World Showcase is one of the most popular areas at Disney World and at the top of my list when I visit. Who doesn’t like traveling around the world in an afternoon, experiencing different cultures, cuisine, products, architecture, and dining experiences! Of the nine different World Showcase pavilions, which are packed full of things to see and do, everyone has their own favorite; but today, I am listing my own Top 5 favorite pavilions!
1. Norway-This pavilion is my favorite because there is so much great stuff here! Norway transports me to a Norwegian village and back in time to the days of the Vikings! Norway is home to Akershus Storybook Dining, it’s one of my favorite character meals and restaurants. Here adults can experience delicious Norwegian fare while their own little princesses meet a variety of Disney princesses! Norway also has an attraction, Maelstrom, a boat ride through Norway’s history and mythology. It’s actually pretty good too! In addition to this pavilions shops, there is also the Stave Church to explore; and if you get hungry, visit the Kringla Og Bakeri for some famous school bread and then enjoy it at the nearby seating area with grass growing on the roof!
2. United Kingdom-This pavilion is interesting to me because of the history and variety of architecture and detail found here, particularly in the different buildings. Also, who doesn’t enjoythe popular Rose and Crown Pub and Yorkshire Fish and Chips! I like to shop too and the United Kingdom is a great place to do just that. There is also a vast variety of merchandise available here ranging from the Beatles to perfume to British toys and even tea. Tucked near the back of this pavilion is a quiet sitting area which provides a nice escape from the crowds; and you can often find entertainers performing on the street! Also, if you’re a big Disney character fan, as I am, the United Kingdom is a great place to find a vast quantity of Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, and sometimes more!
3. France-This beautiful pavilion is full charm and detail, and who wouldn’t enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower in the background? The shopping here is great by the way. I always have to do some browsing while I’m here. I especially like the home decor, mini-Eiffel Towers, and perfume. There’s also two table service restaurants here: Les Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris. Les Chefs de France is one of my favorite WDW restaurants; and throughout the day, Remy from Pixar’s Ratatouille stops by! Be sure to France thoroughly on your visit as it goes back farther than many realize to reveal another shop and one of World Showcase’s best bakeries, La Boulangerie Patisserie. I also enjoy this pavilion due its location next to the International Gateway, where you can hop on a “Friendship” boat to visit the Epcot Resorts or continue on to Hollywood Studios.
4. Germany-This is a popular pavilion with many guests, including myself. The Germany pavilion takes you into the pages of a classic fairytale with it’s clocktowers, turrets, and German village design. Here you can grab a meal at the Biergarten Restaurant or Sommerfest and do some serious shopping! There is a variety of German merchandise, such as Christmas ornaments, steins, toys, cuckoo clocks, soccer gear, and crystal jewelry. If you have a sweet tooth, like me, you must drop in the new Karamell Kuche for traditional caramel candies or some unique, caramel treats! Also, take some time to enjoy the minature train village nearby, kids and adults both enjoy it.
5. Canada-I like Canada because it’s different than most World Showcase pavilions. Tucked behind its shops, which represent both Canada’s rugged, Northwestern culture and elegant, European architecture, is a little piece of the Canadian Rockies. Several paths and bridges take you over little streams and by a waterfall on your way to a tribute film about Canada starring Martin Short, and it’s totally cool that the theater is nestled inside of a replica mine! For fellow shoppers, like myself, be sure to spend some time exploring The Northwest Mercantile; and everyone should walk through the peaceful and picturesque gardens. Need another reason why this pavilion is my favorite? Le Cellier! This is seriously one of the best restaurants at WDW property. Plus, one of World Showcase’s most popular entertainment groups, Off Kilter, can be found here!
So those are my Top 5 choices for my favorite World Showcase pavilions. What did you think? What is your favorite World Showcase pavilion?
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Ok, thanks for this post! Another positive review of Akershus Storybook Dining. We have dinner booked here in February and we have been reading mixed reviews. We just can’t fit 1900 Park Fare into our trip this time and want another character meal so we book this. I am happy to read another positive review and think we’ll keep our ADR for this one!
I agree with Rebecca on the Cider and Black in England. Strongbow is my new favorite. The Gleauwine in Germany on a cold night walking around EPCOT is really good too:))
I can’t wait to go in October with just my hubby. We plan on exploring ALL the countries! We usually just get to skim them so to speak with our 4 kids. But in October…we are taking our time!!!
My favorite is France…
There are so many cool pavilions at Epcot. I don’t know if I can rank them in order, but my favorites are Germany, United Kingdom, France, China, Japan, and Mexico.
There are so many cool pavilions at Epcot. I don’t know if I can rank them in order, but my favorites are Germany, United Kingdom, France, China, Japan, and Mexico.
The UK is my favorite, probably because I can get a Strongbow Cider and then wander up the path a ways to enjoy Off Kilter or back into the garden for the UK music (haven’t seen the new act since the British Invasion left). Other than that, most of our time is spent at Italy or in Germany – Karamel Kuche is a point of fascination for hubby…oh, and he loves the department store in the Japan pavilion!
We’ve become pretty partial to Italy. Not a lot to do there, but the shops are just great to walk through and the sit down restaurant has some great Italian food, though a little on the expensive side. On the up side, I’ve been able to walk in twice with no reservation. We also enjoy watching the Streetmosphere performances.
We’ve become pretty partial to Italy. Not a lot to do there, but the shops are just great to walk through and the sit down restaurant has some great Italian food, though a little on the expensive side. On the up side, I’ve been able to walk in twice with no reservation. We also enjoy watching the Streetmosphere performances.
My husband and I have started a tradition in 2007. We were married at WDW and Mexico is our fav so every time we go to WDW we buy one of those wooden hand carved animals they make at the Mexico Pavilion.
My husband and I have started a tradition in 2007. We were married at WDW and Mexico is our fav so every time we go to WDW we buy one of those wooden hand carved animals they make at the Mexico Pavilion.
I absolutely LOVE World Showcase. On my last trip, I was solo a lot. I would pop over to World Showcase nearly every day for meals. Just fabulous!!!
I Love the Mexico pavilion.