Favorite 3 countries at World Showcase

[JrsyDebs]

Hello! I would like to see some feedback about the World Showcase countries. Will be at Disney World with DD13, who might not want to spend a lot of time visiting countries when there are so many other things to do. World Showcase is one thing that I really want to see.

My idea is that if I start out with about 3 really interesting countries, DD might be open to touring more. I just do not know which 3 would be best to start out with, as I have never been there.

Personally, I would like for one of the countries to be Germany, because of my family heritage (there is no Ireland; too bad).

If you were to choose only 3 countries to see, what would they be?

(Also, I would like to beg all of you to post your opinions of the countries on the Ratings/Reviews section of DISBoards. I went there to find opinions and many countries have like just one post.)

 

[iceskatejen]

I loved Japan and Morocco. Both had some really cool items for sale and I loved the food at the Teppanyaki Grill and at Restaurant Marrakesh. I really enjoyed looking through all the countries. Mexico was probably my least favorite, but that's probably because the real thing is a couple hours' drive south and So Cal is really infused with so much Mexican culture that I just didn't find it that interesting. Third fave was Canada, if for no other reason than the Northwest Mercantile store because of all the Roots items for sale (for those who don't know, Roots is a Canadian athletic clothing company--they've outfitted the Canadian Olympic team for years for the opening/closing/medal ceremonies and in 2002 outfitted the US team as well--our winter Olympic team finally looked cool).

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Originally posted by JrsyDebs

If you were to choose only 3 countries to see, what would they be?

Hmmm....only 3....wow!

Okay:
MEXICO~~~because of the architecture, the boat ride, and that wonderful view with the volcano and aztec temple while dining at the San Angel Inn!

FRANCE~~~because of the gardens and the perfume shops. Simply, I speak a little french and I love to test myself to see how well I can do after 18 years!

and finally...

JAPAN~~~DH was a martial artist of an art based out of Japan. I LOVE their gift shop and just walking around looking at all of their culture! The gardens are AMAZING...and the drummers are just too much...especially the female!

I have to give AMERICA a very close 3rd also because it is my home country and sometimes I just like to sit there and people watch....so much fun to do.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

We have been to Epcot 3 times and have still not been to all of the countries. We have been to all of them except: Morocco, UK, and France, I believe. But out of all of the ones that we have been to, my top 3 are:

1.) For me, Mexico wins hands-down every time! I absolutely love the inside of the building w/the volcano and the boat ride! Plus, the restaurant has a really pretty atmosphere.

2.) Italy--b/c that is my heritage, and I enjoy seeing the people dressed in the Italian costumes.

3.) Norway b/c of the boat ride, although it seems too short.

We always make the mistake of doing Future World first so by the time we get done there we only feel like doing half to a third of the countries. I personally would really like to do the 3 we haven't been to next year. I hope your DD likes it.

 

[AspiringCindy]

This is sooo hard...because I love them all! But here goes!
1. Morrocco- it is so unique for us! We will never have the opportunity to visit the real thing!
2. Germany- have been to the real place and really enjoy the atmosphere at Epcots version! Love the shopping, the decor and the Biergarten!
3. Canada- we are big fans of LeCellier! Also love the clothing sold at the store! On our last visit, we had the opportunity to see the film in Canada and thought it was great too!

 

[crow11ad]

Well I can't really believe that we went to Epcot for 1 1/2 days and we did not go into any of the countries. Keep in mind we went the week before Easter. I went on the ride in Norway and ate in Beirgarten, but that was it. So I will choose these...

Norway... that ride was so cool

Germany.. Gotta love Beirgarten

Canada... not only does Off Kilter play there and they rock, but they have beaver tails...yummy....

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Norway first! It has a flume ride that she will probably love.

Next I would try for Japan, as the shopping area is really neat.

Then I would try for either France or United Kingdom for shopping / entertainment.

 

[meeko_33785]

1) France. Wonderful and relaxing movie, great restaurants (the pasteries are a must-try), and character greetings from Belle.

2) Norway. The ride is a lot of fun and the store is pretty nice. There's also a very nice viking ship playground, but your DD would be too old for it.

3) I can't decide between Germany and Mexico. Mexico has a boat ride a la Small World at MK and an indoor area that looks like a Mexican Marketplace after dark. Germany is mostly shopping but the railway garden is fun to look at. Both have wonderful restaurants as well.

 

[JrsyDebs]

Thanks for all the helpful information on the countries, everyone! I knew I could count on you!

