 11, visited WDW plenty of times (we are grateful, very grateful) and never seem to tire of visiting EPCOT. The older teens would probably like Mission: Space (either the hardcore version or the tone downed one) and Test Track. If it's emphasized that this place isn't has ride-heavy as MK and instead a chance to do/see experiences instead, I could see it being a fun destination for the kids.

Also, since you all have experienced DL you've already had the pleasure of riding and trying all the iconic attractions at MK. Yeah, there are a few that would be different and new but for the most part, it's the same. And of course y'all have tried Soarin' too.

 

[UnhealthilyObsessed]

I have four words for you: Turtle. Talk. With. Crush.

That alone makes Epcot worth it. Throw in Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Soarin, the amazing aquarium, and ALL of World Showcase? It's such a no-brainer. Epcot may not be what it once was, but it's like pizza. Even at its worst, it's still kind of the best.

 

[Goofyernmost]

One good reason huh? How about the fact that Epcot is unique in the world. There is only one. There are MK's in every Disney resort on the planet, but, only one Epcot. There is, of course, a disguised educational element in it. But, I'm here to tell you that American Adventure is one of the most incredible AA shows ever created. If you are anything like me, you will sit there slack jawed about how they did the show, how they made it so real that you felt you were right there with each scene. Oh, yea... the historical aspect of the show is good too. And that is just one thing. Nemo is a huge aquarium. I've never known a kid that didn't like an aquarium. Test track is more a thrill ride then anything educational, but, it does have some hands on aspects to it. Mission Space will absolutely be a must do for the older kids, but the green side lets us older, more "fragile", folk experience it as well. Spaceship Earth and Soarin, well, they are must do's for everyone. Even for all the bad press it gets, Ellen's Energy Adventure is fun and funny, with just a hint of accidental education in it. It is a full day of touring and even the "boring" stuff like the gift shops in World Showcase, are something that can be skipped unless some of the kids show an interest.

I think that one full day in each (or as full as possible) is a better plan, then nothing is missed and anything that didn't happen due to time will be a serious target for the next trip. You can't make everyone happy, but, you would be amazed at just how much kids enjoy stuff that you wouldn't even consider they would. As someone said, no matter what you do, like I said, you are not going to make everyone happy, so just do it to spread the possibilities as wide as possible and adapt a thick skin. Calmly telling them to plan it themselves next time. Then you can go along and complain about their efforts.

 

[Disney4family]

My 2 cents - Both of my kids have loved Epcot since they were 3. They are now almost 13 (girl) and 11 (boy). It is my son's favorite park. He loves it more than MK. Every year it's different for them - must be the pixie dust. Things they love -
* Passport Kits - buy them at the front of the park. The CMs from each country sign it and stamp it. Kids can add country stickers and Mickey ones too.
* Duffy/ Perry's to color. - each country has Duffy and Perry on a stick. Kids can color them in with markers (available at each country). CMs stamp them. They also write their names in Arabic (Morocco), Chinese and Japanese. They'll also add the year they were born in China (ex. Horse, monkey). The CM in Japan put an origami bow on my daughter's one year. If it rains, ask for a bag from the cashier to keep them in from country to country.
* World Showcase Attractions - the ride at Mexico is fun for all. My kids have loved The American Adventure now that they've learned so much about American history in school.
* Futureworld Attractions - Test Track, Soarin, and Mission: Space are our faves. Kids of all ages will love them.
* Food - you can read on these forums how much the food can rock at Epcot. Check out menus, pics and reviews at www.allearsnet.com.
* Illuminations - one of the best nighttime fireworks shows Disney offers. My kids even love to listen to the CD in the car.
* Mouse Gear - they LOVE to shop here!!!!!!! (And shopping at each country!!!)
*Live World Showcase Entertainers - every country has something fun to see.

We can spend full days at MK and Epcot easily. Half days at HS and AK. That's our family. Everyone's Disney magic is a little bit different. Epcot can be magical for your kids, too. Have a wonderful, magical trip!

 

[Mickey5150]

I'd do Epcot just to go see the manatees. I could do 4 days at Epcot and be happy seeing nothing else so I definitely could not be unbiased to the question at hand. Soarin, Mission Space and Test Track are rides that any teen could like. Remember, if it's day 4 and you have been with all these kids the whole time, Magic Kingdom is dry, Epcot is not.

