Countries in Epcot

[SnowWhite09]

Hi Everyone,

We visited WDW last year and ran out of time to visit all of the countries in Epcot. Next year DH and I are taking a re-do of our honeymoon leaving our DD with her aunties (she will then be 18). Given it will be just us we would like to take the time to explore all the countries in Epcot. I therefore have 3 questions that I am hoping you can help us with.

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

 

[disneyhousewife]

Hello! I'll try to help out a bit.

1. It depends! It depends on what you find interesting. When I went, I spend about 5 minutes at the American pavilion and about 30 minutes everywhere else. The longest I spent was about 40 minutes in Japan and Italy.

2. The restaurants depend on your taste as well. You might have to just pick a country that has food that you know you like, and then check out the menus for that country. I personally love Le Cellier and San Angel Inn Restaurante.

3. This is a very hard question. I gravitated towards the ones with cool shows like in France and China, but for me it came down to shopping I loved Japan, Italy, Morocco and Mexico because of the shopping and the theming.

Hope I helped a little!

 

[Kimosabe]

I would plan to spend the full afternoon in World Showcase if you're really wanting to see each country and do what can be done in each (rides, films, sidewalk entertainment, snacking, etc.).

As for restaurants, I would say Via Napoli for early lunch (WS opens at 11:00, I think) and Hacienda for dinner at about 7:45 or 8:00 so you can have a good chance of watching Illuminations from inside the restaurant. With an early lunch and late-ish dinner (neither at a buffet, so you have a little more control over how much you want to eat), that gives you plenty of time to do a little snacking around the world, too.

Love the Mexico ride, the France film and listening to Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure.

 

[disnut8]

Hi Everyone,

We visited WDW last year and ran out of time to visit all of the countries in Epcot. Next year DH and I are taking a re-do of our honeymoon leaving our DD with her aunties (she will then be 18). Given it will be just us we would like to take the time to explore all the countries in Epcot. I therefore have 3 questions that I am hoping you can help us with.

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

1 - To see and do everything at each country? At least 1/2 day if not more. That's to go into each shop and take your time. Also, to ride the attractions in Mexico and Norway. To see the American Adventure show. To see the movies in Norway (after Maelstrom), Mexico, France, China and Canada. You mentioned ADRs but you might want to stop and have a snack or a drink along the way. There are also places, like Japan, where just strolling around outside can be a pleasant 1/2 hour to see things.

2 - ADRs - I would suggest Biergarten for either lunch or dinner. Check the entertainment schedule for when the band plays and set up your seating for about 15-25 minutes before the band starts. That will give you enough time to get seated and have your first plate before the show begins. A lunch seating at the Rose and Crown is very nice, especially if you can sit on the patio outside. BUT - one of our favorites (just two adults although it works with any number of people) is just to walk around and get counter service foods. The two of you don't have to agree on one place. Both of you stop when one of you want to eat and then do the opposite when the other wants to eat.

3 - see the waters in Japan and Canada. Walk around each pavilion and look at the horticulture and read about the plants. There are museums in Epcot. Mexico has one, so does Norway, so does China and America. Listen to the Voices of Liberty. Listen to ALL the pavilions' entertainment - every single one of them has some sort of live entertainment.

I take #1 back. A full day is needed.

 

[Boudin]

I'll agree with the other posters here and say that you should allocate at least half a day to the world showcase. That will give you time to see the major attractions at every country. You could spend a whole day if you really wanted to go through it with a fine toothed comb. My wife and I had a lovely dinner at Chefs De France on our last visit. Even though it is a casual atmosphere, I think I would have to say that it was our most romantic meal at Disney.

 

[Kimosabe]

I will readily admit that EPCOT is probably my 3rd or 4th favorite park at WDW. If not for the food, it would be a solid 4th, but with food, DAK gives it a run for clean-up hitter. However, it is my wife's favorite, so for her birthday last year, I agreed to spend an entire day in EPCOT with no complaining about wanting to leave and go to a "fun" park. I was pretty shocked when we spend a full day and still did not do everything we wanted to do. So yeah, half a day minimum in World Showcase. I'd probably knock out a few things in FutureWorld in the morning and then hit WS at 11:00 and not look back.

 

[snorkelyn]

My husband and I just returned from a kids-free trip. We wanted to "read the signs" and take our time exploring the parks. I agree with others that you should give yourselves a full day for World Showcase.

