Travel the World in One Day
*Author’s Note: Due to COVID-19 certain parks, hotels, restaurants and other offerings may be modified or unavailable. It is recommended to check out the Walt Disney World website or app for further details.
Traveling the entire world in a single day is impossible. However, the World Showcase at Epcot in Orlando, Florida gives you the feeling of world travel without all the jet lag.
Epcot’s World Showcase features eleven countries, first opening in 1982 with Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Morocco was later added in 1984 and Norway in 1988. Each pavilion is designed to give you a taste of the culture and tradition you might experience in-country.
As quoted in the 1975 Annual Report to shareholders describing World Showcase, “it will offer participating countries a permanent installation for such features as themed restaurants and shops, product exhibits, industrial displays, cultural presentations, a trade center, and even special facilities for business meetings. A major part of each pavilion will be a Disney-designed ride or attraction which will give guests a foretaste of an actual visit to the country.”
Just like every other park in Walt Disney World, there are hidden secrets waiting to be found. Parents should definitely make time for the Kidcot Fun Stops—at each location, kids can collect a one-of-a-kind traveler’s card with the country name, flag and capital city. Collect all 11 and your little explorer will receive a special bonus postcard featuring Mickey Mouse. Since the locations are sponsored by Ziploc, you’ll even get a bag to keep them safe while you travel.
I highly recommend checking out Pinterest before your trip, as there are many guides to help you plan your adventure; but to get started, here’s a quick look at the fun that awaits you in Epcot’s World Showcase:
Mexico
This pavilion is the only one where the majority of entertainment is inside. It was designed this way to give visitors a look at a traditional Mexican market set in the evening.
Main attractions in Mexico feature a mariachi band performing several times a day and a Mesoamerican Pyramid. Visitors will find shopping, dining, and a boat ride featuring three familiar and troublesome ducks.
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican fare, there are three restaurants and one bar—San Angel Inn Restaurante, La Hacienda de San Angel, La Cantina de San Angel and La Cava del Tequila.
If you’ve got time, snap a picture with Donald Duck outside the pyramid!
Norway
The Norway pavilion is home to Anna and Elsa, you know…from Frozen? Of course, it’s only natural that the main attraction here is Frozen Ever After, a short boat ride featuring some of your movie favorite characters.
You can also visit Stave Church Gallery, where you’ll see authentic Viking artifacts on display and discover the Norse gods and goddesses—Thor, Odin, Freya and Loki.
You can dine with royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall where characters like Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Princess Aurora, Cinderella or Mary Poppins have been frequently spotted.
The Kidcot stop for Norway is located inside Puffin’s Roost, a shop that features Norwegian clothing, collectibles, jewelry, perfume, snacks, and more. And don’t forget to stop by the Royal Sommerhus, where Anna and Elsa spend their summers (this is the only place where you can pose for a photo and get their autographs at the same time).
China
You cannot miss the entrance to the China Pavilion, as it is marked with a beautiful and ornate replica of the Yunhui Yuyu (Glowing Clouds and Holy Land) Archway in Beijing.
The attractions here, aside from the beautiful surroundings, include the Temple of Heaven and the Reflection of China museum located inside the temple.
Be sure to check out the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats who perform daily outside the temple. For a taste of Chinese cuisine, check out Nine Dragons Restaurant and Lotus Blossom Cafe, both serving a variety of traditional Chinese dishes. Mulan can also be found walking around the pavilion for photos ops.
Germany
There’s so much more to see when you reach Germany, including the Miniature Bavarian Village featuring a miniature Garden Railway, the clocktower with Glockenspiel (a special melody that chimes every hour), and statue of St George slaying a dragon.
While the sights are great, the main attraction here has got to be the food. Places to eat include Sommerfest, Biergarten Restaurant and Werthers Karamelle-Kuche store, featuring everything you’d expect from kraut and strudel to sauerbraten. Yum!
Don’t miss the Kidcot stop located in Volkskunst, a shop selling German crafts. Stay a while and you could even bump into Snow White.
