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The Just Add Magic Travel® Blog

Best EPCOT Attractions for Young Children

4/28/2022

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One question I see parents of preschoolers ask regularly is what attractions their children will be able to enjoy at each theme park. When Disney vacation planning, it’s natural to want to spend more time at the parks they’ll enjoy the most—and skip those they won’t. Since EPCOT is mainly known for its annual festivals, the World Showcase, and thrill rides like Test Track, most people think of EPCOT as a place for teens and adults. Just add Magic Travel® is here to dispel these rumors with our top attractions for young children to do at EPCOT. 

Frozen Ever After ​

EPCOT is the place for Frozen fans in your family, not just your little ones! Located at the Norway pavilion, Frozen Ever After brings guests on a slow boat ride through the icy waters of Arendelle as you journey to Elsa’s ice palace. Enjoy a musical tour through the world of Frozen on this one-of-a-kind adventure showcasing innovative technology to bring Elsa, Anna, and other Frozen friends to life. This attraction is one of the most popular rides at EPCOT, so you’ll want to have a plan in place so you can experience this attraction. Contact me to discuss the best options to have your family enjoy this ride. 

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Hop aboard a “clamobile” as you explore the underwater world from Finding Nemo. Accompany Nemo, Marlin, and Dory on their journey across the ocean and even catch a ride on the EAC. The ride incorporates 2D animation with 3D projections giving you a unique perspective of EPCOT’s 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. The real fun for littles, though, is after the ride. Kids could spend hours exploring the two-story aquarium building that encompasses the attraction. It’s one of EPCOT’s hidden gems! Learn about caring for manatees, get up close and personal with a dolphin, or watch a sea turtle swim above your head. The aquarium features floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of places to view sea life. There are also self-guided educational tours and a complimentary scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to say hi to Crush and ask him anything about sea turtle life during Turtle Talk with Crush. The aquarium is an excellent place for a midday break from the heat or to take cover during an afternoon thunderstorm. 

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ​

EPCOT’s newest attraction, located in the France pavilion, is a family-friendly, 4D experience that has you explore Famous Gusteau’s Restaurant from Chef Remy’s point of view. The attraction is open to any height range, making it great for little kids and adults alike. ​

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along ​

Also located in France, this 15-minute film is hosted by Mrs. Potts as she retells the tale as old as time—and you get to be a part of it. Parents will want to check out the six display galleries before the film, featuring movie props, costumes, and artifacts celebrating French culture on stage and screen.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment ​

The Journey Into Imagination ride has seen several updates throughout the years, but it is still considered one of EPCOT’s original attractions. Figment, a purple dragon that embodies a “figment of imagination,” has become one of EPCOT’s most beloved mascots since the attraction first opened in 1983. The ride is a slow, guided tour through the Imagination Institute, where Dr. Nigel Channing and Figment take guests on an expedition to explore the five senses. However, things aren’t always as they appear, especially when Figment is involved! After the ride, stop by the Image Works-“What If” Labs, where your little ones can explore music, color, and sound with interactive games and exhibits. Create a symphony using body movements, or design your own Figment and email it home. 

Character Encounters ​

We are so excited that traditional character meet and greets have finally returned to Disney Parks! Now’s the chance to hug your favorite Disney characters and collect their autographs (an excellent souvenir for little ones to bring home). 

Here are some of the Disney Characters you can meet in the World Showcase: 
  • Belle in France 
  • Snow White in Germany 
  • Princess Jasmine in Morrocco 
  • Alice in Wonderland in the UK

EPCOT is the only place that offers a character encounter with Elsa and Anna at the Norway pavilion. You can greet them in their Royal Sommerhus just outside the Frozen Ever After ride. 

In addition, you can see your favorite pals like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy near the park’s front entrance. You can also meet characters like Joy from Inside Out and Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph at Image Works inside the Imagination pavilion. 

