How much time to set aside for World Showcase?

[IWRBIE]

I have a four year old and we can easily spend over an hour just in the UK Pavilion alone. An hour and forty-five minutes for the entire World Showcase sounds like crazy talk to me.

 

[MataHari22]

I don't think under two hours would be enjoyable for me. I would feel way too rushed, but I have been there before and know how much there is to experience there. This year, I am making it a point to experience the outdoor shows in World Showcase, so I will be spending a lot of hours there. I would advise allowing 3-4 hours minimum for a first timer.

 

[JimmyV]

I have a four year old and we can easily spend over an hour just in the UK Pavilion alone. An hour and forty-five minutes for the entire World Showcase sounds like crazy talk to me.

I have a teenager and for us, Japan, including the Bijutsu-kan Gallery, is easily an hour-long diversion, and the UK comes close to that as well.

 

[bbjunkie]

I don't know how many days your trip will last, but you might want to consider doing two evenings of a couple hours each at the WS. One night, start at one side and walk to the American adventure. Take the ferry back and leave. The next, take the ferry to American Adventure and pick up where you left off. (By the way, the show at The American Adventure is not just a movie) There are A LOT of meet and greets in the WS. The Agent P activity is fun and you might enjoy working through it with your 6 year old especially. Our family could watch the pick a pearl for a long time. The acrobats, the singing groups, the drummers, there is so much to see and do. But if you are making it a part of your plan to just rush through and say you did it, you might want to save it for another trip altogether.

 

[ktlm]

Are your 6 and 3 year olds girls or boys? There are Princess meet and greets all over World Showcase. EPCOT has been DD's (9) favorite park other than MK since she was 2. We discovered at age 2 that one day was not enough for her there, and that we needed 2 EPCOT days. We typically have lunch in WS around 12 or 12:30 and then when we are done- by or usually before two, we spend the rest of the day in WS. Even with that much time, we typically don't have time to see the movies in the countries, and we often come back the second day to finish things in WS. DD likes to ride the boat ride in Mexico, see all the characters, explore the stores, watch all the entertainers in the different countries, go to all the Kidcot stations for stamps from the different countries (you can do it with the Duffy or Perry on a stick, but you can also buy a passport which she loved as she got older), run around in the UK hedge maze and more. The 6 year old will probably love the Agent P missions if he or she likes Phineas and Ferb and even if he/she doesn't know who they are. DD is crazy about those. They have those in 7 of the countries. You get a communicator, and then you run around the country finding the things it prompts you to find- when you find the spot there is usually a special effect you trigger. Each mission will run 20 or 30 minutes depending on how fast you find each thing. DD could do those all day long. If I told DD she was only getting an hour and 45 minutes in World Showcase for the entire trip we would have lots of tears.

 

[Moonwolf]

One of the main goals for my brother and I on our upcoming trip is to finally get through all of WS. We've never really seen it all. Usually we get to 2-3 pavilions then need to speed walk the outside of the rest. When I went on a solo trip last fall I took 3 hours and got through half of the pavilions (not seeing any of the shows but stopping for 5-10 mins here and there to take in some food at the food and wine carts.) So about 2 hours to get through just half the exhibits. Unless all you want to see is the outside of the pavilions I'd plan for at least 5 hours (approximately 1/2 hour per country).

 

[Lee & Kerry]

We are doing twelve days this fall and have three full day's planned for just Epcot which a lot of time wil be spent in the world showcase. An hour and forty five minutes you won't see or do anything

 

[jcvalenti]

Count me with Lee & Kerry above - we're doing 10 days in Disney this summer (were there for 12 last year). We've got 4 full days just for Epcot, and most all of it will be spent in the World Showcase ... but we love eating, drinking and hanging out in the different pavilions. Heck, I need six hours minimum each trip just for Tutto Gusto and the Rose & Crown.

If this is your first trip to World Showcase, I would plan an absolute minimum of four hours without eating. If you stop to see The American Adventure (and you should), that alone will take about an hour. Factor in the street performers and shops and it can easily take six if you want to soak it in and enjoy the ambiance.

