Top Educational Experiences for Pre-Schoolers at Epcot

Since Mr. L and I are educators ( a math teacher and school counselor, respectively) it only makes sense that I fill you in on the very educational side of Disney. I am excited to roll out this first post on what will become my Educational Disney series…starting with

Educational Disney: Educational Experiences for Pre-Schoolers at Epcot

Journey into Imagination With Figment:

Love it or hate it, this ride helps young children explore and understand all five of their senses. They also have an opportunity to let their creativity and imagination run wild at the end of the ride in the ImageWorks area before leaving back into the park.

The Seas With Nemo and Friends

So, it’s negligible if the ride itself is educational…but it’s super cute. Plus, the ride is housed in a fantastic aquarium where little guests can explore ocean life up close.

In fact, the main attraction is a tank that is 27 feet deep and spans 200 feet in diameter, which houses dolphin, fish and various other oceanic critters. You can even book a diving experience.

The Seas Pavilion at Epcot

My kids love checking out the stingrays and jellyfish in the waiting area for Turtle Talk with Crush.

Which brings me to…

Turtle Talk With Crush

flickr photo by Theme Park Tourist shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

This pseudo-show ( as I like to call it) is an interactive attraction where kiddos can get an under-the-sea look at Crush’s habitat and ask him questions about Turtles, while he learns about the “Human-World.”

My kids LOVE Turtle Talk With Crush ( almost so much that now I am pretty much over it).

Pro Tip: Neither Turtle Talk with Crush or the Seas with Nemo ride have long waits, except for potentially high-peak seasons. Unless you really can’t get any other FastPass you need, I generally wouldn’t waste a FastPass on these attractions.

Living With The Land

This slow-moving boat ride, located in the Land Pavilion, takes you through a history of American agriculture and also a mini-lesson on horticulture and aquaculture.

Even more impressive, the tour explains that the Greenhouse and Aquaculture center produce over 15 tons of produce and 5,000 lbs of fish each year that is served in Walt Disney World restaurants.

Side Note: The Land and Seas pavilions make great escapes on days when Disney is extra hot or rainy. 

Spaceship Earth

It took a little doing to get our son on Spaceship Earth when he was four. The initial darkness of the ride scared him. But within 20 seconds, he was enthralled and we have since had to ride it every single time we have been to Epcot.

Aristotle teaching Mathematics is Mr. L’s favorite part of Spaceship Earth…

The journey through history is a great experience for kids and it’s amazing what tidbits of information the little sponge-like brains of kids retain. He has told people since that the Phoenicians invented the alphabet…he learned it on Spaceship Earth. ( Sorry for the spoiler).

Bonus, at the end of the ride, you are dropped off at Project Tomorrow, an inside area full of fun, interactive exhibits featuring light, motion and energy that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Kidcot Fun Stops

We can’t neglect the World Showcase!

We love traveling from country to country, enjoying the delicious unique food, drinks and experiences.

But, the kids love KidCot.

At every single country, there is a spot for kids to pick up a “Duffy the Bear” to color and decorate…and each country representative will stamp or draw a unique symbol on the back of Duffy.

It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged, and gives them an opportunity to talk to someone from another country and learn something new.

Best of all…it’s free! (AKA cheap souvenir)

Despite Epcot being commonly known as a grown-up park, we love how it has transitioned into a great place for kids…for playing and learning.

What is your favorite educational aspect of Epcot for your kids?

Like the post? Please share!