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Welcome to Your Guide to the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow EPCOT………..

“Welcome to your ultimate EPCOT Guide! Say goodbye to Disney stress with insider tips for dining, attractions, shows, and more. Designed for busy people like you. Packed with insider tips, it’s your trusted companion for dining, attractions, shows, freebies, and a guide to make the most of EPCOT with your little ones. This guide will be your new best friend. Let’s get started and become EPCOT Pros…………………….

EPCOT Planner
EPCOT Must Do Planner
Early Entry
/ Rope Drop
Getting to EPCOT
Attractions, Shows, And Entertainments
Festivals
Dining
EPCOT with Little Ones
Freebies
Lightning Lane Strategy/Ride Strategy
Mobile App Basics
Discounted Disney Merchandise
EPCOT Tips
Disney World Park Must Haves
How to Beat the Crowds

IMPORTANT NOTE for Everyone:

EPCOT opens its gates an hour early for all guests, but everyone waits near Spaceship Earth until the official opening. Disney Resort guests get Early Entry, allowing them to start rides 30 minutes before the park opens

1. Early Entry ……………..

Early Entry is a perk for Disney Resort guests. This gives Disney Resort Guests access to the rides at EPCOT 30 minutes before the park opens to the general public. To see if your hotel is included check this list (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/early-entry/)

To use Early Entry a cast member will either scan your magic band or your ticket. If you have Early Entry, I recommend getting to EPCOT 45-50 Minutes before the park opens.

Important Note: Not all rides are open during Early Entry at EPCOT Here is the list of the attractions that are available during Early Entry

  • Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Spaceship Earth-currently closed
  • Test Track
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Early entry

Which rides should you do first:

If you are coming from the International Gateway Entrance head to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and then Guardians of the Galaxy and then Frozen Ever After.

If you are coming from the Main Front Entrance head to Guardians of the Galaxy and then Frozen Ever After first. You can cut through the Odyssey Pavilion to get to Frozen Ever After (Norway) faster.

DO NOT USE YOUR EARLY ENTRY TIME ON THE FOLLOWING RIDES/SHOWS:

  • Beauty and The Beast SingAlong
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

These attractions usually have very low wait times throughout the day.

 

Rope Dropping ……………..

“What is Rope Drop?” Simply put, it’s when a park opens for the day, and guests are allowed in after the ropes are removed. Essentially, rope dropping means arriving before the official opening time to be among the first inside. If you don’t have Early Entry (staying offsite), I suggest getting to EPCOT at least an 30 minutes before the park opens. 

 

Which rides should you do first if you are Rope Dropping:

If you are coming from the International Gateway Entrance head to:

  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and
  • Guardians of the Galaxy 
  • then Frozen Ever After

If you are coming from the Main Front Entrance head to:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy 
  • Frozen Ever After.  You can cut through the Odyssey Pavilion to get to Frozen Ever After (Norway) faster.
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

DO NOT ROPE DROP THE FOLLOWING RIDES/SHOWS:

  • Beauty and The Beast Sing-Along,
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends,
  • Journey Into the Imagination,
  • Living with the Land, and
  • Grand Fiesta Tour with Donald Duck

These attractions usually have very low wait times throughout the day.

Rope drop

2.Ariving at EPCOT ……..

EPCOT has two entrances: the main entrance and the International Gateway, which leads directly to the World Showcase between the UK and France. The International Gateway is ideal for guests at Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, or any of the Skyliner resorts. It offers quick access to France and the popular Ratatouille ride, helping you beat the crowds. Most guest use the main entrance.

Non-Disney Transportation (car):

Standard parking at EPCOT is $30, and preferred is $45–$55 per day. Parking is included for Disney Resort guests and select Annual Passholders, who can upgrade to preferred by paying $15–$25 more. The lot opens 90 minutes before Early Entry. After parking, take a tram or walk to security, then scan in at the ticket center to enter.

Bus:

All Disney resort guest can take the complimentary buses that will take you to EPCOT. The EPCOT Bus depot is located just outside the main gates in front of the right side car park.

Important Note: You don’t need a car seat in the bus and they are stroller friendly, but you do have to fold up your stroller. Buses are also wheelchair friendly. To see the exact bus times go to the My Disney Experience App under your resort tab, usually buses start running 90 minutes before the park opens.

Uber or Lyft:

You will be dropped off at the side and then you will have to walk to security at EPCOT

Disney Pro Tip: if you use a Minnie Van service (this is operated by Lyft) you’ll get a Disney Cast Member. They also come with 2 car seats. (I always recommend the Minnie van because of the car seats. It is a little pricier than a regular Uber.)

Monorail:

 If you are staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary you can take the Monorail straight to EPCOT. You will go through security inside the hotel before you head to the monorail and then get dropped off at EPCOT’s entrance.

Skyliner/Boat

 If you are staying at a Skyliner resort you would take the Skyliner and get dropped off at the International Gateway Entrance.