My experience is that World Showcase is about the ambiance and not the itinerary. The people who love it most are those who just like walking and viewing the sights and sounds, and aren't ticking boxes off a "to do" list. In that respect, it is much more "old Disney" than "new Disney". You will probably either love that or hate it - but that's a matter of your own personal preferences. Cheers !

 

[gwb]

We spend 2 days in EPCOT and then miss some things. First if you stop and see all the counties pavilions that have shows, such as Canada, Mexico, China France and The American Experince and see the shows you wil easily spend quite a few hours just seeing them. Then seeing the street entertainment and ther shows like the drummers at Japan, China, France, Italy, Morocco you will eaily spend a number hours doing that. Also these shows are not planned to be shown right after each other going frm 1 country to the next. You might being seeing the acrobats in China and the next scheduled street entertainment could be in Japan or France ( which usually happens) so you have to walk about 1/2 mile to get to next 1. Then you have to go back to Morocco. Also it takes time to go through each pavilion. Germany has 5 or 6 different shops, England has about 6 Morocco has a number and so on. Also for example China has the gardens, the Tomb warriors besides theie Reflections show. You can easily spend an hour there looking at everything, listening to the preshow etc.It will be close to over 45 min. at The American Experince when you see the singers then see the show.
As you can see it takes a lot longer then just a few hours to see the World Showcase

 

[DizDaD7]

I'm working on our touring plan for Epcot, and I've never been to Epcot before and don't know what to input in terms of time spent in World Showcase. I'd like to tour around the entire lake, but not linger too particularly long in any single country

• We're going on a low crowd day in mid-January
• Maelstrom is closed, leaving Gran Fiesta as the only real ride in the attraction for us to ride
  
• Not going to watch the travelogue films about Canada and France, etc. etc.
• Not eating a meal in the area, but may stop somewhere for a quick snack or drink
  
• Want to see each country's special exhibits and shops, but in a kind of quick way

I'm thinking 1 hour and 45 minutes is more than enough for this part of the day. Am I wrong? Should I block off more time?

1 hr and 45 minutes would get us through maybe 2 countries or so TBH.

WS is one place that there is no need to rush. This is a place where you can get a lil bit of Europe/ Africa w/out actually having to travel there. True it's not the real thing but most everything is just as authentic as you'll get.

* True going in Jan. will be lower crowds, but this never is a huge factor for us....Unless it's a Fri/Sat during F&W
* True Maelstrom is closed, but WS shouldn't be about the rides...More about the culture.
* Is there a specific reason or just not interested? If you only have a certain amount of days to spend or time relegated to each park, then you already know what your answer is.
* Some of the best TS are scattered across WS. Not all Sig's but once again immerse you in the culture. Most are themed really nice too.
* ??? Once again Why? If you are rushing just to say you did it, then you're missing out on all that WS has to offer.

Grab a drink/snack/dessert from a specific country or 2 or 3, take a walk around the grounds. Take in the different architecture of the bldg's. Mingle with each countries unique CM's. The shows/skits/acrobats/entertainers. Also * (Not only for kids ) The Perry adventures. Each country is a different adventure and can take upwards to 1/2 hr or so.

And the piece de resistance is Illuminations from 1 of your favorite countries. We like the Rose and Crown, but also enjoy seeing it from la Hacienda de San Angel too.

FWIW: We've been to WDW around 11 times and probably 90 days or so, and we've been to Epcot I'd say 25 times at least....& we still take our time going through it.... So much to do & see.