My favorite meals there are fish & chips- CS UK and Chefs de France for dinner. Any meal that starts with French onion soup, and ends with creme brule is a winner in my book!

There are movies in Canada, France, America and China.
Rides in Mexico and Norway
DH liked the Mo Rockin' belly dancer in Morocco. My Dad was once chosen to be a part of the street play in the UK- so funny! The chair stacking in France was entertaining. Each country has a little show that occurs at several times throughout the day. There is a schedule out so you can plan for them.

Another fun thing is to purchase a wine passport and try the wines in a few of the countries (can't remember which ones participate). Or, more casually just grab a drink in each country that appeals to you. The slushies in France are really good.

I also have to say that one of the highlights of our adult trip was to spend ALOT of time in the Walt Disney history museum/movie at hollywood studios. Our kids had no patience for that, but DH and I loved it.

Have fun!

 

[nessz79]

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

1. Again, it depends. If we visited each country, it would take 3-4 hours, with some countries barely visited and others taking 30-40 minutes.
2. I would do Via Napoli for dinner. It is one of the least expensive dinners you can do with some of the best pizza and Italian. Very family-friendly. For lunch, I would do Chefs de France. They have a great lunch menu with good bistro food.
3. Our favorites:
Mexico- the boat ride, browsing the stalls, oohing and ahhing over the theming, Cava del Tequila for a margarita and some chips and salsa. I love this pavilion!
Norway- Maelstrom and a quick browse through the gift shop when you exit the ride (and we skip the film a the end of the ride- just walk straight through).
China- the film, the mini museum is wonderful!
Germany- seeing the cuckoo clock change time, the toy store, I don't like caramel but one of my kids does so the caramel shop, watching the mini train
America- the American Adventure film/animatronics, there is a mini museum with some good displays
Italy- the wine lounge for snacks/wine, cannolis
Japan- watching the drummers, Japan's gift shop is HUGE and has a huge variety of merchandise...you could spend a lot of time here!, seeing the Koi pond
Morocco- we don't spend much time here typically, but I hear they have a good mini museum
France- I heard they have a new gelato place which I plan on visiting, the film here is romantic and pretty to watch, Gray Goose slushies!
UK- I love browsing the shops, especially the tea shop, watching the band, eating Fish and Chips outdoors
Canada- Off Kilter!!

 

[Mome Rath]

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?

Since you ran out of time the first time, I'd get there at Showcase opening and stay at least til after supper.

2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?

Honestly, I think 2 ADR's in one day here would be a lot... but I know a lot of people do it, we just never have. I think if you are doing 2 that perhaps Via Napoli in Italy should be one. For some reason the fresh and lovely pizza there always sets good, and they have refreshing drinks. This is one restaurant we make it a point to eat at.

The other ADR really is up to you. I like the restaurants at Japan, and I like Rose and Crown. I don't tend to like to eat in Germany or Norway for a sit-down, though there are some people that love them.

3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

The movies are really good and informational. I enjoy the boat ride in Mexico, the Voices of Liberty in America, listening to the drums in Japan. I also enjoy the specialty desserts in the different countries, such as sea salt caramels in Germany. Walking through the shops is always a must.

 

[crazymomof4]

Hi Everyone,

We visited WDW last year and ran out of time to visit all of the countries in Epcot. Next year DH and I are taking a re-do of our honeymoon leaving our DD with her aunties (she will then be 18). Given it will be just us we would like to take the time to explore all the countries in Epcot. I therefore have 3 questions that I am hoping you can help us with.

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

World Showcase is my favorite part of WDW!!

1. Quick run-through of the countries can be done in an afternoon (as proved by my DB and SIL in 2012). Taking your time (which is what it seems you want to do) I'd give it a full day. REALLY lingering..... two days!!!

2. Lunch: Les Halles in France (QS, no ADR required)- Quiche and a Napoleon! Yum! Dinner: Our entire family considers Teppan Edo (Japan) a must-do.

3. One thing about each country?? Hmm....
Canada- Walkway past the waterfall that leads to the beautiful gardens
UK- The little replica of a cottage with English Garden surrounding it.
France- The movie... LOVE it!
Morocco- walking all the way to the back of the pavillion and pretending I really AM in Morocco
Japan- easy one! The gardens and Koi ponds!! So many people breeze in and right out of the pavillions, hitting the movie/ride and gift shop and then run for the next pavillion and MISS SO MUCH! I often ask persons, "Did you see the Koi ponds in Japan" and they get a puzzled look and say, "What Koi ponds?"
USA-The show!

