When planning a trip to Disney World with young children, EPCOT isn't usually the first park that comes to mind. However, contrary to popular belief, EPCOT is tons of fun for all ages. From table service dining with Mickey and Pluto to Princess themed boat rides, EPCOT has tons of fun experiences that your little ones will love. This list of best rides, restaurants and entertainment for young children will help to ensure a great time is had by all.
The Best Rides in EPCOT
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to the size of a rat as you zoom around Chef Remy’s kitchen on this 4D adventure. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure recently came to Walt Disney World in 2021 after its massive success in Disneyland Paris and has become a fan favorite for WDW goers. Due to its popularity, this ride should be a priority booking for guests with Genie+. Remy’s has no height requirement, so the whole family can partake in the fun. This ride can be found tucked in the France Pavilion, right next to La Creperie de Paris.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
One of the best roller coasters in the world. Yep, you read that right. This indoor coaster is often regarded as one of the top attractions in all Disney World, and you need to come here with your whole family. Keep in mind that Cosmic Rewind makes use of the Virtual Queue system, so make sure to wake up early and secure a spot there. Actually, make sure to buy an individual Lightning Lane for it too, since you will be able to ride it twice this way! This roller coaster doesn't feature any loops or sharp turns. It's all about speed and 80s music in a very comfortable seat. Guests need to be at least 42” to ride this one.
Frozen Ever After
Climb aboard your boat and journey to Arendale as you ride past Olaf, Anna, Elsa and other Frozen favorites.This ride has an awesome queue that leads you through a village of Scandinavian themed shops and houses. Frozen Ever After is another attraction that often has long wait times, so it should be a top priority for Genie+ bookings. This ride has no height requirement, which means the whole family can journey to Arendale together!
Test Track
This is a high-speed thrill ride that allows guests to build their very own car design and then test it out on the tracks. At the end of the ride results will appear to show how your car design ranked amongst others. Riders must be 40” to ride, so part of the family may have to sit this one out. While Test Track wait times can be long, they are nowhere near as long as Frozen and Ratatouille’s lines. For that reason this ride should be a medium level priority when it comes to booking Genie+.
Soarin
As the name implies, this ride will take you soaring around the world on a flight simulator. Guests are lifted above ground in hang gliders and shown breathtaking videos from around the world as wind blows and scents such as fresh grass and salt water fill the air. Riders must be 40” tall to embark on this adventure. This ride has varying wait times throughout the day and should be considered a medium to low priority for Genie+ bookings.
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana
This exciting new attraction recently opened, and while it is not technically a ride it is still worth a mention. At Journey of Water, guests will have the opportunity to walk through a self guided trail and interact with water as it shoots from the ground. Don’t worry, for those that do not wish to get wet there is a dry path available. This attraction is a must see for Moana lovers.
The Best Table Service Restaurants in EPCOT
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
If you have a princess lover in your family, this restaurant is an absolute must! Located in the Norway Pavilion right next to Frozen Ever After, this restaurant has great food, a great atmosphere and is the only Walt Disney World dining experience that allows you to see multiple princesses in one location.
The characters you can expect to see include Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana, Cinderella and Mulan, but this can be subject to change depending on the day. The entire restaurant is themed to look like a castle and the food is some of the best in the park. Dinner includes Swedish meatballs, salmon, mashed potatoes, green beans and more. It is highly recommended to make a reservation 90 days before the desired booking date, as this restaurant books up quickly.
Garden Grill Restaurant
Hidden within the Land Pavilion, this is the place to be if you want to see classic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale. This restaurant slowly rotates, giving you a 360 degree view of the Land Pavilion. One fantastic attribute of this restaurant is that it is farm to table, with much of the fruits, vegetables and herbs being sourced from within the EPCOT greenhouses.
Garden Grill offers a breakfast menu and a dinner/lunch menu, both of which are “all you care to enjoy” for one fixed price. Breakfast, which is $47 for adults and $30 for children, includes Mickey Waffles, potato cheese casserole, flank steak with ranchero sauce, cinnamon loaf and more. The lunch and dinner menu, $62 for adults and $40 for kids, is the definition of comfort food with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, BBQ chicken, grilled steak, shortcake and more. Reservations are highly recommended for visiting this restaurant.
Coral Reef Restaurant
Experience dining “under the sea” in this restaurant surrounded by aquariums on all sides. Ironically enough, most of the menu is seafood, but they also have some great options for kids such as macaroni and cheese and grilled chicken nuggets. This restaurant is a la carte, with prices ranging from $15 for kids’ entrees to $35 for adults.
Coral Reef is known for being a great place for families, however be warned that while the atmosphere is great, the food here will not blow you out of the water. Reservations for this restaurant can typically be found at the last minute, but it’s always best to book in advance just to be safe.
