One of the things I seem to hear a lot from parents visiting Walt Disney World is that they don't spend much time at EPCOT's World Showcase because their kids don't like it. There are few rides (even fewer with the recent closing of Norway's Maelstrom) and therefore the kids are just not that interested. However, many parents, myself included, love World Showcase and want to spend more time exploring the unique atmosphere of each individual country represented there. Well, it's possible to keep both parents AND kids happy in World Showcase with a little bit of planning. Here are 5 things, in no particular order, to try for your next trip:
1. Kidcot Fun Stops
Cast Members around World Showcase hail from the countries represented there and one of the most unique opportunities for kids to interact with them is at the Kidcot Fun Stops. Kids can create FREE crafts and chat with Cast Members, usually dressed in traditional clothing, about their home country. Older kids will probably enjoy getting souvenir passports stamped at each of the 11 countries and Cast Members generally include a greeting with the stamp in both their native language and English. Look for the Kidcot symbol pictured in the background of the above photo.
2. Unique Character Meetings
There's no shortage of opportunities to meet characters at Walt Disney World but there's something extra special about bumping into Marie outside France or chatting with Jasmine and Aladdin at the Morocco pavilion. As an added bonus, in our experience at least, lines are much shorter at World Showcase meet-n-greets, probably because so many people don't realize that there IS a lot of fun to be had with kids in this area, thus keeping the number of kids waiting to meet characters lower. See your park map for meet times.
3. Around the World Challenges
If you really want to try to get your kids into each of the 11 countries but they don't seem interested in the Kidcot Fun Stops you might try a challenge tailored to their interests. My daughter has a fun hat picture from every vacation we've been on since she was about seven years old. She loves a good hat picture and usually hams it up for the camera. So, for our next trip to Walt Disney World we're planning a hats around the world challenge. We'll try to find a traditional hat (beret in France, viking helmet in Norway, etc.) in each country. We already snapped one from Mexico on our last trip.
My son has never been interested in the hat game my daughter plays on vacations but he does love to try new sweet treats wherever we are. He loved his gelato from Italy on our last trip and for our next trip we're planning to forgo Counter Service and share some snacks from around the world- we may get full before we try something from everywhere though!
The possibilities are really endless here- each country has unique art, music, food, games, and clothing offerings plus so much more. Wherever your child's interest lies you can probably come up with an around the world challenge that will appeal to them. If no one theme stands out try creating a scavenger hunt- a musical instrument in Mexico, an Eiffel Tower figurine in France, etc. The only limits are your imagination!
4. One of a Kind Performances
Comedic juggling on the streets of Italy, acrobats in china, traditional drums in Japan, musicians in Morocco and the UK. There's a long list of fantastic performances happening at various times around World Showcase. Check your park map for times of the ones that interest your family most.
5. Agent P's World Showcase Adventure
This was formerly known as Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure but was recently rethemed to incorporate Perry the Platypus's alter ego, Agent P, from the hit Disney Channel show Phineas and Ferb. The story has changed but the effects hidden around World Showcase remain the same as kids follow clues sent to them on the F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) which can be picked up at kiosks located at various points around World Showcase (see your park map for kiosk locations). When clues are successfully solved it shows kids fun effects hidden within the countries of World Showcase.
With multiple stories taking place in different countries this is an adventure that can be enjoyed multiple times, all while giving parents the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, gardens, and other unique aspects of the countries their kids are "saving".
A Final Word of Advice
Don't try to do all of these at once! Pick one or two of these activities for your family and take it at a leisurely pace. One of the great things about a day at World Showcase is that it can give you the opportunity to slow down a bit from the usual hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World. And if you don't try to do it all in one trip you'll have more fun options for your NEXT trip to Walt Disney World!
Hope is a self-proclaimed travel addict who loves EPCOT's World Showcase. Contact her today at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com, or find her on Facebook, for help planning your next trip around the World.
