EPCOT’s World Showcase serves as a gateway to cultures, cuisines, architecture and people from around the world, helping us understand our worldly neighbors through immersion and fun.
The World Showcase takes up half of Epcot and is broken down into smaller sections known as pavilions. Each “pavilion” showcases one country and serves to transport you into the culture of that region.
Pavilions can feature restaurants, architecture, music, stores, and even cast members native to their perspective country.
There are 11 countries in the World Showcase: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the American Adventure, Japan, Morrocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Each country has unique offerings from rides, to food and shows. If you plan to visit Epcot, you could spend an entire day in the World Showcase and still miss much that it has to offer.
Below, we will outline all that Epcot’s World Showcase has, to help you better plan your next trip around the world, right inside of Epcot.
Vamos a Mexico
The Mexico Pavilion inside of the EPCOT World Showcase is themed to a Mesoamerican pyramid, surrounded by a jungle. If you go to the right side of the pyramid, you will have to traverse the jungle to enter.
However, heading right up the pyramid steps, brings you inside, to a display of Mexican artwork, that we have found to vary a bit during each visit. Some of these items are available for purchase.
From here, you’ll enter the marketplace, where it seems to always be evening. This nighttime affect gives this pavilion a fun vibe, especially with the music in the background and hustle and bustle of people.
Stores include a crystal and glass shop—where you can watch the glass makers work and create the pieces that you can purchase—a tequila tasting store, and many small kiosks where Mexican themed souvenirs can be purchased.
Dining in the Mexico Pavilion
The Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase has many options for dining. Inside of the pyramid you will find a table service restaurant, and just outside of the pavilion, on the lagoon are two additional restaurants.
La Hacienda de San Angel is a dinner only table service dining option located on the World showcase lagoon across from the pyramid. They are known for their delicious margaritas and homemade tortillas and salsa. The menu is robust and filled with authentic Mexican cuisine choices.
La Cantina de San Angel is located directly next to La Hacienda, and is the quick service sister to La Hacienda. Here you can dine in quick service fashion on tacos, nachos, arroz con pollo, and more. There is also a decent menu of Mexican beers and margaritas. La Cantina serves up lunch and dinner.
San Angel Inn Restaurante allows you to dine inside the pyramid, under the stars. You’ll have a view of the water and Mayan ruins, backed by an active volcano. This table service restaurant serves up lunch and dinner options such as tortilla soup, enchiladas, and a variety of Mexican chicken, beef, and fish dishes.
Epcot World Showcase Mexico Attractions
Epcot’s Mexico pavilion is home to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. This mellow boat rides takes guests through calming scenes of Mexico’s most famous sights. As you drift along, Panchito the rooster, and Jose Carioca embark on a search for their missing friend Donald duck.
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Strolling Down to Norway
Norway may be one of the more happening places inside the World Showcase, thanks to the two famous Disney sisters that call it home. However, long before Anna and Elsa took up residence, the Norway pavilion offered a boat ride inhabited by tricky trolls. These mischievous guardians were known for sending boaters backward down a treacherous waterfall, only to wash up serenely at port where guests were then asked to watch a movie about the country.
Today, the Norway pavilion retains some of that country-specific charm, being modelled after a quaint Norwegian village. This pavilion is full of tiny, fun details, like the grass covered roofs (common in parts of Norway,) and the occasional Viking sightings.
The Epcot World Showcase Norwegian pavilion features a few small shops with souvenirs, Frozen merchandise, and Norway themed knickknacks and outerwear.
Also in Norway, you’ll find the Stave Church. This exhibit takes an in depth look at Viking history, lore, beliefs, and artifacts.
Restaurants in the Epcot World Showcase Norway Pavilion
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is a bakery inside the Norway Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. This bakery is beloved by all and often has a line out the door. It serves up Norwegian specialties like Kringla, school bread, rice cream, and the oh so yummy eplekake.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a table service character dining restaurant. Here, you can dine with Disney princesses and enjoy all you care to eat Norwegian and American offerings, served family style. The banquet hall is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Attractions in Norway Pavilion
Frozen Ever After
This boat ride takes you through a fun snow day with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more. It features both forward, and backwards movement, and a small drop.
Royal Sommerhus
Stop by the Royal Sommerhus to visit Anna and Elsa. This sought after character meet and greet allows guests of all ages to spend some time with the sisters in their summer cabin.
