What are the best attractions in the World Showcase?

[Chip126]

In you opinion, what are the best attractions and countries in the World Showcase at Epcot that you definately would not want to miss?

My sons are 11 and 14 and we have been contemplating doing the countries or not on our next trip in December.

The last time we went we just walked around the countries, but did not enter any of them. What are we missing??

I would just love to hear all of your opinions......good or bad!!!

Many thanks,
Kim;)

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Chip126
In you opinion, what are the best attractions and countries in the World Showcase at Epcot that you definately would not want to miss?

My sons are 11 and 14 and we have been contemplating doing the countries or not on our next trip in December.

The last time we went we just walked around the countries, but did not enter any of them. What are we missing??

I would just love to hear all of your opinions......good or bad!!!

Many thanks,
Kim;)

Well, to my knowledge there are only two "rides" in the countries. Mexico has a boat ride think Small World with a Mexico theme. Norway also has a boat ride with a couple of medium sizes drops that is pretty good. Everything else is a movie.

It is just my husband and I and we do the ride at Norway on every trip. We only go on the ride inside Mexico if we are looking for a place to sitdown and get our of the sun for awhile.

[LSU Tigerfan]

Yeah, your boys are not likely to be excited about the Mexico "ride." It's basically "It's a Small World Mexico." Maelstrom in Norway is fun, but don't build your trip around it.

I'm guessing that your boys aren't that big on shopping, so that means the main "attraction" of the WS will be the live entertainment. I'm guessing that they will particularly enjoy some of the bands like Off Kilter, British Invasion, and Mo'Rockin, but they'll probably also like the living statues in Italy and Chinese acrobats. Check Steve Soares' (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/) website to get the latest on WDW live entertainment.

They may also enjoy the Circlevision films in Canada and China, and the "almost" 360 theater in France -- try one and see.

Don't forget to try some of the restaurants and pastry shops.

Of course, Illuminations also counts as an attraction, so it has to be #1 on your list.

[eeyore0062]

The Margarita's in San Angel Inn--- oh, sorry, you said attractions!!!;)

We like Maelstrom in Norway, the living Statues in Italy, the Voices of Liberty in The USA, the Kidcot stations and of course the restaurants!

[poohangel]

when you say medium drops on maelstrom, how would you rate it compared to the drop on kali river rapids? Bigger or smaller. I cant stand the feeling of dropping and backed out of riding this last year.

poohangel

[zulaya]

You also have to make time to see one of the Japanese drumming performances. Just awesome!

[niks81]

I enjoy Norway's Maelstrom quite a bit...it isn't anything overly scary, but I like it. I also like the Mexico ride, but a few too many rides on that and you'll go nuts http://mysmilies.no-ip.com/mysmilies/konfus.gif . As another poster put it, it's like Small World Mexico.

The drop on Maelstrom is probably comparable to the drop on Pirates of the Caribbean....not too bad really, but I do think it's dark.

[niks81]

Here are a few pics from the ride:

http://laughingplace.com/files/AttGuide/ATTA-EPCOT-NORWAY-MAELSTROM/01.jpg

http://wdw4me.com/images/disney/theme_parks/epcot/maelstrom.jpg

http://www.solarius.com/dvp/wdw/images/maelstrom.jpg

[honeymo78]

Niks - I would agree that the drop in Maelstrom is comparable to Pirates of the Carribean. Nothing too intense.

[Chip126]

Eeyore0062...............I love Strawberry Margharitas!!! Thanks for the tip!!! Will I be able to just order a marharita, or do I need to order dinner also??

[pouncingpluto]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chip126
[B]In you opinion, what are the best attractions and countries in the World Showcase at Epcot that you definately would not want to miss?<<

Ok, this is from an adult point of view. I don't think most pre-teen/early teen boys would enjoy the countries all that much.

The thing I really enjoy is the ornate theming of the countries. China would have to be my favorite. It is absolutely a gorgeous set of buildings. Additionally, the shops are great, and I really enjoy the circlevision movie. It really shows what a diverse country China is, something most Americans probably aren't aware of. Whenver I see that movie, I desperately want to hop on the next plane (and, no, I'm not Chinese or Chinese-American).

Morocco, which has no attraction, is also beautifully done, as are many others. They're all worth at least a peek.

