Exploring EPCOT’s Kidcot Fun Stops and the World Showcase Passport!

EPCOT has a rich and storied history of emphasizing quality “edutainment” for learners of all ages. In addition to the content provided within the park’s attractions, EPCOT also offers Kidcot Fun Stops and the World Showcase Passport. Both involve all 11 countries of the World Showcase and include printed materials containing informational and fun activity-based components. The materials are also typically appropriate for guests with significant cognitive and/or developmental disabilities.

The Kidcot Fun Stop country coloring cards

Each Kidcot Fun Stop offers a complimentary coloring card handout. There are (limited) spaces to sit and color. The card fronts include the country name, capital city, and an interesting, kid-friendly fact or two presented in the context of beloved Disney characters. There’s also a place for Cast Members to sign their name. The back of each card has a coloring scene that illustrates the text on the card front.

Kidcot Fun Stops and the World Showcase Passport

You don’t need to purchase the World Showcase Passport to enjoy the Kidcot Fun Stops. The two programs do complement each other, however, and are completed at the same locations. The Passport kit comes with a button, the physical passport itself, sticker sheets for each country, and a cute postcard that can be mailed home from the parks.

CMs at each country location will stamp the correct page in the World Showcase Passport, draw pictures, and write a little message, usually in the country’s primary language. Each sheet of country stickers in the kit contains seven offerings. Additionally, there are a few pages of lined paper for notes or personal drawings at the back of the book.

Kidcot and Autism Awareness

One of my favorite things about the Kidcot Fun Spot locations is that each country has a piece of art with a puzzle piece, the representative symbol for autism awareness. The puzzle pieces are designed to represent the style of the country. For me, it feels like a special welcome home for families and individuals with autism.

Summary

EPCOT’s Kidcot Fun Spots are a great way to escape the crowds! The World Showcase Passport and free coloring pages are also a fun way to explore the countries. They are particularly well-suited for younger children or guests with significant cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities. The Kidcot Fun Spots and World Showcase Passport programs are generally in tune with EPCOT’s historical “edutainment” focus. Finally, the puzzle piece art is country-specific and demonstrates Disney’s commitment to inclusivity for individuals with autism.

Read more: Our Disability Access Service (DAS) Renewal Experience