January 29, 2025 • 27 mins
Epcot isn’t just for adults or thrill seekers—it’s a park with something for everyone!
🎡✨ In this episode of All Things Travel, Ryan and Julie share the ultimate guide to enjoying Epcot, whether you’re visiting with kids, older teens, or as an adult group. From navigating rides to dining options and hidden gems, this episode is your blueprint for a magical day.
Key Topics Covered:
👨👩👧👦 Epcot with Kids:
- Perfect itineraries for kids under 4 and adventurous older kids
- Top kid-friendly attractions: Seas with Nemo & Friends, Living with the Land, and Turtle Talk with Crush
- Secret character meet-and-greets around World Showcase
🎢 Epcot with Adults or Older Kids:
- Why the International Gateway entrance is a game-changer
- Best attractions for adults: Guardians of the Galaxy, Soarin’, and Frozen Ever After
- Dining and drinks: La Cava del Tequila, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and Rose & Crown patio
🌍 Hidden Gems & Pro Tips:
- Quiet spots to relax in World Showcase (like Japan’s bamboo garden)
- Using gift cards to stay on budget during festivals and kiosks
- Where to catch the best views of Luminous nighttime spectacular
Dining Highlights:
- Quick-service favorites: Connections Cafe, Yorkshire County Fish Shop, and Les Halles in France
- Top table-service picks: Via Napoli, Space 220, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
📅 Plan Your Perfect Day:
Ryan and Julie share their insider strategies for avoiding crowds, booking Lightning Lanes, and ensuring a seamless visit for every member of your group.
Call to Action:
Planning your Epcot adventure? Let Ryan and Julie create a custom itinerary that makes your day unforgettable. Contact us today at AllThingsTravelPodcast.com to get started!
#EpcotTips #DisneyPlanning #AllThingsTravelPodcast #FamilyTravel #AdultsAtDisney #EpcotAdventures
Want to cruise with Ryan and Julie in July 2025? Join our cruise with friends of the podcast (yes, that's you as a listener)!
Check out the details: https://forms.gle/Jpikq82XPQS63v5N8
Visit our website, allthingstravelpodcast.com, for freebies and more podcast info!
Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!
Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"
Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!
- Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
- Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:00):
Hello and welcome to All Things
(00:02):
Travel.
Julie, look at our show notes.
What episode number is this?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:08):
250!
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:10):
sounds like a good episode for a big
woohoo, right?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:15):
Woohoo!
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:17):
We're both excited.
Maybe it's later at night andwe're uh, yeah, but anyway 250
episodes.
That is awesome Let's do 250more.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:26):
Alright,
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:27):
Okay.
It's a deal.
Last week we told you our besttouring strategies for Magic
Kingdom at Walt Disney World,the most popular theme park in
the world.
Today we're switching gears andtalking all about how to do
Epcot, the second theme park toopen at Walt Disney World.
Listen in with travel advisorsand destination experts, Ryan
(00:48):
and Julie.
I'm your travel professor,teaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And she's a Disney loving,Maryland mom of three, and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
all things travel.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:12):
okay, so Epcot is very different than
Magic Kingdom, right?
It's a completely differentfocus.
of people think it's not forlittle kids.
I would argue let's talk justlike very, very briefly, Ryan,
about EPCOT history.
Can we do that?
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (01:31):
Well, it didn't start as a theme park.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:34):
Correct.
EPCOT stands for theExperimental Prototype Community
of Tomorrow.
Walt's original idea was to haveit be an actual living community
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (01:48):
Yep,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:49):
there was a central area and layers
expanding out from that.
it was like futuristic and itwas supposed to be just this
utopian community.
Obviously, that's not exactlywhat happened, but we still love
Epcot.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (02:07):
we love Epcot it's interesting
because Epcot really is myfavorite park for a variety of
reasons I used to be one of thepeople that were like, it's
really not for kids You know ifyou got to shave one off if you
have smaller kids, it's reallynot for kids I really think it's
your focus.
What are you going for?
what do you want to see whenyou're there?
I think Epcot's for everybody.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (02:29):
I would agree.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (02:30):
Alright, so we broke up last week's
episode into visiting the parkwith small kids and visiting the
park with either older kids orjust adults.
And that's the way we're goingto do Epcot today.
I'm going to start By talkingabout adults or older kids.
(02:51):
So when to arrive, first of all,I want you to ask your question,
why are you there?
If you are there for the ridesand the festival?
Then I say rope drop.
If you're there for the rides, Isay rope drop.
If you're really there just forthe, and I don't say just as a
bad thing, but if you're therejust to experience World
(03:11):
Showcase and the festivals, Iwould say plan on arriving about
10 a.
m.
and then staying throughout theday later into the night.
Where do you want to go first?
go in through InternationalGateway.
There's a couple strategies fordoing this, Julie.
Obviously, if you are in theEBCOT resort area or if you're
(03:32):
on a Skyliner resort, you can dothis quite easily.
If you're not, unless you have alarger group, I would pay to
Uber over to one of the resortsover the EBCOT area because I Do
think you get a bigger bang foryour buck first thing in the
morning by going in through theInternational Gateway
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (03:51):
Why?
ryan_2_01-12-2025_20034 (03:52):
because I think you're closer to the
more popular rides and you canbang one or two of those out.
thing.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:00):
Yeah, I agree.
I talk about that too when weget to
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (04:03):
Okay.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:04):
section.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (04:05):
So what do you want to do?
First thing?
I think you have severaldifferent options.
If your focus is on rides, Iwould either go straight to Remy
or frozen, whichever one.
Maybe you didn't get yourlightning lane for, and we'll
talk about that in a little bit.
And then I would hit Soren.
If you are more interested inthe eating and drinking and
(04:25):
around the world, I would do oneof two things.
La Cava del Tequila opens at 11and there is, believe it or not,
usually a line there in theMexico Pavilion.
Completely worth it.
It's fun to be there and quoteunquote rope drop, the tequila
cave.
