What is there to do with a toddler at EPCOT? If you’re a parent taking a toddler to Walt Disney World, you may think that you can skip WDW’s second oldest theme park. EPCOT has a reputation as the most adult-friendly Disney World park. Whether that’s through its educational beginnings or the notoriety of being able to eat and drink around the world, there’s definitely some truth that the activities at EPCOT can skew towards grownups. You might even be wondering “What is there to do with a toddler at EPCOT?”
The answer is so much! Skipping EPCOT with a toddler would be a huge mistake. In fact, EPCOT is a great theme park to bring toddlers in 2023. With some fantastic boat rides, a few different play areas, a full aquarium, and plenty of live entertainment, there is so much that your toddler will love at this theme park.
In this chapter of our Guide 2 Disney World with Toddlers, I will share with you all the best things to do at EPCOT with a toddler. You’ll find out the best rides for little ones, as well as the unique activities that might not standout in the guide map.
Update 3-29-2023 – We’ve updated our EPCOT Toddler Guide for 2023 with new recommendations for taking little ones to this WDW theme park.
Best Rides and Attractions for Toddlers at EPCOT
Toddler Favorites with No Height Requirement
Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros (Mexico) – Located inside the beautiful Mexico Pavilion, this ride isn’t one of EPCOT’s most famous attractions; but if you are a parent of a toddler, this should be your first priority. This gentle boat ride has bright colors, fun characters, catchy music, and even an “it’s a small world”-esque sequence. The “Donald Duck boat ride” or “Mexico boat ride” (as my nephew referred to it when he was a toddler) almost always has a short wait, which makes it ideal for families with small kids.
Frozen Ever After (Norway) – Just a pavilion away from our number one toddler attraction is another great boat ride for kids. Frozen Ever After is a bit darker and a bit more intense as it features a drop, but it still is toddler-friendly, featuring songs and characters from Frozen. If your child loves Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, this will be a must-do, as they have some seriously impressive animatronics. The one big downside to Frozen Ever After is the long wait time. Try to get to the ride early or late in the day for the shortest waits, or consider purchasing a Lightning Lane.
Living With The Land (The Land – World Nature) – Another boat ride! Kids love boat rides, and EPCOT is the king of boat ride parks at WDW (especially if you used the Friendship boats to arrive to the park). Living with the Land leans into edutainment. Your toddler will enjoy gliding along the water as they see the different varieties of colorful plants growing.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment (World Celebration) – While this ride isn’t quite what it used to be, Journey Into Imagination with Figment is still a fun, wacky ride that little kids enjoy. In fact, I would say that young kids are the ideal audience for this imaginative ride. My two year old son LOVED this ride when we went on it, and he instantly became obsessed with “Fig-a-mint,” as he calls him. There is one very sudden but short loud noise toward the end of the ride, which might frighten some children.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends (World Nature) – This slow-moving omnimover ride has a dual purpose: it tells a story of Marlin and Dory as they search to find Nemo. It also acts as a way to enter the aquarium that is at the heart of The Seas pavilion (more on that later).
Turtle Talk with Crush (World Nature) – Located inside The Seas pavilion, this interactive show will seem downright magical, as Crush talks with members of the audience. This is a great show for toddlers and little kids alike, especially fans of fish and Finding Nemo.
Spaceship Earth (World Celebration) – My personal favorite ride at EPCOT is also friendly for all ages. While the history of communication doesn’t scream “toddler material,” this ride has impressive scenes spanning different eras of humanity. My son was captivated by all the different sights (and smells). Your toddler will also enjoy the “glimpse into their future” cartoon that plays on the back half of the ride.
Use Your Own Judgement
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France) – There is no height requirement for this trackless ride in the France pavilion, and the larger than life props and scenes will be a blast for kids. But it’s also a 3D ride. The American Optometric Association doesn’t recommend children watch 3D movies or games until the age of 3. Depending on how old they are, they might have issues keeping their 3D glasses on. You could just forgo giving your toddler the 3D glasses, which will make all the screen parts blurry, but it’s still a
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (World Celebration) – The same 3D disclaimer applies to this attraction as Remy’s. However, the Short Film Festival features content that you can easily find on Disney+ or YouTube. It’s not the best use of time in the parks, especially when you consider the cost of a Disney World ticket. But as a parent, I know the value of having an air-conditioned break and a cartoon to keep your kid’s attention. If you feel comfortable letting your child watch a 3D movie, then this could be a good spot to take a short rest in the middle of your day.
Best Activities for Toddlers at EPCOT
There’s so much more to do at EPCOT than just wait in line for rides. In fact, some of the best things to do with toddlers at EPCOT have no wait at all. There are a ton of activities, play areas, and even an aquarium. You could go to EPCOT and not go on a single ride and still have a great time with your child.