Italy- the part of the pavillion that borders the lagoon... replicates Venice. Another often missed area.
Germany- The music! Reminds me of my mom's kitchen. Shes German, immigrated here as a child.
Norway- Malestrom. I know many think it's corny but I like it and I even enjoy the movie at the end. Many just skip this. Not me
China- I love the acrobats! Try to always time it so we catch them. I hope they're still performing. I haven't checked since 2012
Mexico- The courtyard/marketplace where it is always nighttime! I could spend hours there!
I hope I didn't skip any countries!

 

[crazymomof4]

My husband and I just returned from a kids-free trip. We wanted to "read the signs" and take our time exploring the parks. I agree with others that you should give yourselves a full day for World Showcase.

My favorite meals there are fish & chips- CS UK and Chefs de France for dinner. Any meal that starts with French onion soup, and ends with creme brule is a winner in my book!

There are movies in Canada, France, America and China.
Rides in Mexico and Norway
DH liked the Mo Rockin' belly dancer in Morocco. My Dad was once chosen to be a part of the street play in the UK- so funny! The chair stacking in France was entertaining. Each country has a little show that occurs at several times throughout the day. There is a schedule out so you can plan for them.

Another fun thing is to purchase a wine passport and try the wines in a few of the countries (can't remember which ones participate). Or, more casually just grab a drink in each country that appeals to you. The slushies in France are really good.

I also have to say that one of the highlights of our adult trip was to spend ALOT of time in the Walt Disney history museum/movie at hollywood studios. Our kids had no patience for that, but DH and I loved it.

Have fun!

We have ADR's for Chef de France in Sept! Haven't eaten there since the open-air part was enclosed.
We've also never done the Wine Passport. Def wanna do that this time!
Now, oddly enough, my kids were disappointed that I rushed them thru "One Mans Dream" last time... (to get into the show as it was starting) For this trip DD14 and DD17 specifically asked to have more time in there! Ummm... OK. Happy to hear, but surprised!

 

[POLY1985]

I would plan to spend all day from 11:00 through to Illuminations so you can explore leisurely. I would have lunch at Biergarten and dinner at San Angel.
Mexico - boat ride
Norway - Maelstrom
China - see the movie, and also the warrior replicas
Germany - do a wine tasting, check out the train
Italy - do a wine tasting
Japan - department store, walk through the gardens
America - Voices of Liberty and American Adventure
Morocco - stroll through the shops
France - movie
England - watch a set of off Kilter
Canada - see the movie

 

[SnowWhite09]

Hello! I'll try to help out a bit.

1. It depends! It depends on what you find interesting. When I went, I spend about 5 minutes at the American pavilion and about 30 minutes everywhere else. The longest I spent was about 40 minutes in Japan and Italy.

2. The restaurants depend on your taste as well. You might have to just pick a country that has food that you know you like, and then check out the menus for that country. I personally love Le Cellier and San Angel Inn Restaurante.

3. This is a very hard question. I gravitated towards the ones with cool shows like in France and China, but for me it came down to shopping I loved Japan, Italy, Morocco and Mexico because of the shopping and the theming.

Hope I helped a little!

Last time we went we were able to see the American Pavilion in a fair amount of detail and loved it, but I imagine if there was an Australian Pavilion I would only spend 5 mins in there

We loved the movie in China and will do this again, but will also check out the one in France. I can't wait to have the time to wander the shops to do some shopping this time

Thanks for the tips!

 

[SnowWhite09]

Thank you everyone for this useful information!

I would plan to spend the full afternoon in World Showcase if you're really wanting to see each country and do what can be done in each (rides, films, sidewalk entertainment, snacking, etc.).

As for restaurants, I would say Via Napoli for early lunch (WS opens at 11:00, I think) and Hacienda for dinner at about 7:45 or 8:00 so you can have a good chance of watching Illuminations from inside the restaurant. With an early lunch and late-ish dinner (neither at a buffet, so you have a little more control over how much you want to eat), that gives you plenty of time to do a little snacking around the world, too.

This is a great tip - are there any other restaurants or specific places that are good to watch the fireworks from?

Love the Mexico ride, the France film and listening to Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure.

