The Italy pavilion is one of my favorite places to visit at Epcot. The Venice replicated architecture alone is exquisite. Gorgeous bridges, gondolas and fountains adorn the pavilion, as well as the beautiful gardens spread throughout. There are no rides or major attractions found in the Italy pavilion other than the daily street performers and the occasional meet and greet with Pinocchio, it is truly a place for romance, peace and rest.
Shopping in Italy is plentiful with shops offering authentic Italian souvenirs. Small shops are scattered through the pavilion. La Cucina Italiana offers gourmet foods, wines and cookware while Il Bel Cristallo sells crystal, glassware, Italian perfumes and Venetian masks.
Now, the best part about the Italy Pavilion for me? The dining! Who doesn’t love a good pasta or pizza? Via Napoli is a fairly new restaurant in the pavilion offering wood fired pizzas, authentic pastas, chicken and Tiramisu for dessert. This restaurant is on the dining plan and does accept ADRs. Tutto Italia is a bit fancier, serving baked salmon, swordfish and Italian pastries. If you’re not hungry enough for a big meal and just looking for a tasty treat, stop in Delizie Italiane for some fine Italian chocolates and candies.
The Italy pavilion is a great area to sit and rest your tired feet and enjoy the beauty of the gardens and architecture along with a yummy treat.
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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“
I found the Italy Pavilion OK, but I’m not crazy about the focus on Venice while other regions are not reflected in the area. Where’s Tuscany? Where’s Emilia-Romagna, where Bologna, Ravenna, and Parma are located? Where’s Torino, Milano, and Naples? Nowhere, because it’s all Venice! I might have another look at the place, but not dine here because there are Italian restaurants everywhere in the US, but not enough Moroccan, German, Norwegian, English or Canadian dining establishments.