Or to be honest, I like to gofirst thing in the morning and
(04:46):
take pictures around WorldShowcase because nobody's there
and you can get some really goodgroup shots.
You can get some different typesof shots of the World Showcase
areas, without a bunch of peoplein them.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:58):
Because technically World Showcase opens
at 11.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (05:01):
correct.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (05:03):
and the dining, they're
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (05:04):
Yeah, so you're not going to see
everything, but you candefinitely see the architecture
and get some interesting shots.
If I'm with an adult group, myfocus is going to be stuff I can
do in World Showcase, then I'mgoing to go to the other areas,
and then I'm going to go back toWorld Showcase.
And that's how I'm going tospend my day all the way through
(05:24):
the, fireworks.
How do I spend my afternoon andevening?
I would really focus on eachcountry and enjoy the shops and
attractions.
You do not have to drink aroundthe world to enjoy World
Showcase.
But take your time, explore,divide and conquer when it comes
to food options and festivalsbecause EPCOT has a lot of Great
(05:49):
snacks, quick service, and tableservice options.
I think if you're going to focuson snacks and quick service,
send people out and then have acentral place to meet with your
hunting party if you will.
I used to do this when the kidswere little.
when it came to the festivals,we would find our place to sit
down and then several of theadults would go out and grab
(06:11):
things and bring them back tothe spot.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (06:14):
I love that idea.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (06:15):
Find a spot for Luminous.
you're going to be able to seeit from most areas in World
Showcase.
My favorite spot, and I actuallyfound this for the first time
this summer, if you go to theYorkshire Fish and Chips area
and you go down the patio andyou kind of weave your way back,
there's a back patio ofRosencrown that is for folks who
(06:38):
are watching the fireworks, butthere is a spot where you don't
have to be part of that, but youcan still lean up against the
railing and see it.
And it's actually a lot lesscrowded.
I really liked that spot.
What am I going to pre book ordo lightning lanes or individual
lightning lanes?
I would say choose betweenfrozen ever after or Remy's I
(07:02):
would do Soren.
And then whenever I do Soren, Iwould do living with the land.
I don't think you need to do alightning lane, even though
sometimes we see crazy waittimes for that.
And then do guardians of thegalaxy either once or twice.
by doing an individual lightninglane and or a virtual queue.
when we're talking about this,test track is down.
That's something else that Iwould throw in the mix there.
(07:25):
If you have space folks, missionspace would be a good one to add
there.
But those wait times don't tendto be very long, regardless of
which one you're going on.
So I really think you don't haveto focus on lightning lanes as
much with Epcot.
Unless you're really gung hoabout wanting to see a certain
ride or riding something severaltimes.
(07:47):
Quick service for me, I loveConnections Cafe and Eatery, I
think that was a great addition.
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse iswonderful.
Sunshine Seasons is really good.
I like the bakery in France, butI also like the creperie in
France.
And Julie and I have a favoritequick service spot.
(08:08):
What is it, Julie?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:09):
The Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:12):
Love the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
You're going to get your fishand chips.
You're going to get a nice beer.
You're going to go sit by thewater.
It is a great spot for a quickservice meal any time of the
day.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:26):
I don't recommend it for any of my
families with young kids becausethe only thing on the menu is
fish
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:32):
Yes.
So you have to, that's what youhave to have.
it is very, very good fish andchips.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:38):
We will be there when this episode comes
out.
We will be at EPCOT three dayslater doing this adults only
itinerary.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:46):
I bet we're going to have fish and
chips, aren't we?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:48):
I can't wait.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:48):
Table service.
I'm going to say Via Napoli forsome amazing pizza.
Teppan Ito is always fun becausethat's the hibachi restaurant.
So you're going to have a funtime with your adults group and
don't sleep on the newer sushiplace that's right next door.
I went there with my kids thissummer.
Super, super good.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (09:06):
Yeah, Shikisai is the name of
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200 (09:08):
Shikisai.
Great.
Thank you.
Space 220 is good if you can'tget a reservation.
You can always join the walk uplist for the lounge.
I always love the beer garden.
great food, great atmosphere.
Especially if you're using thedining plan, it is 100 percent
worth it.
For me in EBCOT, what are somepro tips?
Take the time to explore thecountries.
(09:30):
My guess is if you went to,Disney, as a parent or with
younger kids, you did not spendas much time in the countries.
Go into the countries.
If you go into Morocco or Japan,you're gonna see things that you
didn't even know were at Disney.
It's just absolutely amazing.
(09:50):
So take the time to do that.
Don't sleep on Club Cool.
I think that is such a retrothing that is at Epcot and I
just absolutely love it.
Go in.
Turn on your video, take a liveor a video of you guys doing a
drink challenge there at ClubCool, post it on Instagram.
It's a lot of fun.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:12):
If you don't know what Club Kool is,
it's flavors of soda from allaround the world.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_ (10:17):
particularly Coca Cola products.
it's just fun because some arereally good and some are not as
good.
I would love to watch a videoand see what your favorite ones
are.
And Julie, maybe we're going tohave to do that for our Facebook
group when we go to Epcot.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:31):
that sounds fun.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (10:32):
I will challenge you to that.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:34):
Oh boy.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (10:36):
Hey, do you need a break outside the
park?
I would recommend, if you're atEpcot, head over to the
boardwalk area through theInternational Gateway.
It's a great place to sit andrelax around the water, get a
drink, get a bite to eat, maybehead over to Beaches and Cream
and get a treat.
lots of options there.
to be honest, If you want to beon the go, either enjoying rides
(11:00):
or the festival that's there,skip table service completely.
I don't think you need an Epcot.
I think there's lots of greatoptions, but there's so many
good snack options, festivaloptions, and quick service
options.
Another thing, especially withthe festivals and the drink
kiosks, it is very easy tooverspend at EBCOT because
(11:23):
you're just hitting things asyou go along.
I would keep track of that alittle better by buying some
gift cards and using those andkeeping a cap on your spending
there at Epcot.
Any, reaction to those pro tips?