1 - To see and do everything at each country? At least 1/2 day if not more. That's to go into each shop and take your time. Also, to ride the attractions in Mexico and Norway. To see the American Adventure show. To see the movies in Norway (after Maelstrom), Mexico, France, China and Canada. You mentioned ADRs but you might want to stop and have a snack or a drink along the way. There are also places, like Japan, where just strolling around outside can be a pleasant 1/2 hour to see things.

A snack along the way would be good. We tried the chocolate covered caramel and will definitely need to have this again, but I am sure there are a lot of other snacks to be tasted.

2 - ADRs - I would suggest Biergarten for either lunch or dinner. Check the entertainment schedule for when the band plays and set up your seating for about 15-25 minutes before the band starts. That will give you enough time to get seated and have your first plate before the show begins. A lunch seating at the Rose and Crown is very nice, especially if you can sit on the patio outside. BUT - one of our favorites (just two adults although it works with any number of people) is just to walk around and get counter service foods. The two of you don't have to agree on one place. Both of you stop when one of you want to eat and then do the opposite when the other wants to eat.

Another great idea re counter service meals as we go.

3 - see the waters in Japan and Canada. Walk around each pavilion and look at the horticulture and read about the plants. There are museums in Epcot. Mexico has one, so does Norway, so does China and America. Listen to the Voices of Liberty. Listen to ALL the pavilions' entertainment - every single one of them has some sort of live entertainment. Great to hear!

I take #1 back. A full day is needed. I thought that may be the case - LOL

I'll agree with the other posters here and say that you should allocate at least half a day to the world showcase. That will give you time to see the major attractions at every country. You could spend a whole day if you really wanted to go through it with a fine toothed comb. My wife and I had a lovely dinner at Chefs De France on our last visit. Even though it is a casual atmosphere, I think I would have to say that it was our most romantic meal at Disney.

Romantic sounds good - thank you

I will readily admit that EPCOT is probably my 3rd or 4th favorite park at WDW. If not for the food, it would be a solid 4th, but with food, DAK gives it a run for clean-up hitter. However, it is my wife's favorite, so for her birthday last year, I agreed to spend an entire day in EPCOT with no complaining about wanting to leave and go to a "fun" park. I was pretty shocked when we spend a full day and still did not do everything we wanted to do. So yeah, half a day minimum in World Showcase. I'd probably knock out a few things in FutureWorld in the morning and then hit WS at 11:00 and not look back.

Future World until 11am and then the World Showcase for the rest of the day sounds like a good plan as we were able to most things in Future World last time. I would want to do Soarin' and Spaceship Earth as a priority - thanks!

My husband and I just returned from a kids-free trip. We wanted to "read the signs" and take our time exploring the parks. I agree with others that you should give yourselves a full day for World Showcase.

This is what we are looking forward to!

My favorite meals there are fish & chips- CS UK and Chefs de France for dinner. Any meal that starts with French onion soup, and ends with creme brule is a winner in my book!

There are movies in Canada, France, America and China.
Rides in Mexico and Norway
DH liked the Mo Rockin' belly dancer in Morocco. My Dad was once chosen to be a part of the street play in the UK- so funny! The chair stacking in France was entertaining. Each country has a little show that occurs at several times throughout the day. There is a schedule out so you can plan for them.

I will make sure we fit in the shows - they sound like fun!

Another fun thing is to purchase a wine passport and try the wines in a few of the countries (can't remember which ones participate). Or, more casually just grab a drink in each country that appeals to you. The slushies in France are really good.

The wine passport sounds great - how do you get this?

I also have to say that one of the highlights of our adult trip was to spend ALOT of time in the Walt Disney history museum/movie at hollywood studios. Our kids had no patience for that, but DH and I loved it.

We love this museum - it is wonderful!

Have fun!

