break area idea near epcot for kids?

[marciaedel]

Anyone have suggestions of where to take young kids (age 4 and 6) for a mid-day play break (not nap) near Epcot, but not neccesarily in the park? A number of the Epcot resorts say they have beaches. Can you just go to one of these and play in the sand (it will probably be to cold for swimming). Is the boardwalk suitable and easy to get to (we'll have a car, but might prefer not to deal with going in and out of parking lots). Or anywhere else low key they could play as they wished for an hour or two? Thanks.

 

[bobcat]

There is a back entrance to Epcot that will take you right to the boardwalk. It is a nice walk.

 

[Jenn]

You can walk or take the boat from the International Gateway (between France and UK) to Boardwalk or Yacht & Beach Club. You could stroll around there, ride a surrey bike, get an ice cream at Beaches and Cream, or just let the kids run around on the lawn at Boardwalk. There are shops to look in, facepainting, etc. - lots of fun stuff to do if you want to chill out for a bit.

Another thought is to head over to the countries in World Showcase. The kids can entertain themselves making masks which they decorate with a different item at each country while Mom & Dad get to tour the country a little bit. There are great shops, restaurants, snack counters, etc. and it isn't the same hustle and bustle of the rest of the parks. The CMs at the countries are great - they will write your child's name in their language, tell them how to say hello in that language, etc. My 4 year old loved it - she had a ball with her mask and we were able to enjoy the countries without her whining about not riding rides.

 

[spiceycat]

you probably can't use this - but in the lobby of the BC is a kids area - has a tv with vcr to entertain the kids while their parents are checkin and other things - also sometime the characters go by to visit here on their way to the restuarant. since everything here is for children it is very small so you can't miss it.

 

[janiejo]

Since you have a car, why not drive to Downtown Disney. It is not that far from Epcot. There is a great play area for kids and even a McDonald's restaurant. There are legos for building and plenty of lego characters/people for kids to take in. Your kids could burn off a little energy there if that is what you have in mind.

 

[ringboyz]

I would also suggest taking the water taxi or just walking the short walk to the Boardwalk area but turn right instead of left and head toward the Yacht and Beach Club resorts. There's a nice sandy beach there past the ship/water slide where the kids could play. You could also rent a boat for 1/2 hour right past the beach area.