“Ha ha. nobody ever says Italy.” Fictional supervillain Hank Scorpio quipped about the popularity of Italy over France during a memorable episode of The Simpsons. And he was totally right. As a country, Italy has Rome and Venice, two of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. The majestic scenery of Tuscany has inspired literature and films. It’s also the subject for one of the most gorgeous pavilions at the World Showcase. Here are seven reasons to visit the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.
The design
Image: DisneyThe Italian Renaissance is one of the most important art periods in the history of civilization. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Botticelli did more than simply inspire names of various Ninja Turtles. They also created works that have stood the test of time such as the Mona Lisa.
Image: DisneySimilarly, the architecture of this era has inspired creators for generations. The Florence Cathedral and St. Peter’s Basilica are two of the most famous offerings. In constructing the Italy Pavilion, Imagineers used works such as these as the sources for the buildings here, although they chose several other words that are even older. You’ll feel like you’re working through Italian history as you navigate the various buildings here. Disney’s attention to detail is spectacular, as is fitting for such historically significant constructs.
The architecture
Image: DisneyThe most memorable structures at the Italy Pavilion are a bell tower, a fountain, some columns, and a pair of shops. The bell tower is a recreation of St. Mark’s Campanile, the famous bell tower at St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s the anchor part of Piazza San Marco in Venice. Disney honors it twice, as the Italian version has the symbol of a lion at the top of the bell tower. In their culture, it denotes the Lion of St. Mark, a Biblically based creature that protects the city.
The other column at the Italy Pavilion is more famous and recognizable. The other has an image of Theodore of Amasea, also known as the first patron saint of Venice. He’s important because he’s also the source of the dedication for the Doge Chapel at Doge’s Palace. That building also has an Epcot recreation, and Disney went so far as to mirror the real version. In Venice, you’ll see the bell tower on the left and Doge’s Palace on the right. At Epcot, they flipped it due to extenuating circumstances. So, the same buildings are clearly visible, only their sides have flipped.
Image: DisneyDisney has two more tricks up its sleeve at the Italy Pavilion. The first is a shop that imitates the renowned Sistine Chapel. The Il Bel Cristallo shop has an exterior similar in style to Michelangelo’s work of art. And that’s not the only staple of Italian architecture mimicked in the area. The Neptune Fountain honors the Trevi Fountain in Rome…and is also a great place to make a wish and throw a coin.
The waterway
Image: DisneyA dirty little secret of the Italy Pavilion is that Disney planned to build it in two phases. The later expansion was to include a gondola ride befitting the breathtaking canals of Venice. Guests would ride on gondolas and feel like they were actually in Italy.
Alas, those plans fell apart, but Disney still honored the Venetian way of life in a different way. One section of the pavilion has a bridge inspired by Ponte della Paglia in Venice. Near this bridge tribute are actual waters. While you can’t access this area (legally), you should take a look when you’re in the area. You’ll see gondolas in the waters, just as if you were Venice. It’s the perfect background for the Tuscan inspirations at the Italy Pavilion.
The whistling juggling clown
Image: DisneyOne cast member at the pavilion is more memorable than the rest. His name is Sergio, and he holds court at the Italy Pavilion several times each day. His show is…unique. He juggles soccer balls and entertains the crowd. You can’t miss him from a distance, either. His white shirt with red stripes may cause you to think, “There’s Waldo!” Their fashion stylings are that similar. Despite looking like a cartoon character, Sergio’s show is worth 20 minutes of your time. He’s mastered the art of juggling, and he even whistles as he does tricks. It’s an impressive feat that you should watch at some point.
The dining
Image: DisneyLook, I love architecture and whistling jugglers as much as the next person, but when I go to the Italy Pavilion, it’s for the food. This World Showcase country has two of the best Table Service meals at Epcot.
Tutto Italia Ristorante is the more popular of the two and also better regarded. Trip Advisor users have ranked it #118 out of almost 3,000 restaurants in Orlando. The explanation for this adoration is the Old World flavor on display. This eatery is managed by the Patina Restaurant Group, a corporation known for its mastery of international cuisine. They run several properties at Disney Springs, many of which have Italian menus, but Tutto Italia Ristorante is their crown jewel. The ravioli and scampi dishes here are to die for.
Image: DisneyMy favorite restaurant at the Italy Pavilion is less ambitious. Via Napoli Restaurante e Pizzeria is a pizza place that happens to serve other dishes rather than the reverse. When you eat here, you’ll want to try one of the terrific flatbreads on the menu. And you’ll also want to pay attention to the kitchen.
Image: DisneyA set of three stone ovens bake the dough. These three devices have a fireplace design, only with a twist. The restaurant’s designers built concrete faces of Roman mythical figures in such a way that your pizza seems to go directly into Roman’s mouth. It’s a funny visual that has utility, too. The heat of these ovens bakes your flatbread quickly and evenly. Also, the melted cheese here is truly among the best cheeses I’ve ever had in my life.
The drinking
Image: DisneyDo you like wine? If so, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar might become your favorite place at the pavilion, the World Showcase, Walt Disney World, or maybe even the planet. This place is less crowded than the adjoining Tutto Italia Ristorante, and it has some small plates available when you need a quick bite.
The star is the liquor, though. This bar has more than 200 beers, wines, and other spirits available. And the wine deserves special mention because it’s arguably the best on the Disney campus. Connoisseurs are passionate about this place due to the quality of its wine list. Anyone who loves the grape should spend some time here.
The shopping
Image: DisneyYou already know about the exterior of Il Bel Cristallo, but you’ll definitely want to go inside. The merchandise here is high-end in nature. It’s an eclectic combination of Murano glass and porcelain objects plus fashionable clothing and accessories. The handbags in particular have a glowing reputation.
You’ll also want to visit La Bottega Italiana, which is another store with a hodgepodge of seemingly mismatched products. At this business, you’ll find Venetian masks worthy of a scene from Eyes Wide Shut, but you can also buy quality cookware and Italian snack foods. The store seems to assume that every shopper is a chef with a penchant for masquerade balls.
