What are your Hidden Gems in World Showcase?

[EdmondD]

It is, by definition, a "Disney-fied" version of the world, but a pretty fun and legitimate attempt to give you a slice of life in other countries. In fact, I was in Qatar last year on a work trip and when I get home I posted on Facebook a bunch of pictures I took in Qatar beside pictures from the Moroccan Epcot pavilion (not the same country, I know) and I asked, "Doha or Disney?" Very few people could guess correctly.

So there are hidden gems all over the place. Walk through it slowly and let it kind of reveal itself to you. And of course you got some good tips from @Tonyz, above, who gets post-of-the-month award, at least from me.

 

[Mrsbird1129]

WS is one of the few spontaneous places left in Wdw. In my opinion, it is best toured by wandering the nooks and crannies and happening upon the shows and/or characters (rather than mapping it out like I tend to do for everywhere else). I could honestly spend days there and not get bored.

Also, a note on the kidcots. They are awesome. I think in all the stimulus of Wdw we forget how kids need down -time to keep them happy. At first we were freaking out (how can we spend 45 minutes on a coloring break, we can do that at a hotel), but the simplicity of it is what’s great. Last trip, my daughter was getting tired and grumpy and we asked if she wanted to color a Duffy, and she was so excited she started running. She had a lovely chat with the cm at the UK while we browsed. It was a great reminder to slow down. She treasures that little bear stick, and enjoyed getting it stamped in the countries we visited. I still don’t quite get the appeal LoL, but it’s something the child in her loves and that’s enough for me.

Gosh i want to go back!

Where is this Duffy?

 

[WDW_Ding]

in Italy behind the shops, by the fountains there are red buttons you can push to make water squirt out in different directions

I never knew about this!

The Teracotta Army is no longer there. That area now has displays and info about Shanghai Disneyland.

I noticed this in September, 2017. The Shanghai Disneyland stuff was pretty cool, but the Teracotta Army was/is cool too.

Unfortunately,both the Morocco and Norway Tours were discontinued.

When did they offer these? I never even knew that this existed...

My most missed hidden gem is Miyuki, the candy artist that used to be at the Japanese Pavilion. I always found her fascinating to watch. I still enjoy watching people open the oysters at the pearl experience there though.

She's not there anymore at all? Too bad...she was great!

8. Between the Stave Church and the bakery is a replica of the Kuli stone. It is significant in Norwegian history because it is the oldest written record of the recognition of Norway as a country.

How have I missed this?

 

[EdmondD]

Where is this Duffy?

I believe every Kidcot stop has a Duffy cutout (on a stick) to color.

 

[Mrsbird1129]

I believe every Kidcot stop has a Duffy cutout (on a stick) to color.

Thank you! My kids will love it!!

 

[Tonyz]

Unfortunately that red button behind the fountain in Italy is no longer there.

 

[WDW_Ding]

Unfortunately that red button behind the fountain in Italy is no longer there.

SadFace.jpg

 

[Murron]

It is, by definition, a "Disney-fied" version of the world, but a pretty fun and legitimate attempt to give you a slice of life in other countries. In fact, I was in Qatar last year on a work trip and when I get home I posted on Facebook a bunch of pictures I took in Qatar beside pictures from the Moroccan Epcot pavilion (not the same country, I know) and I asked, "Doha or Disney?" Very few people could guess correctly.
.

We did the same for Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy! Real or Disney? No one has mentioned Japan's Taiko Drummers (although I don't think they did!) We always stop for them.

 

[EdmondD]

My most missed hidden gem is Miyuki, the candy artist that used to be at the Japanese Pavilion.

Ah yes, Miyuki and her "sweet, sweet, Taffy candy," which seemed like the only three words of English she knew (though she spoke it quite fluently). My daughter took home a sculpted dragon head before they stopped allowing Miyukui to give out her creations - some stupid health code thing about the conditions under which she created potentially edible products. So they disallowed handing out taffy, which is sugar and water and completely unable to harm you, but to this day San Angel Inn is allowed to keep serving whatever it is they serve!

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Where is this Duffy?

“Duffy” is the teddy bear that Mickey gave Minnie when he was going off to travel (I’m sure you can find the story somewhere, that’s my memory anyway lol)
In all of the countries, there are “kidcot” stops- I think they are indicated on the map. You can get your Epcot passport stamped there and/or color a cardboard picture of Duffy on a wooden stick (like a fan) and get that stamped. They have tables and markers about