Trip Help.

[Meandude]

We are starting to plan for our fifth trip to Disney. We have two children ages 6 & 2. We have always spent our time at MK, except for one trip we went to AK for a day. My question is would you pick MGM or Epcot or AK to visit along with a mandatory visit to MK?

I would like to visit Epcot, but I'm not sure the children would like it. I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks

 

[matthope03]

That is a tough one. You are probably right about the kids not really enjoying Epcot. They are not quite old enough for that park, only things there would be Figment, UoE, and Living Seas that they would actually be able to go on. MGM has shows that they could do but then again they are a little young for Indiana Jones and Lights Motors Action. I would probably vote for Animal Kingdom. I think the kids would enjoy that park the most out of the three.

 

[Sledge]

That's tough. Why not all of them? Maybe if you park hopped you could do the big attractions at each of the other 3? Haha. I'd probably go with MGM if I were you, but that's just personal preference. Epcot is a close second.

 

[dflye]

For kids at Epcot, the best part is Future World (the front part), as the World Showcase (the back part) is mostly scenic and information displays intermingled with shopping and dining. The two 360 degree movies in Canada and China may capture their attention as well, and are located in countries not too far around the World Showcase.

MGM has several good shows that work for kids of most ages, and the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" play area is a good place to burn off excess kid energy.

AK has very good shows for the kids, such as the Festival of the Lion King and the Pocahontas show (which are often scheduled such that when you exit the Pocahontas show you can enter the FotLK right before it starts.) Another great kids area is over in DinoLand near the entrance to that section; "The Boneyard", which is a HUGE kids play area, much larger and better than the one over at the Studios.

In summary, there shouldn't be any problem occupying the kids for half to a full day in the front part of Epcot, but the wee ones may have more fun over at the Studios or AK.

 

[Nicole]

My 5 year old loves Epcot. We do the Kidcot Fun Stops where she can color a mask, and it works wonders to get her excited about visiting all the "lands." She also likes to have the CMs from each country write something in her autograph book in their language.

They also have the Kidcot things at AK and she has enjoyed getting stamps from each of the stations, and going to Conservation Station to pet the animals.

I think that all four of the main WDW parks have lots to appeal to kids, you can take them to any one of them and they'll have a good time. Just do a little research before you go so that you don't miss the things that are there. Though there may not be "rides" at the other parks that appeal to younger children, there are many activities that are very well executed for them.

 

[TTFN-Tiggger]

For the children I would choose AK. Lion King, Pocahontas, Dinoland, Safair, and all the animals to look at. MGM would be second - they have the play area and a few shows they would enjoy. If you choose Epcot in the WS make a point to stop at the kidcot(craft area) at each. It will give them something to look forward to at each country. Enjoy!

 

[Yellow Shoes]

...and what's so wrong with information and (gasp!!) education???

World Showcase is too often overlooked by parents who don't want their vacation "spoiled" by Boring Old Epcot.

First off, KidCot stations are wonderful for kids. Each country has a table set up for kids to work on a progressive art project. This should fascinate the 6 year old.

You can buy passports and get them stamped in each country.

It is OK for kids to find out that not everyone in the world speaks English.

I will admit that WS is a long walk. However, there are lots of places to sit down, and even grab a nap. There are also plenty of opportunities for snacking around the world.

I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but I am tired of my beloved Epcot being bashed as boring. It isn't.

In many ways, there is more for young kids at Epcot than at the Studios, IMHO.

 

[bandtrumpet]

It depends on how many days you are going. However i would say Animal Kingdom becaust there are more things for them to do. They can go on the safari and see all of the animals. But if you are going for longer after AK i wouls say MGM. HAVE FUN!!

_______________________________________________________
"Laughter is Americas most important export"- Walt E. Disney

 

[dflye]

...and what's so wrong with information and (gasp!!) education???

...

I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but I am tired of my beloved Epcot being bashed as boring. It isn't.

In many ways, there is more for young kids at Epcot than at the Studios, IMHO.

I'd totally agree with that sentiment for the 6 year old they mention, but would have to strongly disagree for the two year old.

A two year old isn't ready to be educated, (s)he wants to be amused, fed at regular intervals, and sleep. I guess if their 2 year old is extremely easy going, (s)he may go along with the 6 year old sibling and have fun doing the country by country tour of the World Showcase.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

A 2 year old wants to be pushed in the stroller, except when she doesn't.

But a 2 year old can be bought off with a new toy, and that is definitely possible in WS. "Look, Pluto the Viking!"

I cannot imagine that strolling through the pavillions at WS is any more boring for a 2 year old than
--waiting in line for kid swap for a ride you can't do
--waiting in line to get into Philharmagic
--being pushed through the BackStage tour
--walking and walking and walking through DAK, trying to find animals
--sitting and waiting for dinner at a restaurant

There are more than enough snacking opportunities in World Showcase, with the added excitement for the older child of "having a snack from Norway."

Face it, there is no place on this planet that will continually and reliably amuse a 2 year old for 5 days.

 

[swimmom]

Kidcot & the passport in WS is a lot of fun for kids. There is also a lot of entertainment in the WS that I have seen kids really enjoying. I will never forget the 2 or 3 year old that I saw dancing to Off Kilter. The candy making stand in Japan is always swarming with kids. WS has a lot to offer for kids.

 

[ypcat]

I'd totally agree with that sentiment for the 6 year old they mention, but would have to strongly disagree for the two year old.

A two year old isn't ready to be educated, (s)he wants to be amused, fed at regular intervals, and sleep. I guess if their 2 year old is extremely easy going, (s)he may go along with the 6 year old sibling and have fun doing the country by country tour of the World Showcase.

I couldn't disagree with this more. Epcot is our son's (he just turned 3 over our last trip) favorite park. He first went when he was 18mo., and "Epcot" was one of his first words. On this trip, his favorite ride was the "Epcot ball". We went on it 3 or four times over the week. He also enjoyed coloring at the Kidcot stops. We played in the hedge maze in England. He loved the Living Seas. And he took a nice nap at American Adventure.

There is plenty at Epcot for a 2 year old to do.

 

[Meandude]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!