With your kids, I would say that you should just duck into each country to see what it is like. You don't have to subject them to movies in each place or the Mexican boat ride, but you can explore World Showcase and experience the things that appeal to all of you (Maelstrom).

[olena]

The perfume shop in France....:D

[#1MMFan]

I would also recommend the Canada circlevision film. I've only seen it once, but that was prior to going to Toronto and Niagara and finding out about Vancouver (where I'm hoping to emigrate to in a few years) so it now is even more moving and significant.

Funnily enough, although I'm sure the American Adventure is very well done, I think you'd have to be American to really appreciate the history fully. I found it a little too long. JMHO.

Oh I almost forgot to mention the Canadian shop - it sells Roots gear and for those of you who don't know what this is, it's a fantastic Canadian brand kind of like Gap. Anyway, they must be good... they outfitted the Canadian, US and UK olympic teams. I've bought a lot of Roots gear (but the selection is obviously better at their home in Toronto!)

#1MMFan :bounce:

[CRCrazy]

A lot of the other posters seem to have forgotten you are talking about 11 and 14 year old boys. Margaritas should not be an option for them! My girls love the World showcase - but they are girls - 14, 12 and 6.

I think your boys would enjoy Maelstrom - but they may not be interested in the movie at the end - just walk through the theater if you don't want to stay. I think they would also enjoy the Mitsukoshi Department store in Japan - are they interested in all the Japanese cartoons, like the middle school boys are here? They have lots of fun things to look at.

If they have big appetites, and what preteen boy doesn't? They should enjoy all the counter service stands - Beavertails in Canada - Mexican food at the Cantina - even plain old American food at the Liberty Inn. They also may enjoy the American Adventure - an Audioanimatronic show, somewhat similar to the Hall of Presidents, on American History.

They might like exploring through the marketplace streets in Morocco - if they still like characters (my girls do) Genie is often found way in the back - he's pretty fun.

Illuminations is a must - a fun fireworks show with lots of loud noise!

[MiJo]

As other posters have already stated:
Maelstrom is very good; Off Kilter is very entertaining as is some of the other live entertainment. The Living Statues are pretty funny. My suggestion is to leave EPCOT for a while via the International Gateway and walk over to the Beach Club for a sundae at Beaches 'n Cream. The boys will really enjoy that!
:p

[slp87]

I was 14 my first trip to Epcot (that was a long time ago!), but my brother and I really enjoyed getting passport books and getting them stamped and signed at all the countries. Something else really neat is Miyuki in Japan. She does candy artestry that is so cool! Don't know if either of them is into Dragon Ball Z or that type stuff, but there is some of that merchandise in the store in Japan.

Here's a link to a site with the entertainment in WS.

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

[kalamazoo]

I'm assuming that your ds's are not hooked solely on thrill rides (because then you'd be going to Universal/IOA instead of Epcot). There is so much terrific live entertainment at Epcot - especially around the WS. Please don't think it is only shopping and eating and cultural education (it is all that but so much more because of the live entertainment).

My recommendations for things to see at WS:

-The acrobats at China
-The fyfe and drum corps at USA
-American Vybe singers who perform just inside the American pavillion before the main show
-The drummers at Japan
-The candy artist at Japan
-The mime at France
-British Invasion at the UK play Beatles music
-The World Showcase Players ( I've seen them at the UK but I think they perform elsewhere also) They're really funny doing skits and getting the audience involved
-Off Kilter at Canada - energetic Celtic-type music

I would also recommend going to a circle vision movie (the screen goes all the way around the room) if you've never seen one. It's a neat experience. I believe China and Canada have one. I'm sure I read somewhere that China is getting a new version so that might be your best bet. Canada has such beautiful scenery but the movie is so old (has that 70's looking quality). I wish they would get a new one too.

As for shopping, I find Japan has the neatest stuff for kids. If your ds's are into Yu Gi Oh, Japan has all kinds of cards and stuff (even cards in Japanese). At the China pavillion don't be surprised if your kids want to buy some of the tools that the Chinese acrobats use in their show (the show is so impressive and they make it look so easy, which your ds's will soon discover it's not. Gives them new appreciation for the fantastic feats they just saw).

