Here's some cool stuff to check out.
Mexico:
1. One of the hidden gems of World Showcase is La Cava del Tequila. Inspired by the cellars of Mexican haciendas, there is décor and artwork inspired my Mexico’s heritage of tequila making.
Norway:
1. There is a grass roof on the Kringla Bakery. This represents actual grass roofs found in Norway that animals would graze on. They were very common in the Viking and Middle Ages when the majority of most structures had sod roofs. They offered homes advantages such as providing insulation and durability. Cast members go up to cut it when it starts to get too long.
2. While moving through the queue at the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet there is a painting that depicts a trio of trolls on the top and a large waterfall leading to the bottom where another troll can be found. A nice Maelstrom tribute!
3. There is also a rock outside the Meet and Greet area that has a tribute to the Maelstrom boats chiseled into it.
4. One last Maelstrom tribute… in the queue for Frozen Ever After there is a sign that reads “Maelstrom sighting southeast bay of Arendelle”
5. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is based on a real Norwegian fortress. You can see gun turrets (locations from which weapons can be fired that provide protection) on the walls.
6. Near the bakery seating area is a statue of Grete Waitz. She was a Norwegian marathon runner won nine New York City Marathons between 1978 and 1988, more than any other runner in history.
7. Rune stones from Maelstrom have been placed near the Royal Sommerhus area as an homage to the ride. A rune stone is a raised stone with a runic inscription, dating back to the 4th century and commonly used by Vikings in Scandinavia.
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.
China:
1. When looking at the Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is a figure of man sitting on a bird on the roof. This is a common effigy on buildings in the Forbidden City. He is cruel ancient Prince Min who was killed by his people. The bird he’s sitting on is a chicken, which can’t fly away from the rest of the animals attacking him. This is a warning to other leaders to be kind and just.
2. The large rocks found in the front of the pavilion represent an ancient Chinese belief that contemplation of unusual rock forms brought inner peace and serenity.
3. Stand in the middle of the Temple of Heaven. If you speak, you'll hear your voice echo back to you - the temple is acoustically perfect. Be sure to check out the architecture of the Temple, as it is gorgeous inside and out.
4. There is a pathway on the far side of the garden that has a peaceful babbling brook.
5. The main thoroughfare is called Street of Good Fortune. The Imagineers intentionally designed this area to be narrower than other walkways to help guests experience the crowded conditions that the Chinese experience every day.
Germany:
1. In the back of the courtyard there’s a clock. At the top of the hour, a wooden boy and girl emerge from the clock and twirl around. There’s also a rooster that appears on the top of the clock.
2. Check out the famous train village on the far right side of the pavilion.
3. On the right side of the pavilion, walk to the back of the quick service sitting area and you’ll find a wall with a big mural on it. Knock on the wall and you’ll realize it’s hollow. It is a plywood wall that covers the area that was originally planned to be the entrance to the Rhine River Cruise, an attraction that would have taken guests through a tour of Germany’s beauty.
Italy:
1. The pillars that surround one of the building are decorated with several kings. One of the kings is holding a bowling ball and the holes are shaped like Mickey. The Imagineers were allowed to put something of “themselves” in the design and one was a bowler.
2. The representation of Doge’s Palace has a face carving at far end. In ancient times, these faces could be found in Venice. People could anonymously drop slips of paper into the mouths to report neighbors of wrongdoings, financial crimes, or voice complaints about the government.
3. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is another hidden gem. It’s a rustic, comfy setting with dark woods, couches, and a fireplace. There is a lighting feature made from recycled wine bottles.
Japan:
1. Walk into the back of the pavilion by crossing the moat and end up in Japan’s castle. This was modeled after the Himeji Castle, a fortresses of early Japan. There are different exhibits showcased in the castle. Be sure to check out the statues of the samurai soldiers in front of it protecting the fortress.
2. Check out the rock garden in the front of the pavilion. Raking stones are a Zen Buddhist ritual. It inspires mediation and pleasure in its beauty.
3. The Tori gate in the water has barnacles at the base to make it seem like it’s been around for centuries.
4. Explore the paths leading up to the Katsura Grill at the top of the hill. There are waterfalls, a babbling brook, gardens, and koi fish. It’s gorgeous.
5. The stone lanterns in the garden represent the ones that tea masters would use to guide guests to tea ceremonies.
6. The big stone lantern in the front of the Mitsukoshi department store was a gift to Roy Disney from the emperor of Japan when Disney World opened.
Morocco:
1. The Fez House represents a Moroccan home. Approach the fountain and hear children playing upstairs.
2. At the back of the pavilion in a courtyard, perched high, is a reproduction of an ancient water clock found in Fez. A water clock measures the passage of time by the regulated flow of a liquid either into or out of a vessel which is then subsequently measured.
3. There is a museum of Moroccan arts in history across from Tangerine Café.
4. Explore the bazaar in the back of the pavilion. Incredibly detailed and immersive, there is great unique merchandise as well.
5. Look at the mosaic tiles in the Morocco Pavilion. Each mosaic has at least one flawed tile in it - as local beliefs dictate that only Allah can create something perfect.
6. When looking at the Morocco Pavilion from a distinct, you can see the Tower of Tower. The Imagineers didn’t want to spoil the “line of sight” for Morocco, so they gave the top of the Tower of Terror some exotic flourishes and painted it a color similar to the Moroccan pavilion to help it blend in seamlessly.
7. When walking from Morocco to France, notice that part of the walkway becomes darker. This special stretch represents the Strait of Gibraltar: the body of water which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and separates Europe from Africa.
France:
1. The green metal boxes lining the walls of the pavilion on the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon represent similar boxes found in Paris that contain artwork, books, and other souvenirs that are sold on the streets.
2. The kiosks covered with ads, newspapers, and artwork are also a common sight on Paris streets.
3. There is a bridge between the UK pavilion and France. As you cross over the bridge, this is intended to be the World Showcase’s English Channel. Check out the painting on the easel. It is a painting of the International Gateway across the river.
UK:
1. Take a look at the ornate chimneys on the buildings. They were painted with blackened soot to give the impression that they are still working.
2. Go to the back of the Toy Soldiers shop and you’ll find a door that says Cast Members Only. Look inside and you’ll noticed it’s fully themed to Winnie the Pooh. This used to be a meet and greet for those characters, and was themed to be Christopher Robin’s bedroom. Even though the Meet and Greet closed, they kept the room themed.
Canada:
1. The pavilion has three Native American totem poles. The two on the right are made of fiberglass, and the one on the left is carved out of wood and weighs 700 pounds. The wooden totem pole depicts three stories of the "Raven" tricking the "Sky Chief" into the release of sun, moon and stars from a chest.
2. Explore the Victoria Gardens (inspired by the Butchart Gardens) in front of Le Cellier, and then through a walkway into the back of the pavilion to find a gorgeous mountain and a towering waterfall.
3. The Hotel du Canada is only 3 stories tall. To make it look larger, Imagineers added 5 stories of windows.
There are things to see and do outside and inside WDW that hold no appeal for me, for example, the Star Wars Storm Trooper march in the Studios. It was so loud and scary for my baby nieces, I couldn’t get away fast enough.
