EPCOT - World Showcase
Epcot World Showcase Countries
World Showcase Overview
- Overview
- World Showcase Countries
- Dining
- Kidcot Fun Stops
- Nighttime Spectacular
- World Showcase Events
- Drinking Around the World
EPCOT’s World Showcase is centered around World Showcase Lagoon and features 11 country pavilions representing Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, The American Adventure, Italy, Germany, China, Norway, and Mexico. With rare exceptions, World Showcase typically opens later than the front of EPCOT, so guests should check the My Disney Experience app for current park hours and entertainment schedules.
World Showcase is one of the most scenic and relaxing areas of Walt Disney World. While you will not find many thrill rides here, you will find boat rides, films, shows, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, character greetings, shops, restaurants, gardens, and some of the best atmosphere in EPCOT.
As you stroll around the lagoon, you will transition from one country pavilion to the next. Each pavilion has its own architecture, music, landscaping, dining, merchandise, and cultural details, so even though the countries are located side by side, each area feels distinct. Many Cast Members in World Showcase are part of Disney’s Cultural Representative Program and are often happy to talk with guests about their home countries and cultures.
World Showcase is also one of the best places at Walt Disney World to find unique souvenirs. Unlike many theme park gift shops that carry similar merchandise, the pavilions often feature items connected to the country being represented. Guests can shop for candy, clothing, perfume, wine, tea, books, toys, ornaments, artwork, jewelry, home décor, beer steins, cuckoo clocks, anime merchandise, and other specialty items.
- Article: Which World Showcase Pavilion Would You Choose if You Could Only Visit One?
- Related Article: EPCOT’s World Showcase Pavilions Ranked
World Showcase includes 11 country pavilions arranged around World Showcase Lagoon. Starting near the Mexico side and moving clockwise, guests will find:
- Mexico Pavilion: Gran Fiesta Tour, Mexican dining, margaritas, shopping, and the iconic pyramid.
- Norway Pavilion: Frozen Ever After, Royal Sommerhus, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Norwegian-inspired shopping.
- China Pavilion: Reflections of China, gardens, shopping, Chinese dining, and the Temple of Heaven-inspired centerpiece.
- Germany Pavilion: Biergarten Restaurant, caramel treats, beer steins, cuckoo clocks, Snow White, and the miniature train garden.
- Italy Pavilion: Italian dining, wine, gelato, gondolas, Venetian architecture, and romantic photo spots.
- The American Adventure Pavilion: The American Adventure stage show, Voices of Liberty, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and America Gardens Theatre.
- Japan Pavilion: Mitsukoshi Department Store, Japanese gardens, taiko drumming, sushi, sake, and the large red torii gate.
- Morocco Pavilion: Moroccan architecture, tilework, Spice Road Table, shopping, exhibits, and quiet side streets.
- France Pavilion: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Impressions de France, French dining, bakeries, wine, and shopping.
- United Kingdom Pavilion: British gardens, pubs, shops, character greetings, fish and chips, and live entertainment.
- Canada Pavilion: Gardens, waterfalls, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canadian shopping, and scenic architecture.
Dining at World Showcase is not to be missed. Most pavilions offer at least one place to eat or drink, and many have both table-service and quick-service options. It is one of the best areas at Walt Disney World to try different cuisines, from sushi and steakhouse dining to pastries, pub food, pizza, tacos, barbecue, crepes, schnitzel, fish and chips, and festival dishes.
Table-service restaurants in World Showcase can be popular, especially during weekends, holidays, and EPCOT festivals. Guests who want to dine at restaurants such as Le Cellier Steakhouse, Via Napoli, Biergarten Restaurant, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Teppan Edo, Shiki-Sai, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, or Rose & Crown Dining Room should consider making a Dining Reservation in advance.
World Showcase is also ideal for snacking. Many guests enjoy sharing smaller items from different pavilions instead of sitting down for one large meal. EPCOT festivals add even more food booths around the lagoon, making World Showcase one of the most food-focused areas of Walt Disney World.
World Showcase has sometimes had a reputation as being less kid-friendly than other areas of Walt Disney World, but Kidcot Fun Stops help make the pavilions more interactive for younger guests. Each World Showcase pavilion has a Kidcot station where kids can draw, color, collect activity cards, and learn about the culture and traditions of each country.
Kidcot Fun Stops are included with EPCOT admission and can be a fun way to keep children engaged while exploring World Showcase. Families can visit one or two stations casually or make it a goal to stop at all 11 pavilions.
Luminous The Symphony of Us is EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular and can be seen from many vantage points around World Showcase Lagoon. The show features fireworks, fountains, music, lights, and Disney songs in a celebration designed around the shared experiences that connect people.
Popular viewing areas can include spots near World Showcase Plaza, Japan, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, though visibility can vary by crowds, wind direction, and reserved viewing areas. Guests who want the best view should plan to find a spot before showtime.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth had its final performance on September 30, 2019, after a long run as EPCOT’s signature nighttime show.
EPCOT hosts several major festivals throughout the year, and World Showcase plays a central role in each one. Festival dates, menus, entertainment, and offerings change from year to year, so guests should check current schedules before visiting.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts celebrates visual art, performing arts, culinary art, Disney artists, chalk art, interactive photo opportunities, and Broadway-style entertainment. Food Studios around the park serve creative dishes and drinks that are often designed to be as visually impressive as they are flavorful. For more detailed information on the Festival of the Arts, CLICK HERE.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
One of the most welcome signs of spring is EPCOT’s annual International Flower & Garden Festival. While the grounds at EPCOT are always beautiful, this festival takes them to the next level with Disney character topiaries, gardens, outdoor kitchens, merchandise, butterfly displays, and the Garden Rocks concert series. For more detailed information on the Flower & Garden Festival, CLICK HERE.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of EPCOT’s most popular annual events. Guests can sample dishes and drinks from Global Marketplaces around the park, enjoy culinary demonstrations and special merchandise, and attend the Eat to the Beat concert series at America Gardens Theatre. For more detailed information on the Food & Wine Festival, CLICK HERE.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from around the world with Holiday Kitchens, seasonal entertainment, storytellers, merchandise, and festive décor. The Candlelight Processional, held at America Gardens Theatre, is one of EPCOT’s signature holiday traditions. For more detailed information on the Festival of the Holidays, CLICK HERE.
At various times throughout the year, guests may find special celebrations or cultural moments connected to World Showcase countries, including:
- Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year in China
- Children’s Day in Japan
- Cinco de Mayo in Mexico
- Norway Constitution Day in Norway
- Canada Day in Canada
- German Unity Day in Germany
- Guy Fawkes Day in the United Kingdom
- Morocco Independence Day in Morocco
One of the most popular adult activities at EPCOT’s World Showcase is known as Drinking Around the World. The idea is to enjoy a drink from each of the 11 World Showcase countries in one day. Guests often make their own version of the challenge by sharing drinks, spacing them out over several hours, mixing in food and water, or choosing non-alcoholic options along the way.
World Showcase has no shortage of options, including margaritas in Mexico, beer in Germany, wine in Italy and France, sake in Japan, cocktails in Morocco, pub drinks in the United Kingdom, and specialty beverages throughout the festivals. Anyone attempting Drinking Around the World should pace themselves, eat throughout the day, drink water, and make safe transportation plans.
All World Showcase pavilions include wheelchair-accessible areas, though some older buildings, pathways, viewing areas, and restaurants may have specific entrances or routes. Guests who need assistance should ask a Cast Member for the easiest accessible path.
