Around the World in a Day

Travel allows us the opportunity to see the world, experience other cultures, make new friends, enjoy trying new food, and get out of our comfort zones. While we are not always able to visit all of the places around the world we would like, Epcot is a great way to start us on our journey by allowing us a small taste of what it would be like to experience different aspects and details in the 11 pavilions that are found around the World Showcase.

 Teammates Taycee and Mya would like to tell you about the three pavilions that stand out to them the most and why they like visiting them.

 Italy Pavilion

 Taycee: With the Italy Pavilion being towards the middle of the World Showcase loop, this is where I tend to stop and rest after snacking my way around the world. Every time I stop by, there always seems to be some sort of entertainment happening, whether it is festival related or just an everyday performance. On one of my most recent trips, I got to see the juggling street performer, and it was such a fun show.

 I adore looking at the Venetian masks for sale in Il Bel Cristallo. The amount of time and detail that has gone into each of the masks is a true piece of art. I would love to buy one to hang on the wall of my office.

One of my all-time favorite Disney foods is the Quattro Formaggi Pizza from Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. The cheesy pizza haunts my dreams when I’m not at Disney. I make sure to stop by Via Napoli every time I go to EPCOT to share a pizza with my group.

 Mya: I have to stop in the Italy Pavilion anytime I am in Epcot because of how stunning it is and how it gets me excited to visit Italy one day. The pavilion showcases a replica of the original campanile in St. Mark’s Square, located in Venice, Italy. I enjoy wandering around and looking at the models of the important building and areas such as the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), which is the residence and seat of government of the Doge, the leader of Venice and Fontana de Nettuno, a fountain inspired by Bernini’s Neptune fountain.

 I love learning about Roman mythology, which a lot of sculptures in Italy are based on, and I am fascinated by the history, which is why I believe the details found around the pavilion stand out to me so much, such as the Neptune Fountain and the columns found around the square.

I have not had the opportunity to dine in the Italy Pavilion yet, but I have heard a lot of great things about the pizza at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria so I can’t wait to try it on one of my upcoming Disney trips!

France Pavilion

 Taycee: When entering EPCOT through the International Gateway, you will arrive between the France and United Kingdom Pavilions. The International Gateway is located at the back of the park, making a convenient entrance for guests coming from nearby resorts, boats, or Skyliner transportation. Once past security, head down the walkway and take a right to cross the bridge, and you will arrive in France.

I have always loved the details in the France Pavilion, making you feel like you are walking down a Parisian street. Plume et Palette and La Signature are two of my favorite shops to browse. Seeing all the different fragrances and cosmetics makes my dreams of shopping the boutiques in Paris come true.

On my last trip in May 2022, I rode Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It was a super cute ride and made me feel like a rat in a big fancy kitchen. I enjoyed the use of both English and French for the sound bites on the attraction to give a more authentic feel.

 I can never leave the France Pavilion without stopping by Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. I have such a sweet tooth, and there is always some dessert that will grab my eye. Of course, I can’t leave without a frosé.

Mya: I have been to Paris, France, before and loved exploring the city, which is why I believe the France Pavilion entrances me. I find the details that were put into the pavilion amazing such as a replica of the Eiffel Tower in the distance behind the pavilion. I love sitting on the fountain in front of Palais Du Cinema at night with a snack taking in the atmosphere around me.

On my next Disney trip, I am excited to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and experience the culinary adventure as it wasn’t there the last time I visited Disney.

My family and I dined at Chefs de France in the France Pavilion, and my favorite part of dining at the restaurant was when the server came to take our order and pushed over a cart with a covered serving platter on it. When the server lifted the lid off the platter, you saw Remy from the movie Ratatouille with cheese and grapes around him, and he would move around and interact with the server. I can’t remember the dish I had for dinner, but I do know I had an amazing Crème Brûleé, which is my all-time favorite dessert.

While we were waiting for our reservation, we got to enjoy the Chair Act outside. It was a fun performance where two performers placed a chair on wine bottles and then stacked chairs by the legs of the chairs. The audience was on the edge of their seats, nervous that the performing standing at the top of the five chairs would fall.

Mexico Pavilion

Taycee: When I enter World Showcase, I always turn left and head towards the Mexico Pavilion. I have to start my World Showcase adventure by visiting the Three Caballeros. The Gran Fiesta Tour is one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World. Between the bright colors and lively music, I think it’s the perfect way to start the day.

After singing along with my pals, I like to stroll through the indoor market and see all the beautiful souvenirs, clothing, home decor, and jewelry offered. I love to shop, roam around, and see all the different things for sale. With all the different booths and stores, there is so much to see and buy.

I have not yet been, but I would love to one day dine in San Angel Inn Restaurant. Sitting next to the Gran Fiesta Tour under an illusion of a starry sky, enjoying some queso fundido and a margarita sounds like the perfect stop to me.

 Japan Pavilion

 Mya: Japan is the country on the top of my bucket list I would like to visit one day, which is why the Japan Pavilion is my favorite part of the World Showcase. Walking around the pavilion is incredible. I love the pavilion architecture with the Red Torii Gate, temples, ponds, and natural landscapes. I believe this pavilion is the most relaxing pavilion at Walt Disney World to explore.

 When I did the Disney College Program, I enjoyed going to the Katsura Grill and ordering the Tokyo Sushi Combo or a Spicy Roll and sitting outside at night under the lanterns. On my next Disney trip, I hope to dine at Teppan Edo, where a Japanese chef will cook my dish right at my table.

 The pavilion has a drum show called Matsuriza, where a group of Japanese drummers performs musical arrangements on giant drums throughout the day. Throughout history, drums have been used for festivals, battlefields, and ceremonies. You can hear the drums from the Morocco and Italy Pavilions.

Mitsukoshi Department Store is an incredible store to explore and my favorite store in Epcot! There are so many neat items to see, such as sculptures, anime figurines, video games, Japanese candy, and apparel. I could spend a full day there. Whenever I visit Mitsukoshi Department Store, I always stock up on Strawberry Pocky, as they are a great snack to enjoy on my Disney trip.

 The Japan Pavilion is also my favorite place to watch the night show because if you stand a little in front of the Red Torii Gate facing the water with Spaceship Earth in the background, the gate frames the nighttime show.

We hope we were able to help you get to know our favorite pavilions a little more and get you excited for your next visit to Epcot! Is there a certain pavilion you are eager to explore on your next Disney World trip? ~Taycee and Mya