Around the World, Around the World

Sept 9, 2023

I love EPCOT. It has been my favorite park since my first visit in 1986. As a 12 year old, I loved Future World. World of Motion, Listen to the Land (yep, you heard that right), the Living Seas, Universe of Energy, Horizons, and Spaceship Earth were so intriguing to me. The Mexico pavilion was interesting, and El Rio del Tiempo was cool, but World Showcase wasn’t nearly as attention grabbing for me at that age. I had no interest in shopping and my culinary tastes at age 12 was what you expect from a tween. For me, it was a long hot walk in a circle that didn’t have enough rides.

Fast forward 30 years to 2016 and my second visit to EPCOT and I still enjoyed Future World, but World Showcase blew me away! After digging into the details of the Imagineering of these pavilions, I was dumbfounded by the meticulous research and execution put into their creation. The authenticity of the architecture, the exact replicas of the art and sculptures, and the consultation of cultural representatives for every detail was, and is, astonishing.

That being said: not all World Showcase pavilions are created equal. While I enjoy almost all of them, I certainly have my favorites. Some of the pavilions, to me, are a bit boring. I know that any ranking of WC countries is going to be EXTREMELY subjective, but here is my list. I am lumping them into three categories: Cap, Mid, and Fire (because I am one hip dude).

Cap:

1. China* – Past the stunning Paifang Gate and the replica Temple of Heaven, there isn’t too much here, at least for me. The shop is not my cup (or Joy) of tea. The quick service and table service restaurants are fine, but nothing special. The Reflections of China film desperately needs a refresh.

* - During New Year’s Eve, this pavilion jumps much higher. China does NYE right!

2. Italy – It has good pizza. Not Chicago deep dish pie kind of good, but some of the best pizza on property. Tutto Italia isn’t bad either. The pavilion itself is pretty underwhelming though. The clock tower is cool, but there just isn’t much there. (It gets further dinged by the abysmal food booths at every festival too)

3. Canada – This pavilion almost snuck into the higher category just because of how aesthetically beautiful it is. The waterfall, the Hotel du Canada, the cottages, and the totem poles make this a visually pleasing space, but once again, there isn’t much here. An excellent (albeit very small) steakhouse isn’t enough to propel it to the next level.

Mid:

1. Morocco – The architecture in this pavilion is incredible. The numerous mosaics were designed by artisans sent by King Hassan II. The Moroccan government actually sponsored this pavilion until 2020. The authenticity of the street vendors and open air shopping venues make this a must-visit pavilion. While Restaurant Marrakesh has yet to reopen, Spice Road Table is an excellent dining location with great views of World Showcase Lagoon.

2. France – Probably my spiciest take. Most people put this in the top three, especially since Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has opened, but for me it just doesn’t get to the top. Not crazy about the food options here, but I do really like the overall atmosphere. The Remy attraction is wonderful, and the bakery is solid, but the melted orange sherbet (I think some of you all call it the Grand Marnier slushie) is weak and I will die on that mountain.

3. United Kingdom – An excellent array of shops in this pavilion. The architecture is a bit over the top, almost a caricature of British style, but I love it anyway. The Rose & Crown Pub is always hopping and is a great spot for watching the nighttime spectacular. For me however (and I know I’m standing alone on this), the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a miss. Plenty of food, but so incredibly greasy! I love the little garden that Alice meets in though.

4. Norway – A good pavilion with a good attraction and a good bakery. That’s a lot of “good” but nothing great. The shopping and building designs are pretty phenomenal, especially the Stave Church. The lack of a hearty quick service and a rather unapproachable table service (if you aren’t adventurous) hurt this pavilion a bit. However, the incorporation of trolls in several places does it a service. Who doesn’t love troll lore?

Fire:

1. Germany – Caramel, Christmas, Carnivorous. Three reasons why this pavilion is my personal favorite. Karamell-Küche is the caramel shop and serve up some great treats and that caramel popcorn is incredible. Germany has one of the three dedicated Christmas shops on property, and that is my favorite holiday. And Biergarten offers meat sweats, an oompah band, and one of most unique settings in EPCOT. The miniature train and village are amazing. I love this pavilion.

2. The American Adventure – The host pavilion of World Showcase lands in the Fire category for a few reasons. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is a pretty dang good Quick Service eatery, the American Adventure show is great, and the Voices of Liberty knock it out of the park daily. These things make up for it being the only pavilion with no full service restaurant and having a style forever frozen 250 years ago.

3. Japan – Honestly, Mitsukoshi Department Store would have propelled this one to the top alone, but when you add the fun Teppan-Edo, the “this has no business being in a theme park” Takumi-Tei, the stunning Pagoda at the front of the pavilion, and the Matsuiza drummers, it is an obvious top three choice. The landscaping and trickling streams by the over-achieving quick service, Katsura Grill, are stupendous as well.

4. Mexico – I had to leave the fan favorite for last, right? The pyramid dominating the landscape draws the eye and the inside is just as intriguing. Similar to Biergarten, it is an indoor space with an outdoor village feel. Add in a dark boat ride, one of the most popular lounges on property, La Cave de Tequila, and a pretty underrated World Showcase Lagoon waterside restaurant, La Hacienda de San Angel, and you have a winner!

Nostalgia, culinary palette, and style preferences will play a large part in how each person views the World Showcase pavilions, so mileage may vary, but that is my list. It’s not going to light the world on fire, but my opinions are valid (and true).