Restaurants that have fun entertainment or atmosphere:

The Mexican pavillion has the coolest indoor atmosphere of all the pavillions at WS. You walk into a night-time scene with people peddling their wares at the front and then the restaurant which is by a river (which is part of the ride at Mexico). Beyond the river , in the distance is a smoking volcano. Good food too.

Germany is set up Oktoberfest style (you sit at long tables with other families). They have oom-pah-pah music and they do some dancing even getting some audience members involved. Very light-hearted. Good food.

Japan has a restaurant the is Beni Hana style . Never tried it but I have been to this style of restaurant and I think that kids your ds's ages would really enjoy the showmanship.

Morocco. I have only had counter-service here. Good food. But the sit-down restaurant has belly dancing. Sounds like it might be fun.

The bakeries at Noway and France have lots of yummy treats.


To cap the day, do not miss the fireworks and light show.


I hope you are encouraged to give WS a chance because, if you take avantage of all it has to offer, it really is a jewel in WDW's crown.

[khawk]

My last trip to WDW 3 yrs ago, we didnt even go to the World Showcase because I thought it was just a bunch of restaurants. Obviously there is so much more to see. Are all these shows Dinner shows? Do you have to order food to see the shows or can you just stop in and see them? I think my kids would like to see the mime in france. I took them to New York City this past august and there was one on the street but we didnt stay to watch because we were running to catch our train. What is the passport book thing that you can get stamped? Can you buy them in a gift shop? I am planning on getting my kids another autograph book this year for the characters. I have heard that we have a good chance of seeing some of the characters in the different countries. Like I believe I heard that belle hangs out in france. I have 2 daughters ages 9 and 11. My parents are coming with us on this trip. My mom hasnt been to WDW since 1972 (I was 5) and my dad has never been there. So I am very excited about this trip. My parents are going to have so much fun, not to mention me and the kids.
Kim
:bounce:

[PatriciaH]

Kim-

You can just stop by the country at the right time and see their live entertainment. Most of them are great! They are usually performed right out front. Some of the restaurants have music/entertainment at dinner too. Beirgarten in Germany has a band, Marakesh in Morocco has belly dancers, Italy has singing, you can see Illuminations from the Rose and Crown patio in the UK. The circlevision shows at China and Canada, the rides in Mexico and Norway, the movie in France and the American Adventure show are in the pavilions themselves. If you can't find the way ask a cast member to point you.

The passports are sold at a lot of the shops in Epcot.

[slp87]

All of the entertainment can be seen for free throughout the countries. You can purchase the passport books at the gift shops in Epcot. And if you have younger kids, I would definitely stop at the Kidcot stations in each country. Last year we designated 1 afternoon to go through all the countries making the masks. My dd 8 can't wait to go back next year to make her 3rd one! A fun scrapbooking tip...I took a picture of her with the CM at each stop and her wearing some type of clothing from each country. Next year I'm going to take a picture of her holding one of the flags from each country along with a CM.

[khawk]

My older daughter is into scrapbooking. she would love the tips. I cant wait to get there. I think Im more excited then the kids are at this point.
Kim

[sandygirl]

EPCOT is my favorite. I love the outdoor entertainment. The French moving statue is hilarious. We didn't want to move along. The Chinese performers are awesome. Off-Kilter was such a huge success with my husband we actually schedule the day we go to EPCOT on their scheduled days to perform. Very unusual for my DH to like something that much. Even bought their CD. The Mexican plaza inside is wonderful. Feels like you are really there. The best thing was talking with all the different CM's and getting to know about where they are from and what life there is like. My DD did have a wonderful time and I can't wait to take her back in Dec.

We met a woman on our last trip who was on a scavenger hunt. I don't remember where she said she got it. But she was having a grand time. I bet your sons would enjoy something like that. I know I would. I think I'll search for one. If I find one I'll let you know. ;)

[kdibattista]

We LOVED the gondola ride in Mexico and Off Kilter in Canada!!

[bweagle]

Like you, when I went with my parents, we would simply casually stroll the the WS, stop for lunch ath the American Pavillion counter service.....hit the rides at Mexico and Norway and catch the show in the American Pavillion. It never took us over a couple of hours.

Back in 2001, on DH & I's first trip together I set aside a half day just for WS, we saw a little more, but I still felt I was missing something.

