Credit: DisneyA recent guest report from a Walt Disney World Resort visitor has raised concerns about the use of the Kidcot stations in EPCOT’s World Showcase, urging fellow park-goers to be more mindful of their children’s safety while visiting the popular interactive stops. The guest, who expressed frustration with unattended children at the Kidcot stations, posted a reminder that these attractions are not meant to serve as daycare-style environments.
The Kidcot Experience: Fun with a Caveat
The Kidcot stations, located throughout the World Showcase at Epcot, are a staple of the park’s family-friendly offerings. Designed for young visitors, these stations allow children to pick up postcards and color them while interacting with cast members who share information about each country’s culture. The stations offer a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn about the nations represented in Epcot’s World Showcase, but they come with certain expectations for supervision and behavior.
According to the guest’s report, many visitors seem to misunderstand the purpose of the Kidcot stations, particularly when it comes to the role of cast members. “Friendly reminder to not leave your kids unattended at the Kidcot stations, especially if they don’t know how to behave!” the guest shared. The report notes that while the stations offer a space for kids to explore their creativity, the cast members are not responsible for looking after children.
Supervision Is Key for Safety
The guest further emphasized that the Kidcot stations should not be mistaken for places where children can be left unsupervised. “The way they work is that you’re supposed to come, grab a postcard, let the kids color, make some talks with the cast members (please do!), but they are in no way to be mistaken as daycares and cast members are not supposed (or trained) to supervise or look after kids.” The report highlights that cast members, while friendly and helpful, are not trained to supervise children or respond to medical emergencies, which can pose safety risks.
One of the primary concerns raised is the potential for children to get hurt, ingest non-food items, or act out without proper adult supervision. “What if they hurt themselves, they start eating the colors, ingesting the cap, etc.” the guest expressed, stressing the need for parents to remain vigilant while their children are engaging in activities at the Kidcot stations. The guest emphasized that cast members are not authorized to intervene in situations involving medical emergencies or accidents, underscoring the importance of parents staying present and aware.
A Call for Parental Responsibility
The guest’s report concludes with a call for parents to be more involved in their children’s experience at the Kidcot stations. While it’s not necessary to sit with the children the entire time, the report urges parents to “simply stick around, be present, and please watch what they are doing and how they are behaving.” The guest even went so far as to say, “some kids are terrible but their parents are even worse,” indicating that the lack of supervision by some parents is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Friendly reminder to not leave your kids unattended at the Kidcot stations, especially if they don’t know how to behave!
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EPCOT’s Family-Friendly Offerings
EPCOT’s Kidcot stations are part of the park’s broader commitment to providing fun and educational experiences for families. While the activities at the Kidcot stations can be enriching and entertaining for children, ensuring that parents are attentive and present is essential for the safety and well-being of all visitors. By taking responsibility for their children’s behavior and supervision, parents can help make the experience enjoyable for everyone, including the cast members who are there to enhance the park experience.
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to issue an official statement on the guest’s comments, but this serves as an important reminder for all park visitors that ensuring safety and good behavior is a shared responsibility.