Epcot’s World Showcase allows guests to not only experience different cultures from around the world, but also their food. Dining your way around World Showcase can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Eat too much too soon and you’ll be too full to try anything else. The best way to get a feel for what every country has to offer is to try a little bit of each, or snack your way around the world. Here are a few suggestions for each country.
1. Norway – Going in a clockwise direction from Mexico through Canada, you’ll want to skip Mexico and go straight for Norway. As World Showcase opens at 11am, you can still grab a late breakfast at Kringla Bakeri by getting a salmon and egg sandwich. If you’ve already had breakfast, you can get a light snack of lefse or school bread. Both are filling without being heavy.
Tip: If you’d like to get into World Showcase before it opens, get a reservation for Akershus Royal Banquet Hall for breakfast. You’ll be able to gain entry to the area before it opens to everyone else and see a few Disney princesses.
2. Mexico – After visiting Norway, and riding the new attraction once it opens, go back to Mexico and ride the attraction there. When you’re done it should be about time for lunch. Keeping in mind that you’d like to save room to snack throughout the day, visit La Cantina de San Angel located on the water. Here you can find empanadas con queso (with cheese) and churros served with caramel sauce.
3. China – In China you have two counter service locations to choose from. The first is Lotus Blossom Café where you can find egg rolls, orange chicken, and other items you can generally find in any US Chinese restaurant. For something different, visit the Joy of Tea for curry chicken pockets. To help avoid becoming too full, try the drinks at this stand. Guest favorites include peach oolong iced tea and the mango green tea slush.
4. Germany – Going with a drink in China might be the way to go as Germany’s snacks can be very filling. At Sommerfest, you can try bratwurst, hot dogs, and sausage. However, you must stop at Karamell Kuche (Caramel Kitchen). Here you’ll find everything from fruit, pretzels, marshmallows, cookies, and brownies covered in chocolate and caramel. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
5. Italy – On hot days, you may want to continue dining on refreshing cold snacks. Italy’s Gelati offers its well-known gelato in a cup, cone, or as a sandwich in between two chocolate chip cookies. You can also get a cannoli and other sweets at this stand.
Italy is more known for its table service restaurants Tutto Italia and Via Napoli. Either are good options for a late lunch or dinner reservations in the evening.
6. American Adventure – The American pavilion doesn’t offer much in the way of new tastes, but you can find the turkey leg at Fife and Drum along with refreshing root beer floats. The Funnel Cake Stand serves, surprise, funnel cakes covered in powdered sugar. Read “Epcot World Showcase Tour Series, Part 6: The American Adventure (5 Hidden Gems)” for more info.
7. Japan – With Japan next, you have the opportunity to try something new in two counter service locations. Kabuki Café provides small servings of sushi such as California rolls along with specially flavored ice creams like green tea ice cream. The Katsura Grill offers more sushi selections in snack size portions, perfect for trying sushi for the first time. You can also find udon and teriyaki dishes here.
8. Morocco – Morocco is another pavilion with a hearty selection of snacks and counter service meals. If you’ve been weary of trying the food here, snacking is the perfect way to get your feet wet. At the new Spice Road Table you can try hummus, lamb sliders, or go on the lighter side with a Greek salad. Over at Tangierine Café, you can try a Mediterranean falafel wrap or a number of Shawarma chicken and lamb dishes. If you’re worried about the food being too spicy, ask a Cast Member for their recommendations before ordering. You may also like “Epcot World Showcase Tour Series, Part 4: Morocco 5 Reasons Why It’s the Most Unique Pavilion in Epcot.”
9. France – After a heavy meal in Morocco, you can balance it out with some light snacks in France. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a bakery offering everything from cheese dishes to quiche to desserts and pastries. There really is no wrong choice here so feel free to try whatever appeals to you. For something cold, you can go to L’Artisan des Glaces for ice cream and macaroons. Check out “France in EPCOT – 7 Things You’ll love in this little corner of the World Showcase.”
10. Canada – Again, we’re going to skip around a little. Unfortunately, Canada doesn’t offer much in the way of snack foods besides popcorn, but if you can get a table service reservation at Le Cellier, you’ll be able to dine on a wide selection of steaks, soups, and other specialties that make this restaurant so popular. It’s a great dinner option.
11. United Kingdom – Finally we come to the United Kingdom. This is a great place to visit at night because of its outdoor musical entertainment. Step inside the Rose and Crown Pub and try the Scotch egg and other snack foods right at the bar. Too crowded? Go outside to the Yorkshire Country Fish Shop for fish and chips (fries), sponge cake or a selection of fruit. Then enjoy your snacks outdoors and enjoy the evening entertainment. The Rose and Crown Restaurant is also an excellent choice for dinner and its outdoor seating area is perfect for viewing Illuminations.
Pacing yourself is important, but by snacking around the world, you’ll have the best chance to try something at each of the country pavilions and discover what new tastes you like. The next time you visit, you’ll feel more confident dining at the formal table service restaurants and enjoying your new favorites as full meals. You may also like “9 Best Table Service Restaurants in Epcot’s World Showcase.”
For more dining tips at World Showcase or elsewhere in Disney World Resort, consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!
