Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is divided into two lands: Future World and World Showcase. World Showcase is dedicated to giving guests the chance to travel around the world while only walking a little over a mile.
The World Showcase is made up of 11 countries. Each country’s pavilion has unique attractions, dining, and shopping. Disney has made every effort to make the “countries” as authentic as possible. All cast members are native to the country where they work and Disney often brings in chefs, architects, and cultural experts to ensure guests get a realistic experience.
Read on to learn about all of the countries represented in the World Showcase and the awesome features you can expect to find in each.
1. Morocco
The Morocco pavilion will sweep you away into exotic desert locales and architecture. This area is particularly known for its Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh reproduction. This model of the 12th-century mosque used the most native craftsmen of any project in the the World Showcase and was the only pavilion that had the help of the country’s government.
Rides and Attractions
There are no rides in Morocco, but there’s still plenty to do in this area. Be sure to check out the Minaret and the other art and architecture. The area is made to feel like a Moroccan bazaar.
Be sure to check out the Gallery of the Arts and History, a rotating exhibit dedicated to Moroccan achievements. There’s also the Fez House, which is a replica of a traditional Moroccan home.
Dining
Morocco is home to two great restaurants. At the Spice Road Table, you’ll be transported to a Moroccan seaside locale where you can enjoy Mediterranean-flavored small plates. Tangierine is a quick-service restaurant featuring kebabs and falafels.
Shopping
There are quite a few places to shop. You can buy Moroccan rugs, mosaics, jewlery, and more.
Character Meets
You can meet Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in Morocco.
2. France
Epcot’s French pavilion makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris, complete with an Eiffel Tower that was constructed using Gustav Eiffel’s blueprints.
Rides and Attractions
France currently has three attractions: Impressions du France, a film all about the beauty of the country, a Beauty and the Beast sing-along, and a gallery dedicated to French storytelling. You can have your portrait painted along the waterfront.
A new ride is coming soon, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It’s a dark, trackless ride that makes guests feel like they’re the same size as a rat.
Dining
France has some of the best dining in Epcot. Les Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul are fine dining options with delicious French cuisine. You can also check out the Boulangerie Patisserie for baked goods or grab a crepe or ice cream for dessert.
Shopping
There are several stores in the France pavilion. Of particular note is a perfumerie with luxury perfumes and colognes and La Maison du Vin, which sells French wines.
Character Meets
You can meet the Aristocats, Princess Aurora, Belle, and the Beast in France.
3. Italy
Disney put a lot of detail in replicating Italy, from the native plants like olive trees to the architecture of the Doge’s Palace and the belltower.
Rides and Attractions
There are no rides or attractions in Italy, but there’s plenty of architecture and art replicas to check out. There’s also street entertainment like juggling and flag throwing.
Dining
Italy has some of the best dining in the park. If you want fine dining, check out Tutto Italia Ristorante or Via Napoli. Both offer authentic cuisine. Stop by the wine cellar for a glass of wine or get a gelato. You can also grab a beer, cocktail, or dessert at the Italy Donkey.
Shopping
Be sure to do some shopping while in Italy. You can pick up wine, chocolates, and Venetian papier-mache masks along with some other authentic souvenirs.
Character Meets
There are no characters to meet in Italy.
4. Japan
The Japan pavilion is one of the most stunning you’ll find in the World Showcase. From the blue-roofed pagoda to the koi ponds, you’re sure to find some great backdrops for your vacation photos.
Rides and Attractions
While there are no rides, there is a gallery inside the White Heron Castle. It rotates out different types of Japanese art. You can also check out an impressive drumming group.
Dining
Japan has two sit-down restaurants, Teppan Edo and Tokyo dining. Both offer sushi and entrees like teriyaki chicken, tempura, and ramen. You can grab a quick meal at the Katsura grill, which also offers sushi and teriyaki. Don’t forget to get a cup of sake and a kaki-gori (Japanese shaved ice).
Shopping
Japan has one of the most unique shopping areas of all the pavilions, the Mitsukoshi Department Store, which gets its name after one of the world’s oldest department store. You can find clothes, decorative items, anime items, bonsai trees, and more.
For a fun experience, visit the Pick-A-Pearl counter, where you can choose an oyster and keep the pearl inside.
Character Meets
There are no characters to meet in Japan.
5. Canada
The Canada pavilion has a replica of one of the country’s most famous hotels along with a recreation of its mountains and other natural features.
Rides and Attractions
You can see some of the most beautiful Candian scenery in Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, a film narrated by Schitt’s Creek stars Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara.
If you’re up for some music, be sure to catch Candian rock band Marc Anger & Friends.
Dining
Canada has a coffee cart for snacks. The Le Cellier steakhouse is one of the most popular in all of Disney World. Be sure to try the cheddar cheese soup and the poutine.
Shopping
Canada has two stores to check out for some great souvenirs. The Northwest Mercantile has art glass ornaments, hockey gear, and Canadian clothing brands. If you want to get some maple syrup or other maple-inspired gifts, be sure to visit The Trading Post. You can also find native carvings here.
