I started in France, popping into a scrumptious-smelling bakery and admiring the delicious treats. Then, I headed towards Morocco, where I dined on a sampler plate with chicken, hummus, and couscous salad.
My stomach full, I decided to shop in a large Japanese department store. I did this all within 90 minutes because I was visiting the countries in EPCOT – the World Showcase part of the theme park at Walt Disney World.
Originally conceived as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT Center), EPCOT is so much more than Future World. One of my favorite places in the Walt Disney World Resort is the eleven countries in EPCOT – the World Showcase. It features great restaurants, authentic shops, movies, entertainment, fireworks, and more. Read on to learn about what you’ll find in each country – including food, entertainment, and shops.
I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and have experienced the EPCOT World Showcase on complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own.
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Eleven Countries in EPCOT – The World Showcase
The World Showcase is approximately 1.2 miles around, but during that short walk, you’ll be able to experience the food, products, and culture of a variety of eleven very different countries. The World Showcase is typically open a few hours after the park opens (usually at 11 am), and with so many different cuisines, it’s a great place for lunch or dinner.
How many countries are there in EPCOT? There are currently eleven – although there’s room for more! Every so often, there are rumors about a new country entering the showcase. But so far, there are no new plans.
Here’s what to expect in the eleven EPCOT countries.
Mexico
The Mexican pavilion features four different restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine. Our favorite is the table service San Angel Inn, which is adjacent to the Gran Fiesta Tour ride.
Although the ride is geared toward younger kids, mine still love it. The San Angel Inn looks like it’s in the middle of Mexico in the evening. The food is great, but the atmosphere is even better! You’ll want to make advance dining reservations because it does book up.
If you love margaritas, you’ll find some delicious ones here. La Cava del Tequila features a wide range of tequilas and margaritas. Get one to go if you’d like to drink while strolling around the World Showcase. You can also enjoy your margarita right in La Cava.
The other restaurants include La Cantina de San Angel, La Hacienda de San Angel, and Choza de Margarita. If you love Mexican food, you’ll want to eat at one of these spots!
There’s also a Mexican folk art gallery, a mariachi band, and a meet and greet with Donald Duck. It’s such a fun, authentic experience, especially within the pavilion.
Norway
The Norway pavilion has gone through quite the resurgence since Disney’s Frozen was released. In the movie, the sisters lived in the fictional Arendelle, which was inspired by Norway.
In this pavilion, you’ll be able to meet Elsa and Anna at the Royal Sommerhus, dine with some princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and revisit your favorite movie scenes during Frozen Ever After.
There are also a few merchandise shops, a gallery, and a quick-service bakery featuring delicious Norwegian treats.
Although there’s also a princess character meal in the Magic Kingdom, we always enjoyed the one at Akershus better. We prefer the food, and since it’s a bigger venue, there’s typically more availability when you try to make reservations. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Although the World Showcase is typically not open in the mornings, you’ll still be able to access Akershus for an early breakfast reservation. However, the rest of the World Showcase will be roped off so you’ll only be able to go to your dining destination.
China
Next, you’ll find the China pavilion, where you can meet Mulan. There are also two Chinese restaurants – a table service restaurant (Nine Dragons) and a quick-service restaurant (Lotus Blossom Cafe).
I love getting tea at the Joy of Tea kiosk near the water. They have some with and without alcohol, and everything I’ve had there has been delicious.
You can also explore Chinese culture by watching the Reflections of China 12-minute movie, as well as watching a show by the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats. There are also some shops where you can find authentic Chinese merchandise.
Germany
Every month is October at the Germany pavilion. Grab a beer and/or pretzel at one of the kiosks and get into the Oktoberfest spirit.
Experience an authentic Oktoberfest at Biergarten, where you can have a delicious German buffet meal and see German entertainment. If you aren’t sure whether or not you like German food, the buffet is a great way to sample some different specialties.
Looking for a quicker experience? Sommerfest is a quick-service restaurant offering traditional German cuisine. It’s located adjacent to Biergarten in the German pavilion.
There are also some merchandise shops selling German collectibles and other merchandise, as well as Karamell-Küche, which offers delicious caramel treats that are made right there.
Want to see Snow White? She’s available for a meet and greet right outside the pavilion. Check the daily park schedule for times.
We never seem to be able to walk through the World Showcase without stopping for a pretzel. My kids just love them, and they are a great snack for the walk around the EPCOT countries.
