Favorite things to do in WS

[JerseyBallerina]

I don't spend as much time as I should in the World Showcase because I find it boring. Besides the obvious of eating the exotic food and watching the various shows, what are your favorite things to do in the WS?

I think I read something somewhere about a bookstore in France that has Beauty and the Beast stuff where the characters sometimes make an appearance. Is this true? Where is it?

Also, where are the best places to see characters in the World Showcase?

 

[pjlla]

Most of the countries have a meet and greet place for the characters that would be appropriate for that country..... like you mentioned Belle and Beast would be in France, Winnie, Tigger and Piglet are often in England, Brother Bear characters in Canada, Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco, etc... In some cases you really have to hunt or ask for where the characters are. We had a lot of trouble finding Jasmine.... in fact, we never found her in Morocco at all on our first trip, but I was persistent on the second and the meet and greet area has a sign, but it way in the back.........Hope this helps..............P

 

[Lora]

I like to spend the late afternoon into evening watching the entertainment. The Living Statues are my favorites. They are usually in France, but last year for some reason they were in Italy. I also enjoy the vocal groups at the Amer. Adventure. We've seen musicians, jugglers, improv. troups, acrobats, etc. You can get the little white flyer with the entertainment schedule that is updated each week.

I also enjoy the movies (360 and other). Of course eating is always a fun thing to do. My kids enjoyed doing the kidstops (whatever they're called) and watching the train in Germany. We've seen characters in or near the gift shops of many of the countries.

 

[Cyndo723]

Try to find out when the "Living Statue" will be appearing. We have found her outside in France and in Italy. It's a really fun experience to try to get your picture with her. You never know what she will do in the photo. Also, get an entertainment schedule and watch the shows that interest you. I find that the WS is a welcome relaxation time while at the parks. Take your time and notice the details. Epcot is less about the hustle and bustle of "rides" and more about the experience.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Find the time display for "Off Kilter" in Canada. Make sure you check this out. It's a band that plays outside and we love it. I always go and get a beer also and watch them while I sip.

We also love watching the parade, the statues, the little 4 man band in front of America, and the brats at Germany

We use the World Showcase to just hang out and catch the entertainment. This is my FAVORITE place to be in all of WDW. We just love it.

We go every year during the Food and Wine festival. WS is a great place to be during this time.

 

[Tiziminchac]

I got booted the first time around, so I'll try this again...

I really like the World Showcase. Actually, it's my favorite place in all of WDW. One of my favorite things to do is to watch Impressions de France and then get a pastry at the little shop outside and people watch. But there are lots of neat things to see and experience in WS. The British Invasion is also a fav. They are a really good Beatles cover band and worth catching if you like the Beatles at all. I also enjoy American Vibe and Voices of Liberty in the American pavilion. And there is the Mariachi Cobre in Mexico. They really can set the mood for you. Aside from music, I like the acrobats in China. Sometimes it can be painful watching them bend and stretch. The candy maker in Japan is pretty interesting too. In Morocco there is a short, but free, tour of the pavilion. Plus a small museum. In Norway they have a small exhibit, in a replica of a stave church, showcasing some of Norway's history. China has an exhibit called "Land of Many Faces" about the different people from that nation. Japan has a tin toy exhibit. I just wish they would have kept the pre-Columbian stuff at the entrance to the Mexican pavilion. It was a fav of mine. But they change these exhibits to keep things new, so I understand. I've been with people who only want to walk around the lake and look at the buildings as they pass. I've never understood that. There is so much to do and experience if you just take your time and smell the roses, so to speak. And, even though I'm a guy, I like to browse the stores. Geography and history have always appealed to me, maybe that's why I like WS so much. Every pavilion has something unique to offer.

P.S. sorry this is so long!

 

[eeyoregirl]

I've seen characters from "Pinocchio" near the Italy pavilion, and I think I even remember seeing the "Three Caballeros" near Mexico, too.

Gotta love Maelstrom!

 

[Chicago526]

I've developed a new word for my favorite activity in WS!

shop'n'eat!!!!


Really, just stop, smell the roses, taste the foods and wines, look at (or buy) all the neat stuff, and watch the entertainers. I've been 4 times and still haven't seen it "all". Each expericance is unique. Just explore on your own.

 

[snsfrady]

My DD12 has started a new tradition. Her challenge is to buy a candy bar from every country. This is not as easy as it sounds. When we get home,she and her friends taste test to see who has the best.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

We've grown to really enjoy the WS since we've spent more time at EPCOT over the past few years. Some things we like to do:

-- Catch the gymnasts in China-- they are amazing!
-- Off Kilter (they kind of seem like Bare Naked Ladies crossed with Gaelic Storm to me)
-- Visit the waterfalls in Canada
-- walk through the hedge maze in England
-- Relax by the koi pond in Japan before catching the "drummers" (I'm sure there must be a better word for those performers who beat the ceremonial drums . . . )
-- Shop at the wine/cooking shop in France

I find WS is a great place for strolling and discovering hidden gems. Oh-- and shopping and dining!

 

[ladypoo]

Like other posters, we like the Living Statues in Italy. That is the first thing my DGD asks for when we enter EPCOT. She is not quite 4 and asks for the "m"atue. We have taken many many pictures of her and the Living Statue. After the Statue's show is over we sit and people watch in the alcove area on the Lagoon and wait for ILLUMINATIONS.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Another idea is to buy an Epcot Passport kit. They are available at the two gift shops just inside World Showcase near Future World. The kit comes with a pin and it has a little passport book that each country will stamp the passport and write something in their native language. Our girls loved meeting the CM's. They really took the time to share some stories and to teach each of our 3 girls how to write their names. It added so much to our trip!!

 

[yasuern]

not sure if this will help or even apply to what you are asking but..

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=407294&highlight=+secrets++of++WS

Lots of stuff about WS.


Have Fun
Sue

 

[puffkin]

I love watching the Japanese candymaker. She twists this taffy like candy into any kind of animal you want and she bops around to this techno music. It is really neat and amazing what she can do.