I see there are lots of differing opinions as to favorite 3 countries, though! Let's try to keep this thread going... I have not read much about the countries on DISBoards. As an obsessed member, you will understand when I say, "I NEED TO KNOW MORE!! MORE!!"

I would really like to visit Germany for the Biergarten, but I am not sure if DD would enjoy it, or find it to be very un-cool.

Any opinions on China? Is their 360 film as good as Canada? I was thinking that DD may like the shopping there; she would love to find a fan to replace her favorite cloth Mulan fan which recently broke. I see they also sell things to personalize with your name in Chinese; that sounds neat.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Looking at the age of your DD, I would definately stop at Canada during an Off Kilter show. She probably enjoy it.

I would also go to Steve Soares site and see what entertainment options she may enjoy. WDW Entertainment

The movie in China is great! It is a favorite of mine.
It is newer than the Canada one. The shopping in China is great. Not sure if you will find any Mulan merchandise there.

France is another favorite. The film there is very good as well as the shopping. Thy do have a few different entertainment options throughout the day there.

 

[antnee]

I would say Mexico Germany and the American Pavillon

 

[jann1033]

not in this order but

China: i think the china movie might be different than before, at least it seemed more interesting this time however you have to stand which gets it a demerit since my feet are always killlng me by then. the store there has some really nice stuff, some really cheap ( $1 bars of soap with really pretty chinese paper wrapping and a gold seal, a $5 very pretty purse of silk like material with a shoulder strap perfect for my pass ect ) and some very expensive but fun to look at. the food is so so- terrible, bordering on frozen chinese Budget Cusine in the carry out and never went to the other one but might go for dimsum next time. watched the acrabats who look all of 12 but are no doubt older. very good but again, no place to sit down...see feet issue above

France :the movie is wonderful, Debusee( I know there is a"y" in there somewhere) and some other fantastic composers, breathtaking scenery and comfy seat! awwww. add the rest. ( had the best snapper there once but don't think it's still on the menu) and pastry shop and the cute little street outside of it and it's my all time favorite. go at night if you can for a more romantic illusion, sip an expresso at one of the cafe tables and nibble any of the great pastry and it is so relaxing. the shops are too expensive for my wallet but one has cute kitchen stuff ( I love kitchen stuff for some odd reason)

Morroco: the food at tangeine cafe is good if different but then since I like to try new things i wanted to try it, haven't tried the other sit-down rest...(we were sick of eating by then and just spliting counter stuff, T.C was an exceptional deal with the q/c vouchers ,would go again)....I love the bazzar and the cms are always so friendly. on very sweet young cm kept trying to tell me in a nice way i didn't know where Liberia was but she was confused & a little embarassed when she found out she was wrong, got a map to show me and everything didn't find any real "bargains" there but fun to stroll around and see the things so culturally different from ours. the architectural details in the art room are fantastic. husband bought a beautiful pencil box for his drawing pencils there that wasn't cheap but very nice. I bought a purse that the zipper broke on as soon as I got home! oh well at least i like the leather smell! They had some really pretty shawl type wraps that coust more than I wanted to spend on somethng I might wear once.

my dds love epcot and always have even in their early teens.... it has always been their favorite park, once they were past 8 or so.
there are some scottish and irish goods.. I remember scottish tartans and irish china and linen I think... for sale in England

 

[flyball]

We toured China briefly last time, and my then 10yo DD (almost 11) really wanted more time to browse. The China pavilion has great shopping, a beautiful movie, and a gallery of artifacts and art that my daughter found fascinating. I've never seen the acrobats, but hear that the show is fantastic. We made a PS at Nine Dragons for our Sept trip, since the menu has been revamped and its reviews are much improved. We're definitely going to spend more time here on our upcoming trip!

Morocco is absolutely beautiful, both during the day and at night. The shopping in Morocco is interesting because it seems very authentic.

We love Italy because the CMs really make you feel like you're in another country!

 

[arizonacolbys]

1 - Mexico: I love the outside counter service restaurant. The food is delicious & affordable & I enjoy eating along the water. The inside restaurant in Mexico is very beautiful with a volcano to enjoy as you eat. Browsing thru the Mexican shops can be a lot of fun.

2 - China: It's been awhile since I've seen the movie, so I'm not much help there. I really love the shops - I always seem to find something really cute, and affordable, too. They have a lot of cute silky purses in bright colors that your DD might like. If she really likes China & Mulan, I would definitely put China on your list. We are looking forward to trying the restaurant in China on our upcoming trip. When I was younger my brother & I got our names written in Chinese in a frame. I still have it - it's a cute souvenir!