China: Epcot’s World Showcase Gem of the East
The Chinese pavilion inside of Epcot’s World Showcase contains a relaxing Chinese garden in front of a replica of the Temple of Heaven. This is a perfect spot to step back from the crowds and enjoy a moment to yourself.
A museum showcases ancient Chinese artifacts, and nearby is one of the largest shopping destinations in Epcot’s World Showcase. The shops sell souvenirs and merchandise such as Chinese lanterns, jewelry, silk items, and much more.
Dining in the China Pavilion
Nine Dragon Restaurant is a table service restaurant that serves contemporary Chinese food in an upscale setting decorated with paper lanterns and wood carvings. Nine Dragon is located on the left side of the pavilion, near the entrance, and is open for lunch and dinner.
Lotus Blossom Cafe is a quick service location that has traditional Chinese favorites for lunch and dinner. Orange chicken, egg rolls, potstickers, and fried rice are just a few of the options.
Joy of Tea is a tea stand located along the banks of the lagoon. It sells boba tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, egg rolls, and cocktails.
Attractions in the Epcot World Showcase China Pavilion
The China pavilion is home to Reflections of China, a 360 degree movie. In the movie, scenes of China’s beautiful landscape are shown on screens all around you, creating an immersive experience.
Also found in the China pavilion is a Mulan meet and greet.
Germany, Where It’s Always Oktoberfest
Epcot’s World Showcase Germany pavilion is themed to a German town. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets, Bavarian style buildings, and a clock tower with a glockenspiel that chimes every hour.
For shopping in Epcot’s Germany, you can find a store full of various themed beer steins, a German toy store, a Christmas store, clothing store, a crystal shop, and the beloved and delicious Werther’s Caramel shop. However, the most popular location in all of the Germany pavilion is Biergarten, where you can always experience the spirit of Oktoberfest.
Dining in Germany
Biergarten is one of our favorite World Showcase offerings. This all you care to enjoy buffet serves up sausages, bratwurst, spatzle, schnitzel, and more. You’ll dine under the stars in a German courtyard during Oktoberfest.
Quaint houses surround the dining area, with twinkly lights strung about. As you dine, yodelers sing and play traditional instruments in a fun and interactive show.
Biergarten serves lunch and dinner.
Sommerfest is a quick service location in the Epcot World Showcase Germany pavilion. It has pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and various beers and wines.
Attractions in Germany
The Germany pavilion has a large and extensive miniature train display. This display is an intricate German town, complete with tiny figurines, houses, and multiple trains.
There is a Snow White meet and greet in the Germany section of the World Showcase.
Epcot’s Italy Pavilion: A Journey Through Time and Flavor
The Italy pavilion inside of Epcot’s World Showcase has a large tower centerpiece, which is an authentic replica of the one in St. Mark’s Square. A fountain can also be found in the plaza, among the Italian architecture.
Beside a lagoon, gondolas and bridges are designed to give a nod to Venice.
Street performers can sometimes be found among the Italian stradas (streets), including a juggler and mime. The shops in the Italy pavilion include a high-end shop which sells premium Italian goods, such as porcelain, crystal, purses, and perfume. Additionally, you’ll find a gelato and espresso kiosk.
Dining in Italy
You cannot go wrong with pasta, wine and Italian foods. The Italian pavilion in the Epcot World Showcase has many delicious choices.
Tutto Italia Ristorante is a sit-down dining restaurant that serves up old world charm and traditional Italian cooking. Murals and stunning chandeliers decorate the restaurant inside, and a quaint patio offers outside dining for those nice fall and spring days.
The Ristorante has an extensive wine and cocktail list, and a large menu of appetizers, hearty entrees, and tasty desserts. Tutto Italia Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner.
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is a small wine bar with a big wine list that has small plates of cheeses, meats, pasta and desserts.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is another table service restaurant in the EPCOT World Showcase Italy pavilion. It is open for lunch and dinner.
Via Napoli has wood oven pizzas, pastas, and chicken, beef, and fish entrees. With your meal, enjoy a glass of Italian wine, and after dinner, snack on some tiramisu and sip on a cup of Italian coffee.
Attractions in Italy
The Italy pavilion has no attractions with the exception of occasional street performers.