Explore the SeaBase aquarium – Inside The Seas Pavilion you’ll find an extremely impressive aquarium. In fact, this is the second-largest aquarium in the United States. SeaBase features over 60 different species, from manatees to dolphins. This is a great place to let your toddler run around and explore with your supervision. Don’t miss Bruce’s Sub House, located near the Seas with Nemo& Friends ride exit.
Kidcot Fun Stops – Look out for Kidcot stations located in each pavilion in the World Showcase. In the past, Kidcot stations had coloring kits, but they’ve been modified due to COVID protocols. Now, each stop has a collectible card featuring facts and activities relating to the country.
- Mexico Pavilion (near Mexico Folk Art Gallery)
- Norway Pavilion (at The Puffin’s Roost)
- China Pavilion (near the exit of Reflections of China)
- Germany Pavilion (at Volkunst)
- Italy Pavilion (outside, near La Bottega Italiana)
- American Adventure Pavilion (outside, near Art of Disney)
- Japan Pavilion (in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery)
- Morocco Pavilion (at the Marketplace in the Medina)
- France Pavilion (at Souvenirs de France)
- United Kingdom Pavilion (at The Toy Soldier)
- Canada Pavilion (at the exit of Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360)
Green Landing Family Play Zone Playground – Located near Creations Shop (formerly Mouse Gear) and Test Track, this outdoor playground is an awesome spot to let your toddler play and get their wiggles out.
Liquid Layer Splash Pad – You can find this mini splash pad in World Discovery, near Guardians of the Galaxy and Mission: SPACE. Splash Pads are one of the reasons why we include Ziploc bags, swim diapers, and a change of clothes in our Disney World Toddler Packing Guide.
Space Base Playground – The area just past the exit to Mission: SPACE features an indoor playground similar to something you would find in a McDonalds PlayPlace. There are also some interactive games as well. You can enter this area via the gift shop next to the ride.
ImageWorks – What If Labs – Akin to an indoor playground, the What If Labs feature some interactive games and exhibits. While no longer cutting edge, this is a good spot to let your toddler play. Located in the Imagination Pavilion in World Celebration.
Live Entertainment – EPCOT features a wide array of amazing entertainment found throughout World Showcase, as well as World Celebration. From the juggler Sergio in Italy to the Matsuriza drummers in Japan to the JAMMitors in World Celebration, these talented performers put on shows throughout the day. For these shows, you can find the showtimes on the Disney World app, and then show up right as they’re starting — there’s not really a need to find a spot ahead of time. You’re also guaranteed to stumble upon a show as you explore the park.
Moana – Journey of Water (Coming Fall 2023) – Toddlers should love this walkthrough attraction coming to World Nature in fall 2023. Inspired by Moana, this walking trail will feature waterfalls, dancing fountains, and more.
Where to Find Characters at EPCOT
EPCOT features character meet and greets throughout the park. Hugs and autographs are now permitted again. You can find the most up to date list in our EPCOT Character Guide.
World Celebration Character Meet & Greets
- Goofy – EPCOT Main Entrance
- Pluto – EPCOT Main Entrance
- Mickey – Inside the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival (This meet and greet will be moved to Communicore later in 2023)
- Figment – Imagination (Coming Summer 2023)
- Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, or Minnie – Disney Visa Cardmember Exclusive Meet and Greet near Imagination. Find out more details on this meet and greet in our tips for how to meet WDW characters without a wait.
- Winnie the Pooh – Sighting at the lawn near the Imagination Pavilion
- Joy from Inside Out – ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion
- Vanellope Von Schweetz – ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion
World Showcase Character Meet & Greets
International Gateway
- Daisy
United Kingdom
- Mary Poppins
- Alice
France
- Belle
- Princess Aurora
Germany
- Snow White
China
- Mulan
Norway
- Meet Anna and Elsa near the Royal Sommerhus
Mexico
- Donald Duck
World Showcase Plaza Gazebo
- Minnie Mouse
EPCOT Character Dining
Another way to get some face time with your toddler’s favorite Disney characters is a character meal. EPCOT has two locations that feature character dining, with Akershus recently reopening and offering Princess meals.
Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land – World Nature) – Meet Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto at Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast, featuring all you can eat American cuisine.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway) – Meet a rotating cast of Disney Princesses such as Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, and more.
For more information, check out our Character Dining at Disney World Guide.
Guide 2 Disney World With Toddlers
Be sure to check out our other toddler guides for Disney World, featuring must-know tips for any parent bringing their little ones to WDW.
- Magic Kingdom Toddler Guide
- EPCOT Toddler Guide
- Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide
- Animal Kingdom Toddler Guide
- Disney World Toddler Packing Guide – Free PDF Checklist
- Disney World Stroller Guide – Renting vs. Bringing Your Own
If you want more help, get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer. Their travel agents are Disney experts who can help you plan a vacation full of magical moments for your toddler. Plus, they’ve helped tons of families, so they know a ton of advice for taking kids to WDW.
We want to hear your thoughts!
Let us know in the comments below: What’s your favorite thing to do with toddlers at EPCOT?
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