If your magical vacation to Walt Disney World is coming up, you might be starting to think about how to organize your time. Trying to suit the needs of everyone in your traveling party while creating those pixie-dusted moments we dream of isn’t always as easy as it seems, especially with younger children in tow. Where you start your journey can make all the difference and set the tone for the entire day. Luckily, if this is your first trip to the magic, we have you covered. In this series, we are looking at the best ‘first rides’ for your kids to enjoy in each of the Disney Parks. Today’s focus is looking squarely at EPCOT.
While all of the Disney Parks have lots of rides and entertainment to enjoy, EPCOT has another geographical education element that the others don’t. Because of this, it doesn’t feel like your traditional theme park. The magic is in the details with this one, as you and your family open yourselves up to experiences from all around the globe in this one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s important that your children find enjoyment in their learning, and EPCOT can provide so many unique experiences they will treasure forever.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Starting your experience with familiar faces that your children can connect with is a great way to help them feel engaged. If your little ones are fans of the Disney hits Finding Nemo or Finding Dory, they will recognize some of the characters in this slow-paced ride under The Sea with Nemo & Friends!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Stepping into the World Showcase area of the park, you will pass through each pavilion, perfectly themed toward the country it represents. If you are arriving later in the day, after the delayed opening of this part of the park, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a fantastic first ride to draw your child into the culinary world of a famous Disney character. Due to the location of the ride, in the France Pavilion, it’s also a perfect introduction to the concept of World Showcase, where you get to experience additional elements of the country you’re visiting, like food and beverages, as well as music and entertainment.
Frozen Ever After
Similar to Remy’s Adventure above, the Frozen Ever After attraction is perfect for any Frozen fan who can’t wait to wow with an extraordinary experience. While many adults or regular parkgoers may not find the ride as impressive as others, your Frozen fan kids will be blown away by this first ride experience. Everything from the queuing area to the meet and greet option next door is perfectly themed to their favorite movie, all while introducing them to Norwegian culture and architecture.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Even though your children won’t likely be familiar with this Disney fan-favorite character, Figment is an excellent representation of everything the EPCOT stands for. If your kids are a little more adventurous and don’t need to be familiar with a storyline to enjoy it as a first ride, consider Journey Into Imagination with Figment. Introduce them to this delightful purple dragon as he explores the sensory learning lab. If you are lucky, you might even be able to visit Figment at the Meet & Greet location nearby as well.
Soarin’
Are you looking for the wow factor for your family’s first Disney attraction? Try Soarin’ Around the World (seasonally Soarin’ Over California) in EPCOT’s World Nature area. The sights, sounds, and smells as you travel across the globe are nothing short of impressive, especially the first time you have the opportunity to enjoy it. It may not be full of Disney characters like the other rides on our list; however, this is a must-do attraction that can take you to places you’ve never seen.
Those first rides that your children experience in a Disney Park can leave you with the most magical memories possible as a parent. If you are visiting EPCOT or Walt Disney World as a whole for the first time, try one of the best ‘First Rides’ on our list and let us know what you think. As always, if you have a suggestion to add to the list, leave it in the comments below.