 

[newestkg06]

I think everyone is different and it totally depends on you and your family. I am excited to see Epcot, but I truly don't think our boys are going to be interested. I haven't been, so I don't know if 1 hr 45 min is enough for you, but just because some people love it, doesn't mean you will (or have to). I would look at what is there (allears.net is a good site with clear descriptions of everything) and decide how much you really want to see. As some have said, the outdoor shows may be great, but you may not hit them at the right time. I have heard some of the movies are pretty dated. From what I gather, it is more like going to a museum (like a fun museum, but more learning than say, Magic Kingdom). If that's your thing, then great. If you think your kids are going to be cranky and bored, (and from things I've heard from family who have gone that can definitely happen), don't feel guilty that your family isn't into it. There's way too much to do at WDW already, so spend your time doing something you'll all love instead!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I think everyone is different and it totally depends on you and your family. I am excited to see Epcot, but I truly don't think our boys are going to be interested. I haven't been, so I don't know if 1 hr 45 min is enough for you, but just because some people love it, doesn't mean you will (or have to). I would look at what is there (allears.net is a good site with clear descriptions of everything) and decide how much you really want to see. As some have said, the outdoor shows may be great, but you may not hit them at the right time. I have heard some of the movies are pretty dated. From what I gather, it is more like going to a museum (like a fun museum, but more learning than say, Magic Kingdom). If that's your thing, then great. If you think your kids are going to be cranky and bored, (and from things I've heard from family who have gone that can definitely happen), don't feel guilty that your family isn't into it. There's way too much to do at WDW already, so spend your time doing something you'll all love instead!

I think I've been guilty of this exact thing. There's so much love for WS here that I kept thinking I was missing something. We gave it a real effort last year and I think I've just decided it's not for our family. AND THAT'S OKAY!! I mentioned in an earlier post some of the things that just don't work for us. But there's so much else in all the parks that we love, that skimming through WS just gives us more time for other things!

 

[itchin2go]

I think I've been guilty of this exact thing. There's so much love for WS here that I kept thinking I was missing something. We gave it a real effort last year and I think I've just decided it's not for our family. AND THAT'S OKAY!! I mentioned in an earlier post some of the things that just don't work for us. But there's so much else in all the parks that we love, that skimming through WS just gives us more time for other things!

For me, the World Showcase is about shopping and eating (and to a lesser extent, drinking). I'm sure others find other things. We do like the Agent P adventures. But the year in and year out draw for us is shopping and eating.

 

[MataHari22]

I think I've been guilty of this exact thing. There's so much love for WS here that I kept thinking I was missing something. We gave it a real effort last year and I think I've just decided it's not for our family. AND THAT'S OKAY!! I mentioned in an earlier post some of the things that just don't work for us. But there's so much else in all the parks that we love, that skimming through WS just gives us more time for other things!

I can totally understand when people give it a go, and don't care for it. I guess I don't understand when people haven't even been yet and already know they don't want to spend time there.

 

[newestkg06]

I can totally understand when people give it a go, and don't care for it. I guess I don't understand when people haven't even been yet and already know they don't want to spend time there.

When you don't go often (and these boards are necessarily full of people who go a lot), you only have so much time and money to spend. You don't know if you'll come back and you are trying to make happy memories (not cranky kids sulking memories). I've been to Italy and France, hubby has been to China and Japan (the real ones, not Epcot ones) and the other countries sound interesting to me, but not worth putting up with whining and rolling eyes. My kids are boys, 7 & 4, so no princess M&G for them. Shopping? not so much. We also live in a great food town with international food that is amazing. So, the food sounds nice, but again, not worth it. We are skipping WS all together. We decided to go to Typhoon Lagoon and then just do Future World and hit the highlights with fastpass.

I completely get the love for WS though. A relaxing drink in a pretty setting with great food... If my kids would be into it, I would be all over it. In fact, I'm a little sad we're going to skip it. But, we are thinking of a 2018 or 2019 trip. The boys will be better ages for WS then.

I'm just saying. Don't feel guilted into going so that you can cross something off some list. Go because it seems like your family will like it.

