How authentic is World Showcase?

[DisneyBoy92]

Does it really feel like you are IN the country? Or is it just a theme park interpretation of France, England, Japan, etc.

 

[HappyCamper87]

You'll probably get a lot of answers but in my opinion, it's as close as you can get without going there. I'm sure it's got a little theme park-ness to it, but I think Disney goes out of their way to make it pretty authentic. Just on a much smaller scale.

If you've never been, I think you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think they do a very good job of immersing you in the countries. Most everything...architecture, artifacts, music, CM's, food, etc is authentic. You will enjoy.

This might help some.....

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/ep-worldshowcase.htm

 

[aurora23]

Enjoy it for what it is. There is a theme park quality to it, but it is tastefully done. You will not get the same feeling you would if you went to those countries, but WS is still nice.

 

[jngwright]

I love the WS, and love it more each time I visit. I can't wait to do a solo trip someday so I can spend a ton of time there-soaking everything in.

WS is not cheesy-it is pretty and well done!

 

[Aimeedyan]

No, it doesn't feel as if you're in the country because you're surrounded by tourists not locals and you can see other things from each country (ie, you can see the next country over, or across the lagoon).

It's not cheesy though and is well done. There is a lot of culture and info if you look for it. The persons working in each country are really from that country. The food USED to be more authentic but that is going by the wayside, but still tasty.

If you go expecting a taste of those countries, you won't be disappointed.

 

[epcot.girl]

Enjoy it for what it is. There is a theme park quality to it, but it is tastefully done. You will not get the same feeling you would if you went to those countries, but WS is still nice.

I agree with this.

It's also a bit stereotypical in some ways (IMO as someone who lives in the UK and has visited some of the other countries featured in WS IRL), but that's probably an inevitable consqequence of what they're trying to do - give you a taste of each country's atmosphere and history in a pavilion in a theme park.

That said, I love WS, and think it's really well done.

 

[*HappilyEverAfter*]

World Showcase is a great place to go to experience 11 different countries cultures, foods and customs. In order to ensure that World Showcase is authentic, Disney hired/ has hired cast members from each of the 11 different countries that are in World Showcase. So for example, in France you will see /notice that all Cast Members are from France, and in Canada you will see all of the Cast Members are from Canada. It's really cool to hear their different accents!!

 

[vettegirl]

The food IMO was very authentic. The fish and chips I had were better than the ones I had in England. Also the Japanese food was outstanding.

 

[mikkishelles]

The food tastes authentic, but the atmosphere is not like "being there". It is very nicely set up and very informative,but don't expect to feel transported overseas.

 

[AmyBWV99]

It's authentic like Main Street is authentic. It's a stylized intrepretation of something that never really was. When you walk into Germany, you don't necessarily feel 'transported' to Germany, but if you suspend belief just a bit, you can immerse yourself. Of course, the more Becks you have, the easier it is to suspend reality.

 

[danny1649]

I think they do a very good job of immersing you in the countries. Most everything...architecture, artifacts, music, CM's, food, etc is authentic. You will enjoy.

This is same way I feel about it and I and DW always have agreat time at World Showcase. Danny

 

[ireland_nicole]

Having done both, for most of the European countries, Canada and Mexico anyway, I would say that Disney is really giving a taste of each country represented. They work really hard to evoke the ambiance of a country with use of architecture and other cultural representations (food, language, items in shops, etc.) But- places that are seperated by centuries and thousands of miles are literally steps apart. So, it's done as well as it could be, and we really enjoy it. It is not a substitue for the "real thing." However, it may create in interest in a new country that you would really enjoy visiting.

 

[joshsmom]

When you get in the back part of Morocco, it is a little different. You can't see the other countries from back there. But then you look up and see the "Disney Photo Spot" sign, and you know you're still at WDW!!!

I think the countries are VERY tastefully done. My DS12 even enjoys going to them and learning new things. Since we will, in all likelihood, NEVER visit all those countries, it is nice to have a "taste" of them! And they are yummy!

 

[slimplaw]

My father was stationed in Morrocco and said it was just like some of the villages he went to. I've not had other family members comment on the authenticity. Maybe one day I'll get to visit some of the actual countries and decide for myself.

 

[Tony Toon]

... had to comment that although I love World Showcase it never seemed particularly authentic .... until the day it poured with rain when I was in UK. Now thats more like it - the Disney magic strikes again (?)

 

[stemikger]

When my wife went for the first time, I think she hit the nail on the head. She said it was like visiting a gift shop from that country. Is it like visiting the country itself? No, but as far as being cheesy, I think it is very tastfully done and the movies in some of the countries are often overlooked, but are actually very enjoyable.

I have seen the movies in Canada and France and they are excellent. I believe China has one, but I haven't seen it yet. Also, Mexico, Norway and the American Adventure have great attractions that are awesome.

 

[Lynn5700]

I feel like I'm in there..for some reason I really feel like I'm in the real Japan when I'm there.

I love how the people who work there are from that country...I think that is such an awesome part of the experience!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Being from the UK and having visited most France, Italy, Germany, Morocco and Canada, I would say that the countries are very good but idealised versions of the the originals, much like the Disney Princesses are, maybe idealised versions of the 'real' thing (eg Princess Anne!!!). They are certainly cleaner than the real versions! I think they give you a good taste of the culture and atmosphere of the countries involved. Enjoy!!!!

 

[ChrisFL]

Some countries at WS are more "immersive" than others. Morocco is a good example, but it was also one of the last countries done and was personally funded by the King of morocco who sent his own architects to design the pavilion.

The UK, Japan, Morocco and Mexico are all more immersive, and Germany, Italy, America aren't very immersive IMO.

That said, it IS very tastefully done and it is not tacky or like you'd see in vegas for example. The attractions are also well done and authentic (except for three caballeros invading Mexico).

France, China and America have the best shows IMO.