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The American Adventure: The Centerpiece of EPCOT’s World Showcase
Located in the very center of Epcot’s World Showcase is The American Adventure Pavilion. This pavilion is themed to colonial era America, with the building being modelled after the architecture of Boston’s Old State House and other buildings important to America’s history.
The interior of the building has spacious marble floors and American artwork and notable quotes adorning the walls. This building is home to a patriotic animatronic stage show, a vast display of American Indian history and artworks inside the American Heritage Gallery.
As you approach the American Adventure building take a close look at the building itself. Designed to appear as a two-story colonial building, the structure is in fact 3 stories tall. Imagineers used forced perspective to give the illusion of smaller scale. However, some have said the illusion fail as people entering and exiting the building provide a reference point for the true scale. Take a look as you approach and see if you notice the discrepancy.
Dining at the American Adventure
Regal Eagle Smokehouse is a counter service dining option that serves up BBQ options such as burgers, ribs, chicken, and a variety of traditional BBQ sides. Regal Eagle is open for lunch and dinner and has a variety of beers on the menu.
Fife and Drum Tavern is where the beloved giant turkey legs can be found. Every Disney fan knows about this offering. Also available for purchase here: soft pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, a beer stand and funnel cake kiosk are located in the American Adventure.
Attractions in the American Adventure of Epcot’s World Showcase
The American Adventure in Epcot’s World Showcase hosts an animatronic stage show, with the same name as the pavilion. This almost 30-minute show is a patriotic delight, depicting the story of the forming of America, and other early historical events, as told by 35 audio animatronics of prominent figures from American history.
Voices of Liberty is an acoustic musical show in the rotunda of the pavilion. Cast members in colonial dress sing patriotic classics with angelic voices.
Journey to Japan: Epcot’s Gateway to the East
Japan is one of the most striking pavilions of Epcot’s World Showcase. The Japanese temple and torri gate can be seen from across the lagoon.
The pavilion has relaxing koi ponds, Japanese maples, and bamboo in its calming gardens.
Shopping is abundant inside the Japan pavilion. Shops sell trinkets and oddities, and even grow-your-own bansai kits. In one store, you can pick a pearl from an oyster, or purchase tea kettles, chopsticks, Japanese lanterns and more.
Dining in Japan
Katsura Grill is located a top a hill in the Japan pavilion. It is a quick service restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. At Katsura, you can dine on sushi, teriyaki dishes, and traditional asian noodle dishes.
Teppan Edo is a hibachi style restaurant where each guest has a view of the chefs cooking your feast right before your eyes. Teppan is open for lunch and dinner and is a table service restaurant.
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is another table service option inside of the Japan pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. This restaurants combines great views with fresh sushi, skewers, and entrees. The menu is based off of Japan’s seasons and festivals. This means the menu varies a bit each time you visit.
Takumi- Tei is fine dining Japanese and Asian dining. The menu is creative and high end, and has items such as sushi, wagyu steak, and lobster.
Kabuki Cafe is a quick service kiosk with sushi, sake, plum wine, edamame, and Japanese sodas.
Attractions in Japan
The Japan Pavilion in the Epcot World Showcase has a couple attractions. The Bijutsu-kan Gallery is an art gallery featuring various forms of Japanese art from past to present. The Matsuriza is a shpw featuring Japanese drummers.
Morocco Pavilion: A Mosaic of Culture in Epcot
The Morocco pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of the most authentic and intricate countries you’ll visit along the World Showcase lagoon. Moroccan artisans helped created the plaster walls, tiled mosaics, and fountains in the pavilion, to ensure authenticity.
The large prayer tower stands tall above the pavilion and serves as a landmark of culture and location when looking across the lagoon.
Morocco has many shops filled with souvenirs, clothing, and artwork available for purchase.
Dining in Morocco
Spice Road Table is located along the Epcot World Showcase lagoon for stunning views, especially at night. It is a table service lunch and dinner restaurant that serves Mediterranean dishes in small plate format. This is one of the best places to stop and enjoy a bite and a drink.
Oasis Sweets and Sips is just how it sounds. This quick service stop serves drinks, and sweets, with Mediterranean flavor.
Tangierine Cafe is a quick service restaurant that creates delicious kebabs and other options. The menu varies a bit based on any festivals happening in the park.
Attractions in Morocco
The Morocco pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase include a Princess Jasmine meet and greet, and a historical art gallery.