There are also friendship boats available if you are staying at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Swan & Dolphin, and Beach Club. (you can also take the boat from Hollywood Studios)

What Time Do I Recommend Getting to EPCOT:

If you are staying offsite, I always recommend to get there at least 30 minutes before the park opens. If you are staying at a Disney Resort and want to take advantage of Early Entry, I recommend getting there at least 50 minutes before the park opens. 

3. Attractions,Shows,and Entertainment ……..

download epcot attractions

EPCOT is divided into four main themed areas known as neighborhoods. World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. Inside the World Showcase is where you will find the 11 country Pavilions.

  • World Celebration
  • World Discovery
  • World Nature
  • The World Showcase
  • Attractions with Lightning Lanes
  • Night Shows

World Celebration

World Celebration is EPCOT’s main entrance. The Imagination Pavilion and the Odyssey Events Pavilion are located inside World Celebration. Creation shop which is the park’s main gift shop is located here as well.

 

World Celebration Rides/ Attractions

  •  Spaceship Earth
  •  Journey Into the Imagination

World Celebration Experience and Shows

  • Disney Pixar Short Film Festival
  • Imageworks: The What If Labs (interactive play area)
  • Project Tomorrow (interactive gaming area)
  • Club Cool
  • Celebracion Encanto!
  • World Celebration Garden (Dreamers Point) you can find beautiful gardens and Walt’s Statute

World Celebration Character Meets and Greet

  • Goofy
  • Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie Mouse
  • Figment
  • Pluto
  • Daisy

World Celebration Tips:

  • Character meets and greets here usually have low wait times.
  • Creation Shop is open an hour after the park closes
  • This is a great area for little ones to take a break from the crowds. There is plenty of air conditioned seating.
  • If you have little ones make sure you stop by to see Celebracion Encanto 

World Discovery

World Discovery is all about space, science, and technology and is home to one of the most popular rides in all of Disney World Guardians of Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. 

The virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy is no longer available. You can now ride Guardians of the Galaxy with a Stand-By Line or by purchasing a single pass. 

World Discovery Rides/Attractions

  • Test Track (40”)
  • Mission Space (40”)*
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (42”)*

World Discovery Experience and Shows

JAAMitors (music show)
Liquid Layer (splash pad)

World Discovery Character Meets and Greet

Star-Lord

World Discovery Tips:

  • You can find lots of seating, charging ports, and a playground inside the gift shop of Mission Space
  • If you want to dine inside Space 220 but didn’t get reservation you can ask to be placed on a waiting list for the bar. You get the same experience for a lot less.

World Nature

World Nature at EPCOT focuses on understanding, living, and protecting our natural world. It is one of my favorite areas and is the home to the new attraction Journey of Water.

 

World Nature Tips: 

  • There is a large aquarium and a play area as you exit the Nemo ride
  • Living with the Land gets a Christmas overlay during the Holidays
  • Awesome Planet is a great spot for naps if you need a dark place

 

World Nature Rides/Attractions

  • Soarin’ Around the World(40”)
  • Living with the Land
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends
  • Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – New

World Nature Experience and Shows

  •  Awesome Planet (short film)
  • Turtle Talks with Crush (interactive show with Crush)
  • The Seas (a large aquarium with a small play area)

World Nature Character Meets and Greet

Moana
Chip and Dale (if you make reservations at Garden Grill)

The World Showcase

The largest EPCOT neighborhood features 11 Country Pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. With a 1.2-mile perimeter, it’s a walkable area offering entertainment at the America Gardens Theater, including Eat to the Beat, Candlelight Processional, Disney on Broadway, and Garden Rocks Concert Series.

World Showcase Rides/Attractions

  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour w/Donald Duck
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

World Showcase Experience and Shows

Entertainment

  • Entertainment at Germany Gazebo
  • Entertainment at Canada Mill Stage
  • Command Performance UK
  • Atlas Fusion – Moracco
  • Mariachi Cobre Mexico
  • Marimbas de las Americas- Mexico
  • Matsuriza- Japan
  • Sergio- Italy
  • Voices of Liberty United States

Shows/Experiences

  • Beauty and the Beast Sing a Long
  • Impressions de France
  • Reflection of China
  • Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 

World Showcase Character Meets and Greet

  •  Anna
  • Elsa
  • Daisy
  • Donald
  • Winnie the Pooh
  • Belle
  • Aurora
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Mulan
  • Jasmine
  • Asha
  • Pluto
  • Snow White

Attractions with Lightning Lanes

download epcot lightning lanes
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Remy Ratatouille Adventure
  • Soarin (40”)
  • Test Track
  • Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
  • Journey into Imagination with Figment
  • Living the Land
  • Mission Space (40”) *
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends
  • Spaceship Earth
  • *not very kid friendly, it’s actually one of the worst rides at Disney World Important Note: Test Track is now a Tier 1 and Soaring is a Tier 2.

