Hidden Magic at EPCOT: Why Families Love Kidcot Fun Stops
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Hidden Magic at EPCOT: Why Families Love Kidcot Fun Stops
Hi, I am Chali Francis — a Travel Advisor based in Oklahoma, a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, and a mom who knows the ins and outs of making Disney vacations magical for families!
One thing I hear from clients all the time is:
“We are thinking about skipping EPCOT until the kids are older.”
But trust me — EPCOT is absolutely worth visiting even with little ones!
From riding Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, exploring the underwater wonderland at The Seas Pavilion, to splashing through Moana’s Journey of Water, EPCOT has become a family favorite for good reason.
And there is a hidden gem that kids especially love: the Kidcot Fun Stops!
Kidcot Fun Stops are a FREE interactive experience located throughout World Showcase at EPCOT.
Kids (and grownups too!) can collect activity cards at each of the 11 international pavilions, meet Cast Members from around the world, and even learn a little about different cultures along the way.
When my daughter and I visit EPCOT, Kidcot is one of our must-do activities! She loves going from country to country, meeting new friends, and seeing how different — and yet how connected — our world is.
How to Experience Kidcot Fun Stops
It is super simple (and so much fun!):
Visit the Kidcot stop in any country — I recommend starting at the first country on your route!
Pick up your free Kidcot “suitcase” — a cute Ziploc bag to hold your treasures.
At each pavilion, find the Kidcot location and meet the Cast Member there.
Collect your country’s Kidcot card — and sometimes, if they have time, Cast Members will even:
Write your child’s name in their native language,
Share a story,
Or teach your child a simple phrase from their home country!
You can visit all 11 countries or just a few — it is completely flexible.
Kidcot is the perfect activity to sprinkle into your day while waiting for your next Lightning Lane or dining reservation!
Pro Tip: Some Kidcot stations are tucked away deeper inside the pavilions, so you might have to hunt for them — which is half the fun! You will get to explore parts of the countries you might otherwise walk right past.
Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops at EPCOT
Here is a quick guide to where you can find each Kidcot location:
Mexico Pavilion — near the Mexico Folk Art Gallery
Norway Pavilion — inside The Puffin’s Roost
China Pavilion — near the exit of Reflections of China
Germany Pavilion — inside Volkunst shop
Italy Pavilion — outside, near La Bottega Italiana
American Adventure Pavilion — outside, near Art of Disney
Japan Pavilion — in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Morocco Pavilion — at the Marketplace in the Medina
France Pavilion — inside Souvenirs de France
United Kingdom Pavilion — inside The Toy Soldier
Canada Pavilion — at the exit of Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
Whether you start your journey at Mexico, Canada, or (my personal favorite) the International Gateway, make sure to pick up your Kidcot “suitcase” and start collecting memories!
Why Families Should Not Skip EPCOT
Adding Kidcot into your day gives kids a mission — and helps turn World Showcase from a “walk through the countries” into an exciting, interactive adventure.
It is educational and it is fun, and it is one of the best-kept secrets when visiting EPCOT with children.
If you are planning your next Walt Disney World trip and would like help creating a vacation full of magical moments, I would love to help you!
Follow my social media channels @Chaliplansmagic on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for more tips! If you are ready to plan, reach out — helping families create incredible Disney memories is what I do best!
Get in touch with Chali Francis
Chali Francis
As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
Chali Francis
Hidden Magic at EPCOT: Why Families Love Kidcot Fun Stops
OKC Travel Agent Near Me
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As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Chali with Vincent Vacations is the best! She explained everything and we had no surprises. She got me a great deal on my daughter's Senior Trip over Spring Break. We could not have asked for a better travel agent that prepared us like Chali did. If you're planning a trip, call her!! You will not regret it! -Melody B
There’s something extra magical about the holidays at Walt Disney World—and for my family, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a tradition we never miss. We look forward to it every year, and honestly, walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with “snow” falling and Cinderella Castle glowing in holiday lights never gets old.
From festive ride overlays to exclusive character greetings and jaw-dropping entertainment, this event truly transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland. It’s one of only two events where you can meet Jack Skellington and Sally, and it’s the only place to catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade—complete with toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and Santa himself!
If you’re thinking about attending in 2025, here’s everything you need to know:
🎄 2025 Party Dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on select nights from November 7 through December 21, 2025.
November:
7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
December:
2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21
🎟️ Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, even though the party officially runs from 7:00 PM to midnight.
