Because my mind often wanders to all things Disney on a regular basis, I recently pondered this question…
If I had to choose a favorite country in Epcot’s World Showcase, which would it be?
There’s so many wonderful things to like in each, how does one decide?
So perhaps for me, it’s more of THIS question: “What is your favorite part of each country in Epcot’s World Showcase?”
I’ll list a few of MY favorite things about Epcot’s World Showcase at Disney! There’s SO many things one could choose, but these are MY opinions…
CANADA – First and foremost, you’ve got Le Cellier. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in all of Disney. I’ve never been disappointed with a single visit. Mmmmmm…. filet mignon in mushroom risotto… (And I don’t even like mushrooms!) I also love admiring the beautiful gardens!
UK – catching a concert while drinking a beer or hard cider in the back of the pavilion is a relaxing way to spend some time!
FRANCE – Grand Marnier slushie!!!!! (Oh sweet deliciousness!) I could end there, but I must make mention of the to-die-for French Onion Soup at Chefs de France!
MOROCCO – this was my all time FAVORITE pavilion when I was a kid – and still is up there with one of the best. It really made me feel like I was transported out of Florida and into another country! The authenticity of the decor is just breathtaking – it’s beautiful! I loved exploring my way through the shops and little alleyways. And of course, getting a photo in the Fez House! Morocco also has one of my favorite counter-service restaurants (Tangierine Cafe) in Disney World!
JAPAN – Besides the super huge gift shop where you can purchase goodies hard to find anywhere else (I got several awesome sets of handmade chopsticks!), I also really like the food here. Also one of the best Disney counter-service restaurants! (Katsura Grill)
American Adventure – nothing in the way of great food here, folks. But if you want a nice musical treat, catch one of the performances inside by the Voices of Liberty!
ITALY – well, it’s just so darn pretty! Having been to Venice, I can really admire the detail with which Disney did their best to recreate this wonderful place! And food! Go eat some food!
GERMANY – another place that looks like it’s right out of a storybook. And it’s the best place to get your favorite German chocolates and candies that are hard to find anywhere else in the USA.
Also, beer.
CHINA – another super huge gift shop with lots of lovely things to buy! It’s also really cool to see the scaled down replica of the Terracotta Warriors!
NORWAY – it might be a bit cheesy, but as a kid I really loved the Maelstrom ride. I still enjoy it for nostalgia’s sake. (But I skip the movie at the end – one can only see an out-dated documentary about Norway so many times… p.s. this ride is rumored to be closing soon, but there is no official word yet…)
MEXICO – also a HUGE favorite from childhood! I still remember the first time I walked into the Mexico Pavilion – I was in awe of the way they made it look like a night-time village even though outside it was the middle of the day! Now as an adult, I still appreciate that great ambiance, PLUS I like having a nice adult beverage at La Cava del Tequila. I recommend the Horchata, but it’s all good here!
Remember that all Cast Members (Disney employees) working in each country are FROM that country. So if you know how to speak the language, practice it with the CMs! (I always try to stick with using German when I’m in Epcot’s Germany. Yes, I know I’m a dork.)
What’s YOUR favorite country in World Showcase?
I read that they are closing the Maelstrom permanently at the end of September, so anyone who wants to ride it one last time should get themselves to Disney, pronto.