Italy
Italy is one of the few stops along the showcase that features several cities. Here you’ll get a chance to explore Venice, Florence and Rome in a matter of minutes. A replica of the famous Bell Tower from St. Mark’s Square in Venice can be seen here, as well as the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Just as you would expect to find great food in Italy, here it may be the highlight of your visit. Experience authentic Italian fine dining at the Tutto Italia Restaurant or, for a quick bite, check out the Via Napoli pizzeria or Pizza al Taglio. Other places worth mentioning include the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar and Gelati—Disney can be fun for parents .
United States
This pavilion is home to the American Adventure, a long-running show featuring 35 famous (audio-animatronic) faces from American history. Hosted in the stately Colonial Theater, this building embodies the look of classic Georgian architecture, modeled after Independence Hall, Colonial Williamsburg, and other famous landmarks of the 1700s.
Don’t miss the American Heritage Gallery, featuring artistry of American Indian communities spanning 7 geographic regions across the United States. If you’re looking for the Kidcot stop, it’s located just outside the Art of Disney shop.
Hungry? Try the Regal Eagle Smokehouse or the Fife & Drum Tavern. For dessert, stop by the Funnel Cake Shop for a sweet treat!
Japan
Have you heard of the Itsukushima Shrine? Located on an island in Japan, a replica of this floating Torii Gate stands tall at the entrance to Epcot’s Japan pavilion, welcoming new guests.
Horyuji Temple and gardens is also worth a visit, at least to snap a quick photo. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, footbridges, and streams complete with colorful koi fish. Once of the most scenic stops on your trip around the world, you’ll feel like you’re standing in a real Japanese village.
The dining options are plenty, including Takumi-Tei, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Katsura Grill, and Kabuki Cafe. There’s even a spot to enjoy traditional Japanese (adult) beverages, including sake and saporo.
Morocco
Morocco is known to be the only pavilion designed with help from the nation’s government. The ruler of Morocco at the time, King Hassan II, sent artisans to Florida to oversee the construction and design.
Attractions here include the Gallery of Arts and History, Henna Tattoo Artists, and Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment exhibit. Marketplace in the Medina offers a plethora of hand-woven hats, baskets, and bags.
Stop by the Restaurant Marrakesh or Spice Road Table for an in-depth dining experience, or visit the Tangierine Café for lighter Mediterranean fare. Wander around long enough and you may even bump into Princess Jasmine!
France
Of course there’s an Eiffel Tower—it wouldn’t be France without this iconic landmark—but looking beyond the obvious, be sure to see the Impressions de France, a short film taking you on a virtual journey of this enchanting country.
The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Palais du Ciném Exhibits and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (set to open sometime this year) make this a worthwhile stop.
Just like in France, the Patisserie is not to be missed—croissants, eclairs, mousse, quiche, souffles, and tarts. There’s something for everyone. For those who enjoy French cuisine, more extravagant options (many with a great view of the cobblestone streets) include Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. Keep your eyes open for Princess Aurora and Belle.
United Kingdom
Currently there is no main attraction in the United Kingdom pavilion beyond the beautiful architecture, but Disney has announced future plans based around Mary Poppins. Not to worry, there isstill plenty of fun to be had.
Characters abound at this destination—Mary Poppins in the park square, Alice (in Wonderland) in front of the thatched cottage, and Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet & Eeyore who can be found in Christopher Robin’s bedroom.
There is also plenty of entertainment, including an improvisation group and pub sing-along if you dare. For fireworks lovers, this is the perfect location to snag a premium view. While you’re watching, dine on a traditional British feast from Yorkshire County Fish & Chips.
The Kidcot stop here is located at the Toy Soldier, a store featuring treasures from across the UK.
Canada
Last but not least, our neighbors to the North. Canada may be close to home, but its natural beauty can make it feel like another world! A new Circle-vision 360° was debuted in January 2020. “Canada Far and Wide” features narration from Eugene Levy and Katherine O’Hara—two Canadian actors best known (most recently) for their roles in the popular show Schitt’s Creek.
After the show, stroll through the Victorian Gardens, admire the majestic Canadian Rockies complete with a 30' waterfall, or admire the stunning Hotel du Canada. Framing the entrance to this hotel are two beautiful totem poles that tell a story of the nation’s history and tradition (look closely and you’ll find a hidden mickey).
Dining is limited with only one option—Le Cellier Steakhouse—which was designed to feel like an old wine cellar. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, Canada‘s got you covered.