🎁 What’s Included with Your Ticket
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – Toy soldiers, classic characters, and Santa himself
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – Fireworks paired with castle projections and holiday music
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – A high-energy stage show in front of Cinderella Castle
Frozen Holiday Surprise – Watch Elsa transform the castle into a frozen masterpiece
Dance Parties – Club Tinsel and Disney Junior Jingle Jam light up Tomorrowland
Character Greetings – Meet Mickey & Minnie in festive outfits, Anna & Elsa, Santa Claus, and Jack & Sally
Attractions with Holiday Overlays, including:
Jungle Cruise (becomes the Jingle Cruise)
Space Mountain – Holiday Run!
Mad Tea Party with festive lights
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Complimentary cookies & cocoa
Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Exclusive holiday snacks and merchandise
💸 2025 Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by date and age. Children’s pricing applies to ages 3–9.
Date
Adult Price
Child Price
Nov 7
$199
$189
Nov 10
$169
$159
Nov 11
$169
$159
Nov 13
$179
$169
Nov 14
$189
$179
Nov 16
$179
$169
Nov 18
$179
$169
Nov 20
$179
$169
Nov 21
$189
$179
Nov 25
$199
$189
Nov 26
$199
$189
Nov 28
$209
$199
Nov 30
$199
$189
Dec 2
$199
$189
Dec 4
$199
$189
Dec 5
$209
$199
Dec 7
$209
$199
Dec 9
$209
$199
Dec 11
$209
$199
Dec 12
$219
$209
Dec 14
$219
$209
Dec 16
$219
$209
Dec 18
$219
$209
Dec 19
$229
$219
Dec 21
$229
$219
💡 Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save on select party nights with special discounted pricing.
🗓️ When Can I Buy Tickets?
✅ Now Available – Tickets are currently on sale for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, including guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green.
🌐 July 22 – Tickets will go on sale for all other guests.
While most dates will not sell out immediately, I recommend booking early if you have your heart set on a specific night.
If you are ready to experience the magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—or want help deciding which date works best for your family—I would love to help you plan a vacation full of holiday joy.
Reach out through my contact page or find me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic. Let’s make your holidays magical!
5/29 2025
Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)There has been a ...
Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)
There has been a lot of confusion—and frankly, quite a bit of misinformation—circulating about changes to Walt Disney World’s park reservation system beginning July 20, 2025. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and travel advisor who specializes specifically in Disney travel, I wanted to take a moment to clear things up based on my direct conversations with the Annual Passholder line and trusted Disney contacts.
Here’s the bottom line:
👉 If your vacation package or tickets do not currently require a park reservation, this change does not affect you at this time.
The upcoming update is specific to Annual Passholders. Starting July 20, passholders will need a reservation to enter any park—even after 2 PM. This policy change is being implemented ahead of the opening of the highly anticipated new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.”
It’s also important to note that while park hopping will remain available, it is always subject to capacity. Disney has indicated that due to expected crowds, Magic Kingdom may reach capacity, which could temporarily limit park hopping into that park.
✨ Disney is constantly evolving, and policies can shift quickly. If anything changes, I will provide updates right away to keep my clients informed and prepared.
One of the key benefits of booking your Walt Disney World vacation with a dedicated travel advisor like myself is that you will always be notified personally if a change could impact your travel plans. My job is to keep up with the fine print, so you do not have to.
Whether you are a seasoned Annual Passholder like me or planning your very first Disney trip, I am here to make sure your experience is magical, seamless, and stress-free.
Follow me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic for the latest Walt Disney World updates, planning tips, and important news that could impact your next Disney adventure.
If you are ready to plan, fill out the form below and let’s plan some magic together!
Hi! I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor specializing in all things Disney, and I’m currently at Walt Disney World to experience the exciting debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and all of the other exciting offerings launching today as part of Cool Kids Summer throughout the parks.
Originally listed as a Lightning Lane Multipass selection in the My Disney Experience app, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure was expected to be available for advance viewing selections.
However, guests waking up early this morning—Monday, May 27th—were disappointed to find that it is no longer listed as an eligible Multipass experience.
I was personally hoping to secure a Lightning Lane spot for the opening-day performance and was surprised to find that it now appears to be standby only.
If you are planning to catch this show during your upcoming vacation, be sure to allow extra time in your Hollywood Studios itinerary, as you will need to line up without the benefit of a reserved Lightning Lane time.
UPDATE: the marquee out front says “Lightning Lane coming soon” so hopefully it is in the works to be available very soon!
I’ll be sharing more updates soon after I’ve had a chance to fully experience the new shows and Cool Kids Summer offerings.
Follow along @ChaliPlansMagic on Instagram and TikTok for the latest Walt Disney World news, updates, and insider travel tips!