Lightning Lane Single Pass

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (42”)

Single Rider Option

A few rides at Disney World have the single rider lane option. If you are okay with your party being split up this is a great option to cut down your wait time by 50%. The single rider option at EPCOT is Test Track. FYI guest using single rider must be at least seven years old. The only ride at EPCOT with a single rider option is Test Track.

 

 

how to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass

Night Shows

EPCOT Fireworks

Every night, the World Showcase currently features fireworks show called “Luminous: The Symphony of Us,” a captivating show, it made its debut at EPCOT on December 5th, 2023. It is made up of fireworks, fountains, music and lights set to an original composition. It is definitely a must-see show.

If you’re planning to watch Luminous, here are some tips:

  • We love the views from Japan, Mexico, Norway, and Canada.
  • Norway is the least busy area to watch the Luminous. The best spot is directly across from the Anna and Elsa Greet and Meet
  • If you’re staying at a Skyliner or Crescent Lake resort and looking for a quick and not so crowded exit, consider watching from Canada or France, that way you can exit through the International Gateway.
  • Do not leave as soon as the fireworks end it gets super crowded wait 10 minutes and then start making your way out.
  • The fireworks can get a little loud, if you have little ones that are sensitive to noise, you might want to consider noise canceling headphones.

This is the view from Norway Directly across from the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet.

Spaceship Earth Light Show

The “golf ball” lights up with magical lights and music every night. The show starts 10-15 minutes after sunset and continues throughout the night. The show changes throughout the year.

Spaceship Earth Light Show

The “golf ball” lights up with magical lights and music every night. The show starts 10-15 minutes after sunset and continues throughout the night. The show changes throughout the year.

Magical Fireworks Extras:

(advanced reservations are needed for all these extras)

  • Forever Dessert Cruise to watch the fireworks the cost for this is Adult (ages 10 and up): Child (ages 3 to 9): $80, tax and gratuity included.
  • Rose and Crown Fireworks Dining Package: The cost is Adults $92 and Child: $41 inclusive of tax and gratuity. You’ll be outside on the patio at Rose & Crown Dining Room overlooking the shimmering waters of World Showcase Lagoon.  The dining package includes the following: One appetizer, One entrée, One dessert, Selection of unlimited beverages.
  • Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package: Cost: Adult: $81 per person (ages 10 and up), inclusive of tax and gratuity, Child: $31 per child (ages 3 to 9), inclusive of tax and gratuity.  The meal includes: Your choice of 2 small plates, A shared tagine, A dessert platter, Unlimited beverages.

4. Festivals at EPCOT

EPCOT is famous for its dynamic festivals celebrating global beauty, culture, and flavors. Each year, visitors enjoy diverse immersive experiences, all included with park admission.

Important Note: If you are purchasing the Disney Dining Plan you can use your snack credits at some of the festival booths.

5. Dining at EPCOT

download epcot character dining

EPCOT is known for its delicious variety of foods and booths and you can truly find delicious food anywhere. To make it easier for you I’ve split them up by their lands and added if you can do mobile food order or reservations are needed. My favorites have a heart next to them.

Dining Reservations Tips:

If you can’t find dining reservations check the app after 11:30pm. Availability opens up at night.

Third Party Services that you can use:

mousedining.com this is a third-party service that emails you notifications of when there is availability. The service is free for 6 alerts and email only, or $9 a month for 50 alerts and texts, or $90 a year for 100 alerts.

addmoremagic.com they make the reservations for you. You select the restaurant you want your party size and they do all the work. The cost for this is $3 per person for the first 3 guests and $1 a person for each guest after the third person.

 

Mobile food order

Disney Dining Plan Hack:

If you are planning on purchasing the dining plan and going to EPCOT save your snack credits and you can use them on some of the festival booths. In my opinion this is the best way to use your snack credits.

Disney Dining Plan:

Is it worth the cost? Here is a link https://www.distripplanner.com/  to a calculator that where you input your family’s needs and will help you determine if the Disney Dining Plan worth the cost for your family.

Important Note: Kids under 3 years old eat for free at family style/buffets restaurants including character meals.

Character Dining

World Celebration/World Discovery

World Nature

Mexico

Norway

China

Italy

Germany

United States

Japan

Morocco

France

United Kingdom

Canada

World Showcase

My Go To’s at EPCOT (these are the food items I always purchase at EPCOT)

Mexico

Choza de Margarita
 have the
Best Margaritas

Food:
Empanada de Barbacoa

France

L’ Artisan des Glaces

Croque Glacé Macaron

Drinks: Ice
Cream Martini

Germany

Sommerfest

Pretzel Bread
Pudding

China

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Kung Pao Duo Spicy Mala Happy Family

United States

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Loaded Burnt Ends Fries

Norway

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

School Bread

Take me To:

6. EPCOT w/Babies,Toddlers, and Kids

download ePCOT attractions with no height requirement

Many people I speak with tend to believe that EPCOT is the least kid-friendly park at Disney World. However, you’d be pleasantly surprised to discover that EPCOT boasts the most playgrounds and play areas among all the Disney World parks for children. Additionally, there are two free interactive activities designed especially for little ones. EPCOT is also one of the best parks to meet characters as there are so many characters and they all have very short wait time. EPCOT happens to be one of my personal favorite parks.

