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World Showcase


©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers

Where can you travel around the world in a day without a passport….or even jet lag? Epcot, of course. Epcot World Showcase pavilions surround a picturesque and reflective 40-acre lagoon with a 1.2 mile promenade known simply as the World Showcase Lagoon.

The eleven featured pavilions include Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada and each replicate familiar landmarks and streetscapes from the respective countries as well as their cuisine, culture and history.   In keeping with the authenticity of the countries, the pavilions are primarily staffed by citizens of the respective countries who are always happy to share history and information of their homeland.

©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers

Epcot and the World Showcase offer one of the more relaxing and scenic visits to the parks.  Stroll leisurely around the world as you visit eleven nations that stand side-by-side in perfect harmony. Shop for authentic wares as each country offers items only found in their countries.  Take in the splendor of some of the most beautiful gardens in the United States in countries such as Germany, France, England, Japan and Canada.

Dining around the World Showcase is an attraction unto itself.  Each of the pavilions have table service or counter service dining options that offer a wonderful chance to sample different tastes from around the world.

Explore each pavilion and their offerings by clicking on the links below.


For many years, Epcot and the World Showcase had the reputation of being an adult’s playground, mainly because the countries offer drinking and dining around the world. In recent years, the park has added more kid-friendly attractions:

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Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure – Now your kids can become secret agents and go undercover in an interactive quest around the World Showcase. Join Agent P to help solve clues to thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil plots. Visit a recruitment center either at Odyssey Bridge, the Norway Pavilion, the Italy Pavilion or near the International Gateway to receive assignments and pick up interactive handheld device that will guide the mission. Then, search for clues found throughout the World Showcase at the following pavilions:

  • Mexico Pavilion
  • Norway Pavilion
  • China Pavilion
  • Germany Pavilion
  • Japan Pavilion
  • France Pavilion
  • United Kingdom Pavilion

Anywhere from 2 to 4 agents of any age can share each interactive, high-tech detection device called F.O.N.E., or Field Operative Notification Equipment. Each mission lasts anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes with each pavilion hosting a different mission. After the mission is complete, kids get a very special “thank you” for doing their part to save the world!

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KidCot Fun Stops – The “KidCot” stops allow kids to create their own FREE craft and start off on an adventure throughout the World Showcase.  Kids also learn to write their name in the language from each respective country.  Cast Members at any Kidcot Fun Stop will give a complimentary cardboard Duffy the Disney Bear for your child to decorate and personalize with the supplies provided at each station.

Friendly Cast Members will share insights about his or her native land, such as how to say “hello,” and give your child a stamp of Duffy in each country. Those wanting a more elaborate keepsake can purchase a World Showcase Passport to house their stamps. Each passport comes with a Mickey Mouse button and stickers for each country.

Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops:

  • Mexico Pavilion – near Animales Fantasticos
  • Norway Pavilion –  inside The Puffin’s Roost
  • China Pavilion – near the exit of Reflections of China
  • Germany Pavilion – at Volkunst
  • Italy Pavilion – outside near La Bottega Italiana
  • American Adventure Pavilion – outside near Heritage Manor Gifts
  • Japan Pavilion – in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery
  • Morocco Pavilion – at the Marketplace in the Medina
  • France Pavilion – at Souvenirs de France
  • United Kingdom Pavilion – at The Toy Soldier
  • Canada Pavilion – at the exit of O Canada!

©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – At the end of a long day in Epcot, every evening IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is presented. This spectacular presentation is centered around the World Showcase Lagoon where fireworks, lasers and dancing fountains combine in a choreographed display and performed to an inspirational musical score. This daily event celebrates the past, present and future of the Earth and the spirit of humanity.