Julie
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (11:37):
I can't wait to do this itinerary in a
couple days.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (11:42):
Alright, there we go.
before we jump over to thefamily side of Epcot, I wanna
talk about where in the world isall things travel.
When I went in and looked thisweek at new locations, one that
popped up for us is Naples,Florida.
Have you been to Naples, Julie?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (11:59):
I haven't.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (12:00):
I have been to Naples.
I really like that part ofFlorida.
I went to Marco Island severalyears ago.
Naples is about an hour drivefrom there, so it's a good place
to see both on one vacation.
One thing I really like aboutNaples is there's tons of
opportunities to get on thewater.
In fact, when I Googled thingsto do in Naples.
There were tons of sunsetcruises, catamaran cruises.
(12:24):
And so that's definitely what Iwant to do when I visit our
listener in Naples, Florida.
we are super excited that allthe way from the west coast of
Florida we have a listener.
So do us a favor Naples, reachout to either Julie or myself
and you can do that on ourwebsite.
contact us.
I would love to send a littlethank you gift all the way down
(12:45):
to Naples for being featured ontoday's show.
All right, Julie.
So let's talk about EBCOT from afamily or kids perspective.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (12:55):
Yeah, and like I said earlier, a lot of
people think Epcot's not forkids, and they really just think
about the countries and drinkingaround the world.
But I have quite a few argumentsfor why Epcot is for kids and is
for families and a lot of thatis a changing landscape in Epcot
(13:18):
over the past couple of years.
So, let's back up to when you'regoing to arrive to Epcot.
I do think that if your kids are4 or under, you don't need to
rope drop.
Because where you're going to befocusing your time are not the
rides that have very long waits.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (13:38):
I think that's a great suggestion.
You're going to be able tomaximize your time even while
other people are running aroundon the quote unquote bigger more
popular rides
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (13:48):
Right.
Even though those kids underfour can go on Frozen Ever After
and Remy's RatatouilleAdventure, they might not want
to.
They're kind of jerky a littlebit.
My kids are personally scared offrozen at the moment.
So those are not always mustdo's for us and I think that
it's fine.
(14:09):
I usually use that as a day totake a little bit of a slower
morning because you don't needto rope drop.
If your kids are a little bitolder, I do like to rope drop
and get to early entry so thatyou can split up those tier one
attractions on your lightninglanes like Ryan mentioned
earlier.
If you're on the monorail orbus, you still want to leave
(14:32):
about 60 minutes prior to parkopening.
If you can walk, leave yourresort about 45 minutes prior to
park opening.
Pay attention that I'm sayingpark opening and not early
entry.
So really, 45 minutes prior topark opening is really 15
minutes prior to early entry.
(14:53):
Okay, so where to go first.
If your kids are under four andyou're not rope dropping, You're
going to head straight for theSeas Pavilion for the Seas with
Nemo and Friends.
bet you you're going to go onthat ride a couple of times.
It is really cute.
The queue is fun.
It is a dark queue, so just beprepared for that.
(15:16):
After you get off the Seas withNemo and Friends, you're going
to go and explore the aquariums.
Go to turtle talk with crush.
There's a very small climbingarea for kids in there.
It's just a fun spot.
You could easily spend almost anhour in that pavilion.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:35):
Yes, you're going to be spending more
time in that area than you'replanning for
j_1_01-12-2025_2003 (15:40):
Absolutely.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:40):
and
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (15:40):
And
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:41):
it warrants it I mean, it's one of
the largest aquariums in thecountry And there's just so much
to do
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (15:47):
yeah, and the kids can just sit there and
it's great.
after you leave the C'spavilion.
Walk up towards the Pixar shortfilm festival.
don't have to watch the show Idon't really recommend that for
younger kids but Mickey andMinnie greet together right at
the entrance right inside thebuilding You don't know that
(16:10):
unless you walk inside.
There's not a sign really oranything like that But it's
really the only place that theygreet together.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (16:20):
good tip.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (16:21):
walk down to the land pavilion and go on
living with the land It is anold retro boat ride, but I will
say my kids love it
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (16:31):
My kids love it and they're 18 and
16
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (16:34):
right, they think it is the coolest
thing to go through, see allthese plants growing.
And bonus, if your kids are veryyoung, phenomenal spot for a
nap.
After living with the land,you're probably close to
lunchtime.
You're gonna walk over toConnections after you eat at
(16:55):
Connections Cafe and Eatery.
You're gonna keep walking to theback.
There's a playground rightoutside.
Your kids are going to playthere, and the adults are going
to ride or swap Guardians of theGalaxy your pre booked
individual lightning lane.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (17:11):
Nice.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (17:12):
I don't know what genius designed that
area to have the playgroundright next to Guardians of the
Galaxy.
it is awesome.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (17:21):
And Julie, I will throw in a hidden
gem here.
When you're at Connections, thelast time I was here, my kids
went off to get a treatsomewhere else and I was walking
through Connections and it wastreat time for me.
I got, I believe I have thisright off the top of my head, I
think it was an apple pie gelatoshake.
(17:42):
It was so darn good.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (17:45):
Yeah, I really like their food.
I think they have a really goodmenu for kids and also a really
good menu for adult.
I feel like I get a GeneralTso's chicken salad and it's so
good.
Okay, back to your touring plan.
So that's for like, if your kidsare under four, that's what your
(18:06):
plan is.
If they're over four, or they'rejust more adventurous, you're
gonna arrive at Rope Drop.
You're gonna go either straightto Remy's or straight to Frozen
Ever After.
If you're coming inInternational Gateway, you're
gonna go straight to Remy's.
If you're taking the bus ormonorail, And coming through the
front entrance, you're going togo straight to Frozen.
(18:27):
Then everything else is going tobe the same.
You're going to come down and dothe seas, the land, and lunch.
Once you've hit your afternoon,if you're on the monorail or you
can walk, you can considertaking a break.
I actually really like to justpop the kids in the stroller and
stroll around World Showcase.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (18:46):
I think there's a lot of places if
you're with kids that just needto rest.
