With a visit to Epcot, you’ll get the opportunity to visit 11 different countries in one day. The World Showcase is full of great cultural experiences and global cuisine to enjoy. Most people do not realize what there is to do in the World Showcase area, but it is a great area to explore. While it is not ride heavy, since you do not have to worry too much about Fastpasses and rides, you really can enjoy it at a leisurely pace. It’s one of the reasons that I love the World Showcase.
The eleven countries you will find represented are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, UK, and Canada. Each is worth a visit and this article will help to guide you to the most interesting things to see in each pavilion. Here are all the BEST things to see in Epcot’s World Showcase!
Mexico
Food & Drink in Mexico
La Hacienda de San Angel is a table-service restaurant that serves up great Mexican cuisine. You will need a reservation to eat here, but if you time it right, you’ll get a great view of the fireworks. The restaurant is located on the lagoon, so you have views of the water from the restaurant. Try to reserve a late dinner and then request a table by the window for a view of the fireworks spectacular for that evening.
La Cava del Tequila is a lounge that serves many cocktails and light snacks. They feature over 200 tequilas, so if you feel like doing a tequila flight, this is the place to go! You’ll find this hidden gem inside the pyramid in the Mexican pavilion.
Choza de Margarita is an outdoor margarita stand. You’ll find this one just as you enter the Mexican pavilion, on the outside, next to the pyramid. They have several different types of margaritas to choose from, you can get one “on the rocks” or frozen.
Attractions in Mexico
The Gran Fiesta Tour featuring the Three Caballeros is a slow moving boat ride that can be found inside the Mexican pyramid. There are no Fastpasses for this ride, but the line is never very long. It is a cute ride and a great opportunity to rest those tired feet.
Mariachi Cobre is a live mariachi band that plays outside in the Mexican pavilion. The show is about 25 minutes of traditional folk music from Jalisco, Mexico. Make sure to check the Times Guide for the exact times that they perform.
Donald Duck has a meet & greet in the Mexico pavilion. His meet area is outside just beyond the pyramid. It is a bit tucked back among the trees so it can be easy to miss if you don’t know it is there. Make sure to check the Times Guide for his meet times.
Norway
Food & Drink in Norway
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is the only character meal you will find in the World Showcase area. It is very popular and will require advanced dining reservations. This meal usually features princesses such as Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, and Princess Aurora. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at this location.
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is a cute little place to get some sweet Norwegian treats. The most popular treat here is the School Bread, which is a sweet rolled filled with custard and dipped in coconut. They also sell some quick-service sandwiches here if you would like to pick up a quick lunch on the go.
Attractions in Norway
Frozen Ever After is the most popular ride in the World Showcase area. Since it does often have long lines, a Fastpass is highly recommended. This whimsical ride will take you on a journey through Arendelle where you will come across characters like Sven, Olaf, Anna, Kristoff and Elsa. This ride is good for all ages.
Anna & Elsa also have their meet and greet in Norway at the Royal Sommerhus. There is no Fastpass for this meet and greet, but if you go early in the day, the lines are usually short.
China
Food & Drink in China
The Lotus Blossom Cafe is a great quick-service location if you are craving some Chinese food. I find it is often a quiet place to eat as it never seems like it gets very busy here.
Attractions in China
Reflections of China is a 360 degree circle vision film that takes you on an immersive tour of China. With the 360 degree screen, it really is a breathtaking film to see and highly recommended. This show plays continuously throughout the day inside the temple building.
Mulan does meet and greets in the China pavilion in the outside garden area. Make sure to check the Times Guide to find out her exact meeting times for that day.
The Dragon Acrobats is an amazing show that plays outside a few times per day. They will amaze you with their tumbling, twisting, flips and leaps. Check the schedule to see their exact show times for the day.
Germany
Food & Drink in Germany
Biergarten is one of my favourite table-service restaurants at Epcot. With the live entertainment and wonderful German comfort food, it is always a great time. You’ll want to make advanced dining reservations, although I have had a lot of luck just walking up to get a table as well. They do seat you at a communal table of 8, so be prepared to be seated with others if you do not fill the table. You’ll be entertained with their live band and you can even step out on the dance floor to dance off all that food!
Karamell-Küche is a small bakery that sells decadent treats all featuring caramel. You can get caramel popcorn, caramel covered apples, Werther’s Original treats, and a ton of amazing treats to choose from. Definitely worth a visit just to see how good it smells in there.
