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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 of Venice’s large tower, the Campanile di San Marco or the Bell Tower of St. Mark. The most prominent building found in the Italy pavilion is Doge’s Palace, which is home to two of Italy’s shopping venues, Le Gemma Elegante and Il Bel Cristallo which offer Italian goods, perfumes and jewelry.
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Italy’s piazza is adorned with stunning Mediterranean planted containers and many statues such as Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune’s Fountain) and the Lion of St. Mark. If you are standing in the piazza looking out toward the lagoon, you will see two bridges that lead to an open area. While this area may seem a bit detached from the pavilion, it is worth exploring as it is reminiscent of Venice’s Grand Canal. Here you will find colorful gondolas and the striped moorings jetting up from the lagoon, but rides are not available – the gondolas are only show.
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Save your appetite for some of the finest cuisine in the World Showcase. It could be my Italian heritage that draws me to dining in Italy, but mostly I think it is just the amazing authentic cuisine of the old world that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you choose Tutto Italia Ristorante or Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, you will feast on wonderful fare mediterranean style.
Entertainment is abound in the center of the piazza. Whether you encounter Sergio, the juggling clown entertains crowds almost hourly or various street performers, you are sure to enjoy some down time in old world Italy.
Attractions in Italy Pavilion
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Sergio – Get a great laugh with master juggler and mime as he entertains the crowds in the center of the piazza. More than likely you will hear his whistle
before you see him but you can’t miss him in his red and white striped shirt, ragged pants, green sash, black fedora and Chuck Taylor converse hi-tops. Audience participation is a must with Sergio as he summons kids from the audience and includes them in his soccer juggling gig.
Dining in Italy Pavilion
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Gelati – Indulge in many flavors of Gelato at the Carto Siciliano located in the center of the piazza. Enjoy limoncello, cannolis and espresso from the colorful kiosk complete with a siclian donkey.
- Experience: Quick service, Snacks
- Price range: $ ($14.99 and under)
- Details: Disney Dining Plans not accepted
- Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
- Snow White’s Ranking:
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar – Enjoy the flavors of Italy at this cozy wine bar that is reminiscent of an underground wine cellar. Offering over 200 bottles of Italian wines to choose from, plus other spirits and beer and a small-plates or “chiccheti” menu of tasty meats, cheeses, panini, pasta and desserts.
- Experience: Quick service, Snacks
- Price range: $ ($14.99 and under)
- Details: Disney Dining Plans not accepted
- Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
- Snow White’s Ranking:
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Tutto Itailia Ristorante – Dine on authentic and traditional Italian cuisine amongst old world ambiance in the elegant dining room or dine al fresco in the open-air piazza. Behold the trompe l’œil murals that give the impression of realistic and dimensional Rome. Buon Appetito!
- Experience: Table Service – Lunch & Dinner
- Price range: $$ ($15 – $29.99)
- Details: Disney Dining Plans accepted
- Tables in Wonderland – 20% discount
- Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
- Reservations recommended
- Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 to make reservations.
- Snow White’s Ranking:
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Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Mangia Mangia! Offering a culinary tour of Southern Italy, Via Napoli is one of the most loved restaurants in Epcot because of it’s family-friendly atmosphere and the outstanding and authentic pizzas. The open kitchen displays 3 wood-fired ovens named after active volcanoes in Italy – Stromboli, Vesuvio and Etna.
- Experience: Table Service – Lunch & Dinner
- Price range: $$ ($15 – $29.99)
- Details: Disney Dining Plans accepted
- Tables in Wonderland – 20% discount
- Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
- Reservations recommended
- Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 to make reservations.
- Snow White’s Ranking:
©Disney Image Makers
Shopping in Italy Pavilion
Enoteca Castello – Alla Salute! Wine shop offering a small tasting area. Purchase wines from the various regions of Italy – especially the Tuscan region, olive oils, pastas, cookbooks and Murano glass are also available.
Il Bel Cristalo “The Beautiful Crystal” – Exquisite Italian wares, including world famous Murano glass, porcelain, crystal, and a wonderful selection of fashionable handbags, clothing and accessories.
La Bottega Italiana “The Italian Shop” – Dynamic Florentine masks, cookware, decorative kitchen ceramics and glassware. Gourmet goods like italian pastries, olive oils and vinegars, chocolate and Italian wines.
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La Gemma Elegante “The Elegant Gems” – Discover the scents of Italy with luxury perfumes, elegant leather handbags and a delightful selection of fine jewelry.
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