This past summer I set aside one entire day just for WS. We made sure to eat lunch and supper in the restaurants. I got ahold of an entertainment schedule in advance and made sure we saw some type of entertainment in every country. We sampled different "snack foods" in each country as well. We took the time to walk through the exhibits and appreciate each one. It more than filled up our day. We also caught the ToD & Illuminations in the evening.

If you are worried about your children enjoying it, why not have them get the WS passport. They may be too old for the masks, but the passport is really interesting and a souvenier I enjoyed as an adult. One of the CM's in each country will write a message to your children in their native language and then let them know what it means. Or what about a fairly inexpensive souvenier from each country. I know my DH enjoyed trying on hats from each country (and the pictures I have are hilarious).

If you take time to enjoy the WS, and not just set out for the "major attractions" I think your family will really enjoy your time in this part of the park.

[LovesHauntedMansion]

The Maelstrom ride in Norway is one of my top 5 rides out of all 4 parks.

[BonnieA]

My favorite attraction in the world showcase is the film in France. I love the music.

[goofyernmost]

I am at a loss to believe that American Adventure wasn't considered the major attraction in the World Showcase. One does not have to be "American" to appreciate the incredible animatronics show that is the center piece of the adventure. Yes, I am sure that non americans probably see the story as a little self promoting but that doesn't take away from the show itself. And that's my humble opinion.

[lsyorke]

My DS14 made his first solo trip to Epcot last year. (DH and I hit MK) and decided WS was his favorite. When asked why he responded" I ate my way through every country". Spoken like a true 14 year old.

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by goofyernmost
I am at a loss to believe that American Adventure wasn't considered the major attraction in the World Showcase. One does not have to be "American" to appreciate the incredible animatronics show that is the center piece of the adventure. Yes, I am sure that non americans probably see the story as a little self promoting but that doesn't take away from the show itself. And that's my humble opinion.

I would agree that the American Adventure show is a major attraction but it is not a ride and not something that I would think would be on the must do list of the average teenage boy. The OP wanted to know what the must see things were in the World Showcase for her sons. If she was asking for herself I would 100% agree that this show is not to be missed, but I do not think a half hour history lesson is the way to convince two more or less teenage boys that doing the World Showcase is fun to do.

[jenjie]

They might like the train village? I think that's in Germany but not sure. When we went we stood watching the trains for about 10 minutes or so.

[Tracie]

maybe my boys (9,12) are nerds! they love WS and always pick Epcot as the first park to visit. They love to walk through each country and get their "passports" stamped and talk with the CM from each country, they like all the shops and the live entertainment. We have to eat at San Angel Inn in Mexico every trip since it is my 12 yo favorite place to eat.

[AKASnowWhite]

My boys (10 & 11/12) enjoy Epcot quite a bit. It's my 11 1/2 y.o. favorite park!

They like the American Adventure show but prefer the live entertainment in most other countries of the World Showcase. We did stay for the movie in Norway....it was short, and they enjoyed the scenery. Once was enough for a while though. They still get a kick out of playing on the Viking ship - although a 14 y.o. may be beyond that!

If your kids are eaters W.S is THE place to be! The pastries in the Norweign bake shop are VERY yummy.....although France wins my vote....we've sampled treats from EVERY nation represented ...might be just the kind of *challenge* a 14 y.o. boy would enjoy! :p

[wdwphanatic]

... I am impressed with all the wonderful suggestions -- and they're getting me excited for taking my 2 ds's there in May!

I know I'll probably get criticized for this, but I just wanted to give my input on the American Adventure show... Dh and I went to this during our last trip in Sept. (when the kids weren't with us) and we both found it quite mediocre. Personally, I enjoyed the movies in China, France and Canada much more, despite the fact that they were all pretty dated! The American Adventure is an odd collection of film and animatronics that I found disjointed and largely unrepresentative of our nation's history and strong points. I cannot believe that this is the best Disney could come up with to represent our country in World Showcase! This is JMHO, of course, but I really don't think it's educational, enlightening or inspirational (to me, it's actually kind of embarrassing), so I'd probably skip it altogether.

Hope you and your ds's have a GREAT visit to WDW! :)

Take care,
Sarah