Kristenc’s This And That

Q:  For a 4-year-old? We are doing a quickie 3 night, 2 full day long weekend in February, staying at the Beach Club. The kidlet will be 4, nearing 5. I’m hearing mixed reviews from friends/family who have gone as to whether Epcot is worth it for a child that age, most leaning towards not worth a full day.

If we don’t do Epcot, we’ll probably just do 2 days at MK. I’m leaning towards not doing park hoppers either given that his stamina level really doesn’t include 2 parks in one day. (Nor, if I had to admit, does ours!)

Thoughts?

Thanks for any input.

A:  You are going to love the Beach Club! Did you know the BC is an Epcot area hotel? Monorail transportation between the MK and Epcot could be great fun for your child! Ask the monorail driver if you can sit in the front car.  While you could easily spend both of your days in the MK; with your hotel choice, consider adding in a little Epcot. Maybe you could spend the tail end of your first day, and the very beginning of your second day, in Epcot? I have two girls and their favorite park is MK, but some of their favorite attractions are in Epcot. For example, they love SOARIN’ (must be 40” tall to ride), The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, and Journey into Your Imagination including ImageWorks.

Consider spending the first day in MK. Late afternoon, have a nice sit down family style character meal in the MK with Minnie and friends at the Liberty Tree Tavern or maybe with Pooh and his buddies at the Crystal Palace. Alternatively, you could leave the MK and walk or ride the monorail over to the nearby Contemporary Resort. There you will find a super celebration dinner at Chef Mickey’s. After dinner take monorail transportation over to Epcot. 

After entering Epcot head over to the Imagination pavilion and ride Journey into Your Imagination. After this ride, linger here and let your child experience ImageWorks. My youngest daughter loves this play room! You can make music by waving your arms in the air, there is an interactive lighted floor on which to play, and lots of other fun to be had here. When you finish Imagination, meander towards the World Showcase. You can pick out a spot to view Illuminations, if you think your child can stay awake for viewing. When ready to return to your room continue walking toward the International Gateway.  You can walk or take the boat back to the BC.

The next morning, return to Epcot and ride SOARIN’ first and maybe even second!  Visit the Seas pavilion and any other Epcot must-sees still on your list. When finished head over to the MK so you can complete your MK touring. If your child can stay up this late, I would highly recommend watching the Spectromagic Parade, if it is scheduled.  The evening fireworks spectacular, Wishes, is AMAZING!  

The monorails will ease your traveling between parks and will enable you to see the parts of Epcot a 4 year old will love and lots and lots of the MK.

Whatever way you decide to go, I hope your 4 year old has the most magical time ever! Enjoy!