There are so many great placesto just chill in World Showcase.
I'm thinking of Japan.
if you head back to the quickservice in Japan, it is a
beautiful area with bamboothat's grown up over picnic
tables.
(19:06):
it's a great quiet place torelax if you just need some
downtime.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:11):
I do love that area.
And I would also say back in theUK Pavilion, but look out for
concerts.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (19:19):
yeah, I think there's definitely some
places to get away there, butthat does tend to be a busier
place unless you go back to thegarden
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:28):
That's
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (19:28):
that's behind the shops.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:29):
And occasionally there's like a band
there, but not all day.
If your kids are a little olderand maybe they don't take a nap
while you're walking aroundworld showcase, them go to the
kid cot stations in eachcountry.
It's this little table that'sset to the side.
There's always at least one castmember there.
(19:50):
it's like a little coloring.
or maybe something else.
They can talk to the castmember.
They can get stickers.
It just gives them something tooccupy while you maybe look
around the shop for a second.
my kids love collecting thelittle coloring pages.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:06):
And a bonus with that is.
They are interacting at theKitKat stations with people from
that country.
So that's another littlecultural immersion moment for
your kiddos.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:17):
Ryan mentioned this earlier with
going in and around the shopsand the attractions in each
country, but don't discount theJapan shop.
That place is a departmentstore.
It is huge and there is actuallya ton of kids toys.
Think like Pokemon or anythinganime.
That store has so much of it.
(20:37):
It's a fun place for kids towalk around
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:41):
And it has,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:42):
realize.
It's
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:43):
and it has a backroom with Japanese
candy, which is always fun andunique and different snacks as
well.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:50):
Yeah, that's definitely one of the
better shops for kids to gothrough.
and also don't forget that overin the Mexico Pavilion, there is
the Three Caballeros ride.
So, you know, maybe you go to LaCava and then hop over to the
boat ride.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (21:06):
Love it.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (21:06):
Another thing to remember in World
Showcase is back in France isthe Beauty and the Beast sing
along.
So if your kid is not intoRemy's Adventure, maybe they go
with one parent to the Beautyand the Beast sing along.
That show alternates throughoutthe day with another show in the
France Pavilion just check andsee what's playing when you're
(21:28):
there.
it's really easy to mix.
what the adults want to see inWorld Showcase with something
for the kids to do as you goalong.
Grab dinner at your favoritecountry's table service.
We'll get on that in a second.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (21:42):
And I will say, you know, I talked a
lot about not doing tableservice, but I think for smaller
kids.
Table service does make sensebecause I'm talking about
grabbing snacks and kind ofhaving a space where everybody
can share stuff.
and that can be a little chaoticfor little kids.
So sitting down with them atmeals is a better plan.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (22:04):
Right, you see all those memes on
social media with people likeeating off of trash cans in
Epcot, which is very much athing because there's not a lot
of seating and tables.
When you're snacking.
So I do like to have a tableservice And then if you make it,
we usually don't, find a spotfor luminous.
(22:25):
it is loud though and fireworksare going off from everywhere.
So if your kid is Concernedabout fireworks.
Maybe just skip it this tripOkay, lightning lanes a little
bit different from Ryan'sbecause I'm focusing on those
kiddos.
I would pick frozen or Remy'slike he said, but I would also
(22:46):
do the seas and living with theland Especially if you have
those really little kids andyou're not going to rope drop, I
think that's a good use of thelightning lanes.
And for adults, regardless ofhow old your kids are, get an
individual lightning lane forGuardians of the Galaxy.
And switch off.
It's so much fun.
(23:07):
Okay dining quick service is thesame as ryan's.
I love connections cafe andeatery If you're up in world
showcase go to regal eaglesmokehouse Down at the lands.
I like sunshine seasons notbecause I love their food But
because they have a wide varietyof food.
And Les Halles in France, thebakery in the back has really
(23:30):
delicious sandwiches, but kidswill love the desserts.
table service.
There's some really good ones inEpcot for kids, I love Via
Napoli.
That's always my toprecommendation because I love
the idea of splitting a pizza.
Garden Grill is a charactermeal.
Space 220 is fun if your kidsare, a little older or early
(23:52):
teens.
And Akershus is a princessbreakfast that if you don't want
to do Cinderella's Table, thisis also a good option.
It is in Norway, so make sure tocheck the menu and see if that
works for you.
Okay.
And here's the really fun partabout Epcot almost no one knows
(24:12):
about.
There are characters everywhere.
this is why it is such anawesome park for kids, because
these characters rarely have aline.
you can see and meet so manycharacters throughout your day
without the lines that you'regonna have at the other three
parks.
over in Norway, that's the onlyplace to meet Anna and Elsa.
(24:34):
You can meet Mickey and Minnieat the Pixar Short Film
Festival, like I mentioned.
Over in the UK, there's Alice inWonderland, Winnie the Pooh, and
Mary Poppins.
In France is Belle and Aurora.
In Mexico is Donald Duck.
The Imagination Pavilion, theykind of rotate, but currently
(24:54):
it's Figment and Joy from InsideOut.
China has Mulan, Snow White isin Germany.
Jasmine is in Morocco.
And either in the front of thepark or by International Gateway
is Minnie, Pluto, Daisy, andGoofy.
all these characters just kindof come and go throughout the
day.
And that's what I love about it.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (25:15):
So Julie, I think we have dispelled
the rumor today that Epcot isonly for adults or thrill ride
seekers.
I think Epcot has so much, youdidn't even mention Moana.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (25:27):
Oh my gosh, you're right.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_20034 (25:28):
Moana's way with water is perfect for
little kids and anybody wholoves that movie there is an
awesome, photo opportunity atthe end.
with the Te Fiti Island andeverything.
There's just, Yeah, Epcot has somuch going on.
I think one of the things that Idid not mention when I was
talking about adults and olderkids, Epcot is the reason to get
(25:53):
Park Hopper.
