World Showcase
The World Showcase is a collection of Pavilions dedicated to 11 different countries. This part of the park is a shopping and dining paradise, filled with things to do and explore. Compared to the attractions of Future World, the World Showcase offers a much more relaxed touring experience.
Special Tours and Experiences
Kim Possible
The Kim Possible interactive scavenger hunt is a fun, self-paced way to explore the Pavilions of the World Showcase.
To get involved, find one of the recruitment centers located all over Future World and the World Showcase. You check in by scanning your park ticket like you would for a fastpass, and you’ll receive a mission assignment with a time to report for duty. Once you check in, you’ll get a handheld “Kimmunicator” device through which you’ll receive clues and instructions that you’ll use to complete your mission. You can actually make things happen around the Pavilion by following the steps, and when you finish one mission, you can choose to go on to another.
You can request a new Country assignment, or do another mission in the existing Pavilion – there are multiple missions in each country so you won’t have to do the same thing over again.
Just be sure to turn in your Kimmunicator before you leave the park, because outside the park it will beep until the battery runs down. If you manage to take one back to the hotel with you, just turn it in to the Hotel’s front desk. They’ll be able to get the Kimmunicator back to Epcot for you.
The Pavilions
There are eleven Pavilions representing different Nations around the world, and one “Mini-Pavilion” representing the continent of Africa. In each Pavilion, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the home country, with theming down to the tiniest detail. To add to the authenticity, each pavilion is staffed by Cast Members from the host country, as well. It’s like taking a little trip around the world, without leaving Florida.
Activities and Entertainment
Each Pavilion has some kind of attraction or entertainment, but we’ve chosen to highlight only the most teen-friendly options.
There are many musical acts around the World Showcase, you’ll also find street performers. Show times for all of these acts will be published in the Times Guide you’ll get along with your park map. If you’d like a general idea of show times, you can check the website www.wdwent.com (or http://wdwent.com/index2.htm from your smartphone.) This is not an official Disney website, but the site is updated as Disney releases the show schedule each week.
Meals and Snacks
While you’re touring the World Showcase, you could be snacking! Make it a goal to try something from each country around the world showcase. A full meal in each Pavilion could get expensive, but each country sells special candies – this is a great option for lower-budget snacking.
We’ll explore the World Showcase Pavilions moving counter clockwise around the lagoon, but you can easily reverse the order if you’re coming from the “Test Track” end of Future World.
Canada
Off Kilter
This kilt-wearing rock band is popular with teens. Off Kilter’s mix of pounding drums, bass electric guitars and bagpipes creates an exciting, high-energy show. They call their sound “Progressive Celtic,” and their music and antics on stage make this a “must-see” Epcot experience for teens.
Meals and Snacks
If you are lucky enough to have a reservation to eat at Le Cellier, Cheese Soup is popular with teens. Even well in advance, though, reservations at this restaurant can be hard to come by.
If you aren’t one of the lucky reservation holders for Le Cellier, the Refreshment Port nearby serves cold drinks. For a sweet treat, try a piece of Maple Sugar Candy from the shops in Canada.
United Kingdom
Attractions and Entertainment
British Revolution
Rock out to songs from groups like The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Queen in the garden behind the Tea Caddy shop. Take a minute to rest and enjoy the best of British Rock n’ Roll from the 60’s to the 80’s.
The World Showcase Players
This group of comedians, with a little help from the audience, performs funny skits in the streets of the United Kingdom. Chances are good you’ll be singled out if you stand in the front. Watch from the back of the crowd if you don’t feel like participating in the show.
Activities
Send a postcard directly from the park, and it might make it home before you do! There’s a bright red mailbox in the UK Pavilion, and all mail is collected and sent off to the Orlando Post Office daily. The postcards and stamps are available in gift shops inside Epcot, and there are many beautiful spots to take a break and write them out.
Meals and Snacks
For fish and chips, you can dine inside the Rose and Crown Pub or order to go from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
France
Attractions and Entertainment
Serveur Amusant
Watch acrobatic waiters as they build an unsteady tower of tables and chairs and climb to the top. This show happens several times a day, so you’ll want to check the Times Guide.
Meals and Snacks
The bakery in France has wonderful pastries, and a large ham and cheese croissant that can be purchased for a snack credit. An outdoor snack cart sells warm crepes filled with either chocolate or fruit.
Morocco
Attractions and Entertainment
Enjoy Mo’Rockin at the Morocco Pavilion. Fans of World Music will love their mix of rock, with Middle Eastern, African, Spanish and Gypsy influences. The belly dancer, who also performs inside the Marrakesh restaurant, comes out to perform alongside the band during their shows.
Activities
Henna Tattoos
Henna tattooing is performed to bring good luck, and is a traditional part of wedding ceremonies and other celebrations in Morocco. In the Morocco Pavilion you can experience this tradition first hand, by getting your own henna tattoo.
A paste of ground henna is applied freehand to create a design on the skin. The Epcot henna artists have a book of designs to choose from, or you can draw something out and they will reproduce it for you.
When the henna paste dries and flakes off, you’ll be left with a “temporary tattoo” that should last about 7 to 10 days. You won’t have to avoid swimming for the rest of your vacation – that henna tattoo should last 7 – 10 days regardless. Henna tattoos range in price from $10 to $60, based on a design’s complexity. You can expect the average design will be priced somewhere in the middle.