Biergarten Restaurant
Here you can celebrate Oktoberfest no matter what time of the year it is! This restaurant combines lively entertainment with a delicious buffet that is palatable for most young children. The menu is “all you care to enjoy” and costs $49/adult and $27/child. Guests can expect to find rotisserie chicken, potatoes, schnitzel, sausages, mac and cheese and a variety of desserts.
Enjoy the feast as a live polka band plays in the background and entertainers fill the stage. Reservations for Biergarten can often be found at the last minute, but it is recommended to book in advance if this is on your “must do” list.
Space 220
This restaurant is perfect for kids that have a love for all things outer space. Upon arrival you will climb into the “Stellarvator” and watch below as planet Earth gets further and further away and you climb your way to outer space. While dining, you’ll be able to look out your window and see shooting stars and astronauts floating by.
While this experience is very cool and immersive, it’s also extremely pricey. Space 220 has a fixed menu costing $79/adult and $29/child, and unfortunately the food is not quite as ‘out of this world’ as one would hope at that price point. Space 220 is located right next to Mission Space in World Discovery. Reservations book up quickly for this restaurant, so be sure to make your reservation as early as possible (up to 90 days in advance).
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Nothing screams family dinner quite like a giant wood fired pizza! This restaurant is located in the Italy pavilion and has an incredible atmosphere and delicious southern Italian inspired cuisine. Dishes at Via Napoli range from $25-$55 for adults and $11 for kids entrees. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance for this restaurant.
The Best Quick Service Restaurants in EPCOT
Fife and Drum
This is the place to be if you’re looking for traditional theme park fare. Located in the American pavilion, Fife and Drum serves up hot dogs, turkey legs, popcorn and a variety of drinks. All items here can be purchased for under $15.
Connections Eatery
This is the newest quick service restaurant in EPCOT. Connections Eatery takes quick service to a whole new level with their futuristic interior and huge variety of options inspired by Asian, French and Italian cuisine. Some stars on the menu include their Margherita Pizza, French Bistro Burger, and General Tso Chicken Salad.
Kids menu options include chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and more. Prices range from $8-$15 for both kids and adult meals.Connections Eatery is located near the park entrance right in front of the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. No reservations are required here.
Kabuki Cafe
This quick service booth is located in the Japan Pavilion, serving up Japanese shaved ice for the kids and frozen beers for the adults. Kabuki Cafe also has a variety of snacks available, including sushi and edamame. All drinks and snacks can currently be purchased for under $15/each.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Located in the American pavilion, this is a great quick service option especially for families who may have some picky eaters among them. Regal Eagle Smokehouse serves up incredible BBQ and classic sides including mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, onion rings, french fries and more.
The kids menu includes fan favorites such as chicken tenders, hamburgers and more. Kids meals range from $7-$9 and adult meals range from $12-$17. This restaurant has a huge amount of indoor and outdoor seating available. Since this is a quick service restaurant no reservation is required.
Karamell Kuche
If you only stop for one snack during your time in EPCOT have it be here! Karamell Kuche churns out incredible desserts using Werther’s caramels, and is one of the only locations in the world. Here you can find caramel popcorn, cookies, apples, brownies and more. Karamell Kuche is located in the Germany Pavilion, located right next to the gift shop.
L’Artisan des Glaces
This ice cream spot, located in the France Pavilion, is the perfect reward for making it halfway through the World Showcase. L’Artisan des Glaces has a wide variety of house made ice cream and sorbet, but by far the most unique item on the menu is the brioche ice cream sandwich, with two scoops of ice cream stuffed between a brioche bun. Salty, sweet perfection!
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
Located right next door to L'Artisan des Glaces is a giant French-themed quick service restaurant with a huge variety of options for all ages. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie has tons of French classics such as eclairs, croissants and macaroons. In addition to the sweets there is also a variety of sandwiches, soups and quiches for those who prefer a savory snack.
Coffee, champagne, beer and wine are also available for purchase. Prices range from about $10 for sandwiches and $3-$7 for pastries. No reservation is necessary for this location.
The Best Entertainment in EPCOT
Turtle Talk with Crush
This absolutely hilarious show is located inside the Seas Pavilion and is a blast for all ages. Turtle Talk is completely interactive and allows both kids and adults to chat with Crush, asking questions and cracking jokes along the way. Shows take place consistently throughout the day and each one is about 18 minutes long.
Epcot Forever Fireworks Spectacular
If your little ones are able to make it to the end of the night, this fireworks display is well worth a watch. Unlike Happily Ever After, the fireworks spectacular that takes place every night in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Forever focuses specifically on honoring the past and present rides of EPCOT.
Fireworks fly through the sky as vintage sound clips from 1982-2005 play on the speakers. This show begins at 9pm every night, and can be enjoyed at any spot around the World Showcase that has a clear view of the lagoon.
Whether your little one is interested in princesses, space, cars, marine life or traveling around the world, there is something in EPCOT for everyone.