Attractions in Germany
Snow White can be found in the Germany pavilion. Just as you come to Germany from China, you’ll find Snow White right at the entrance near the wishing well. Make sure to check the Times Guide to find out when she comes out.
Italy
Food & Drink in Italy
Via Napoli is the famous pizzeria in Epcot. Here you will be able to order a full pizza, so make sure you have someone to share it with. Advanced dining reservations are highly recommended if you would like to eat here.
Gelati can be found just as you enter the Italy pavilion and features a favourite Italian treat – Gelato! If you are looking to cool off, then this might be the treat to satisfy just that.
The Via Napoli snack cart in the Plaza area features Cocktail Popsicles! These are an amazing treat for anyone 21 and over. They have several different flavours to choose from – Limoncello, Sparkling Strawberry Wine, and Berry Sangria. I thoroughly enjoyed this cool treat on a hot day!
Attractions in Italy
The Plaza area is filled with wonderful photo opportunities. Stroll around and explore the Neptune Fountain, the Columns of San Marco and St. Marks Campanile.
Sergio is a master juggler and mime that will delight you with his act. The show is about 20 minutes long, and make sure to check the Times Guide for exact performance times.
America
Food & Drink in America
A new quick-service restaurant called Regal Eagle Smokehouse will be opening up soon and the menu looks very interesting. A much better selection than the previous quick-service location they had here before. You’ll get to sink your teeth in to some mouthwatering BBQ dishes. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Are you a fan of funnel cake? Then look no further and make sure to stop by the Funnel Cake stand in America to enjoy this yummy American snack!
Attractions in America
The America Gardens Theater is a great spot for live entertainment. Depending on the time of year, you can catch some really great acts performing here. This is where they hold all of the live performances for any of the year round festivals they have. You can catch acts like Hanson, Tiffany, Boyz II Men, Lauren Daigle, Sugar Ray, Billie Ocean and so many more! This is also where they hold performances of the Candlelight Processional during the Christmas holidays.
The American Adventure is an indoor show that features audio-animatronics with screen projections to tell the story of the nation. You’ll meet historic figures and hear stories about the landing of The Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, the Civil War and so many other historical American events.
Voices of Liberty is an acapella group that brings patriotic music to life. They can be found inside the halls of the American Adventure pavilion. Check the Times Guide for their exact showtimes each day.
Japan
Food & Drink in Japan
Teppan Edo is Epcot’s teppan-yaki style restaurant. Chefs cook tradiitional Japanese dishes right at your table, and put on a fun show at the same time. This is a table-service meal and will require advance dining reservations.
Tokyo Dining is another table-service restaurant located in the Japan pavilion featuring traditional Japanase dishes. If you schedule a late dinner here, try and ask for a table next to the window facing the lagoon as you will have a nice view of the fireworks spectacular.
Takumi-Tei is a newer restaurant to this pavilion, and it is a Signature meal, so that means fine dining. If Japanese food is one of your favourite types of cuisine, then you might want to give this one a try. Since it is a Signature meal, expect that it will be more $$, and advanced dining reservations are highly recommended.
Kabuki Cafe is one of my favourite places to get a cool treat on a hot day. They sell kakigori, which is a shaved ice dessert. You can have it in many flavors or mix them all up. They come in Strawberry, Melon, Cherry, Tangerine, Blue Raspberry or Rainbow.
Attractions in Japan
Matsuzira is an amazing Japanese drumming show that plays daily on the steps of the Japanese temple. The show is about 15 minutes and make sure to check the Times Guide to find out when they play.
The Kawaii Exbihit inside the Japan pavilion is a great place to have a rest. It is an exhibit that celebrates the “cute” culture of Japan. I really like taking in all the details of the exhibit, and there are some benches inside the exhibit where you can sit down and rest your feet.
Morocco
Food & Drink in Morocco
Restaurant Marrakesh is one of two table-service restaurants in Morocco. With a tasty Mediterranean menu, you will also enjoy live belly dancing during your meal. A great hidden gem that is usually pretty easy to get reservations at.
Spice Road Table is another table-service restaurant, and this one is located on the water. Because of it’s location, it is a good option for late dining so that you can time it with the nighttime spectacular fireworks show.