Japan
Attractions and Entertainment
Miyuki is part artist, part entertainer. She uses rice dough to create elaborate candy animal sculptures. She will ask audience members for color and animal choices, and she’ll create a piece of edible artwork. Miyuki’s schedule is listed in the Times Guide.
Activities
Pick a Pearl
Inside the Mitsukoshi Department store in the Japan Pavilion, you can select your very own oyster. A Cast Member will open your oyster and remove the pearl. It’s measured and the size is announced with a drum ceremony. They’ll bag up your pearl and you can take it home with you, or you can purchase a setting.
All oysters are guaranteed to have a pearl. It’s said that the ugliest, most hairy oysters have the biggest and best!
If you plan to Pick-a-Pearl on your visit, you can bring your own “Pearl Cage” pendant and chain with you. This will be a less expensive way to display your new pearl than buying a setting from Disney. Inexpensive pearl cages can be ordered online.
Shopping
Look for a wall of handheld Japanese paper fans in different sizes and designs. These fans can be purchased for less than five dollars, and you can have a name written on the fan in Japanese at no charge. If you are purchasing a fan as a gift, ask for a gift box. They’ll also provide tissue paper and WDW stickers to seal the boxes.
Meals and Snacks
Botan Rice Candy is a unique treat, because each piece has an edible wrapper. If it’s a hot day, try a Kaki Gori – a Japanese snow cone.
The American Adventure
Attractions and Entertainment
The American Garden Theater is an outdoor amphitheater located next to the lagoon. Live concerts and other events are hosted there throughout the year, so be sure to check the Times Guide during your visit.
Meals and Snacks
There are no sit down restaurants here, but there is a counter service restaurant and snack stand. If you’re a picky eater, the foods here may provide a nice break from the more exotic choices in the World Showcase. They offer choices like hamburgers and fries, and Funnel cakes for dessert.
Italy
Attractions and Entertainment
There are two interactive shows in Italy, Sergio the interactive juggler and the Ziti Sisters. Stop and watch one of the shows if you’re in the area during a show time.
Germany
Activities
Take a break to write out some postcards for friends back home and send them from the park. Look for a mailbox near the Germany Pavilion. The postcards and stamps are available in gift shops inside Epcot.
On occasion, you might even be able to see the Oompah band, Oktoberfest Musikanten, perform outside in the Courtyard of the Germany Pavilion. If you want to be assured of a chance to see them, though, you should schedule a reservation at Biergarten restaurant. The outdoor performances are rare.
Meals and Snacks
Oktoberfest Musikanten
A meal at Biergarten is food and entertainment wrapped into one. There’s musical entertainment performed by an Oompah band. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is plentiful. The meal is a buffet with a mix of traditional German foods and foods that will appeal to pickier eaters. Guests sit family-style at long tables, which means you’ll probably be seated with other groups. For an after dinner treat, buttery caramel is available from nearby Karamell-Kuche.
The Outpost Village
This area is not quite a Pavilion, but you’ll find many of the features of a World Showcase Pavilion packed in to the small space.
Activities
Stop for an impromptu jam session in the shade or shop at the outdoor market.
Meals and Snacks
At the Refreshment Cool Post, you can get drinks, soft serve ice cream or other small snacks.
China
Shopping
China has a large gift shop, with many affordable treasures. You can buy beautiful bound journals covered with oriental fabric, and they also sell paper fans in a variety of shapes and styles with free personalization.
Meals and Snacks
Get an order of eggrolls from Lotus Blossom Café.
Norway
Attractions and Entertainment
There are only two Pavilions in the World Showcase with rides, and Norway has one of them. You can ride on a Viking ship, endure stormy seas and sail through troll infested waters. There is a drop on Maelstrom, but it’s similar to the “Sliding” drop on Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom – just in reverse.
This attraction is considered to be family-friendly, so it doesn’t offer big thrills. But the theming is fun and the opportunity to get off of your feet is nice. Maelstrom offers Fastpass, and we recommend you use it so that you won’t need to stand in line.
Mexico
Attractions and Entertainment
The second ride in the World Showcase is located just next door, inside the Mexico pavilion. The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros is an indoor boat ride that takes you through the history and culture of Mexico as you help Jose and Panchito search for a missing Donald Duck. The line is generally fast moving, and the ride is a cool place to rest with a lot to look at.
Shopping
Meals and Snacks
Nachos and Churros from La Cantina De San Angel make great snacks. The patio at this quick service restaurant also makes an outstanding place to watch Illuminations. If you are able to get a table close to show time, you can linger long enough enjoy the show. You’ll have a seat and an unobstructed view.
Simply Segway or Around the World at Epcot Segway tour
If you’re looking for a special experience and don’t mind paying for a tour, the segway tours are a unique way to see the World Showcase. If you’re over 16 years old, you can learn to ride a segway and explore the Pavilions of the World Showcase. The first tour of the day actually occurs before the World Showcase opens to other guests, so this is a chance to see this part of the park without the crowds. In addition to the extra charge for this special experience, and you’ll need a theme park ticket to participate. Call (407)WDW-TOUR for pricing an details.
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