In the last few months we have discussed a number of “favorite” rides and attractions – for kids of all ages – at Walt Disney World. However, in doing this I purposely omitted anything about Epcot’s World Showcase because to me, World Showcase is a hidden jewel and so deserves a couple of blog articles all it’s own! There is so much to do, see, try, taste and experience around this “World”, so let’s explore a little deeper into my World Showcase over the next couple of weeks. Today, we are going to walk across the bridge into this area and go to the right, where will find our first country.
Canada: You can experience beautiful gardens, mountains, waterfalls, rushing streams and a mine – and take the time to explore this area, it is lovely and peaceful. This area is the home of the Circle-Vision 360° film “O Canada!” which is currently being updated with new footage and an upgrade to the projection system. Scheduled to re-open in January 2020 “‘O Canada!” will give Guests a glimpse – in 360° – what it is like to live in this beautiful country. For an added treat – take the upper trail to the movie and the lower trail past the rushing streams and waterfalls when you leave the movie. This movie is standing only, but that is ok – you will be so busy looking all around at the 360° screens, that you wouldn’t want to sit anyway, because you might miss something behind you! Don’t miss Le Cellier, a Canadian steakhouse and home to the famous Cheddar Cheese soup!
United Kingdom:; This pavilion does not currently boast a film or ride, but rather the simple life in the rural countryside of the United Kingdom. As you explore this area, enjoy the shops with Winnie the Pooh merchandise, teas from all over England, along with kilts and native blankets with their woolen plaids. A favorite meeting spot is the Rose & Crown Pub, with the liveliest piano player you have ever heard or seen. You will have to look outside to make sure you didn’t just step into an authentic London Pub. As a side note, Disney recently announced plans to add an experience related to the movie “Mary Poppins” which is sure to add a lot of interest to this country!
International Gateway: This is actually not a pavilion in World Showcase, but I feel compelled to include it as a hidden treasure. As the name implies, this gateway shop includes merchandise from the countries located around World Showcase and is generally not very busy. I find this a great spot to grab a quick souvenir, allowing me to take time to smell the roses through the countries themselves. International Gateway is also an alternative “back door” entrance to Epcot, from the Yacht/Beach Club and Boardwalk Resorts, as well as the Swan and Dolphin resorts. It is also where you will arrive via boat from Hollywood Studios and will also be the home to one of the stops on the new Disney Skyliner.
France: Here you find another favorite film, Impressions de France. This is actually a regular theater, so you can enjoy it while sitting in comfortable seats. This film will take you from Paris to the Mediterranean Coast and all points between. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking and with comfortable theater seating, it is easy to relax and take it all in. On the way out enjoy the Plume et Palette with merchandise from Givenchy, L’Esprit de la Provence with textile and kitchen accessories from southern France, and then my favorite, Les Vins de France for a selection of wine from France. You’ll want to note that Disney also has some big plans for France over the next year, including a brand new Beauty and the Beast sing along, a new Ratatouille attraction, and a new delicious-sounding creperie.
Morocco: My son and I discovered this hidden jewel while exploring the many bazaars along the path leading to the back of the pavilion on one of our trips. Here you will find many places to sit surrounded by the cool and elaborate mosaic tile work. Artisans from Morocco came to Epcot to install the mosaic art that has been a part of their tradition for thousands of years. With two table service restaurants as well as a great quick service restaurant, to me this is the most refreshing and relaxing pavilion in World Showcase!
Japan: Here you will find Matsuriza, one of the most enthusiastic shows in World Showcase. This group of traditional Japanese drummers performs intricate musical arrangements on giant drums and it’s fascinating to watch and listen to them: as you walk along the promenade to Japan, you’ll see (or hear) them on the landing around the pagoda. The elaborate 5-story pagoda is the heart of this area, and represents earth, water, fire, wind and sky. Directly across from the pagoda along World Showcase Lagoon, you’ll see a beautiful red torii gate, modeled after a floating torii gate at the Itsukushima Shrine in Japan. Be sure and check out the gardens with their koi ponds and lavish landscaping – and for a truly peaceful experience, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Japanese quick service location, as this is truly a hidden gem!
Next week, we will start with the cornerstone of World Showcase – The American Adventure!
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Debbie and her husband live in Chattanooga, TN. They both are huge Disney fans and try to visit the most Magical Place on Earth at least once a year, if possible. They are enjoying taking each of their now 10 grandchildren and hope to also take their great granddaughter in the near future. One of their favorite trips has been visiting Disney with adults only, including one trip when their son proposed to his girlfriend. Each trip begins with the planning, which can take up to a year, beginning with how to get the grandkids excited about their upcoming trip. They have surprised some of them the day before they left, while the latest one had “presents” every 10 days starting at 90 days all leading up to an exciting trip with her parents along also. Their philosophy on Disney Trips? “Each trip is completely different, like visiting Walt Disney World for the first time.” They both enjoy all that Disney has to offer, but enjoy Animal Kingdom and EPCOT the most. It is their goal that everyone who visits Walt Disney World has a magical trip with lots of memories to last a life time.
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