Important Note:

If your little ones didn’t meet the height requirements for a specific ride, Disney World gives out height ride certificates for some rides, you can save the certificate and bring it back when they are tall enough and they will get priority access to the ride with the family. Not all rides have it so ask a cast member.

Attractions With No Height Requirements

  • Frozen Ever Afte
  • Grand Fiesta Tour 
  • Journey Into the Imagination
  • Living with the Land
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • The Seas w/ Nemo & Friends
  • Turtle Talk w/Crush
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Beauty and the Beast Sing Along

Best Rides (Our Favorites)

  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends
  • Living with the Land
  • Journey Into the Imaginatio
  • Frozen Ever After **
  • Grand Fiesta Tour w/Donald Duck
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Best Rides For Naps

  • Living with the Land
  • Spaceship Earth (it’s very dark)
  • Grand Fiesta Tour 

Scariest Rides for Kiddos

  • Mission Space
  • Frozen Ever After (it’s not scary but it does have 2 drops)

Playgrounds/Play Areas

Bruce’s Shark World (Indoor)

This is located inside the Seabase as you exit the Nemo ride, or you can enter through the gift shop. It is a little play area with different interactive activities. We love stopping by during the hot days. It’s perfect for all ages.

Imageworks the Imagination Lab (Indoor)

You can see this after you go on the Figment ride or enter through the gift shop. It is one of our favorite areas to play. This is an interactive play area play with sensory activities and games that spark creativity. Kids can lead an orchestra by waving their arms in the air, create a symphony of sound by jumping on “Stepping Tones,” record yourself in super-slow motion and design your own dragon and email it to your friends, and you can meet Figment and Joy here as well.

The Green Landing Play Zone (outdoor)

This is the biggest outdoor playground at EPCOT it is located right next to the Creations Shop. It features various play structures and they also have seating for parents. The theming of the playground changes throughout the year. We like to stop by this playground later in the day, as it can get a bit hot in the middle of the day. There is something for children to enjoy at all ages. This is a perfect spot to wait while you do rider switch for Guardians or Test Track.

Advanced Training Lab (Space Base) (indoor)

You can find it by going through the Mission Space gift shop. This is one of our favorite playgrounds/play areas. It is an engaging and interactive space that provides a hands-on, immersive learning environment where kiddos can explore the fascinating world of science and technology. From interactive exhibits and simulations to interactive games and most important the smallest space explorers can crawl through wormholes in a fun interactive playground. They also have lots of seating area for parents and lots of
phone charging locations. You can send a postcard from outer space here

Critters Crossing (outdoor)

This is located in Canada, although it is pretty small it is a cute walking path inside the World Showcase that has a search and find of different animal prints. At the end of the walking path there are several statues of animals found throughout Canada. Each statue has a button that kiddos can press and it will  make the particular noise the animal makes. It also has a few benches for parents to sit down and relax.

Hedge Maze (outdoor)

This is located in the UK Pavilion in the back. It is a children’s maze made of boxwood hedges in the back of the pavilion. It is perfect for little ones to run around and burn some energy. A band usually plays here as well and they have plenty of seating for parents.

Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future (indoor)

This is inside Spaceship Earth. This is a great are for all ages. You can assemble a digital human body using advanced technology designed for remote surgeries. Experience the thrill of a driving simulation game showcasing accident-avoidance systems, and after creating a future video while journeying through Spaceship Earth, share it with your loved ones via email using a Project Tomorrow kiosk! It is like a mini gaming area.

Refreshment Outpost (outdoor)

This a small area after China and they have various instruments for kids to play and take a break. You can also purchase food and drinks here.

Liquid Layer Water Play Area (outdoor)

This is located near Mission: SPACE, the splash pad provides kids (and adults) an opportunity to cool off in the Florida sunshine. It has interactive fountains as well as misters.

Kids Free Interactive Activities

Kidcot Fun Stop there is a station in each country pavilion and kiddos collect a suitcase (a cute Ziploc bag), an activity card and a sticker. They also have markers so kiddos can sit down and color their activity card. You can collect 11 cards and stickers and a final postcard that says you travel throughout the world showcase. This is one of our favorite things to do with our 3-year-old. He loves stopping by each country and collecting all his cards and stickers.

Finding Dory’s Friends, A Fin-Tastic Scavenger Hunt- this is a free sticker book you can collect after you exit the Nemo Ride. It takes you on a mini scavenger hunt through the aquarium and then your kiddos can match the stickers to the pictures in the book.

The Seabase – this is a huge aquarium you can get to it after you exit the Nemo ride or you can head through the gift shop. There are so many sea animals here. There are dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and so much more. You can even see cast members feeding manatees.