 

[MatamanKrungle]

My 2 cents - Both of my kids have loved Epcot since they were 3. They are now almost 13 (girl) and 11 (boy). It is my son's favorite park. He loves it more than MK. Every year it's different for them - must be the pixie dust.

We can spend full days at MK and Epcot easily. Half days at HS and AK.

This. Epcot is my favorite thing about WDW, and it was my favorite thing when I first went to WDW when I was ten years old. I LOVED doing the passports. It was my absolute favorite thing about the whole trip, as it was for my sisters who were 5 and 4 at the time. It's a bit more elaborate now too, so I'm sure it's even more fun. I would not call Epcot "educational", per se, at least not overbearingly so (and they try to make it more fun with the things like the passports). As others have pointed out, it's also been dumbed down. Also, if you're worried about the education factor, stay away from AK. There's just as much of that there.

Epcot is wonderful, even though I agree it's not nearly what it was. You'll regret skipping it, IMO anyway.

I'd also like to add that I think it would be a bit of a waste to attempt to spend any more than a few hours at HS with the way it is now and skip out on everything that's in Epcot. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Disney4family]

I'd do Epcot just to go see the manatees. I could do 4 days at Epcot and be happy seeing nothing else so I definitely could not be unbiased to the question at hand. Soarin, Mission Space and Test Track are rides that any teen could like. Remember, if it's day 4 and you have been with all these kids the whole time, Magic Kingdom is dry, Epcot is not.

We we're able to see the manatees being fed one time. Have it recorded and my kids brought it to school to show their class!!! My son also loved their shark tooth exhibit last spring. So cool for my son who is a science fanatic.

 

[KikoKea]

Since this is only a 4 day trip, I agree you should not skip EPCOT but should see each park. No one can complain that you 'made' them miss a park and everyone will get to see all that WDW has to offer.

But, do split up into groups and rotate who takes each group of kids, even within a day. Or, have every family go their own way in the am or pm before separating the kids by ages. Even family and friends (and children thereof) can get on one's nerves after a while. If families are together in the evening, the parents can deal with tired kids and decide if they want to leave before the park closes.

On the days that a park closes early (AK, for example) I would suggest every family going their separate ways. Take your family and find a fun place to go for dinner with your kids- like Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge, or one at the AKL (where you can watch the animals) or to Splitsville at DTD.

 

[Nick Wilde]

Don't. Skip. Anything. Everything at Disney is worth your time if your a first timer, because you may like something that others despise and hate something that others love. You'll never know what you're missing unless you try it for yourself.

 

[Nick Wilde]

We we're able to see the manatees being fed one time. Have it recorded and my kids brought it to school to show their class!!! My son also loved their shark tooth exhibit last spring. So cool for my son who is a science fanatic.

I've never understood the great fascination with manatee's. I've lived with them all my life in FL, so I guess I take it for granted. I'm a spoiled little brat.

 

[jaklgreen]

Don't skip Epcot! My kids have been going since they were 1&2 years old and are teenagers now and they love it. We spend several days there. I can spend my whole trip just at Epcot. There is plenty to do and see. You would really be missing out.

 

[Disney4family]

I've never understood the great fascination with manatee's. I've lived with them all my life in FL, so I guess I take it for granted. I'm a spoiled little brat.

We don't get them up by Long Island!

 

[MatamanKrungle]

I've never understood the great fascination with manatee's. I've lived with them all my life in FL, so I guess I take it for granted. I'm a spoiled little brat.

I've lived near the Jersey Shore all my life and see dolphins every single year (in their natural habitat to boot). I've also seen sharks a few times, and we found a baby turtle in the sand a few months ago. I was also lucky enough to swim in the shark tank at my local aquarium and I have seen exotic animals there tons of times. I don't know why living near or seeing amazing and beautiful animals multiple times would make them any less special or "fascinating", but that's just me I guess. That being said the Seas pavillion at Epcot is one of my favorite things to visit, manatees included.

 

[smk]

We have skipped Epcot the last two visits and my husband has put his foot down this trip. We will be spending a day there, which is okay with me. However, we are adults, (obviously) so we find rides etc..in Epcot that we love. I am looking forward to the day we spend there!

Taking a group is difficult, sounds like you are up for it tho. See, this it what I hate about FP! It makes it difficult to change plans at the last minute. Used to be we could wake up and figure out where to go by taking a poll with the people in our group. My heart always says MK, always. Epcot is a good place too, after all you are in WDW!