  • Part 1 – The Earth is born. Earth’s fiery birth begins with flames and fireworks erupting from the lagoon with red and gold blazing lights in divine explosions.
  • Part 2 – The Triumph of Life.  As the globe reveals the history of humanity, Earth’s achievements are told in an adventurous tale
  • Part 3 – Hope for the Future.  The globe blossoms like a lotus flower as a chorus of voices chime in and the entire lagoon is alive with ranching white lights
©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers

Mexico Pavilion

The Mexico Pavilion at Epcot is a festive marketplace set inside a replica of a MesoAmerican pyramid.  The pyramid sits high in the skyline of the World Showcase and as you enter the pyramid, you find yourself in a gallery of artifacts from different periods of Mexican history.  As you stroll through the formal portico, …

Norway Pavilion

The Norway Pavilion welcomes guests to the Age of the Vikings.  This 58,000 square foot country was designed to represent the picturesque Norwegian villages found in the cities of Bergen, Oslo, Alesund and Setesdahl. Simple landscaping is the key to Norway’s natural woodsy look with the use of architectural and natural elements such as stone, wood, tile and waterfalls for an …

China Pavilion

Stepping into the China Pavilion is like stepping back in time into one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Discover the wonders of China as you wander through the peaceful gardens and reflecting pools, sample authentic cuisine such as Dim Sum or General Tsao’s chicken, and soar over the majestic scenery during the Reflections of China, a 360º CircleVision film that explores …

Germany Pavilion

Grab your lederhosen and head to the Germany Pavilion for the fantasy, festivities and a stein of beer .  This charming pavilion is designed to look like a quaint little German town with architecture collected from different eras and regions of Germany.  Here you are transported to the heart of Bavaria as soon as you …

Italy Pavilion

Buongiorno! Welcome to the Italy Pavilion where the lively piazza is guaranteed to entertain, the cuisine satisfies your palate and the shopping is exquisite.  As you enter the pavilion’s piazza, you are surrounded by a collection of buildings that represent Venetian and Roman architecture.   The pavilion is modeled after St. Mark’s Square in Venice complete with a replica …

American Adventure Pavilion

The American Adventure, representing the United States, is the host pavilion at Epcot that takes you back to colonial times with architectural designs that resemble the classic Georgian style of the 1700s. Combining elements from Independence Hall, Monticello, Boston’s Old State House and Colonial Williamsburg, this stately house is intended to be the “People’s Mansion”. …

Japan Pavilion

Standing brightly in front of the Japan Pavilion is the red Torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine that can be seen from all around the World Showcase Lagoon.  As you look past the Torii, you can’t help but notice the 5-story blue-roof iconic Goju-no-to pagoda standing at an impressive 85 feet tall. The Goju-no-to pagoda was inspired …

Morocco Pavilion

The Morocco Pavilion was added to the World Showcase in 1984 and is the only country in the World showcase that is sponsored by the government as opposed to a corporation.  The recreated architecture and atmosphere of the northwest African Kingdom represents three cities: Casablanca, Fez and Marrakesh. The prayer tower at the entrance of …

France Pavilion

Say Bon Jour to the France Pavilion and immerse yourself in the urban ambiance that reflects springtime in Paris. Themed to look like a Paris neighborhood during La Belle Apoque or “the beautiful time,” you can stroll through a tree-lined courtyard taking in the pastel hued landscaping that lends to the Impressionistic era, and adding to the …

United Kingdom Pavilion

Welcome to the United Kingdom Pavilion, a lively destination with the ambiance and the charm of jolly-old England.  Stroll down through cobblestone streets and enjoy the elegant English gardens as the scent of fish and chips fills the air. Grab a pint and relax as the kids run through the boxwood hedge maze fashioned after the …

Canada Pavilion

The Canada pavilion was designed to bring to mind the beauty of the great outdoors possessed by our neighbors in the great north.  With replicas of the Canadian Rockies, a deep canyon and a 30 foot waterfall, this pavilion evokes the beauty of the mountain scenery. Enjoy the gardens and the splendor of the majestic centerpiece of …

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