1. Again, it depends. If we visited each country, it would take 3-4 hours, with some countries barely visited and others taking 30-40 minutes.
2. I would do Via Napoli for dinner. It is one of the least expensive dinners you can do with some of the best pizza and Italian. Very family-friendly. For lunch, I would do Chefs de France. They have a great lunch menu with good bistro food.
3. Our favorites:
Mexico- the boat ride, browsing the stalls, oohing and ahhing over the theming, Cava del Tequila for a margarita and some chips and salsa. I love this pavilion!
Norway- Maelstrom and a quick browse through the gift shop when you exit the ride (and we skip the film a the end of the ride- just walk straight through).
China- the film, the mini museum is wonderful!
Germany- seeing the cuckoo clock change time, the toy store, I don't like caramel but one of my kids does so the caramel shop, watching the mini train
America- the American Adventure film/animatronics, there is a mini museum with some good displays
Italy- the wine lounge for snacks/wine, cannolis. this sounds great!
Japan- watching the drummers, Japan's gift shop is HUGE and has a huge variety of merchandise...you could spend a lot of time here!, seeing the Koi pond
Morocco- we don't spend much time here typically, but I hear they have a good mini museum
France- I heard they have a new gelato place which I plan on visiting, the film here is romantic and pretty to watch, Gray Goose slushies!
UK- I love browsing the shops, especially the tea shop, watching the band, eating Fish and Chips outdoors
Canada- Off Kilter!!

Since you ran out of time the first time, I'd get there at Showcase opening and stay at least til after supper.



Honestly, I think 2 ADR's in one day here would be a lot... but I know a lot of people do it, we just never have. I think if you are doing 2 that perhaps Via Napoli in Italy should be one. For some reason the fresh and lovely pizza there always sets good, and they have refreshing drinks. This is one restaurant we make it a point to eat at.

I am thinking you might be right about 2 ADRs. Perhaps we will choose one and then have snacks from each of the countries for the rest of the time.

The other ADR really is up to you. I like the restaurants at Japan, and I like Rose and Crown. I don't tend to like to eat in Germany or Norway for a sit-down, though there are some people that love them.

The movies are really good and informational. I enjoy the boat ride in Mexico, the Voices of Liberty in America, listening to the drums in Japan. I also enjoy the specialty desserts in the different countries, such as sea salt caramels in Germany. Walking through the shops is always a must.

World Showcase is my favorite part of WDW!!

1. Quick run-through of the countries can be done in an afternoon (as proved by my DB and SIL in 2012). Taking your time (which is what it seems you want to do) I'd give it a full day. REALLY lingering..... two days!!!

2. Lunch: Les Halles in France (QS, no ADR required)- Quiche and a Napoleon! Yum! Dinner: Our entire family considers Teppan Edo (Japan) a must-do.

3. One thing about each country?? Hmm....
Canada- Walkway past the waterfall that leads to the beautiful gardens
UK- The little replica of a cottage with English Garden surrounding it.
France- The movie... LOVE it!
Morocco- walking all the way to the back of the pavillion and pretending I really AM in Morocco. I didn't even know this existed.
Japan- easy one! The gardens and Koi ponds!! So many people breeze in and right out of the pavillions, hitting the movie/ride and gift shop and then run for the next pavillion and MISS SO MUCH! I often ask persons, "Did you see the Koi ponds in Japan" and they get a puzzled look and say, "What Koi ponds?"
USA-The show!

Italy- the part of the pavillion that borders the lagoon... replicates Venice. Another often missed area. Sounds beautiful!
Germany- The music! Reminds me of my mom's kitchen. Shes German, immigrated here as a child.
Norway- Malestrom. I know many think it's corny but I like it and I even enjoy the movie at the end. Many just skip this. Not me
China- I love the acrobats! Try to always time it so we catch them. I hope they're still performing. I haven't checked since 2012
Mexico- The courtyard/marketplace where it is always nighttime! I could spend hours there! I was disappointed that I missed spending more time in here and I will be doing this for sure this time!
I hope I didn't skip any countries!

I would plan to spend all day from 11:00 through to Illuminations so you can explore leisurely. I would have lunch at Biergarten and dinner at San Angel.
Mexico - boat ride
Norway - Maelstrom
China - see the movie, and also the warrior replicas
Germany - do a wine tasting, check out the train
Italy - do a wine tasting
Japan - department store, walk through the gardens
America - Voices of Liberty and American Adventure
Morocco - stroll through the shops
France - movie
England - watch a set of off Kilter
Canada - see the movie

 

[csmith041177]

My wife and I always struggle on this. We always want to spend time wandering and exploring, but our kids want to just zoom through. So we usually do a combination of those. Agree that just a normal walk through will take a couple of hours. Don't underestimate how big the layout is. Even if you walked around WS without stopping to explore, it would take some time to get all the way around.

 

[hookedonears]

Hi Everyone,

We visited WDW last year and ran out of time to visit all of the countries in Epcot. Next year DH and I are taking a re-do of our honeymoon leaving our DD with her aunties (she will then be 18). Given it will be just us we would like to take the time to explore all the countries in Epcot. I therefore have 3 questions that I am hoping you can help us with.