 

[MataHari22]

When you don't go often (and these boards are necessarily full of people who go a lot), you only have so much time and money to spend. You don't know if you'll come back and you are trying to make happy memories (not cranky kids sulking memories). I've been to Italy and France, hubby has been to China and Japan (the real ones, not Epcot ones) and the other countries sound interesting to me, but not worth putting up with whining and rolling eyes. My kids are boys, 7 & 4, so no princess M&G for them. Shopping? not so much. We also live in a great food town with international food that is amazing. So, the food sounds nice, but again, not worth it. We are skipping WS all together. We decided to go to Typhoon Lagoon and then just do Future World and hit the highlights with fastpass.

I completely get the love for WS though. A relaxing drink in a pretty setting with great food... If my kids would be into it, I would be all over it. In fact, I'm a little sad we're going to skip it. But, we are thinking of a 2018 or 2019 trip. The boys will be better ages for WS then.

I'm just saying. Don't feel guilted into going so that you can cross something off some list. Go because it seems like your family will like it.

Well, I wasn't someone that went all the time either. Of course I only have so much time and money, that is most of us. I want to make happy memories. I have been overseas, too. I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty. I just cannot in good conscience recommend that it be skipped or done in less than two hours. Hey, if people decide not to go, or decide they think they just want to blow through it that's cool, but I cannot say I understand it. We are all here to give the best advice we can based on our experiences.

 

[ArmyVet80]

My DW and I spend 2-3 days at Epcot. One day for the rides and everything in Future world. One day for the WS for the 11 different countries. One day for the F&W Festival and the food kiosks/booths and countries.

We do not have children so we are at a more relaxed pace as we both enjoy what each country has to offer for shopping, shows, street shows (miss you World Showcase Players and Off Kilter) etc...

 

[Rosebud123]

We are skipping WS all together. We decided to go to Typhoon Lagoon and then just do Future World and hit the highlights with fastpass.

That is a great plan! We LOVE Epcot, including WS, but my kids would choose a day like that over spending a full day there in a heartbeat!

 

[DizDaD7]

When you don't go often (and these boards are necessarily full of people who go a lot), you only have so much time and money to spend. You don't know if you'll come back and you are trying to make happy memories (not cranky kids sulking memories). I've been to Italy and France, hubby has been to China and Japan (the real ones, not Epcot ones) and the other countries sound interesting to me, but not worth putting up with whining and rolling eyes. My kids are boys, 7 & 4, so no princess M&G for them. Shopping? not so much. We also live in a great food town with international food that is amazing. So, the food sounds nice, but again, not worth it. We are skipping WS all together. We decided to go to Typhoon Lagoon and then just do Future World and hit the highlights with fastpass.

I completely get the love for WS though. A relaxing drink in a pretty setting with great food... If my kids would be into it, I would be all over it. In fact, I'm a little sad we're going to skip it. But, we are thinking of a 2018 or 2019 trip. The boys will be better ages for WS then.

I'm just saying. Don't feel guilted into going so that you can cross something off some list. Go because it seems like your family will like it.

I hope it wasn't me that seemed like I guilted anyone, for that is not the case... Obviously every family is different and has different likes & dislikes. I GET THAT. I was just stating that to judge something or have a predetermined time frame on something that has never been experienced might result in things you'll be missing out on..... I'm no tour guide ,nor am I a true expert on all things Disney, I just like to point out things that we've found in WDW, that others may need for their trip..That's all.

1 recommendation for you if you haven't looked into it yet, and being that you have 2 young boys...I would seriously check out the Perry Adventures....It helps if your kids watch the cartoon, but honestly if they don't , it won't take away from the experience at all....Besides being fun & adventurous, it makes you use your brain. So it is a learning lesson as well. If you just did these missions ( I believe there are 6 countries at the moment ) it'll take you somewhere around 2 1/2 to 3 hours . It might be worth looking into.

 

[tink9702]

I'd personally plan your FP+ for morning - 9, 10, 11 or 10,11, 12 and do Future World first then head to World Showcase and spend as long as you like and then head back to the pool at whatever time that might be. Do a breakfast or lunch ADR so you're not tied down to being in a certain country for dinner unless you want to be. That way if it takes you 2 hours or 5 you'll have a ton of flexibility!