PlayDisney App- play Ducktales through the World Showcase and unlock secret places in each pavilion. Disney KidCot Puzzle Hunt- collect puzzle pieces throughout the Kidcot Fun Stops and earn digital puzzles

Baby Center

The Baby Center at EPCOT is located in the Odyssey Center at the end of the building closest to the World Showcase’s Mexico Pavilion. It is an air-conditioned location that is fully staffed and features lots of helpful amenities for families with babies, toddlers, and kids. They include the following:

  • Private nursing room with rocking chairs
  • Changing room with tables
  • Restroom facilities
  • Feeding area with highchairs
  • Kitchen with microwave and sink
  • Main room with television, table and seating
  • On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase

We love stopping by to take breaks they have seating for parents and children and they always have a movie or cartoons playing. 

baby center

Quiet Area

Dining w/Kids

Best Quick Service Places to Eat with Picky Eaters or Kiddos that Have Allergies:

Connections Eatery- World Celebration (allergy friendly & great for picky eaters, they have lots of options for everyone)
Regal Eagle Smokehouse- United States – (Picky Eaters and great selection of food for the family )
Sunshine Seasons

**If you are looking for a healthy option on the kid’s menu, check the items that say Kids’ Disney Check Meals *****

Character Dining

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

This located in Norway and it’s family style dining with the storybook princesses. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner are available. Characters: Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Mulan, Snow White, Tiana, etc. FYI princesses may vary. I met Aurora, Belle, Snow White, and Tiana both times I went. Side Note: If you have a picky eater book a breakfast instead as this character dining doesn’t have a lot food options for kiddos for lunch and dinner.

Garden Grill

See Chip ‘n’ Dale and their Disney pals as you dig into family-style dining and revolve around vibrant views from Living with the Land. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are available.

Character Dining Nearby (Resorts)

Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera

(Breakfast only) this is by far my favorite character dining experience. Not only for the food, but also because the characters here are super engaging and spend lots of time with you. Also, this character dining isn’t as rushed as the others.

CapeMay Café at the Beach Club

(Breakfast) see Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy at the Beach Club Resort. This is a buffet style and it is another one of our favorites.

Stroller Tips:

I definitely recommend a stroller for kiddos. Especially if they are under 7 years old. I personally don’t recommend the Disney Strollers because they are hard and not very comfortable. They also don’t recline when kiddos fall asleep.

Stroller Rules:

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps,  available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Going Through Security with a stroller:

Do these 3 things Before You Head to Security:

  • Make sure everything is cleared from underneath your stroller, remove all bags, umbrellas, toys, foo, coolers, etc., before you head to security.
  • Remove all your electronics and anything containing metal and set them on your stroller caddy. This includes phone chargers, battery packs, sunglass cases, makeup compacts.
  • Open up your sunshades on your stroller and now you are ready to head to security

Heading to security:

  • The adult pushing the stroller will go to the stroller security check point. Everyone else will go through the regular metal detector line. Your family will be separated. Don’t worry you won’t need tickets yet. I suggest handing all the stuff from the stroller to the people heading through the regular metal detector.
  • Once its your turned to be checked they will check your stroller caddy and the stroller. They will ask you to leave your kiddo on the stroller as you walk through the metal detector. The stroller and your kiddo will not go through the metal detector. There is one exception if your kiddo is old enough to walk, they will make you take your kiddo through the metal detector with you.
  • If you the metal detector detects anything they will send you to a second checkpoint if not you are free to join the rest of your party.

Disney Stroller Rental Prices

Single Stroller (recommended for children 50lbs or less)

Daily: $15
Multi-Day: $13 per day

Double Stroller: (recommended for children 100lbs or less )

Daily: $31
Multi-Day: $27 per day

Third party stroller companies to rent strollers, cribs, playpens etc. from:

Resort Hopping with Little Ones

If you are considering resort hopping and not sure which resorts are the best and easiest to access for kiddos here are my favorites. The best way to get to the resorts without any dining reservations is to take Disney Transportation from Disney Springs.

The skyliner resorts are definitely my favorite resorts for kiddos and the reason why is because you have multiple resorts within reach and all of them have activities for kiddos. The resorts listed below are my favorites:

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    o They have a Nemo Playground, Cars Land, Little Mermaid Section, and Lion King. It makes for great pictures and kiddos have so much fun here
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    o Love their playground and they have an area called Caribbean Cay that has lounge chairs and is very peaceful and quiet. I love taking breaks here. It is perfect for naps.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
    o They have outdoor games for kiddos to play with and beautiful wall art of Peter Pan and Rapunzel
  • Disney Boardwalk
    o This is my favorite and it’s a perfect resort to end the day in. They have free live entertainment and you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from here.

