6 Great Places to Cool Off With Kids in EPCOT

Are you planning to visit Walt Disney World with kids soon? If so, you may want to save this post!

The humidity in Central Florida will have you questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. The heat is hot, sure, but the humidity topples lots of folks each day in the Disney parks. The thermal gun photo above? That’s an actual shot from a walkway in the Magic Kingdom last week. So let’s assume you’re armed with cooling towels, fans, water bottles, and sunscreen, but you still need a fun rest in the air conditioning without having to haul everyone back to your resort. We’ve got you! Here are six pretty spectacular places to cool off with your kids in EPCOT!

 

#1 SeaBase Aquarium and Bruce’s Shark World

After riding The Seas with Nemo and Friends (or skipping that entirely) you can roam around the SeaBase Aquarium watching the marine life and learning about manatees. It’s self guided and little ones are free to roam or just sit and count fish.

When it’s time to burn off some energy, head to Bruce’s Shark World on the first floor.

Kids of all ages can take a photo in Bruce’s mouth to prove that fish are friends.

SeaBase Aquarium Highlights:

• Air conditioned
• Restrooms inside the building
• Benches upstairs agains the aquarium wall
• An elevator and escalator
• Free Dory scavenger hunt at the exit to Nemo in the center of the first floor. You don’t have to ride to get one.
• Gift shop with bottled drinks for purchase, a FuelRod location, and pressed coin machines.
• Not Seasonal

#2 Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Sometimes the heat is too hot and the only thing that is going to make it better is playing in a splash pad. Journey of Water is gorgeous and it offers multiple chances to cool off. You don’t need a Lightning Lane for this fun time – just stroll on through and find your favorite spot.

Len and Lina have different approaches to enjoying Journey of Water! Whichever path your kid picks, just make sure you have dry clothes on hand for after.

Journey of Water Highlights: 

• Water everywhere!
• Restroom in the center of the path
• Beautifully themed and has opportunities for adults to sit as their kids play.
• Not seasonal

#3 GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall

GoofyCore is seasonal, but it’s a whole hoot and a great way to cool down this summer! CommuniCore Hall is home to this Cool Kids’ Summer highlight and is aimed at kids ages 2 to 12. There are age appropriate climbing toys for the wee ones and fun games and dance parties with Goofy for the big kids.

GoofyCore Highlights: 

• Loud, silly fun for kids 12 and under
• Giant restrooms located on the side of the building
• Grab ‘n’ Goof snacks are just outside & they’re good! Read our review here. 

#4 ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs at Journey Into Imagination

You don’t need to ride Journey Into Imagination to play here, but we recommend you do! If you’re skipping the ride, just head for the exit on the far left of the pyramid pavilion. That’s where you’ll find the gift shop and the “What If” Labs. The lights are low and fun, and there are lots of interesting things to explore. Kids of any age can make music and create art in unexpected ways.

“What If” Lab Highlights: 

• Figment meet and greet location
• Gift shop with bottled drinks for purchase, a FuelRod location, and pressed coin machines.
• Not seasonal

#5 Light Lounge at the Odyssey

The Light Lounge is less of a spot to burn off energy and more of a space to watch some fun entertainment, grab a snack, and rest in the air conditioning. We covered this newly opened spot a few days ago – you can check out our post here. 

Light Lounge Highlights:

• The only spot on our list that offers beer for purchase.
• Restrooms inside the building.
• Steps from First Aid and Baby Care

#6 Space Base at the exit to Mission: Space

Space Base is the climbing / tunnel play place at the exit to Mission: Space. Big kids and their adults may be more interested in the Advanced Training Lab across the way, but it’s all fun and everything is contained in one open area. You don’t need to ride Mission:Space to play here either. Just head to the merch location on the far left of the building and walk through the gift shop to play.

Space Base / Advanced Training Lab Highlights: 

• Something for everyone – little kids, big kids, teens, and adults
• Gift shop with bottled drinks for purchase, a FuelRod location, and pressed coin machines.
• Not seasonal

What do you think? Do you have a favorite “cooling off” spot on this list? Maybe you have another suggestion? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks for reading!