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One thing we’ve learned from our endeavors into travel blogging, social media interaction, and engagement – people love Disney. Sure, we spend a lot of time visiting places that are close to home, but let’s face it – the people want Disney. So, since our family has only gone to the big DW one time as a whole, I decided to reach out to some of our besties, who frequent the happiest place on earth. 

And as I was sure would be the case, my friend Tracey, did not disappoint. I am so excited that she decided to humor me and share with all of you the awesome adventure that she went on with her two and a half year old, Conor. 

Oh yea, her hubby Kevin made a guest appearance, too.  Here they are at one of their favorite spots in Epcot, the Moroccan Pavilion. 

Here’s the gist. 

Tracey’s family has a vacation home in Orlando, affording them the opportunity to frequent the theme parks at Disney. Perfect for this magic loving family. Not one to waste good opportunities, Tracey took advantage of an extended stay in Orlando to expose her son to a little history, geography …. (Anyone? No? …It’s a Finding Nemo reference). 

Ok. Before I totally hijack her much appreciated post, read on to learn how she and Conor took a trip around the globe!

Tracey writes:

While my 2.5 year old son may not yet be ready to jet set around the world, I was excited to bring the world to him.  To that end, we spent a month embarking on our “world voyage” by taking a close look at the World Showcase in Disney World’s EPCOT.  In 30 days, we visited eleven countries and one continent without a passport and never leaving central Florida.  It was my goal during our trip to cover one country a day from the World Showcase with each visit to EPCOT. 

To ensure that this was an enriching, cultural experience, I added two additional elements to the Disney offerings.  First, with a library card to a local Florida library, I was able to check out books and DVDs on the “countries” we would be visiting.  We watched and read in preparation for every countries visit.  Certainly, not everyone has a library card in central Florida.  However, this could be overcome by checking out books ahead of time from your local library, downloading videos, etc. Second, as the month of October aligns with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, I was able to quickly and affordably add culinary experiences that aligned to our adventures.   Even if you are not planning on traveling to Disney World during the Food & Wine Festival, be sure to add a few counter service meals to your agenda from preferred countries.  

By visiting a country a day, my son and I could concentrate on only completing the experiences in one country’s pavilion each day. 

During that time, I had a few goals for my toddler and myself for each country including:

1. say the name of the country
2. say a polite word (i.e. thank you, hello) in the language
3. talk to a Cast Member about his or her country
4. visit the Kidcot Station
5. try a food selection
6. go on the ride, see the movie, or watch the entertainers (as applicable)
7. take a photo
8. spend some time truly appreciating the elements of each pavilion (the building, scenery, atmosphere, etc.) as imagined by Disney

While most of those goals are straightforward, not all Disney Parks guest are familiar with the KidCot Stations around the World Showcase.  

In each country, your child can stop at a desk staffed by a cast member from the country.  Children are given a free (with your park admission) sticker and postcard that they can color immediately.  Crayons are provided by Disney.  At most stations, the Cast Member will also write your child’s name in the language of the country (i.e. China, Japan), draw a picture, or write a word in the language.  My son was always excited to stop at these stations – not only to color, but also to talk with the Cast Member working there.  If your child stops at every KidCot Station, he or she will be presented with a bonus 12^th postcard.  Disney provides a “luggage” bag for you to store postcards in as you collect them.  All of the postcards do not have to be collected in one visit to EPCOT, so feel free to space out the stations over your time in Disney World. 

The surprise of our adventure was how much my toddler loved the 360 degree surround movies in the China and Canada pavilions.  My sense is that these movies are often skipped by parents with young children out of concern that a 15 minute movie would be boring for a toddler.  This is a missed opportunity.  These movies provide a much needed break from the Florida heat.  My son watched both films with mouth open in awe.  So don’t worry if you cannot secure that coveted FastPass to Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion.  You will be amazed at the other attractions that appeal to your child.       

Not everyone can spend 30 days in Disney World.  But, I think our adventures can be scaled to fit in anyone’s time visiting the Disney Parks.  Pick a few countries rather than visiting them all.  Do more than one country a day.  Either way, I do not think your toddler or you will be disappointed with the adventure.  Personally, we have been back from Disney World for a month and my 2.5 year old son still enjoys yelling “Bonjour” (French for “hello”) and “takk” (“thanks” in Norwegian) at random strangers.  Tonight we read a picture book on the topic of ramen noodles and he said “Ohhh!  Japan!”  I believe our adventures in Disney World’s EPCOT was time and money well spent.    

-Tracey