Hey y’all and happy Friday! I’m back with another Disney World travel guide post in honor of the three-year anniversary of the best vacation ever. Earlier this week I shared my Magic Kingdom must do’s. Today I’m focusing on Epcot, the second theme park to open at Disney World. Epcot is Disney World’s most educational park, but I have always loved it, even as a little kid. It’s also essentially two parks in one, Future World and World Showcase. Today I’m sharing my highlights from the World Showcase, where you can go around the world in one afternoon!
World Showcase at Epcot
World Showcase consists of 11 pavilions situated around a lagoon. Each pavilion represents a different country. Starting at the front of World Showcase and going clockwise around the lagoon, you will find the following countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada. Pretty much every pavilion includes at least one gift shop and restaurant. Some of the pavilions include a ride or show as well. Also, the cast members (Disney’s term for employees) in each World Showcase pavilion are usually natives of that country. With the exception of one trip to the Bahamas, I’ve never been out of the United States. But at Epcot’s World Showcase, you can go around the world in one afternoon, and that’s exactly what my bestie and I did on our Disney World trip three years ago. Here are some of our highlights. Note that we spent more time in some countries than others, depending on our interests and how much there was to do in a specific pavilion.
Mexico
Mexico is one of my favorite countries in the World Showcase. The food and drinks are delicious, and there’s a really cute boat ride called the Three Cabelleros Gran Fiesta Tour. An open air market featuring authentic Mexican gifts is also inside the pavilion. Donald Duck greets guests at select times while wearing his Three Cabelleros attire.
Norway
Norway is home to the Frozen Ever After ride, but unfortunately it was still under construction when we were there. We walked through a small exhibit on Norwegian history and culture. I will look forward to experiencing the Frozen ride on my next trip. I still have fond memories of riding the Maelstrom ride featuring trolls and Viking ships when I was a kid.
China
Our trip to the China Pavilion included a video celebrating the wonders of China on a 360 degree screen. We also browsed a massive gift shop.
The American Adventure
The show in the pavilion celebrating all things America has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I was a huge history nerd in high school, and AP US History was one of my favorite classes. So naturally, I love Disney’s production on American history!
Japan
The Japan pavilion has a department store with all kinds of knick knacks, so we enjoyed browsing around for awhile. There was plenty of Hello Kitty stuff, which is really big in Japan. I love how the Japanese are really into cutesy things!
Note-you can see Spaceship Earth, the huge golf ball that is the iconic symbol of Epcot, through this pagoda in Japan.
Morocco
Eating delicious food at the quick-service restaurant was the highlight of our stop in Morocco. (For more details about the Tangeriene Cafe, check out this post about food at Disney World.)
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom features some great photo opps. We got to meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger in Christopher Robin’s room. There’s a phone booth replica outside as well. This might have been one of my favorite stops, due to the fun photos.
I hope that y’all enjoyed reading about my most recent trip to Epcot, where I went around the world in one afternoon. Keep in mind this post only touches the tip of the iceberg of everything there is to see and do in the different World Showcase countries. However, I hope it provides some inspiration if you’re planning an upcoming trip to Epcot at Disney World.
Although I’ve been to Disney World 10 times total, my most recent trip with my best friend was my favorite. As fun as it is to experience the Disney magic as a kid, it’s just as fun to go as an adult. And I 10/10 recommend going to Disney World with your best friend.
-xoxo Liz
