Disney with Toddlers: Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT
*This post compares Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT if you plan to go to Dinsey with toddlers. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
*This post compares Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT if you plan to go to Dinsey with toddlers. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
Planning a trip to Disney with toddlers and wondering which theme parks are worth buying tickets? Keep reading to find out our review of Holyywood Studios vs EPCOT for toddlers.
When planning a family trip to Walt Disney World, you may need to choose which of the four theme parks you will visit. It is indeed not uncommon for families to decide not to visit all four parks during a stay – either to save themselves days off or to visit other attractions in Orlando. In these cases, many families will choose between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
If you’re wondering which is the best option between Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT for toddlers, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we describe the main strengths of each of the two parks and identify the main differences between the two. At the end of this article, you will be able to determine which park, between Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT, is the best option for your next trip to Walt Disney World with toddlers.
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What is Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is a park whose main theme is… Hollywood! It’s all about movies, TV shows, and Hollywood in general. Toy Story and Star Wars are some of the most popular and well-known sections of this park. This is the perfect park for movie lovers, where you can learn about Disney favorites and how the movies were made, among other things.
One fact to note, Hollywood Studios is particularly known for having the best thrill rides in Walt Disney World!
What is EPCOT
The EPCOT theme park is based on a project conceived by Walt Disney: the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Although the city of the future that Walt Disney wanted to create never came to life, its concept guided the construction and development of the second oldest theme park at Walt Disney World: EPCOT.
The park is divided into two main parts: Future World and World Showcase. The Future World section focuses on science, technology and the planet. As for the World Showcase, you will find pavilions where you can discover the culture, architecture, cuisine and traditions of 11 countries.
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Hollywood Studios vs. EPCOT for Toddlers: Attractions and Rides
If you’re comparing Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT for toddlers in terms of rides and attractions, EPCOT is generally the best option. Indeed, several rides among Disney’s favorites for toddlers are at EPCOT. For example, it is at EPCOT that you will find the very popular attractions inspired by Ratatouille (Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure) and Frozen (Frozen Ever After) movies. In my opinion, these two attractions alone are worth a visit to EPCOT with toddlers. A few attractions are particularly interesting for toddlers: slower pace, music, animated characters, and no minimum size requirement. Read this article to find out which are the 7 best attractions for toddlers at EPCOT.
As for Hollywood Studios, this park is particularly known for its thrill rides… which is less suitable for toddlers. However, there are still good ride options for toddlers at Hollywood Studios, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (a train ride with no minimum size requirement) and Toy Story Mania (inspired by the Toy Story universe).
Hollywood Studios vs. EPCOT for Toddlers: Disney Character Experiences
When comparing Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT for toddlers, Disney character experiences are another important thing to consider. In this category, the two parks are almost even. Indeed, on this point, it is more a question of identifying which types of character your family most wants to see and meet. Both at Hollywood Studios and at EPCOT, it is possible for toddlers to meet many of their favorite characters, some in settings inspired by their respective film/universe. Arm yourself with a notebook to collect character autographs and a camera to immortalize a hug between your child and his favorite character.
At Hollywood Studios, you’ll mostly characters from the movies that the rides are based on. For example, in addition to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, your toddler will be able to meet the main characters from Toy Story and Star Wars. Ariel, Pluto Olaf and some Disney Junior characters can also be encountered at Hollywood Studios.
In this park there are also mini-parades (called cavalcades) lasting approximately 15 minutes. Little ones can see and wave at several Disney characters during these parades on Hollywood Boulevard. The three current parades are: Pixar Pals (a parade featuring some characters from Pixar films such as Toy Story and Monsters Inc.), Disney Junior and Mickey and Friends (Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto).
At EPCOT, there are more princesses. For example, Belle, Aurora, Mulan, Snow White, and Jasmine are all at EPCOT. However, the two princesses who are currently particularly popular at EPCOT are Anna and Elsa from Frozen. It is possible to meet them in their royal chalet located in the Norway pavilion. Other Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Donald are also at EPCOT.
Note that there are no parades or cavalcades featuring Disney characters at EPCOT.
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Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT for Toddlers: overall vibe
The general atmosphere is very different in the two parks. If you’re comparing Hollywood Studios vs EPCOT for toddlers, you need to think about what theme is the most appealing to you. As for Hollywood Studios, the universe of Disney films is predominant. The sets and the music are intimately linked to this theme. Also, an atmosphere that will please toddlers reigns in the large area reserved for the Toy Story film. The sets, the music, the characters – the whole vibe of this area revolves around toys and kids.
At EPCOT, it is rather the discovery of the world that characterizes the overall vibe. Toddlers may be less impressed than adults by the pavilions that feature 11 different nations. Culinary experiences are big at EPCOT: you are invited to discover the flavors of the world by visiting the pavilions. This atmosphere is perhaps less appealing to children. On the other hand, several decorative elements are very realistic and still impress toddlers. For example, our 4-year-old daughter was particularly impressed by the replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Mayan pyramid located in the Mexico pavilion.
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Hollywood Studios vs. EPCOT for Toddlers: Which Park is Better?
Hollywood Studios and EPCOT are two very different parks. They were created around completely different themes and offer experiences that are not alike at all. In both cases, there are fun things to do for toddlers.
Overall, I think there are more things for toddlers to do and see at EPCOT. Despite the theme, which may seem less appealing to children, it is at EPCOT that we find some of the most popular attractions for toddlers at Walt Disney World. It is also at this park that it is possible to meet certain characters very popular with the little ones.
As for Hollywood Studios, the choice of activities for toddlers is more limited. The area that is really of interest to children is mostly limited to Toy Story. The mini parades can also be interesting for children visiting this park.
Wrapping Up: Hollywood Studios vs. EPCOT with Toddlers
When it comes to non-stop fun for toddlers, Hollywood Studios tends to win with its attractions like Toy Story Land, character meet-and-greets, and the exciting Disney Junior Dance Party—all designed to keep little ones entertained from start to finish.
However, don’t count EPCOT out! It’s home to some of the top Disney rides for toddlers, including Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which are huge hits with young kids. Plus, the park has plenty of open spaces for toddlers to explore at their own pace.
If your toddler loves characters and interactive experiences, Hollywood Studios is probably your best bet. But if you’re looking for a mix of fun rides and a bit more relaxed atmosphere, EPCOT could be the perfect fit for your family.
Planning a family trip to Disney? Read these interesting posts next:
– 7 Best Rides for Toddlers at EPCOT
– 10 AMAZING FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN DISNEY SPRINGS
– HONEST REVIEW OF THE HOLIDAY INN ORLANDO DISNEY SPRINGS
– 10 Fun Ways to Entertain Kids while Waiting in Line
– THE 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL DISNEY HOTELS FOR CHRISTMAS