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

You can spend from just a few hours to almost a full day there if you wanted to. The amount of time spent there is completely up to you. Here's what we normally do:

around 11:00 am, we normally start out with Mexico. I would first go next door to Norway and get FP's for Maelstrom, and then go back to Mexico.

Mexico - I would start out and eat lunch at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion. Food is very, VERY average, but the atmosphere is the best in all of WDW. Worth it once. We normally arrive about 45 minutes before our ADR, do the little ride, and then check in at the restaurant. We then just stroll around the pavilion until our reservation devise (what ever it's called) lights up.

Norway - When our FP return time for Maelstrom starts, we normally do the ride and typically skip the short film at the end. You may want to do it if you haven't before. We then just stroll around the shop and then move on.

China - You may want to watch the film, it's pretty good. The clay soldiers are pretty lame. We just stroll around the shop and move on.

Germany - We just stroll around the shop and move on.

Italy - Not much there.

US - Is completely boring to us, we normally skip the pavilion completely. You may want to watch the show, alot of people like it.

Morroco - We just stroll through the shop and move on.

Japan - Not much there.

France - There are normally several street performers around. We just stroll through the shop and move on. You may want to watch the film. It's pretty good.

Great Britain - Characters are in Back - there's usually a band - The family chrest info in the shop is pretty cool.

Canada - We just stroll through the shop, but you may want to watch the film, it's pretty good.

I would plan on eating dinner at the Flying Fish at Board Walk, through the international gateway between Great Britain and France. It's a very easy, short walk and the food is great. If you want steak, I'd eat dinner at Yachtsman's Steak house. It's also a very easy short walk to the Yacht Club through the International Gateway. We have found that the food at the countries in the World Showcase is very inconsistent.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Hi Everyone,

We visited WDW last year and ran out of time to visit all of the countries in Epcot. Next year DH and I are taking a re-do of our honeymoon leaving our DD with her aunties (she will then be 18). Given it will be just us we would like to take the time to explore all the countries in Epcot. I therefore have 3 questions that I am hoping you can help us with.

1. How long will it take to visit all of the countries?
2. This is probably the one place we will look to do ADRs so which 2 restaurants would you choose - one for lunch and then one for dinner?
3. What is the one thing about each country that you think is special and we should make sure we do?

TIA everyone!

1. As everyone else has said, it will depend on you for how long it will take to visit all of the countries. My husband and I set aside 2 days usually, but those days don't start until World Showcase opens at 11.

2. Tough question! My two favorite table service restaurants are Akershus (Norway) and Biergarten (Germany), but I couldn't do them both in one day as that is just too much food. Akershus has a cold appetizer buffet with assorted meats, cheeses, and salads, delicious entrees, and wonderful desserts. Biergarten is an all-you-can-eat buffet of German food. Delicious. I would pick one of these, for sure. Keep in mind, though, that the band at Biergarten really helps make the atmosphere and they don't start performing until after 1. For that reason, if I chose Biergarten, it would be for dinner. Akershus is excellent for lunch or dinner. Via Napoli and San Angel Inn are also both excellent choices.

3. Canada - Watch Off Kilter
United Kingdom - Watch World Showcase Players
France - Watch Servieur Amusant
Morocco - Look into the guided tour
Japan - I love just exploring this pavilion. Maybe watch the Pick-a-pearl inside the shop.
American Adventure - I spend very little time here unless it is spring and the Flower Power Concert Series is going on
Italy - Watch Sergio.
Germany - Talk to the cast members! They are some of the nicest I have ever met. And get a glass of Riesling while you are here.
China - I don't spend a lot of time here, either, but people seem to really love the Jeweled Dragons
Norway - Ride Maelstrom
Mexico - I love the ride here, but just exploring the inside of the pyramid is great. It is so beautiful inside.

 

[hedberg1661]

1. I think you have gathered from the other posts it is hard to determine an amount of time. Personally I like to take my time and shop/eat/drink my way "around the world" taking in everything each country has to offer.

2. ADRs. First question is are you on a dining plan? If so my recommendations may change. The following is based on the assumption that you are paying OOP for everything.