** there is a skyliner scavenger hunt you can also do. You pick up the Scavenger Hunt inside any of the Skyliner resorts. ***

My Favorite things to do at other resorts:

  • Contemporary, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from here. My favorite location is the Contemporary. During the holidays they also have  gingerbread décor at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.
  • Fort Wilderness Resort Campground: they have pony rides for little ones and horseback riding for adults. Pony rides are walk on and horseback riding requires reservations. Chip and Dale Sing a Long this is so much fun. During Halloween and Christmas guests decorate the campgrounds.
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge: you can see the Safari animals roaming around for free and they also have the Strings of Memories Activity where you go around the resort doing different activities with cast members and when you finish each activity you collect a bead. You can collect 8 beads in total.
  • All resorts have a movie under the stars. We pack snacks and drinks and go watch a movie. It’s one of our favorite things to do.
    The Disney Resorts that have playgrounds: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/playgrounds/

7. EPCOT Freebies

download ePCOT 20 Disney Freebies

1. Kidcot Fun Stop location in each pavilion inside the World showcase where you can collect a activity card, sticker, and a little bag
2. Dory Sticker Book- Collect your free Dory Sticker book inside the Seabase as you exit the The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride
3. Club Cool- Coca Cola store that gives you free samples of sodas from all around the world. Be careful if you try the Beverly it doesn’t taste that great.
4. Crown and Crest-located in the UK you can learn about your Family’s Coat of Arms for free

5. Ducktales- download the Disney play app and open secret areas throughout the World Showcase as you complete missions.

6. Celebration buttons- you can pick them up at Guest Services and some of the shops.
7. Boat Ride: You can take a boat ride from Canada to Morocco and from Morocco to Canada

8. Lightning Lane Basics & Strategy

EPCOT Lightning Lanes

This  is a paid service at Disney World that allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for select attractions, and reserve access to certain entertainment options. It allows you to skip the standby line at some attractions. You can pre-book your Lightning Lanes by purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.  It is a daily fee per park and per person. There is a multiple park option if you have a park hopper ticket. 
The price may vary depending on factors such as the time of year and the park’s attendance levels it starts at $15 and can go up to $39. If you want more information on Lightning Lanes it can be found in a separate guide called Lightning Lane Guide. These are just the basics.

 

What Lighting Lanes to Pre-Book First at Epcot (these are the lighting lanes that sell out first)

  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Test Track
  • Soarin’

The remaining lighting lanes I would book as they become available

Here is the order I would book the Lighting Lanes Epcot This strategy is for little ones. I’m only going to be using the no height requirements attractions.

  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Frozen Ever After
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends
  • Living the Land
  • Journey Into the Imagination

The rest of the attractions I would select as they become available. I don’t recommend using lightning lanes  for any of the shows. 

9. Mobile App Basics

In the video below. I will show you how to order food, find characters, entertainment and so much more. Hope this is helpful.

mobile app

10. Discounted Disney Merchandise

There are 2 Disney Character Warehouses at the outlets where you can find discounted Disney  merchandise from the parks. Most of the merchandise there is over 50% off. They have everything clothes, loungefly bags, mickey ears, and so much more. They get new stuff in every day except on Sundays. If you want the best stuff, get there early. The character warehouse on Vineland is a lot bigger and has more selections of items. The store at Internation Drive is smaller but a lot more organized and you can sometimes find more loungefly bags there. Here are the locations to both stores:

  1.  Disney Character Warehouse
    4969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
  2. Disney Character Warehouse
    8200 Vineland Ave #1252, Orlando, FL 32821

If you like Antique Disney Merchandise there is a store in Lakeland, Fl that sells antique Disney items, resort furniture, and props from rides. Here is the address:

Lakeland Antique Mall
3530 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland FL 33809

