EPCOT’s World Showcase has become very popular over the years – and for good reason too! This area of EPCOT features experiences, foods and attractions from 11 countries around the world. This post is a continuation of the first post – highlighting the things your family should not miss when visiting EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Japan Pavilion
Kabuki Cafe
Kabuki Cafe is home to the super fun, unique Kakigori. This Japanese shaved ice treat is available in a variety of flavors. And, it’s ginormous! The kids will love it. You can even add a sweet milk topping to really make it authentic.
Beautiful Gardens and Landscaping – Rest Area
The Japan Pavilion is home to beautiful landscaping, including Bonsai trees! The gardens are quiet, and it is a lovely place to have a snack and rest.
Matsuriza Drummers
Japan is one of the pavilions that offers entertainment for guests. The thundering sounds of the drums and the traditional Taiko form of drumming makes this a must see. The drumming is enthralling, and definitely worth stopping to see! They typically perform Thursday-Monday, so they are not on stage daily.
Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo is a table service restaurant in World Showcase. This is part meal, part entertainment! The chefs cook your food right in front of you. Every table has an amazing view of the chefs, as they are preparing your meal. This teppanyaki style restaurant is very popular with families. It is fun to be seated with others, and interact with everyone during your meal.
American Adventure
Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse is one of the newer Quick Service locations on Disney property. Americans love to eat, and BBQ has become very popular over the years. Regal Eagle offers smoked meats, burgers, and the best Macaroni and Cheese ever. This location does accept Mobile Order, which is a huge timesaver!
Voices of Liberty
No visit to World Showcase is complete without seeing the Voices of Liberty. This acapella group performs in the rotunda of the American Adventure Pavilion. They celebrate America in a beautiful way, and are not to be missed.
Funnel Cakes
The Funnel Cake stand in the American pavilion is one of the best ones. They ONLY serve Funnel Cakes here, and often you will find a seasonal flavor or topping. When there is an EPCOT Festival, you will find a Funnel Cake unique to the current festival.
Italy Pavilion
Via Napoli
This is the best table service location in World Showcase. Via serves wood fired pizzas, salads, and pastas. The food here is always good, in my experience. They have wood fire ovens, themed after active volcanoes in Italy: Etna, Visuvio, and Stromboli. Via Napoli is a great location for a larger party, as there is ample seating. Also, the open kitchen experience makes it full of energy and offers a very family friendly atmosphere.
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Gelateria Toscana
What is a trip to Italy without some sweet treats? Treat yourself to authentic gelato or sorbet. Gelateria Toscana also serves gelato creations such as Affogato Espresso Gelato, which is fresh Italian espresso poured over vanilla gelato and amaretto cookies. The Mocha Tiramisu is a decadent, special treat as well! Definitely worth the visit!
Sergio the Mime
Sergio is a street performer in the Italy Pavilion. He is an Italian mime, who performs several times a day for guests. He is a master juggler, and entertains guests with his fantastic skills!
Germany Pavilion
Snow White
Snow White is the classic German princess, and she meets guests in the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase. This is one of the few places you can see her outside of character dining. She can be found multiple times a day in the Germany Pavilion.
Karamell-Kuche
For buttery, caramel flavored treats, you want to visit Karamell Kuche. You can smell it before you enter! Here you will find Werther’s Original caramel apples, pecan clusters, and caramel corn. They also offer very unique treats such as Caramel Hot Cococa Squares, Caramel Apple Apple Pie, and Caramel Chocolate Chip and Pretzel Cookies.
Mini Trains and Clock Towers
While in the Germany Pavilion, be sure to stop and watch the mini trains run along their tracks. You may also hear the authentic German Clock Tower, as it chimes every hour!
China Pavilion
Mulan Character Meet
This is the only location at Walt Disney World where you will find Mulan. She is beautiful, kind and gentle as she greets guests in her home pavilion. If you have a Mulan fan, you will want to meet her in China!
Shopping
China is home to some fantastic, and truly authentic shopping. The House of Good Fortune is the largest shop in World Showcase. It houses traditional style Chinese gifts, such as parasols, puppets, and toys. Also, you will find traditional Chinese clothing, such as silk shirts, dresses, and even shoes! There is also a large wall of swords, and you can find anything here! It is so fun to walk around and look at all the merchandise.
Pick a Pearl
Pick a Pearl has finally returned to World Showcase. This is tucked in the back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan. Here, you walk up to a large tank of oysters, and choose one! Hand picking the oyster and going through the discovery ceremony is SO fun. The Cast Member will carefully dig out the pearl, measure it, and present it to you. They will also set it for you in a variety of ways. We chose the Cinderella Carriage for our daughter’s pearl.
Norway Pavilion
Anna and Elsa Character Meet
Let’s be honest, Anna and Elsa are a HUGE draw to the Norway Pavilion. Disney did a brilliant thing when they added these popular sisters to this area of the park. They have their own Sommerhus meet and greet. Many times, you will find them together in the same room as they welcome you to their charming summer cabin.
Frozen Ever After
Norway is one of the few pavilions that houses an attraction, and it is one of the most popular attractions in all four Disney parks. Frozen Ever After is a “rope drop” attraction, meaning you should go straight to ride it at park opening if you’d like to avoid a long wait in the afternoon. Guests hop in an ancient Norwegian vessel as you sail through the wintry wonderland of Frozen!
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a princess dining experience in World Showcase. This is a fantastic alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table for those who want a princess meal. Guests are greeted by Belle in the foyer, and then various princesses meet you at your table during the meal.
Mexico Pavilion
Donald Duck Character Meet
Donald Duck greets guests in the Mexico Pavilion – he is even wearing a sombrero! This is one of our favorite, and most fun, Donald Duck meet and greets. It’s fun to see a classic Disney character in cultural costumes.
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Tequila and Fun Food
The Mexico Pavilion is the most popular pavilion. Part of this is due to the food and drink options. La Cava del Tequila offers guests an Avocado Margarita, and it is delicious. La Cava is tucked inside the Mexico pyramid, just off from the market area.
La Cantina de San Angel is just across from the pyramid. This has some of the best quick service food. Here you will find favorite Mexican dishes. Tacos, empanadas, and churros are some of my favorite menu items here. Plus, they offer a beautiful seating area over World Showcase Lagoon.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
This is the attraction you will find in the Mexico Pavilion. Float along and see the sights of Mexico with the three amigos – Donald and his friends. This gentle boat ride is a must for families and the wait time is fairly short most days.
EPCOT’s World Showcase is chock full of must sees for your family. EPCOT definitely has plenty to do for kids, and you will be glad you explored World Showcase with your family. What is your favorite part of EPCOT’s World Showcase?
