EPCOT has a reputation as the most adult-friendly Disney World theme 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.
But that doesn’t mean that EPCOT has nothing for little kids. In fact, EPCOT is a great place to bring a toddler. 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 7-18-2022 – Character Meet and Greets have returned to Disney World. This guide has been updated with new info about where to find your toddler’s favorite characters at EPCOT.
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. 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. Your toddler will also enjoy the “glimpse into their future” cartoon that plays on the back half of the ride.
Use Your Own Judgement
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)
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.
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.
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 – Sighting Near EPCOT Main Entrance
- Pluto – Sighting Near EPCOT Main Entrance
- Mickey – Sighting at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Winnie the Pooh – Sighting at the lawn near the Imagination Pavilion
- Joy from Inside Out – Sighting at ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion
- Vanellope Von Schweetz – Sighting at ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion
World Showcase Character Meet & Greets
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
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, although Akershus has been closed since 2020.
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 – Currently Closed) – Meet a rotating cast of Disney Princesses such as Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, and more.
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
- 10 Surprising Must-Pack Items for Going to Disney World with Toddlers
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!
What’s your favorite thing to do with toddlers at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments below.
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