Epcot’s World Showcase is made up of 11 different pavilions, each showcasing a different nation. While each pavilion features some major sites, cultural flavor, food and art from the country it represents, the pavilions themselves are very different. The favorites below are included because they best represent the “home” nation, offer the widest array of things to do and see, and have at least one authentic, good quality restaurant.
5. Canada
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Canada is home to one of the hottest dining spots in all of Walt Disney World – Le Cellier. The Le Cellier steakhouse offers some of the best food you’ll find in Epcot, with great steaks, innovative breads and desserts and a cool and comfortable ambiance that provides a respite from the relentless Orlando sun.Canada offers more than great food – you can also catch a 360 degree CircleVision program Oh, Canada, see some of Epcot’s most innovative landscaping, and rock to the sounds of the park’s most popular band, Off Kilter. Grab a beer, do some shopping, and drop pennies into the towering falls; no matter what you choose, you’ll find plenty to do in Canada
4. Norway
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Home to Maelstrom, a log flume / tour of Norway complete with trolls and polar bears, Norway is a must-see for any Epcot visitor. The pavilion has great pastry and breakfast options, and is home to Epcot’s only princess-themed dining location. You’ll spot dozens of little princesses milling about outside of Akershus, waiting for the Storybook character dining to begin. You’ll also find shopping options, including perfume, cold weather gear and Viking hats for sale in the little string of shops that make up the rest of the pavilion.
3. Mexico
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One of the first countries you’ll encounter if you turn right at the entrance to World Showcase, Mexico is home to a fun boat-ride attraction, great food and margaritas on tap. Most of Mexico’s attractions are housed inside the pyramid; you can browse Mexican art and artifacts, meet Donald Duck and grab a fine meal at the San Angel Inn. Hop aboard the Gran Fiesta Tour and you’ll be whisked away for a boat ride expedition that covers the cultural history of Mexico; you’ll also be treated to the cartoon antics of the 3 Caballeros, starring Donald Duck. The ride has an It’s a Small World-style segment and little to no wait times, so this is a great spot if you are traveling with little ones. Rounding out the pavilion are La Hacienda, one of the park’s newest table service locations, and one of the parks best quick service eateries, the San Angel Cafe.
2. France
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Home to plenty of great dining, a fun movie and some of Epcot’s best atmosphere, France is a must-see for the gourmand or foodie in your group. You can’t go wrong with any dining location here—from grabbing a plate of crepes at a food stand to sitting down to a full-service food experience at the luxurious Monsieur Paul. You can also meet Remy, star of Pixar’s Ratatouille when you dine at the wildly popular Chefs de France restaurant, sample fine cosmetics and perfumes and shop for an assortment of French foods and goods at the pavilion’s shops.
1. Japan
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Even though Japan lacks a ride or film, it is packed with plenty to do. It is a fan favorite, and one of Epcot’s best pavilions. From the ever-changing displays in the gallery (in recent years it has held displays of robotic toys, baseball memorabilia and historic costumes), to the extensive selection of sushi at Tokyo Dining, you can while away most of an afternoon in Japan.
Don’t miss the Hello Kitty and Pokémon selections if you are traveling with kids; both areas have merchandise you can’t find elsewhere in the US. Visit the family-friendly Teppan Edo restaurant for a fun, hibachi-style lunch or dinner, just be sure to make reservations in advance; this is one of Epcot’s most popular dining destinations.Japan offers some unique entertainment options as well – from rhythmic drum performances to a demonstration of rice candy making techniques, there is plenty to see and do while you are here.