Especially if you're staying atthe boardwalk, the beach club,
or the yacht club.
Every evening, will end atEpcot, at least partially.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (26:04):
right, so after you mentioned Moana, I now
need to amend my touring planafter you go to the Land
Pavilion.
Go to Moana.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (26:14):
You want to plan a trip to an
amazing destination like theExperimental Prototype Community
of Tomorrow, but you don't knowhow to get started?
As your travel advisors, we workwith you to create a customized
itinerary for your vacation andtake the stress of planning away
so you can focus on the fun andcreating memories.
You can reach out to us by goingto allthingstravelpodcast.
(26:37):
com and either clicking contactus or plan your next vacation.
We look forward to talking toyou next week on all things
travel by discussing Why youneed to make sure on your next
cruise you're visiting thatcruise line's private island.
Spoiler alert, it's amazing.
(26:58):
Spoiler alert, it's amazing.
All aboard! So,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (27:05):
such a loser.
Hello and welcome to All Things
(00:02):
Travel.
Julie, look at our show notes.
What episode number is this?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:08):
250!
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:10):
sounds like a good episode for a big
woohoo, right?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:15):
Woohoo!
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:17):
We're both excited.
Maybe it's later at night andwe're uh, yeah, but anyway 250
episodes.
That is awesome Let's do 250more.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (00:26):
Alright,
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (00:27):
Okay.
It's a deal.
Last week we told you our besttouring strategies for Magic
Kingdom at Walt Disney World,the most popular theme park in
the world.
Today we're switching gears andtalking all about how to do
Epcot, the second theme park toopen at Walt Disney World.
Listen in with travel advisorsand destination experts, Ryan
(00:48):
and Julie.
I'm your travel professor,teaching you everything you need
to know to have a magicalvacation.
And she's a Disney loving,Maryland mom of three, and a
specialist in family travel.
Whether we're discussingincredible destinations, top
vacation tips, or sharingpersonal stories, it's always
all things travel.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:12):
okay, so Epcot is very different than
Magic Kingdom, right?
It's a completely differentfocus.
of people think it's not forlittle kids.
I would argue let's talk justlike very, very briefly, Ryan,
about EPCOT history.
Can we do that?
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (01:31):
Well, it didn't start as a theme park.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:34):
Correct.
EPCOT stands for theExperimental Prototype Community
of Tomorrow.
Walt's original idea was to haveit be an actual living community
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (01:48):
Yep,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (01:49):
there was a central area and layers
expanding out from that.
it was like futuristic and itwas supposed to be just this
utopian community.
Obviously, that's not exactlywhat happened, but we still love
Epcot.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (02:07):
we love Epcot it's interesting
because Epcot really is myfavorite park for a variety of
reasons I used to be one of thepeople that were like, it's
really not for kids You know ifyou got to shave one off if you
have smaller kids, it's reallynot for kids I really think it's
your focus.
What are you going for?
what do you want to see whenyou're there?
I think Epcot's for everybody.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (02:29):
I would agree.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (02:30):
Alright, so we broke up last week's
episode into visiting the parkwith small kids and visiting the
park with either older kids orjust adults.
And that's the way we're goingto do Epcot today.
I'm going to start By talkingabout adults or older kids.
(02:51):
So when to arrive, first of all,I want you to ask your question,
why are you there?
If you are there for the ridesand the festival?
Then I say rope drop.
If you're there for the rides, Isay rope drop.
If you're really there just forthe, and I don't say just as a
bad thing, but if you're therejust to experience World
(03:11):
Showcase and the festivals, Iwould say plan on arriving about
10 a.
m.
and then staying throughout theday later into the night.
Where do you want to go first?
go in through InternationalGateway.
There's a couple strategies fordoing this, Julie.
Obviously, if you are in theEBCOT resort area or if you're
(03:32):
on a Skyliner resort, you can dothis quite easily.
If you're not, unless you have alarger group, I would pay to
Uber over to one of the resortsover the EBCOT area because I Do
think you get a bigger bang foryour buck first thing in the
morning by going in through theInternational Gateway
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (03:51):
Why?
ryan_2_01-12-2025_20034 (03:52):
because I think you're closer to the
more popular rides and you canbang one or two of those out.
thing.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:00):
Yeah, I agree.
I talk about that too when weget to
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (04:03):
Okay.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:04):
section.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (04:05):
So what do you want to do?
First thing?
I think you have severaldifferent options.
If your focus is on rides, Iwould either go straight to Remy
or frozen, whichever one.
Maybe you didn't get yourlightning lane for, and we'll
talk about that in a little bit.
And then I would hit Soren.
If you are more interested inthe eating and drinking and
(04:25):
around the world, I would do oneof two things.
La Cava del Tequila opens at 11and there is, believe it or not,
usually a line there in theMexico Pavilion.
Completely worth it.
It's fun to be there and quoteunquote rope drop, the tequila
cave.
Or to be honest, I like to gofirst thing in the morning and
(04:46):
take pictures around WorldShowcase because nobody's there
and you can get some really goodgroup shots.
You can get some different typesof shots of the World Showcase
areas, without a bunch of peoplein them.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (04:58):
Because technically World Showcase opens
at 11.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (05:01):
correct.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (05:03):
and the dining, they're
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (05:04):
Yeah, so you're not going to see
everything, but you candefinitely see the architecture
and get some interesting shots.
If I'm with an adult group, myfocus is going to be stuff I can
do in World Showcase, then I'mgoing to go to the other areas,
and then I'm going to go back toWorld Showcase.
And that's how I'm going tospend my day all the way through
(05:24):
the, fireworks.
How do I spend my afternoon andevening?
I would really focus on eachcountry and enjoy the shops and
attractions.
You do not have to drink aroundthe world to enjoy World
Showcase.
But take your time, explore,divide and conquer when it comes
to food options and festivalsbecause EPCOT has a lot of Great
(05:49):
snacks, quick service, and tableservice options.