Lunch:
CS: Rose and Crown. Fish and Chips
TS: San Angel Inn. Mexico. Gives you a nice meal in one of the most underrated pavilions in WS and let's not forget Air Conditioning = Win!
Dinner: This is a real toss up.
TS: Monsieur Paul
TS: Tutto Italia

I personally can't stand the Chinese restaurant so I would avoid that at all costs. If you like Asian go to Japan for Teppan Edo.

3. What to do at each country
Canada - Watch Off Kilter, Check out the Shop and watch the video
United Kingdom - Watch World Showcase Players, Shops
France - Shops and grab a pastry/dessert/Wine
Morocco - Look into the guided tour
Japan - Mitsokoshi shop. Maybe watch the Pick-a-pearl inside the shop.
American Adventure - Voices of Liberty!
Italy - Shop/Wine
Germany - Caramel shop
China - SKIP! Just kidding. Check it out but again not one of my favs.
Norway - Ride Maelstrom
Mexico - Ride inside and grab a drink and chips at the bar.

 

[SnowWhite09]

You can spend from just a few hours to almost a full day there if you wanted to. The amount of time spent there is completely up to you. Here's what we normally do:

around 11:00 am, we normally start out with Mexico. I would first go next door to Norway and get FP's for Maelstrom, and then go back to Mexico.

Mexico - I would start out and eat lunch at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion. Food is very, VERY average, but the atmosphere is the best in all of WDW. Worth it once. We normally arrive about 45 minutes before our ADR, do the little ride, and then check in at the restaurant. We then just stroll around the pavilion until our reservation devise (what ever it's called) lights up.

Norway - When our FP return time for Maelstrom starts, we normally do the ride and typically skip the short film at the end. You may want to do it if you haven't before. We then just stroll around the shop and then move on.

China - You may want to watch the film, it's pretty good. The clay soldiers are pretty lame. We just stroll around the shop and move on.

Germany - We just stroll around the shop and move on.

Italy - Not much there.

US - Is completely boring to us, we normally skip the pavilion completely. You may want to watch the show, alot of people like it.

Morroco - We just stroll through the shop and move on.

Japan - Not much there.

France - There are normally several street performers around. We just stroll through the shop and move on. You may want to watch the film. It's pretty good.

Great Britain - Characters are in Back - there's usually a band - The family chrest info in the shop is pretty cool.

Canada - We just stroll through the shop, but you may want to watch the film, it's pretty good.

I would plan on eating dinner at the Flying Fish at Board Walk, through the international gateway between Great Britain and France. It's a very easy, short walk and the food is great. If you want steak, I'd eat dinner at Yachtsman's Steak house. It's also a very easy short walk to the Yacht Club through the International Gateway. We have found that the food at the countries in the World Showcase is very inconsistent.

Thanks very much for this advice - greatly appreciated!

 

[SnowWhite09]

1. I think you have gathered from the other posts it is hard to determine an amount of time. Personally I like to take my time and shop/eat/drink my way "around the world" taking in everything each country has to offer.

This is exactly the plan - I'm excited about taking our time in each country!

2. ADRs. First question is are you on a dining plan? If so my recommendations may change. The following is based on the assumption that you are paying OOP for everything.

We are paying OOP so thanks for the suggestions. They were speaking very positively about Monsieur Paul on the podcast recently so this may be the one TS place we try.

Lunch:
CS: Rose and Crown. Fish and Chips
TS: San Angel Inn. Mexico. Gives you a nice meal in one of the most underrated pavilions in WS and let's not forget Air Conditioning = Win!
Dinner: This is a real toss up.
TS: Monsieur Paul
TS: Tutto Italia

I personally can't stand the Chinese restaurant so I would avoid that at all costs. If you like Asian go to Japan for Teppan Edo.

3. What to do at each country
Canada - Watch Off Kilter, Check out the Shop and watch the video
United Kingdom - Watch World Showcase Players, Shops
France - Shops and grab a pastry/dessert/Wine
Morocco - Look into the guided tour
Japan - Mitsokoshi shop. Maybe watch the Pick-a-pearl inside the shop.
American Adventure - Voices of Liberty!
Italy - Shop/Wine
Germany - Caramel shop
China - SKIP! Just kidding. Check it out but again not one of my favs.
Norway - Ride Maelstrom
Mexico - Ride inside and grab a drink and chips at the bar.

All these suggestions sound great. We actually won't spend as much time in the China Pavillion as it is the one that we spent the longest in last time.

Thanks very much for the tips - now just the long wait until we get there!