Character Meets
You can meet Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear in the Canada pavilion.
6. UK
The UK pavilion makes you feel like you’ve been transported to London with its cobblestone streets and fish-and-chips-scented air.
Rides and Attractions
The UK doesn’t have any attractions, but there’s a house modeled after Anne Hathaway’s (Shakespeare’s wife) and red phone booths, perfect for pictures. There’s an improv group performing throughout the day.
One of the streets is soon to be modeled after Cherry Tree Lane in the Mary Poppins films.
Dining
If you’re craving a traditional English meal, head to the Rose and Crown Dining Room for Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash. If you want some quick, grab a pint at the pub and an order of fish and chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
Shopping
You can find lots of British-inspired souvenirs at the shops. You can get soccer and rugby gear and toys inspired by British literature and history. If your ancestors are from the UK, you can get your family crest. There’s also a tea shop for all your tea needs.
Character Meets
You can meet some of your favorite British characters here, including Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh.
7. Mexico
On your way into Mexico, you’ll see a Mayan pyramid. Once inside the Plaza, the lights are low, and it’s nighttime, complete with a dark sky overhead.
Rides and Attractions
The main attraction is the Gran Fiesta Tour, a water ride where Donald Duck and friends take guests on a tour through Mexico.
Dining
There are two sit-down options, La Hacienda de San Angel overlooking the lagoon and the San Angel Inn inside the Plaza. Both offer authentic Mexican cuisine and romantic atmospheres. If you want to grab a taco, head to the outdoor Cantina. The Cava de Tequila not only lets you try tequila but also learn about its history.
Shopping
While in the Plaza, you can get leather goods, jewelry, and coffee. You can also find sombreros and Mexican pottery.
Character Meets
Mexico is the only place the meet the three caballeros, Donald, Panchito, and José.
8. Germany
The Germany pavilion is designed to look like a quaint village with a medieval castle and a clocktower that chimes on the hour.
Rides and Attractions
While there are no rides here, there is a polka band that plays throughout the day and a miniature village with model trains that’s sure to delight kids.
Dining
It’s always Oktoberfest in Biergarten, a family-style dinner with traditional German fare and live music and dancing. If you want to just grab a hot dog, check out Sommerfest.
Shopping
There are some great shops here, including a teddy bear store and a Christmas store where you can buy a legendary pickle ornament. You can also find beer steins, cuckoo clocks, and German glass.
Character Meets
You can meet Snow White near the wishing well in Germany.
The China pavilion welcomes guests through a replica of the Temple of Heaven gate, where they can enjoy picturesque landscapes and native plants.
9. China
Rides and Attractions
There’s a Circle-Vision 360 film, Reflections of China, displaying some of the country’s most prominent landmarks. You can also check out the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats and models of the Terracotta Army.
Dining
The Nine Dragons Restaurant serves up Chinese favorites like Kung Pao Shrimp and honey sesame chicken. The Lotus Blossom Cafe is a quick-service stop with staples like fried rice, potstickers, and orange chicken. Joy of Tea offers specialty teas, bubble tea, and cocktails.
Shopping
China is home to the House of Good Fortune, one of the largest stores in the World Showcase. You can find silk, teapots, paper fans, umbrellas, and jade jewelry.
Character Meets
You can meet Mulan and Mushu in China.
10. Norway
The Norway pavilion is dedicated to Scandinavian culture with a Viking-inspired ship and a Stave Church.
Rides and Attractions
The main ride in Norway is Frozen Ever After. Formerly Maelstrom, the boat ride takes you through a recreation of the popular film with stunning audio animatronics.
The Stave church gives guests a picture of Viking life with rotating exhibits.
Dining
If you’re looking for a quick bite, the Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe has baked goods, including the famous school bread and Frozen-themed desserts.
If you want a dining experience, you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Different princesses and Mary Poppins rotate in and out.
Shopping
You can get all your cold-weather gear at the shops in Frozen. There’s also jewelry, perfume, and a slew of Frozen merchandise.
Character Meets
You can meet Anna and Elsa in Norway.
11. America
The America Pavilion is officially called the American Adventure. You’ll feel like your step back into the early days of America with the colonial architecture.
Rides and Attractions
The main attraction here is the American Adventure show, a half-hour audio-animatronic show featuring all of America’s presidents.
You can also see the Voices of Liberty, an acapella group that sings traditional American folk songs. There’s an attraction called the Soul of Jazz, which explains the history of Jazz through the movie Soul and a gallery of Native American art.
Dining
If you’re looking for the legendary turkey leg, the Fife and Drum Tavern is the place to stop. There’s a funnel cake stand with several versions of the confectionary treat. If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse features barbecue and craft beer.
Shopping
The America Pavilion is home to a store featuring framed prints of famous Disney artwork. Be sure to stop by to pick up prints from your favorite films.
Character Meets
There are currently no character meets at the America pavilion.
Parting Thoughts
Epcot’s World Showcase has much to offer. You can eat, drink, and dine your way around the world, all without leaving Florida.
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
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