World Showcase?

[ely3857]

Epcot isnt my favourite park, infact prior to going I was amoung the 'whats the point' crowd, however after visiting I appreciate it's individuality.

My question is regarding the World Showcase. On both my previous trips I have raced through this area like I had a rocket up my bum! So exactly what am I missing? Which countries do you always visit & why, what can I not miss?

Thankyou



Jodie

 

[Claire L]

We love World Showcase Over recent visits I have seen the little minature railway in Germany for the first time, the Italian Gardens area is nice as is the Square at the back of UK (can find Pooh and Co here ). The shops at Japan and China are nice. For lunch Kringla bakery in Norway serves gorgeous open faced sandwiches and for afternoon snack the eclairs in France are fab Fish and Chips from Harry Ramsden and sitting down in the Rose and Crown beer garden with a Stella whilst you eat them and wait for Illuminations is a great end to the day

Claire

 

[Frances999]

World Showcase is all about the theming and atmosphere. You need to devote time to appreciating all of the little details and incredible imagineering the imagineers put in to creating it.

We also love to experience the various WS restaurants, cafes, food/beverage carts and shops. There are also often displays by CMs - for example, in Japan they make some really great candy sculptures outside of the shop. Talking of the shop, the shop in Japan is incredible - definitely one of my favourites.

In France I love the little bakery - the cakes are delicious. There is also a nice perfume shop. In Mexico the Aztec Pyramid has some great little craft stalls and the boat ride is nice. San Angel Inn is a must too - the atmosphere is wonderful. There is also a live band often, which adds to the atmospheric theming of the pavillion.

In China I am one of the select few who actually enjoys the Wonders of China presentation in circle vision. I love the shop in China too. In Germany there is a great toy shop (can't remember the name, though). There are also some nice glass sculptures and crystal - we always get one for MIL. In Italy there is a nice chocolate shop, although it's been a while since I have been here. There is a beautiful fountain and seating area which is great to have a rest in with a drink.

Basically, we love gently strolling around WS and taking in the scenery. It's great for shopping for different items, which are more individual compared to the usual WDW wares. In fact, I think WS is one of my WDW areas - they put so much thought into its development.

 

[Claire L]

Oh yes the Aribas Bros shop in Mexico with all the glass sculptures is great esp if someone is working on a sculpture

Claire

 

[KayleeUK]

Don't forget you will be there for the Food and Wine Festival

Here is some info about last years

 

[jen_uk]

In Canada and France there are really lovely 360 cinema shows which are really good. As everyone else said you need to take your time and savour the place.

 

[Shropshire Saint]

We love the world showcase. The reason for us dates back to 1995. DW & I got married in July 1995. We honeymooned in WDW & the Bahamas. As soon as we got to Orlando we put our wedding photographs in to be developed. We waited 24 hours & took them to Epcot with us. We waited until we got to Germany, sat with a large Becks & viewed them for the first time.
Every time we have been back we sit down in Germany & reminisce with a Becks.
Well it was until last year, until they changed to yucky Lowenbrau........

I also love the 360 shows & trying different beers in different countries.

 

[Amyrlin]

I love walking around and looking, trying the different foods and there are hidden or lesser known things to do. Somethimes there is entetianment, for the first time next visit I want to do the pick a pearl in Japan.

 

[UKPhil]

The live entertainers in World Showcase are great. Get a "Times Guide" with your parkmap - it tells you who's on where.

Among our faves are British Invasion (UK, sixties music); Mo' Rockin (Morocco, middle eastern rock and roll if that's possible); World Showcase Players (now in several countries, comedy theatre with audience participation); The Mariachi band in Mexico, the "Candy Lady" in Japan ...

Check out this site for a full list:

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/EPCOT.htm

 

[carolfoy]

Our first visit to Epcot resulted in a big disappointment too! although the last two times we've made an effort to see and do most things in world showcase and now its definately our favourite park, we like
Mexico - great food, lovely little ride el rio del tiempo, the mariachi players. nice frozen margaritas
norway - the maelstrom ride and Callum likes to play in the viking boat
China, the dragon acrobats the 360 degree film, chilling by the koi ponds, meeting mushu and mulan, the best shop in epcot!
Germany - chocolate!! yum!
Italy - more chocolate, alfredos, great photo ops,
Japan, the drummers, sushi! the tin toys,
USA the liberty singers, the american adventure show
Morocco, the belly dancers, aladdin, the tangerine cafe,
france, the pastries, the wine, the pastries, the wine, the pastries...
UK the beatles band, the maze, the fish and chips, winnie the pooh
canada, the 360 degree film, le cellier, the pretty gardens
theres so much to do (and eat) it does take two or three days to do it properly

 

[Goofyish]

I also think that the World Showcase is one of the best places to walk after the Illuminations crowds have gone.
We like to hang back and let the crowds disperse and then take a gentle stroll around the showcase.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree, whilst we rarely stop for anything to eat or spend too much time at any of the countries - we do like an evening stroll round there.

Quite often Joshua falls asleep - not enough going on for him I think.

 

[Verity Chambers]

As well as everything else mentioned.... SHOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loads of amazing shops, with China and Japan being my favourites.

I do most of my gift shopping here.

 

[k-herm]

Although we enjoyed our day at WS, I wish we hadn't bothered queuing 40 mins for the maelstrom at Norway [boring]. Also Canada's 360 movie must have been made in 1960 or something...the whole thing looked soooo dated.

For us, we've done ot once properly but wouldn't spend time there again.

 

[Miffy2003]

Great thread Jodie

WS is one of my very favourite places in WDW (for all of he reasons mentioned above).

We like to do an "Eating and Drinking around the world". The rule is, you have to purchase food or drink from each country and work your way round. Depending on which countries have what type of food and drink, you might wish to plan your alcoholic purchases carefully

This year, my DDs are doing a diary with what they eat and drink around WDW WS and we are going to make a scrapbook with photos of them in each country, doing something typical to that country or with an item that typifies the place

 

[carolfoy]

That's a great idea Karen, I'll do the same for Callum, he'll not be so interested in charcter autographs and a reular diary this year so I'll suggest an eating diary with photos. It might make him a bit more adventurous when it comes to food.

 

[Minniespal]

We usually split the World Showcase into 2 days. We do half one day and the other half another day. As Kaylee points out you will there during the Food and Wine Festival. This is an event not to be missed. We had an incredible time eating our way around the WS and enjoying all of the extra foods and wines.

 

[traceycooper]

I have to speak up for Morroco, i love the little hidden back streets & the wonderful themed restaurant!!
Also love the restaurant inside mexico, the theming with the volcano is great!
You really have to look in every corner when visiting the 'countries' you never know what is around it!!
Dont just pressume there is just a 'front' & nothing else!!