3 - Probably Norway: I think she'll really enjoy the ride in Norway - you might not want to take her on it first, though. IMHO, it's the best ride in all of the World Showcase - if she goes on that first, she will probably get bored during the movies in the other countries. The shop here is neat to check out, too!

3 1/2: UK: We always stop in the Rose & Crown for a pint (wouldn't interest your DD, though! ) We've also caught the band that looks & sounds like the Beatles (can't remember their name). They were pretty good - she might enjoy the live music. Last trip we also got pics with Pooh & Tigger in England.

Be sure to check for characters in different countries - this might help keep your DD entertained, too! HTH!

 

[Duckfan]

I love world showcase! It plays a big part in my vacation plans and my dd will tell you I don't care much whether she is bored or not but this might help.....


If you haven't done this before, encourage your daughter to get a passport and have the cms from different countries write something for her in it such as hello or something. Have her look for pressed pennies in each country for a collection or some small
souvenir. Try different desserts in each country....yum.


Okay, here are my three favorites:

Norway: There is the Maelstrom ride, the Stave Church to explore, the Viking ship, the stores carry trolls and Christmas ornaments, and they have really yummy things to eat like pretzels, waffles, and schoolbread.

Morocco: There are so much interesting things to look at. Look for the stainglass door and then go in and look at it from the inside, it is amazing how pretty it is.

Japan: There is a great store to browse in (does you daughter like anime?) the entertainment is very good, there is a little museum to walk through and Kaki Gori (like a snow cone)

also, check out the secrets of World showcase thread, you could both do a scavenger type hunt to see if you can find those things........

 

[JrsyDebs]

I did not realize just how much there was at World Showcase for children to enjoy. Don't know why, but I was under the impression that, besides for character appearances, the countries were more geared toward adults. Glad that I had the wrong impression! DD will probably enjoy it more than I had originally thought.

I still want to start out with some countries that she would like best; hard to decide which. They all sound great to me.

Thanks for all feedback so far; I am getting a good education; plenty of food for thought for my "Disney Fever"!

I appreciate the thoughts about China; I really want for us to visit there while at Epcot. Oh, and (omg!) if the store in Japan has Anime, we are so there!!

We will just have to tour a few countries one day, then come back another day to see more...

 

[CindysGusGus]

1. Mexico..The inside is just awsome
2. Japan..Shopping is neat. Lots of Hello Kitty for DD and Yugi-oh for DS

3. Morroco...can really lose yourself and feel like your there.

 

[wannabee princess]

Hard to limit it to just three but I will try -

1 - Canada! This is by far my favorite for several reasons.
First, the people are sooooo friendly! I have had the BEST interactions from the CMs here.
Le Cellier - YUM!! Delicious food and great service.
Off Kilter - EXCELLENT!! The most fun group to watch and so good to hear!
Trading Post - We love ROOTS line - clothing and cologne.
O Canada! - Film is beautiful (even though you have to stand)
Beavertails - I'm sure they aren't as delicious as getting them fresh in Canada, but I have no complaints!
Beautiful pavilion - I just feel it is a peaceful and pretty setting!

2 - France
We love the entertainment here! The "waiter" is so much fun!!
Excellent food available
Great character interaction
Very nice shopping options - perfumes, wines, etc.

3 - UK
Love the British Invasion, the garden maze, the fish and chips and pint of ale at the Rose and Crown, the accents , the tea shop

But, I love so many things about the other countries, that I feel bad leaving them out! I love the entertainment in America - riding Maelstrom in Norway - the inside of Mexico - the acrobats in China - the candy lady (Miyuki - sp?) in Japan - the train in Germany - the beauty and authentic looking pavilion of Morocco - the view of Illuminations in Italy! So many wonderful countries to visit - one day is never enough!

 

[Planogirl]

1. Norway - for Maelstrom, trolls and yummy treats in the bakery.

2. Mexico - for its great interior and shopping.

3. Morocco - for its beauty and for being so interesting.

These are just my personal favorites. All of the pavilions are nice in their own way IMO.

 

[Dalpal]

I just got back in June with three DGDs and they loved alot of it.
They really liked the British invation at the UK, and also really liked the Voices of Liberty at the AP. All three are into music and singing in school.
They have also said they liked the movies, and trying all the different foods.
My oldest DGD(13) took our map to the WS and on each country she asked a CM from that country to write her name in there language. She had such a blast and got to strike a conversation with them. They were all very nice and she got to learn alittle about each one!
I think kids enjoy a break from the rides almost as much as adults. Though they may not like to admit it!