$25

11. EPCOT Tips

  • Never Go to ECOT on Mondays. Historically it is the busiest day.
  • EPCOT allows all guests inside an hour before the park opens, if you don’t have Early Entry you will wait behind ropes by Spaceship Earth.
  • Creation Shops is open for Early Entry and an hour after the park closes.
  • You don’t have to go all the way for guest services for help. Just look for cast members standing under blue umbrellas and they are also guest services.
  • If you want to take advantage of low wait times without paying for Lightning Lanes make sure you get to the park at least half an hour before it opens.
  • Frozen Ever After, Ratatouille, and Test Track have lower wait times as soon the park opens or towards the end of the day.
  • You can walk to Hollywood Studios from EPCOT
  • If you have little one’s pack lots of snacks and small toys to help throughout the day.
  • You can leave park at any time and come back later.
  • You can plan your park day before your get to the park by using the free Disney Genie Service in the My Disney Experience App
  • The Creation Shop at EPCOT closes an hour after the park closes.
  • If you aren’t purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Passgo on the Major rides either the first hour of the park at the end of the night.
  • Disney will still let you into the queues for rides up until the park closes. So even if you jump in the queue 5 minutes before the end of the day, Disney will let you ride.
  • Use mobile food ordering at Quick Service Restaurants. It will save you so much time.
  • If you are purchasing merchandise some shops allow you to use the Mobile Checkout feature on your My Disney Experience App to skip the physical checkout line entirely.
  • FYI you can join walk-up list at a lot of the restaurants at EPCOT, even character meals.
  • You can search for a specific ride and tap on it to learn about its Forecasted Waits and look at the graphs to see what time is the busiest for that ride/attractions.
  • Park Must Haves – mobile charger, sunscreen stroller cover, a refillable water bottle, extra socks, Ziploc bags, cooling towels, stroller fan
  • Take out all metal items from your pockets/bags as you head through security. This includes sunglasses cases, chargers, and makeup compacts.
  • If you have food allergies you can ask to look at the Allergy Binder. These binders provide a list of all the ingredients you can find in each restaurant’s meals.
  • Don’t leave right after Luminous (the fireworks) it will take you awhile to get out of EPCOT if you leave after the fireworks wait 15 minutes before heading out.
  • At every character dining meal they are supposed to give you a card with all the characters signature on it, so make sure you ask for it before you head out.
  • Best quick breakfast places: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, Crepes a Emporter, and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, and sunshine seasons
  • There is an app to help you budget during the festivals called WDW Food and Wine. It lists all the foods and prices and you can see what your cost will be before you head to EPCOT
  • If you place a mobile food order and can’t make the time you selected you can modify your pick up window
  • The Seabase is a perfect place to cool down and keep kiddos entertain kiddos during the hot weather with a zero wait time
  • If you want to experience Space220 but don’t have reservations head to the restaurant and request to be added to the bar waiting list. You could still experience Space220 for half of the price
  • Best bathrooms in EPCOT: bathrooms between the World Showcase and Future World, the American Adventure restrooms, Norway restrooms they are all the way in the back and always empty, and last the Journey into the Imagination restrooms
  • There are Friendship boats you can take from Canada to Morocco .They will help your feet.
  • You can purchase full bottle of wine at EPCOT from Germany, France, and Italy’s wine shops.
  • Avoid visiying the first weekend of any festival if you don’t want large crowds
  • In the International Gateway area you can find unexpected and rare characters to meet here and also to the left side of the American Adventure Pavilion these 2 areas are where characters in training come out.
  • Do not go to Test Track when you see the weather forecast calls for rain within an hour because the ride will close down. 36. The Skyliner can get very busy at the end of the day so make sure you don’t leave as soon as the park closes.
  • The Skyliner can get very busy at the end of the day so make sure you don’t leave as soon as the park closes.
  • There are lots of resort dining options that are great and walking distance from EPCOT or Skyliner distance: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Trattoria al Forno and Topolinos Terrace.
  • You can purchase traditional packaged snacks from some countries like China, Japan, and the UK.
  • One of the best views of the EPCOT fireworks is from the Skyliner take the Skyliner to EPCOT and you will see the best view of the fireworks.
1. Never Go to ECOT on Mondays. Historically it is the busiest day.

2. If you plan on riding Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind join the virtual queue at 6:57am instead of 7am and hit refresh, refresh until 7am .

3. EPCOT allows all guests inside an hour before the park opens, if you don’t have Early Entry you will wait behind ropes by Spaceship Earth.

4. Creation Shops is open for Early Entry and an hour after the park closes.

5. You don’t have to go all the way for guest services for help. Just look for cast members standing under blue umbrellas and they are also guest services.

6. If you want to take advantage of low wait times without paying for Genie+ make sure you get to the park at least half an hour before it opens.

7. Frozen Ever After, Ratatouille, and Test Track have lower wait times as soon the park opens or towards the end of the day.

8. If you can’t join the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind virtual queue at 7am there is a second virtual queue at 1pm, but you have to be at the park to join the 1pm virtual queue.
9. You can walk to Hollywood Studios from EPCOT

10. If you have little one’s pack lots of snacks and small toys to help throughout the day.

11. If you aren’t purchasing Genie+ go on the Major rides either the first hour of the park at the end of the night.

12. Disney will still let you into the queues for rides up until the park closes. So even if you jump in the queue 5 minutes before the end of the day, Disney will let you ride.

13. Use mobile food ordering at Quick Service Restaurants. It will save you so much time.

14. If you are purchasing merchandise some shops allow you to use the Mobile Checkout feature on your My Disney Experience App to skip the physical checkout line entirely.

15. FYI you can join walk-up list at a lot of the restaurants at EPCOT, even character meals.

16. You can search for a specific ride and tap on it to learn about its Forecasted Waits and look at the graphs to see what time is the busiest for that ride/attractions.
17. Park Must Haves – mobile charger, sunscreen stroller cover, a refillable water bottle, extra socks, Ziploc bags, cooling towels, stroller fan

18. Take out all metal items from your pockets/bags as you head through security. This includes sunglasses cases, chargers, and makeup compacts.

19. If you have food allergies you can ask to look at the Allergy Binder. These binders provide a list of all the ingredients you can find in each restaurant’s meals.

