What makes EPCOT a genuinely unique Disney park is the World Showcase. With eleven different countries for guests to explore, this area brings a special magic to EPCOT. If this is your first time visiting EPCOT, we have some suggestions on how to enjoy this area best.
With so much to discover, figuring out what to prioritize can be overwhelming. Use these tips to make a plan so you won’t miss any of the magic when you visit EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Prioritize Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
There are two main rides in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Frozen Ever After is found in the Norway Pavilion, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is back in the France Pavilion. Both of these rides continue to be extremely popular. Because of this, you will want to prioritize them during your visit.
Both of these attractions are for the whole family with no height restrictions. On Frozen Ever After, guests are taken on a boat ride through the beloved story of Elsa and Anna. Remy’s Ratotulie Adventure has guests being shrunk to the size of Chef Remy. Wearing 3D glasses, guests race through the kitchen to avoid getting in trouble.
If you make these two rides your goal in the morning, you can often skip using Genie+ for them. The waits for both grow throughout the day, so experiencing them right as the park opens is key to a shorter wait time.
Explore
A considerable part of what makes World Showcase so unique is the details throughout the countries. Make sure that you schedule in time to explore the different pavilions. So often, guests rush right past the countries on the main walkway.
Instead of staying on the main path, head back into the countries to discover all they offer. We love walking through the gardens in the UK Pavilion or watching the fish in Japan. The mini train sets over in Germany are fascinating to watch.
Each country is unique; the detail is so well done that you shouldn’t walk past it. Leave plenty of time in your schedule to allow time to soak in the environment of each country. By planning time to explore, you will have a fantastic experience as you enjoy the World Showcase.
Try New Food
Food is a major part of the World Showcase. Each country has both full-service and quick-service dining options for guests to try. During a festival, you will find even more food choices at the food booths throughout the World Showcase.
The World Showcase allows guests to experience different flavors and cuisines worldwide. As you walk around, share other plates to sample something from various countries.
When there are festivals, look at the booklet to plan what you want to try before arriving. This will help you to catch something that you want to try.
We love all the food options throughout the World Showcase. It is great to have a location that offers many outstanding food choices for guests.
Visit the Shops
Food isn’t the only thing that immerses guests in the countries around the World Showcase. Each country also has shops that are great for browsing. They all sell unique items that often come directly from that country.
From the open-air market in the Mexico Pavilion to the extremely popular Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan, guests will find the perfect souvenir to take home. Even if you aren’t looking to purchase anything, there is so much to look at that walking through the stores is a great way to enjoy the World Showcase.
See the Entertainment
Throughout the World Showcase, you can find a handful of live entertainment. These talented performers are fantastic and are a massive part of what makes the World Showcase unique.
You will hear Matsuriza before you see them in the Japan Pavilion. We love the energy and joy of Mariachi Cobre as they perform in the Mexico Pavilion. Finally, we always stop to see the Voices of Liberty in the American Pavilion. These beautiful singers are breathtakingly talented.
Don’t rush past all the live entertainment throughout the World Showcase. These performances are outstanding and genuinely help you understand the country’s culture.
Catch a Show
Along with the live entertainment, a handful of pavilions also have films. These films are a great way to have some air-conditioning while also learning about the country. Canada Far and Wide is a film presented in Circle-Vision 360. This film has been updated recently and has a 12-minute running time.
The France Pavilion has Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impression de France. The American Adventure is a 30-minute show focusing on American film and music using audio-animatronics.
The shows aren’t advertised a lot, but they are an excellent way to see more of a pavilion.
All the Extras
Also found in the pavilions are unique displays. Galleries can be found in many of the pavilions and are stunning displays. Slow down to explore these galleries that you will be shocked to find inside a theme park.
Disney does a great job with these galleries, making them fantastic looks at the culture of the countries.
EPCOT’s World Showcase has so much to offer guests. It is a highly unique experience compared to the other Disney theme parks. When you plan your day at EPCOT, make sure to use these tips to ensure you don’t miss the magic of World Showcase. Slow down and enjoy all they have to offer.