Bonjour, France: A Taste of Paris in Epcot’s World Showcase
The France pavilion is busy these days. With guests flocking and passing by the Eiffel Tower replica for their taste of crepes, or their chance to visit Remy’s famous kitchen.
The France pavilion is full of food, gardens, cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and picturesque fountains. Shopping in the Epcot World Showcase France pavilion includes an ice cream shop, a soap and perfume store, and a France themed souvenir shop.
Dining in France
Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris and La Crêperie de Paris both serve up crepes. With the former being quick service and focusing on sweet and savory small plate crepes, and the latter being table service and focusing on sweet and savory meal sized crepes.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a quick service bakery in the France pavilion that serves up sandwiches, pastries, soups, breads, cheeses, decadent desserts, coffees, teas, and alcoholic drinks.
Monsieur Paul has signature French fine dining in a five course meal, complete with a robust wine list.
Chefs De France has traditional French dishes in a family friendly café. This café is known for its delicious entrees and mouthwatering desserts. This is a table service establishment that serves lunch and dinner.
Attractions in France of Epcot’s World Showcase
The France Pavillion in Epcot’s World Showcase has quite a few attractions.
First and foremost is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a trackless dark ride on a journey with Remy, from his point of view. This ride is pretty popular, so we recommend a Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservation on those busy days in France.
Impressions De France is an almost 20-minute film showcasing the beauty of France. Next door is the Beauty and the Beast Sing Along film.
Lastly, there are two character meet and greets in France. Along the lagoon you can find Princess Belle. Princess Aurora can be found in the garden.
Epcot’s British Invasion: Exploring the United Kingdom Pavilion
You know the moment you near the United Kingdom pavilion of the Epcot World Showcase, due to the strong scent of delicious fish and chips. As you approach the pavilion, you enter the bustling streets of London, with soot stained walls and chimneys, and Victorian architecture. Venture a little farther into the pavilion, past the shops, and you’ll find the atmosphere mellows, as you make your way to an English cottage, surrounded by am English garden complete with topiaries and a gazebo.
Shopping in the United Kingdom is like entering the world of Mary Poppins, as you enter doorwarys right from the streets of London. These shops include a jewelry shop, a shop that sells swords and midievil sets, a fine china shop, and more.
Dining in the United Kingdom
Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room are sister establishments. The pub portions serves up drinks only, with a wide array of cocktails, beers, and wines. The dining room portion is a table service restaurants which serves lunch and dinner and dishes such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and shepherds pie.
The Yorkshire County Fish Shop is just how it sounds. This quick service kiosk has the best fish and chips around, as well as draught beer options.
Attractions in the Epcot World Showcase UK Pavilion
The United Kingdom pavilion in the Epcot World Showcase frequently has live music, as well as a Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland meet and greet.
Discovering the True North: Epcot’s World Showcase Canada Pavilion
The Canada pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase is modelled after the Canadian Rockies, and arguably has the best gardens in the entire World Showcase. The Victoria Gardens in the pavilion change with the season and are always kept in stunning splendor.
In this pavilion, shop for maple syrup, wood carved items, Christmas items, plushies, and wine.
Dining in the Canada Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse is one of the most sought out reservations inside of EPCOT, (besides Space 220.) This steakhouse has traditional steakhouse and seafood specialties, as well as intricate desserts.
The steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner, and is a table service experience.
Attractions in Canada
The Canadian Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase has a couple attractions. A small stage on the UK side of the pavilion hosts musicians and shows, that change periodically.
The Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 film is located in the rear of the pavilion, and showcases scenes of Canada’s beauty, specifically in the snowy northern part of the country.
Tips for Visiting Epcot’s World Showcase
Epcot’s World Showcase is often the place to be in the evenings in Walt Disney World, specifically during one of its many festivals. If you’re not into the evening drinks and musicians, head to the World Showcase in the morning for lunch instead. You will be able to explore the pavilions with fewer crowds, and snag food with less wait.
Many pavilions have quiet places to rest. If you need a break, here are a few spots to quiet your mind inside the World Showcase:
- The benches in the Italy pavilion
- The Chinese gardens
- The gardens in the United Kingdom
- The gardens in Canada
- The courtyards on the side of the American Adventure
To ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After, expect a long line, and consider using a Multi Pass reservation. Additionally, reservations are highly recommended at the table service restaurants along the World Showcase.
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