I think if you're going to focuson snacks and quick service,
send people out and then have acentral place to meet with your
hunting party if you will.
I used to do this when the kidswere little.
when it came to the festivals,we would find our place to sit
down and then several of theadults would go out and grab
(06:11):
things and bring them back tothe spot.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (06:14):
I love that idea.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (06:15):
Find a spot for Luminous.
you're going to be able to seeit from most areas in World
Showcase.
My favorite spot, and I actuallyfound this for the first time
this summer, if you go to theYorkshire Fish and Chips area
and you go down the patio andyou kind of weave your way back,
there's a back patio ofRosencrown that is for folks who
(06:38):
are watching the fireworks, butthere is a spot where you don't
have to be part of that, but youcan still lean up against the
railing and see it.
And it's actually a lot lesscrowded.
I really liked that spot.
What am I going to pre book ordo lightning lanes or individual
lightning lanes?
I would say choose betweenfrozen ever after or Remy's I
(07:02):
would do Soren.
And then whenever I do Soren, Iwould do living with the land.
I don't think you need to do alightning lane, even though
sometimes we see crazy waittimes for that.
And then do guardians of thegalaxy either once or twice.
by doing an individual lightninglane and or a virtual queue.
when we're talking about this,test track is down.
That's something else that Iwould throw in the mix there.
(07:25):
If you have space folks, missionspace would be a good one to add
there.
But those wait times don't tendto be very long, regardless of
which one you're going on.
So I really think you don't haveto focus on lightning lanes as
much with Epcot.
Unless you're really gung hoabout wanting to see a certain
ride or riding something severaltimes.
(07:47):
Quick service for me, I loveConnections Cafe and Eatery, I
think that was a great addition.
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse iswonderful.
Sunshine Seasons is really good.
I like the bakery in France, butI also like the creperie in
France.
And Julie and I have a favoritequick service spot.
(08:08):
What is it, Julie?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:09):
The Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:12):
Love the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
You're going to get your fishand chips.
You're going to get a nice beer.
You're going to go sit by thewater.
It is a great spot for a quickservice meal any time of the
day.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:26):
I don't recommend it for any of my
families with young kids becausethe only thing on the menu is
fish
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:32):
Yes.
So you have to, that's what youhave to have.
it is very, very good fish andchips.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:38):
We will be there when this episode comes
out.
We will be at EPCOT three dayslater doing this adults only
itinerary.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:46):
I bet we're going to have fish and
chips, aren't we?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (08:48):
I can't wait.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (08:48):
Table service.
I'm going to say Via Napoli forsome amazing pizza.
Teppan Ito is always fun becausethat's the hibachi restaurant.
So you're going to have a funtime with your adults group and
don't sleep on the newer sushiplace that's right next door.
I went there with my kids thissummer.
Super, super good.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (09:06):
Yeah, Shikisai is the name of
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200 (09:08):
Shikisai.
Great.
Thank you.
Space 220 is good if you can'tget a reservation.
You can always join the walk uplist for the lounge.
I always love the beer garden.
great food, great atmosphere.
Especially if you're using thedining plan, it is 100 percent
worth it.
For me in EBCOT, what are somepro tips?
Take the time to explore thecountries.
(09:30):
My guess is if you went to,Disney, as a parent or with
younger kids, you did not spendas much time in the countries.
Go into the countries.
If you go into Morocco or Japan,you're gonna see things that you
didn't even know were at Disney.
It's just absolutely amazing.
(09:50):
So take the time to do that.
Don't sleep on Club Cool.
I think that is such a retrothing that is at Epcot and I
just absolutely love it.
Go in.
Turn on your video, take a liveor a video of you guys doing a
drink challenge there at ClubCool, post it on Instagram.
It's a lot of fun.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:12):
If you don't know what Club Kool is,
it's flavors of soda from allaround the world.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_ (10:17):
particularly Coca Cola products.
it's just fun because some arereally good and some are not as
good.
I would love to watch a videoand see what your favorite ones
are.
And Julie, maybe we're going tohave to do that for our Facebook
group when we go to Epcot.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:31):
that sounds fun.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (10:32):
I will challenge you to that.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (10:34):
Oh boy.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (10:36):
Hey, do you need a break outside the
park?
I would recommend, if you're atEpcot, head over to the
boardwalk area through theInternational Gateway.
It's a great place to sit andrelax around the water, get a
drink, get a bite to eat, maybehead over to Beaches and Cream
and get a treat.
lots of options there.
to be honest, If you want to beon the go, either enjoying rides
(11:00):
or the festival that's there,skip table service completely.
I don't think you need an Epcot.
I think there's lots of greatoptions, but there's so many
good snack options, festivaloptions, and quick service
options.
Another thing, especially withthe festivals and the drink
kiosks, it is very easy tooverspend at EBCOT because
(11:23):
you're just hitting things asyou go along.
I would keep track of that alittle better by buying some
gift cards and using those andkeeping a cap on your spending
there at Epcot.
Any, reaction to those pro tips?
Julie
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (11:37):
I can't wait to do this itinerary in a
couple days.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_2003 (11:42):
Alright, there we go.
before we jump over to thefamily side of Epcot, I wanna
talk about where in the world isall things travel.
When I went in and looked thisweek at new locations, one that
popped up for us is Naples,Florida.
Have you been to Naples, Julie?
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (11:59):
I haven't.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (12:00):
I have been to Naples.
I really like that part ofFlorida.
I went to Marco Island severalyears ago.
Naples is about an hour drivefrom there, so it's a good place
to see both on one vacation.
One thing I really like aboutNaples is there's tons of
opportunities to get on thewater.
In fact, when I Googled thingsto do in Naples.
There were tons of sunsetcruises, catamaran cruises.
(12:24):
And so that's definitely what Iwant to do when I visit our
listener in Naples, Florida.
we are super excited that allthe way from the west coast of
Florida we have a listener.
So do us a favor Naples, reachout to either Julie or myself
and you can do that on ourwebsite.
contact us.
