Accommodating different ages

[deemk]

Just wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how much there is to entertain young children at Epcot and MGM. I've been to the websites and tried to get a feel but I thought I'd rather hear from someone who has been. The kids are infant, 3, 4, 8, and 10. I don't see the point in buying a 7 or 5 day pass if we aren't going to visit all the parks. Is it worth it to buy a park hopper pass and ONLY visit Magic Kingdom and Wild Animal park? Is there enough to do at Magic Kingdom to go back 3 different days?

We'll be headed there 2nd week in December.

Thanks.

[jengold29]

Well my 3 (almost 4) and 8 year old kids woud tell you that MGM is their favorite park.

Favorite rides/attractions are for the 4 year old : The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Muppet Vision, Beauty & The Beast Show, THe Great Movie Ride, Playhouse Disney Show

For the 8 yo (who is a ride junkie) Rock N Roller Coaster, LMA Stunt Show, Indiana Jones Show, Muppet Vision,

They also can see their favorite characters--the Toy Story crew, Power Rangers and Kim Possible there.

And Fantasmic is by far their favorite night-time show.

YMMV of course.

[mom22gls]

Just wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how much there is to entertain young children at Epcot and MGM. I've been to the websites and tried to get a feel but I thought I'd rather hear from someone who has been. The kids are infant, 3, 4, 8, and 10. I don't see the point in buying a 7 or 5 day pass if we aren't going to visit all the parks. Is it worth it to buy a park hopper pass and ONLY visit Magic Kingdom and Wild Animal park? Is there enough to do at Magic Kingdom to go back 3 different days?

We'll be headed there 2nd week in December.

Thanks.


There is lots to do at Epcot for young kids. My 4 year old is not much into rides, but had plenty to do, there. My 7 year old loved Soarin" (go first thing to get a Fastpass). There is a nice, gentle ride in the Land Pavillion, also, which takes you through the greenhouses, and it's good for everyone. The Character Connection was also a hit (think lots of autographes and pictures, inside). In every pavillion, there are interactive games and attractions. The World Showcase is neat, too. Each kid can go to the Kidcot table at each country, and decorate a mask (you take the same one to each, and get a little charm for each country). There are little shows, and character greets, everywhere. My girls met up with Mushu and Mulan in China, and several princesses throughout the Showcase. In the Mexico pavillion, there was a kiosk, where you could send e-mail postcards to friends. Lots of neat little amusements. We also love MGM, for the attractions mentioned, and also because most of the characters are more for the preschool set. Don't miss the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area. You will probably go to the MK more than once, but every park is worth visiting, and park hopping is a good idea. Go to one park each morning, take a break in the afternoon, for naps or swimming, then another park in the early evening.

[Macelyn]

We bought the Disney World book for kids and my 4 year old and 11 year old have it memorized. The 11 year old cannot WAIT for Epcot. He has planned his own iternerary (and I keep telling him we'll do part of it but he can't plan the entire day).

We have been to Disneyland at least 2-3 times a year since I was just a little girl, having lived near there. Magic Kingdom (the mostly Disneyland like park) is going to be just one day for us, and maybe another afternoon if we find we want to. While there is alot there for everyone, Fantasyland (which is what you think of when you think "magic kingdom is for the little kids") is great but is only a small taste of the excitement the younger kids will get at all the parks.

[efoxx]

How much your kids will like Epcot will largely depend on you. the amount of things for small kids are there, but you will need to be an active part in their fun. FW has many things geared for all ages. in short order they would be...
the dinosaurs at the universe of energy, although you have to get them through quite a bit to get there.
M:S has a great kids area so the smaller ones will have lots to do while waiting for those who choose to ride.
TT can be enjoyed by most kids, and even the little ones will like playing in the cars. there is also a kid stop here.
Journey into imagination is a ride, and play area for kids of all ages, take time to play in the fountains as well as the fountains near WS.
The land has a special kids cooking area, I'm not sure how it works, but someone here can tell you. also most kids love soaring.
the living sea is great for kids, from turtle talk to just watching the dolphins the kids will be happy there for quite some time.
inovations has tons of things for kids. make sure to take the whole family into the house to play a game and learn about fire safety.