Italy
Italy is one of my favorite countries, so I always have to spend some time in the Italian pavilion in EPCOT. In addition to delicious table service restaurants (Via Napoli and Tutto Italia), you’ll also find kiosks and shops offering Italian wines and gelato. There are also several merchandise shops as well as entertainment.
These two restaurants are two of my favorites on all of the Walt Disney World property. I love Via Napoli’s pizza, and always need to eat there on any Walt Disney World vacation.
Tutto Italia is a little more upscale, but the food is also absolutely delicious. Although I like to vary our meals on our trips, I always want to eat at both restaurants in the Italy pavilion.
The American Adventure
At the American Adventure, in the center of the World Showcase, you’ll find American food specialties (funnel cakes, mac and cheese, hamburgers, clam chowder). In addition, there’s a 30-minute show, and performances by the Voices of Liberty. We find this pavilion to be a great escape from the heat or rain, so it’s perfectly located right in the center of the countries in EPCOT.
Right in front of the American Adventure is the American Gardens Theatre stage. A number of events happen there, including the Candlelight Processional and various concerts.
A new fast-casual restaurant, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, has recently been announced for the American Adventure. This BBQ restaurant will be hosted by Sam Eagle from the Muppets.
Japan
My favorite feature of the Japanese pavilion in EPCOT is the Mitsukoshi Department Store, which offers Japanese products including pens, jewelry, and decor. I could spend so much time shopping there.
But there are lots of other great things within the country, including a teppanyaki restaurant, a quick-service restaurant, another table-service restaurant (with sushi and other Japanese specialties), and authentic Japanese entertainment.
Morocco
The Moroccan pavilion has two table service restaurants (Spice Road Table is my favorite), shops with Moroccan art and other products, and a meet and greet Jasmine from Disney’s Aladdin.
You can also get a henna tattoo here. Go early though because the line can get long, and you won’t want to spend too much time in line.
France
I could spend so much time just exploring the French pavilion. From Les Vins de France, offering delicious wine and other beverages, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie with scrumptious desserts, and L’Artisan des Glaces offering frozen treats, it’s easy to grab a quick bite.
The pavilion also offers Monsieur Paul, a signature fine dining restaurant, and Chefs De France, a casual table service restaurant. Both of these take reservations.
You’ll also find merchandise shops, a meet and greet with Belle, and Impressions De France, an 18-minute film about the country.
If you want to grab an alcoholic drink in EPCOT, the Grand Marnier Slush is one of my favorites. It’s perfect when the weather outside is hot.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new attraction, opened in 2021. This ride is the same as the Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy attraction at Disneyland Paris.
The United Kingdom
Get a pint of beer and some fish and chips, and sit along the waterfront at the United Kingdom pavilion. Here, you can dine in an authentic British pub, see a red phone booth, and shop for tea and other authentic merchandise.
There’s also a meet and greet with Alice in Wonderland and performances by Command Performance. While there was originally a Mary Poppins attraction announced, those plans have been shelved.
Canada
Oh, Canada! Our neighbors to the north have their own pavilion at EPCOT, along with one of the most popular table service restaurants in EPCOT – Le Cellier. Le Cellier is open for lunch and dinner, and you’ll want to book reservations.
In the pavilion, you can also see the O Canada Circlevision movie (hosted by Martin Short), shop for Canadian merchandise, and see a live music show on the Canadian stage.
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure
In this replacement to Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, you’ll help Scrooge McDuck and his nephews find missing artifacts. For this World Showcase Adventure, you’ll use the Play Disney app on your smartphone device.
This adventure runs through seven of the EPCOT countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom.
Festivals and Events at EPCOT
Throughout the year, you’ll find several events taking place in the EPCOT World Showcase, including the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. These events offer special seminars, shops, and kiosks throughout the park.
If you have a particular interest in one of the topics, you’ll want to check the event schedule online. There are often seminars and other special events that you can sign up for and attend. Additional fees may apply, depending on the event.
These events also offer regular entertainment on the big stage. Again, you can check the schedule online to see who is playing during your vacation. These shows are free, but seating is limited.
During the festivals, you can also purchase delicious food samples from various kiosks throughout the park. The biggest selection is available during the Food and Wine Festival, but there are also food kiosks during the other festivals. If you want to try a variety of different selections, it’s a good idea to plan a meal around it. The samples are small, so you can try a few.
Fireworks at EPCOT
The newest fireworks show at EPCOT, Luminous The Symphony of Us, debuted in December 2023.
What is your favorite EPCOT country?