20. Don’t leave right after Luminous (the fireworks) it will take you awhile to get out of EPCOT if you leave after the fireworks wait 15 minutes before heading out.

21. You can leave park at any time and come back later.

22. You can plan your park day before your get to the park by using the free Disney Genie Service in the My Disney Experience App

23. At every character dining meal they are supposed to give you a card with all the characters signature on it, so make sure you ask for it before you head out.

24. The Creation Shop at EPCOT closes an hour after the park closes.
25. Best quick breakfast places: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, Crepes a Emporter, and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, and sunshine seasons

26. There is an app to help you budget during the festivals called WDW Food and Wine. It lists all the foods and prices and you can see what your cost will be before you head to EPCOT

27. If you place a mobile food order and can’t make the time you selected you can modify your pick up window

28. The Seabase is a perfect place to cool down and keep kiddos entertain kiddos during the hot weather with a zero wait time

29. If you want to experience Space220 but don’t have reservations head to the restaurant and request to be added to the bar waiting list. You could still experience Space220 for half of the price

30. Best bathrooms in EPCOT: bathrooms between the World Showcase and Future World, the American Adventure restrooms, Norway restrooms they are all the way in the back and always empty, and last the Journey into the Imagination restrooms

31. There are Friendship boats you can take from Canada to Morocco .They will help your feet.

32. You can purchase full bottle of wine at EPCOT from Germany, France, and Italy’s wine shops.

33. Avoid visiying the first weekend of any festival if you don’t want large crowds

34. In the International Gateway area you can find unexpected and rare characters to meet here and also to the left side of the American Adventure Pavilion these 2 areas are where characters in training come out.

35. Do not go to Test Track when you see the weather forecast calls for rain within an hour because the ride will close down. 36. The Skyliner can get very busy at the end of the day so make sure you don’t leave as soon as the park closes.

36. The Skyliner can get very busy at the end of the day so make sure you don’t leave as soon as the park closes.

37. There are lots of resort dining options that are great and walking distance from EPCOT or Skyliner distance: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Trattoria al Forno and Topolinos Terrace.

38. You can purchase traditional packaged snacks from some countries like China, Japan, and the UK.

39. One of the best views of the EPCOT fireworks is from the Skyliner take the Skyliner to EPCOT and you will see the best view of the fireworks.

40. Best Photo Spots at EPCOT
1. Never Go to ECOT on Mondays. Historically it is the busiest day. 2. If you plan on riding Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind join the virtual queue at 6:57am instead of 7am and hit refresh, refresh until 7am .

Best Photo Spots at EPCOT

12. Disney World Park Must Haves

Park Must Haves

I will include a link to my Amazon Storefront where I have all my park must haves

  • Fan
  • Cooling Towels
  • Sun Screen
  • Cooling Patches (for summer)
  • Stroller Cover
  • Rain Coats/Ponchos
  • Large Ziploc bags
  • Change of clothes for kiddos
  • Snacks
  • Small Toys ( I usually pick some small toys from the dollar store)
  • Small cooler
  • Reusable Straws
  • Blanket if you are going in the winter
  • Bandaids
  • Hand Sanitizer

Amazon Storefront Link

https://www.amazon.com/shop/anidisneywtoddlerskids

12. Disney World Park Must Haves

Park Must Haves

I will include a link to my Amazon Storefront where I have all my park must haves

  • Fan
  • Cooling Towels
  • Sun Screen
  • Cooling Patches (for summer)
  • Stroller Cover
  • Rain Coats/Ponchos
  • Large Ziploc bags
  • Change of clothes for kiddos
  • Snacks
  • Small Toys ( I usually pick some small toys from the dollar store)
  • Small cooler
  • Reusable Straws
  • Blanket if you are going in the winter
  • Bandaids
  • Hand Sanitizer

Amazon Storefront Link

https://www.amazon.com/shop/anidisneywtoddlerskids

13. How to Beat the Crowds

Here are some tips:

1. Historically, the busiest day to visit EPCOT is Saturday, since a lot of locals will stop by to enjoy the festivals. Best day to visit is Wednesday. Fewer people head to EPCOT on Wednesdays.

2. Try to get to the park at least 30 minutes before the park opens. EPCOT allows all guest inside by Spaceship Earth until the park opens.

3. Go on the rides towards the end of the night people are usually starting to look for spots for the fireworks at least 30 minutes before they start. This is a great time to ride the busier rides like Ratatouille and Frozen Ever After.

4. Check a crowd calendar map. UnderCover Tourist has a free one that shows when historically are the busy times and low times. https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/

5. You can also use StandySkipper if you are purchasing Lightning Lanes it is a third party service that books lighting lanes for you. You just let it know what lightning lanes you want and the times and it does the work.

Park guides

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom 

Hollywood Studios

Epcot

Lightning lane

Kids guides

Magic Kingdom with Kids

Animal Kingdom with Kids

Hollywood Studios with Kids

Epcot with kids

other guides

mickeys not so scary Halloween Party Guide

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party