Over the past calendar year, I’ve detailed the greatness of all 11 pavilions at Epcot’s World Showcase. I have celebrated the architecture, the artistry, and the activities at each facility. Last time, I evaluated the “worst” pavilions, all the while emphasizing that the worst of them is still a destination location for all theme park tourists. Today, I’m going to talk about the pavilions that somehow stand out in an entire themed land predicated on excellence. Here are my choices for the best six pavilions at the World Showcase.
6. Morocco
Let me start by saying that this list exists in tiers. This and the next selection comprise the “lowest” tier, which the third and fourth entrants are of superlative quality, only not as great as the top two. Those pavilions are in my estimation as close to perfect as pavilions can be.
So, why do I rank the Morocco Pavilion so highly? The attention to detail here is the finest at the World Showcase. I’m not slagging the other pavilions, simply acknowledging a hard truth. No matter how much Imagineers study the styles of various countries, they’ll always be at a disadvantage relative to residents of said countries.
King Hassan II didn’t leave the construction of his pavilion to Disney. He was footing the bill for it, and he wasn’t willing to take a chance on people he didn’t know. So, he shipped his own people and construction elements to Epcot to assure true authenticity. Guests can’t help but notice the gorgeous inlays and realistic bazaar merchandise. Plus, the food’s exotic, even by World Showcase standards.
5. Germany
My German heritage comes into play here. I never lived in or even visited the country, but when I am in the Germany Pavilion, the architecture feels familiar, even homey. Modeled after a humble Bavarian village, it’s such an inviting place to visit. I can’t help but stop here every time I walk through it on the way to a different pavilion.
A running theme on this list is the importance of architecture, and this place is high on this scale due to the realistic structures. It also has the warmest theme imaginable, a permanent Oktoberfest. Every time you visit here, the most delicious beer is on tap, and the restaurants have delicious schnitzels and other tubed meats. At the World Showcase, this pavilion has always seemed the friendliest to me in terms of design and theme. Also, anyone who doesn’t love the miniature trains is dead inside.
4. Mexico
Walt Disney believed in the power of the weenie, the architectural structure so impressive from a distance that it grabs the eye and compels the person to come closer. The Mexico Pavilion stands off to the side of Epcot’s ultimate weenie, Spaceship Earth, yet it still draws attention. People tend to notice unexpected pyramids in odd places.
The Mexico Pavilion is more than just a giant pyramid, though. It’s also host to a wonderful character meeting with Donald Duck and some mariachi singers. And that’s just the outside! Inside the building, you’ll find San Angel Inn Restaurante, one of the coolest dining experiences anywhere at Walt Disney World. A wildly underrated ride, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, travels right by the restaurant, creating a lovely twin experience. From the boat, you can watch the people eat. From the dining room, you can watch the rides float downstream. This place is magical.
3. Norway
The Norway Pavilion was already wonderful prior to the Frozen phenomenon. Since then, it’s leveled up into one of the best overall experiences at the World Showcase. Let’s start with the obvious two aspects. Frozen Ever After is in the conversation for best attraction at Epcot, maybe even Walt Disney World as a whole. It perfectly encapsulates the joy of Arendelle and its royal family while delivering the optimal showcase for Elsa’s rendition of Let It Go. And that leads to the other thrilling part, especially for children. Elsa and her sister, Anna, hold court at a wildly popular character meeting here.
Even people who aren’t suffering from Frozen Fever will still find plenty to celebrate at this pavilion. Like Morocco, the people of Norway participated in the development and construction of this place. The design reflects a gorgeous Norwegian village, and many elements from the country’s fairy tales and legends are on display here. Even the stores have trolls and other fantasy creatures on display. It’s such a charming place, and it also boasts the best character meal at Epcot, Akershus. I call it the less celebrated sibling to Cinderella’s Royal Table due to its similar volume of Disney Princesses.
2. United Kingdom
When I shortlisted the best pavilions at the World Showcase, I knew something immediately. My top two selections were obvious. As I walk through the back half of Epcot, the two places you’re most likely to find me are the United Kingdom Pavilion and the top choice you’ll read in a moment.
Why do I love this tribute to Great Britain? Americans are rightfully obsessed with the place that was once our overlord. Sure, we revolted and declared independence, but the connection between the two countries is eternal. British culture inevitably seeps into the American way of life, whether it’s the British Invasion influencing our music, British food influencing our menus, or Doctor Who influencing our timeline, we care about what happens across the Atlantic Ocean.
The United Kingdom Pavilion somehow brings all the best parts of England to America. The stores have all sorts of wonderful punk rock and 1960s boy band merchandise for sale along with an unexpectedly large number of Doctor Who items. The band that plays British Invasion music is also a delight. They’re probably my favorite of all the recurring acts at the World Showcase.
Finally and most importantly, the Table Service meal here is my family’s happy place. Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room is our favorite place to eat an extended meal and watch IllumiNations. The servers here are all delightful (seriously, every experience I’ve ever had with a British cast member has been glowingly positive), and the food is delectable. For all these reasons, the United Kingdom Pavilion deserves the title of Best World Showcase Pavilion. And yet…
1. Japan
I’ve previously joked that I waste a full third of my disposable income at Mitsukoshi Department Store, only it’s not that much of a joke. As I type this, I can see half a dozen items in plain sight in my living room that we bought there. The store is broken up into several sections, each of which offers enticing items straight from Japan.
Whether it’s the silk robes from the apparel section, the harmonious items that reflect Feng Shui, seventeen different variations of Kit Kats, or the glorious number of anime and videogame-based items, this retailer has everything I could possibly want. I honestly couldn’t even proffer a guess as to how much money I’ve spent here. All I know is that my wife smiles with her eye teeth (and her heart) every time she holds several bags’ worth of stuff as she exits the store.
Amazingly, the Mitsukoshi Department Store is only a part of what makes the Japan Pavilion so marvelous. The current Kawaii exhibit is THE greatest thing at the World Showcase right now. Here, you can see all the elements that embody cute culture in Japan. The showcase features entire rooms decorated in the style, providing insight into how Harajuku and other styles become so popular in the country.
And have I mentioned the food? Teppan Edo is the gold standard in Table Service dining at the World Showcase. As I type this, Trip Advisor ranks it as the 81st best restaurant in Orlando. If anything, the voters are underselling it. Japanese food is beloved for a reason, and Teppan Edo displays the finest qualities of the cuisine. Plus, you get a show with your dinner!
The Japan Pavilion has so many elements to highlight that mentioning the architecture almost feels derivative. Yes, you can identify the place from a mile away due to the unique style and yes, it looks amazing. There’s so much else to love about this pavilion, however, that it’s not even one of my five favorite parts of a visit here. More than anywhere else at the World Showcase, the Japan Pavilion is where I choose to spend my time. And money.
