Epcot – World Showcase – An Introduction.

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Epcot World Showcase – An Introduction.

For Walt Disney, Epcot was a Vision of the Future 

Epcot is dedicated to human achievement, technology innovation, and international culture.

You can access Epcot via the main gate passing through Future World or via International Gateway… this is ideal if you are staying around the Boardwalk area.

As you enter the park, walk past Spaceship Earth and the fountains you come to  World Showcase there are 11 Pavilions. Each teaching/showing culture from all over the World.

• Mexico
• Norway
• China
• Germany
• Italy
• The American Adventure
• Japan
• Morocco
• France
• United Kingdom
• Canada

Mexico – As you enter World Showcase and head anti-clockwise you will come to your 1st Pavillion /country Mexico. Here you can meet Donald Duck – my personal favorite. He can be found right by the pyramid. Normally the line is pretty short.   You can also dine at San Angel restaurant, inside a pyramid under the stars & a painted volcano, or you can eat tacos at La Cantina De San Angel – you may struggle for seating here however, its an amazing location to observe the end of the night fireworks or just sit relax and take in the scenery and breeze coming off the lagoon. Ride Gran Fiesta Tour celebrating the Three Caballeros – this is a river ride that gives a great break away from the heat & is hosted by amazing hosts Jose Carioca, Panchito, and of course, Donald Duck.

Norway – Here you can meet Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus a beautiful little house where you get to meet both sisters – this really is a must for Frozen fans. The wait times can belong. Then you can go and ride Frozen Ever After – this is the old Maelstrom ride based on a river ride – again the wait times for this ride can be long and a Fast Pass (FP) is recommended. Then why not eat at Akershus – a little like Cinderellas Royal Table – personally I would say it’s a little easier to get an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) this restaurant gives you a chance to meet 5 princesses this restaurant is perfect for the whole family.

China –  Reflections of Heaven is located inside a replica temple. Here you can view in a 360 theatre the iconic parts of China a 14-minute movie – ideal for cooling off from Florida heat. Inside the lobby, at different times of the day, you will have the opportunity to meet Mulan – to my knowledge, this is the only place on WDW property you can meet her. In the courtyard of the pavilion, you can see the Jewelled Dragon Acrobats perform – they normally draw large crowds – check timings when you enter the park. You can eat at Nine Dragons Restaurant for Table Service or at Lotus Blossom Cafe for Quick Service.

Germany -Here in Germany you will be able to meet Snow White this is where her story was based – yes you will be able to meet Snow White in many other locations across WDW (Walt Disney World) however, there is something magical about meeting this princess. Again, I know I keep saying it but please do check times as characters aren’t out all day. From here you will be able to browse the shop Karamell-Kuche shop. There is two places to eat in Germany one being a Table Service Restaurant – Biergarten Restaurant or Sommerfest Quick Service.

Italy. In Italy you can visit an amazing shop, it stocks amazing handcrafted gifts, Italian perfume, stunning Italian merchandise. You can also see Sergio a mime artist and juggler. Now in Italy there are two Table Service restaurants –  Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria this is an amazing restaurant – it is a casual restaurant it makes stunning pizza – from the dough to the toppings and whats more is you can watch the pizzas being fired from your table.  Tutto Italia Ristorante is an amazing formal restaurant – if you are looking for something a little more casual I would recommend you visit Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar not only does this have an extensive wine list you can also order food from the main menu – Tutto Italia Ristorante.

USA – We have made it to the USA. Here you can watch the great American Adventure – here you can watch the 30 min show of past and present American through film and music, narrated by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain via animatronics, this is a great air-conditioned theatre a great pit shop to get cover from the sun or rain. Don’t forget to have a look at inside the American Heritage Gallery. Throughout the year you will be able to see local musicians and famous American Bands at the American Gardens. I true American style you can grab a burger at The American Adventure Dining its a QS (Quick Service) seats are available inside and out. If you sit outside at the table you can sit and people watch. Once you have eaten your burger you can grab a world-class Funnel Cake where there is a dedicated stand to making fresh fried delicious funnel cake to order.

Japan – Upon entering Japan you will find a large department store – Mitsukoshi. This store is separated into 4 zones Festivity, Silence, Harmony, and Interest. Selling Japanese items such as jewelry, books, clothing, manga, anime and so much more. The Bijutsu-Kan Gallery hosts long-term exhibits on Japanese art. While you are in Japan you can watch Taiko, this is traditionally performed ideally by female drummers. Japan hosts two table service restaurants Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining or a Quick Service Katsura Grill.

Morocco – is designed to look like a mini Moroccan city with a realistic minerate here you can soak up the culture of arts and history inside the gallery. Check out the times to what time and what performers will be gracing the stage. Tucked away in the back streets of Morocco you will be able to meet Aladdin and Jasmine during the day and at night. You will find them near the Restaurant Marrakesh, this is a TS (Table Service ) along with Spice Road Table if you are looking for a QS (Quick Service) Restaurant maybe Tangierine Cafe.

France – Impressions of France is a short story, similar to the one in China – all about French culture and the countryside. Outside of France Dining, you will see the very skilled and entertaining Le Server acrobats that perform several times a day building a tower with chairs this never fails to amaze me. You will get to see Belle with the Beast by the Lagoon …. you will get some amazing pictures here from time to time you also spy Marie from The Aristocats. There is a stunning shop stocking some amazing perfumes called La Signature and Plume et Palette. The restaurants in France are amazing you can get a dessert to a fancy dinner.  If looking for a dessert/ice cream you can pop into L’Artisan Des Glaces now this little ice cream parlor is tucked away at the rear of the pavilion. You really should not pass up the opportunity on trying the Croque Glace – this is a hot brioche bun with a scoop of ice cream in, and very delicious it is too. Alternatively, you can eat at Monsieur Paul or Chef De France – both a TS (Table Service) restaurant.

From France we stroll over the bridge here you will find International Gateway, you can use this entrance/exit if staying or visiting the Boardwalk.

You will find Photo pass Photographers around the world.

As you pass the International Gateway you will find Mary Poppins out and about on the left-hand side. Again check the timetable on your arrival, Alice in Wonderland appears under the archway opposite the Yorkshire Fish and Chip Kiosk. The Yorkshire Fish & Chip Shop is a QS – you can eat your fish and chips on a patio area by the water. You will find English staff serving you here, there is also a shop selling English Produce like chocolate and Twinings tea, red phone boxes where a lot of people stop for photos.  You will also find a traditional pub in UK the Rose and Crown where you can get a beer or enjoy traditional English food.

As you leave the UK and enter Canada you will come across Canada Mill Stage here you will find many a live band playing daily, You can watch O Canada similar to China & France however a little more funnier! Have a look around the shop at Northwest Mercantile and dine at Le Cellier a stunning TS (Table Service) Restaurant.

Thank you for coming around the world with me… It was a whirlwind tour showing you what’s there,  I can’t wait to hear your journeys and what you enjoyed the most.