Disney Vacation Planning with Just Add Magic Travel ​

Just Add Magic Travel provides concierge-level Disney vacation planning services and will help you enjoy the perfect Disney vacation of your family’s dreams—without the stress. By getting to know you and your family, I will help you plan the ideal itinerary so your preschoolers will have as much fun as the big kids. Get a free quote for your trip today!

 For more travel tips and updates, sign up for my email newsletter. 

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Time Saving Hacks at Walt Disney World

4/15/2022

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With so much to do at the Disney Parks, you'll want to make sure you take advantage of everything the parks offer! What are the best ways to get the most out of your time at the parks? I share my best time-saving hacks below!

Mobile Ordering

ordering has become even more prevalent since the pandemic, with many quick-service locations requiring guests to place mobile orders before entering a restaurant. Mobile ordering is available at 20 locations across Walt Disney World and Disney Springs. You can mobile order anything from burgers and fries to snacks like Dole® Whip and coffee. Place a mobile order by tapping the "order food" button in the My Disney Experience app. Next, pick a location, select an arrival window, and prepay for your order. Head to the restaurant during the arrival window, and tap "prepare my order." You'll get a notification once the order is ready and pick it up at the "mobile order pickup" line.

The great thing about mobile ordering is that you don't need to wait in a long line to order food, which is beneficial if you dine during peak lunch or dinner times. Your arrival window allows you to order food while waiting in line for a ride, on Disney transportation, or sitting somewhere outside the restaurant. You decide! 

Tip: You cannot place a mobile order when paying with cash. Save your credit card information in the My Disney Experience app before your trip to utilize mobile ordering.

Genie+ Time Savers ​

The best way to save time waiting in line for attractions is by purchasing Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane passes. These services allow you to skip the standby line at over 40 Walt Disney World attractions. While these services are time savers in themselves, you can save even more time with the Genie+ grace period, which adds on an automatic 20-minute buffer for your Genie+ return window. The grace period starts five minutes before your return window begins and ends 15 minutes after the return window closes. You can enter the Lightning Lane during these times even though you're technically outside your one-hour return window. This is great if you find yourself at the other end of the park towards the end of your return time. There is no need to run through the park Home Alone style to make it on time! 

Another time-saving hack is to take advantage of the "120-minute rule," which allows you to select an additional Genie+ attraction two hours after your previous selection (as long as the park is open), even if you haven't returned to the first attraction yet. 

MagicMobile

MagicMobile is a great way to save time while entering a park, using Genie+, or unlocking your Disney Resort room. MagicMobile essentially turns your smartphone or smartwatch into a MagicBand. Both passes have many of the same features and functionalities, including linking park tickets and charging purchases to your Disney Resort room. The best part? MagicMobile is a FREE feature inside My Disney Experience! 

Standby Line Hacks

Genie+ is the best way to save time waiting in line. However, if you choose not to use Genie+, there are a few ways to cut down how long you wait in the standby queue. First, try to visit popular attractions during off-peak times, like when the park first opens or during fireworks and parades. Another hack if you're staying at a Disney Resort is to take advantage of early entry and get to the parks 30 minutes earlier than other guests.
Another way to cut down on standby wait time is to use the Single Rider line. It's usually much shorter than the regular standby line. Although it means you may not get to ride the attraction at the same time as the other members of your group, the time you'll save may be well worth it!

Shop at Night

Don't waste time shopping for souvenirs you'll have to carry around with you in the middle of the day (unless you're dodging a summer thunderstorm!). Some stores, like the Emporium at Magic Kingdom, stay open for an hour or two after the park officially closes. If your family can handle a little extra time at the parks at the end of the night, do your shopping then!

Disney Vacation Planning with Just Add Magic Travel®

The ultimate time-saver is to work with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in Disney Destinations. When you work with Just Add Magic Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we cut down on the noise, filter out the rumors, and take care of the little details for you. Get a complimentary quote here. For more planning tips for Disney and Universal vacations, view our blog. Sign up for our mailing list for theme park news and planning tips delivered to your inbox.  
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    Aileen Mullee-DiTuri

    Owner of Just Add Magic Travel

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