Attractions in Morocco
Aladdin & Jasmine have a meet and greet in this pavilion. They can be hard to find, but make sure to venture in to the back of the pavilion where the shops are located and you will find them. Check the Times Guide to find out their exact meeting times for the day.
France
Food & Drink in France
Chef de France and Monsieur Paul are both table-service options in the France pavilion. Both are excellent, but Monsieur Paul is their Signature option, so if you are more of a foodie, you might want to give that a try. Both are popular options, so make sure to reserve in advance.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is hidden all the way back in the pavilion of France. It is a great place to find some French pastries and treats. You can have lunch there as they do serve sandwiches, but if you are looking to indulge in some French pastries, this is the place to go!
L’Artisan des Glaces is right next door to the bakery, and they serve amazing ice cream! With many delicious flavors to choose from you won’t be disappointed! From Coffee to Cinnamon with Caramelized Pecan to Coco-white Chocolate… it is a must try!
Attractions in France
Impressions de France is an 18 minute film in a 200 degree widescreen theater that is sure to impress. The film features the beautiful landscapes and culture of France. It is a breathtaking film that will leave you in awe about the beauty of France.
Princess Aurora meets in the gazebo that is off on the edge of the pavilion in the gardens. Make sure to check the Times Guide for her exact meeting times.
You will also find Belle meeting along the water in the France pavilion. In this meet & greet, you’ll get to meet her in her traditional blue provincial dress.
COMING SOON! Disney has been working on a new ride for the France pavilion that is themed around the movie Ratatouille. This new ride is expected to open in the Summer of 2020 and it is a 4D ride experience that will let you experience what it is like to be a rat in the kitchen of Gusteau’s.
COMING SOON! Disney is also working on a brand new live show for this pavilion that will be themed around Beauty & the Beast. It will be a live sing-along show that kids and adults are both sure to enjoy. No set opening date has been announced yet for this new addition.
United Kingdom
Food & Drink in United Kingdom
The Rose & Crown Dining Room is the table-service restaurant in this pavilion. Since it is on the water, you can get a great view of the fireworks from the restaurant. They do have a dining package that you can book to be able to view them from the restaurant. This is a popular dining package to book, so booking as far out as you can (180 days) is highly recommended.
Attractions in United Kingdom
You will find several different characters that meet in the United Kingdom. Look for Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh. Make sure to check the Times Guide to find out when they will each be out.
The British Revolution is a great musical act that you can catch back in the gardens of the United Kingdom pavilion. The band plays classic British rock music that will surely have you wanting to bust out some dance moves.
Canada
Food & Drink in Canada
One of my favourite Epcot Signature meals is located in this pavilion – Le Cellier. Le Cellier is a Canadian steakhouse that serves up some mighty delicious steaks. The cheddar cheese soup and poutine are also fan favourites, so give them a try as well! This is a popular location, so reserving as early as you can (180 days) is highly recommended.
Attractions In Canada
Canada Far and Wide in Circlevision is a brand new show coming to Epcot in January 2020. Like the old show, the viewing theater has 360 degree views of the film, so you get completely immersed in what you are seeing. It will give you a breathtaking look at the Great White North.
Entertainment at Great Mill Stage features live musical performances. They have a variety of different bands that play with music varying from rock to bluegrass music. Check the Times Guide for daily performance times.
Bonus – Kidcot & Agent P’s World Showcase
If you have little ones that will be spending time with you at Epcot, then there are some activities in the World Showcase area that are designed for kids.
The Kidcot stations are an area in every pavilion where kids can sit down to take a break and do some crafts. There is always a cast member there that you can chat with about their home country and they can even teach you some of their native language. If you have an Epcot passport (which can be purchased in the gift shops), then you can collect stamps in your passport and the cast member will sign it for you in their native language.
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is a high-tech scavenger hunt. You will want to download the Play Disney Parks app on your smartphone to play this game. Once you sign up, you can select a mission in a designated pavilion and then follow the clues to solve the mystery. It will take you on a hunt throughout a pavilion where you will find some secret clues. Lots of great fun for little adventurers!
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Get a Quote from CLICK THE MOUSELaura is a mom of one adorable girl with a love of all things Disney. She traveled to Disney World with her family in 2010 and was hooked. They have since been a total of over 15 times. With all her knowledge of planning Disney trips, she now wants to share that with others. She loves giving guidance, tips and advice to others planning their magical vacation!