I would love to send a littlethank you gift all the way down
(12:45):
to Naples for being featured ontoday's show.
All right, Julie.
So let's talk about EBCOT from afamily or kids perspective.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (12:55):
Yeah, and like I said earlier, a lot of
people think Epcot's not forkids, and they really just think
about the countries and drinkingaround the world.
But I have quite a few argumentsfor why Epcot is for kids and is
for families and a lot of thatis a changing landscape in Epcot
(13:18):
over the past couple of years.
So, let's back up to when you'regoing to arrive to Epcot.
I do think that if your kids are4 or under, you don't need to
rope drop.
Because where you're going to befocusing your time are not the
rides that have very long waits.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (13:38):
I think that's a great suggestion.
You're going to be able tomaximize your time even while
other people are running aroundon the quote unquote bigger more
popular rides
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (13:48):
Right.
Even though those kids underfour can go on Frozen Ever After
and Remy's RatatouilleAdventure, they might not want
to.
They're kind of jerky a littlebit.
My kids are personally scared offrozen at the moment.
So those are not always mustdo's for us and I think that
it's fine.
(14:09):
I usually use that as a day totake a little bit of a slower
morning because you don't needto rope drop.
If your kids are a little bitolder, I do like to rope drop
and get to early entry so thatyou can split up those tier one
attractions on your lightninglanes like Ryan mentioned
earlier.
If you're on the monorail orbus, you still want to leave
(14:32):
about 60 minutes prior to parkopening.
If you can walk, leave yourresort about 45 minutes prior to
park opening.
Pay attention that I'm sayingpark opening and not early
entry.
So really, 45 minutes prior topark opening is really 15
minutes prior to early entry.
(14:53):
Okay, so where to go first.
If your kids are under four andyou're not rope dropping, You're
going to head straight for theSeas Pavilion for the Seas with
Nemo and Friends.
bet you you're going to go onthat ride a couple of times.
It is really cute.
The queue is fun.
It is a dark queue, so just beprepared for that.
(15:16):
After you get off the Seas withNemo and Friends, you're going
to go and explore the aquariums.
Go to turtle talk with crush.
There's a very small climbingarea for kids in there.
It's just a fun spot.
You could easily spend almost anhour in that pavilion.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:35):
Yes, you're going to be spending more
time in that area than you'replanning for
j_1_01-12-2025_2003 (15:40):
Absolutely.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:40):
and
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (15:40):
And
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (15:41):
it warrants it I mean, it's one of
the largest aquariums in thecountry And there's just so much
to do
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (15:47):
yeah, and the kids can just sit there and
it's great.
after you leave the C'spavilion.
Walk up towards the Pixar shortfilm festival.
don't have to watch the show Idon't really recommend that for
younger kids but Mickey andMinnie greet together right at
the entrance right inside thebuilding You don't know that
(16:10):
unless you walk inside.
There's not a sign really oranything like that But it's
really the only place that theygreet together.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (16:20):
good tip.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (16:21):
walk down to the land pavilion and go on
living with the land It is anold retro boat ride, but I will
say my kids love it
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (16:31):
My kids love it and they're 18 and
16
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (16:34):
right, they think it is the coolest
thing to go through, see allthese plants growing.
And bonus, if your kids are veryyoung, phenomenal spot for a
nap.
After living with the land,you're probably close to
lunchtime.
You're gonna walk over toConnections after you eat at
(16:55):
Connections Cafe and Eatery.
You're gonna keep walking to theback.
There's a playground rightoutside.
Your kids are going to playthere, and the adults are going
to ride or swap Guardians of theGalaxy your pre booked
individual lightning lane.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (17:11):
Nice.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (17:12):
I don't know what genius designed that
area to have the playgroundright next to Guardians of the
Galaxy.
it is awesome.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (17:21):
And Julie, I will throw in a hidden
gem here.
When you're at Connections, thelast time I was here, my kids
went off to get a treatsomewhere else and I was walking
through Connections and it wastreat time for me.
I got, I believe I have thisright off the top of my head, I
think it was an apple pie gelatoshake.
(17:42):
It was so darn good.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (17:45):
Yeah, I really like their food.
I think they have a really goodmenu for kids and also a really
good menu for adult.
I feel like I get a GeneralTso's chicken salad and it's so
good.
Okay, back to your touring plan.
So that's for like, if your kidsare under four, that's what your
(18:06):
plan is.
If they're over four, or they'rejust more adventurous, you're
gonna arrive at Rope Drop.
You're gonna go either straightto Remy's or straight to Frozen
Ever After.
If you're coming inInternational Gateway, you're
gonna go straight to Remy's.
If you're taking the bus ormonorail, And coming through the
front entrance, you're going togo straight to Frozen.
(18:27):
Then everything else is going tobe the same.
You're going to come down and dothe seas, the land, and lunch.
Once you've hit your afternoon,if you're on the monorail or you
can walk, you can considertaking a break.
I actually really like to justpop the kids in the stroller and
stroll around World Showcase.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (18:46):
I think there's a lot of places if
you're with kids that just needto rest.
There are so many great placesto just chill in World Showcase.
I'm thinking of Japan.
if you head back to the quickservice in Japan, it is a
beautiful area with bamboothat's grown up over picnic
tables.
(19:06):
it's a great quiet place torelax if you just need some
downtime.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:11):
I do love that area.
And I would also say back in theUK Pavilion, but look out for
concerts.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (19:19):
yeah, I think there's definitely some
places to get away there, butthat does tend to be a busier
place unless you go back to thegarden
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:28):
That's
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (19:28):
that's behind the shops.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (19:29):
And occasionally there's like a band
there, but not all day.
If your kids are a little olderand maybe they don't take a nap
while you're walking aroundworld showcase, them go to the
kid cot stations in eachcountry.
It's this little table that'sset to the side.
There's always at least one castmember there.
(19:50):
it's like a little coloring.
or maybe something else.
They can talk to the castmember.
They can get stickers.