WS also has lots for kids. every country has the kid stops, as well as other entertainment. many of the streetmoshere shows are kid friendly. among them are the chinese acrobats, which by the way is made up of kids. and of course there is Myoki. you will find her in Japan she does 20 min. shows every hour. what Myoki does is sculpt candy into beautiful animals, then here is the neat part, she gives them away. these are priceless, to get one you may have to see more then one show, but I can honestly say that even after watching more then 50 shows both us and our kids still love to watch. WS is also a great place to fill up the autograph books, just follow the maps.
there are many other things to see and do out there in WS for all, just don't rush from place to place, rather spend time looking around. see if you can find the drums and let the kids play with them, look for the trains, find the trolls. so much to do, but you will need to help direct the kids.

over at MGM you will find lots for kids. one thing is there are more characters there then any other park. from little mermaid to fantasmic there are plenty of shows for kids. even the little ones will get a thrill out of lights motors action. also for the small ones play house disney is very popular, as is the animation tour. here is a tip. if you have one to small to ride star tours ask the attendant if it would be possible to get a flight test at the end of the day. they will give you a time to come back and the whole family can ride a specially prepared flight. don't tell the little ones what they are missing and they will think they are doing the big kids thing.

With 7 days you will have plenty of time to get a good feel for the whole world. I usually recommend for first time visitors this kind of break down.
2 days for the MK
2 days for Epcot
1 day for MGM
1 day for AK
1 day for what ever you missed.
you don't have to do them in any order, and your days can be broken up into partial days, half a day at the MK followed by half a day at Epcot etc...

post if you would like advice on what dinning locations are kid friendly as well as good for adults.

[deemk]

Wow! Thanks SO much for all the great info! I've posted on other message boards and just haven't gotten great responses. I was hoping I could skip 1 of the parks and save some money, but it looks like we'll have to hit all 4. Sounds like there will be something for them at each.

Someone mentioned swimming. Is this going to be desirable in December? I've heard it will only get to about 70 if we're lucky.

Also, advice on dining would definitely be appreciated. We will have 4 kids and an infant, so we'll try not to go TOO overboard on expensive food, but we'll want to hit someplace fun at least a couple of times. We'll be staying at the Sheraton Vistana if anyone is familiar with it.

[efoxx]

Wow! Thanks SO much I was hoping I could skip 1 of the parks and save some money, but it looks like we'll have to hit all 4. Sounds like there will be something for them at each.

Someone mentioned swimming. Is this going to be desirable in December? I've heard it will only get to about 70 if we're lucky.


No problem. unless you were planning on redusing the number of days for the entire trip you won't save a whole lot by just reducing the number of days on your tickets. the difference between a 5 day ticket and a 7 day ticket is only $6 for adults and $3 for kids. not bad for two extra days.

as far as dinning and saving money if you are staying on property, something I highly recommend then consider purchasing the dinning plan. at $37 per day for adults, and $10 for kids you will actually spend less on food. for further ideas on cost saving I suggest you check out www.mousesavers.com

as to the temps, well we have been there in december with days of high temps as high as 85. we have also been there when the high was only 38

[Cheshire Figment]

Sheraton Vistana is an excellent place to stay. One thing that will take up quite a bit of your time is that all the Christmas decorations are up and you will not only want to see all the parks, but also the deluxe resorts.

Don't tell the kids the Epcot is educational.

One other thing to think of is picking up tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in the MK for one night. Note this is extra cost above the regular tickets, but worth it. The Very Merry Christmas PArade runs twice each night and there are special fireworks, as well as snow on main street, special shows, and free cookies and hot chocolate.

[MinnieSummer]

Definitely get the tickets for the entire stay. This will not only allow you to see all four parks but will also give you a chance to take a break in the middle of the day. The time you will be there is even better at Epcot because in addtion to the regular things that go on for kids, each country has a storyteller out that tells how their country celebrates Christmas (or what holiday they celebrate during the winter). There is also the Candlelight Processional which is a wonderful family experience and doesn't cost anything extra unless you get the Dinner Package. It is something very special for the kids. Animal Kingdom has a great Holiday Parade during that time as well, as does MGM (which also has the Osborne Family Lights).

I'm not sure why a previous poster mentioned the Sheraton Vistana -- is that where you are staying and I missed it in your OP? If you haven't made reservations yet I would definitely stay on property -- that time of year is so special at WDW.

If you are staying at WDW, the package that includes tickets, dining and accomadations is really worth the money -- especially for a family.

If you can swing the extra cost the MVMCP really is a wonderful experience.

Finally, be prepared for temperatures ranging from mid 80's to mid 30's -- all in one day. You will definitely need jackets for evening/nighttime. But it very likely that you will be able to swim during the day. My DD swam last year with no problem.