It just gives them something tooccupy while you maybe look
around the shop for a second.
my kids love collecting thelittle coloring pages.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:06):
And a bonus with that is.
They are interacting at theKitKat stations with people from
that country.
So that's another littlecultural immersion moment for
your kiddos.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:17):
Ryan mentioned this earlier with
going in and around the shopsand the attractions in each
country, but don't discount theJapan shop.
That place is a departmentstore.
It is huge and there is actuallya ton of kids toys.
Think like Pokemon or anythinganime.
That store has so much of it.
(20:37):
It's a fun place for kids towalk around
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:41):
And it has,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:42):
realize.
It's
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (20:43):
and it has a backroom with Japanese
candy, which is always fun andunique and different snacks as
well.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (20:50):
Yeah, that's definitely one of the
better shops for kids to gothrough.
and also don't forget that overin the Mexico Pavilion, there is
the Three Caballeros ride.
So, you know, maybe you go to LaCava and then hop over to the
boat ride.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (21:06):
Love it.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (21:06):
Another thing to remember in World
Showcase is back in France isthe Beauty and the Beast sing
along.
So if your kid is not intoRemy's Adventure, maybe they go
with one parent to the Beautyand the Beast sing along.
That show alternates throughoutthe day with another show in the
France Pavilion just check andsee what's playing when you're
(21:28):
there.
it's really easy to mix.
what the adults want to see inWorld Showcase with something
for the kids to do as you goalong.
Grab dinner at your favoritecountry's table service.
We'll get on that in a second.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (21:42):
And I will say, you know, I talked a
lot about not doing tableservice, but I think for smaller
kids.
Table service does make sensebecause I'm talking about
grabbing snacks and kind ofhaving a space where everybody
can share stuff.
and that can be a little chaoticfor little kids.
So sitting down with them atmeals is a better plan.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (22:04):
Right, you see all those memes on
social media with people likeeating off of trash cans in
Epcot, which is very much athing because there's not a lot
of seating and tables.
When you're snacking.
So I do like to have a tableservice And then if you make it,
we usually don't, find a spotfor luminous.
(22:25):
it is loud though and fireworksare going off from everywhere.
So if your kid is Concernedabout fireworks.
Maybe just skip it this tripOkay, lightning lanes a little
bit different from Ryan'sbecause I'm focusing on those
kiddos.
I would pick frozen or Remy'slike he said, but I would also
(22:46):
do the seas and living with theland Especially if you have
those really little kids andyou're not going to rope drop, I
think that's a good use of thelightning lanes.
And for adults, regardless ofhow old your kids are, get an
individual lightning lane forGuardians of the Galaxy.
And switch off.
It's so much fun.
(23:07):
Okay dining quick service is thesame as ryan's.
I love connections cafe andeatery If you're up in world
showcase go to regal eaglesmokehouse Down at the lands.
I like sunshine seasons notbecause I love their food But
because they have a wide varietyof food.
And Les Halles in France, thebakery in the back has really
(23:30):
delicious sandwiches, but kidswill love the desserts.
table service.
There's some really good ones inEpcot for kids, I love Via
Napoli.
That's always my toprecommendation because I love
the idea of splitting a pizza.
Garden Grill is a charactermeal.
Space 220 is fun if your kidsare, a little older or early
(23:52):
teens.
And Akershus is a princessbreakfast that if you don't want
to do Cinderella's Table, thisis also a good option.
It is in Norway, so make sure tocheck the menu and see if that
works for you.
Okay.
And here's the really fun partabout Epcot almost no one knows
(24:12):
about.
There are characters everywhere.
this is why it is such anawesome park for kids, because
these characters rarely have aline.
you can see and meet so manycharacters throughout your day
without the lines that you'regonna have at the other three
parks.
over in Norway, that's the onlyplace to meet Anna and Elsa.
(24:34):
You can meet Mickey and Minnieat the Pixar Short Film
Festival, like I mentioned.
Over in the UK, there's Alice inWonderland, Winnie the Pooh, and
Mary Poppins.
In France is Belle and Aurora.
In Mexico is Donald Duck.
The Imagination Pavilion, theykind of rotate, but currently
(24:54):
it's Figment and Joy from InsideOut.
China has Mulan, Snow White isin Germany.
Jasmine is in Morocco.
And either in the front of thepark or by International Gateway
is Minnie, Pluto, Daisy, andGoofy.
all these characters just kindof come and go throughout the
day.
And that's what I love about it.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (25:15):
So Julie, I think we have dispelled
the rumor today that Epcot isonly for adults or thrill ride
seekers.
I think Epcot has so much, youdidn't even mention Moana.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (25:27):
Oh my gosh, you're right.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_20034 (25:28):
Moana's way with water is perfect for
little kids and anybody wholoves that movie there is an
awesome, photo opportunity atthe end.
with the Te Fiti Island andeverything.
There's just, Yeah, Epcot has somuch going on.
I think one of the things that Idid not mention when I was
talking about adults and olderkids, Epcot is the reason to get
(25:53):
Park Hopper.
Especially if you're staying atthe boardwalk, the beach club,
or the yacht club.
Every evening, will end atEpcot, at least partially.
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (26:04):
right, so after you mentioned Moana, I now
need to amend my touring planafter you go to the Land
Pavilion.
Go to Moana.
ryan_2_01-12-2025_200340 (26:14):
You want to plan a trip to an
amazing destination like theExperimental Prototype Community
of Tomorrow, but you don't knowhow to get started?
As your travel advisors, we workwith you to create a customized
itinerary for your vacation andtake the stress of planning away
so you can focus on the fun andcreating memories.
You can reach out to us by goingto allthingstravelpodcast.
(26:37):
com and either clicking contactus or plan your next vacation.
We look forward to talking toyou next week on all things
travel by discussing Why youneed to make sure on your next
cruise you're visiting thatcruise line's private island.
Spoiler alert, it's amazing.
(26:58):
Spoiler alert, it's amazing.
All aboard! So,
j_1_01-12-2025_200340 (27:05):
such a loser.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!