World Showcase

[PMH]

Hi, first visit to WDW Orlando. Have one day, and want to visit World Showcase. Is there a recommended plan to tour it? Just circle the lake visiting each country, and returning to the restaurants I've picked out for lunch and dinner? Also, is there entertainment at each "country"? Where would I find a schedule, if it exists? Also, is there one entrance fee for Epcot, then another for World Showcase?
Thank you
PMH

 

[MJMcBride]

You really are earning your ears. Good for you. Enjoy world showcase. Basically you walk around a lake visiting each country. Some have attractions/films. Canada, China, and France have films. USA has the American Adventure show. Norway and Mexico have rides (Norway's is better). But yeah pick out your restaurants. Make sure your there when the park closes for Illuminations, a great pyrotechnic/laser show.

Its 1 ticket for all of Epcot. Speaking of which, enjoy Future World, too. Test Track and Mission Space are thrill rides. Spaceship Earth, the Land, and Universe of Energy are good "educational" attractions. The Living Seas is a good aquarium. And Soarin' is great.

As for entertainment, check the schedule when you get there. I particularly like Off-Kilter in Canada and the British Invasion in the UK. But everyone has a favorite, so....

Of course, you probably can't fit all of this in 1 day.

 

[Eljay]

Yes, there is a very good Epcot entertainment schedule that you can check just before you leave for your trip, because it's updated weekly, usually on Saturday night.
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm
Just click on the Epcot tab.

The World Showcase walkway is 1.2 miles around the lagoon with 11 countries to visit. It is one of my favorite places in the whole world, especially after dark. If you have time, be sure to explore the nooks and crannies in each country. The restaurants are mostly very good, the only one I cannot recommend is Nine Dragons in China.

Have Fun!

 

[Azure]

Yes, there is some very cool shows and other things going on in each country. I suggest taking a stroll through England and trying a hotdog there (they are so good) or maybe going to Mexico for a churro and than stopping by The American Adventure. You can pick up maps and times guides at the main enterence.

 

[paoil]

The World Showcase is a wonderful place to stroll and relax. It is very enjoyable when taken at an unhurried pace. Stumbling into the entertainment is often the highlight of the day.
That having been said, let me add a little pressure by stating that i would skip some of the Showcase attractions in favor of the Future World attractions mentioned in the previous posts. For example, as a first time visitor, even if I had time, I'd skip the Norway and Mexico attractions. In their place I'd use the time to try Soarin or Mission Space etc.
Of course that makes the distances you have to cover longer and adds to the pressure of the day!
So, in summary, you can spend a very nice day solely at the World Showcase. Shop, look at the architecture and eat! See the shows. Oh, and the one attraction I wouldn't miss would be at the American building. The animatronics are amazing.
If you want to see a little more take a look at the list of Future World items.

 

[Hobbes]

You shouldn't have to skip much really-World Showcase does not open til 11 am-Epcot usually opens around 9, so get there at opening, run to get a fast pass for Soarin then cross over to Test Track, do mission space if you wish (eugh) back to soarin, a few other rides as you wish, then saunter on down to WS at 11am. Its often suggested to beat the crowds go anti clockwise (Counter clockwise?) but if you get there at 11 go clockwise and do Mexico and Norway first as they both have rides. By around late afternoon you'll have seen most of WS and crowds will be building up-this is the point to go back to Spaceship earth and any other attractions you missed as they usually close around 7 before heading back to WS for illuminations.

Phew- I'm exhausted just typing that.

 

[debkorb1]

No additional fee for the WS!

I think the WS is one of the best things in all of Disney. I agree the UK is well worth a visit just to see British invasion (a Beatles imitation band who play live in Hyde Park). I also really liked the fish and chips supper in the pub restaurant - yes I'm British so I might be biased, but others seem to like it

I also really enjoyed the Mexican pavillion - great atmosphere, although I wouldn't queue for the ride. Also check the show in America and China for the great architecture.

Enjoy.

 

[Quinn222]

The WS is a great place to spend some time. I don't agree with skipping Mexico and Norway though. My family really likes both of those. Though if you can manage Soarin' in FW do that, do it. You mentioned going back to eat at a restaurant. Be aware that it may not be easy to get into your choice without an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation.)

 

[Hopefully]

World Showcase is one of our favorite places in all of WDW. We usually spend several days of a week trip here. We love the countries and the entertainment. I agree with see Off Kilter in Cananda and the British Invasion in the UK. I also recommend the acrobats in China. Pick up a schedule when you arrive and you will see times listed for all country entertainment.
Make sure you call for ADR's well in advance to book your lunch and dinner times. One of our favorite things to do is eat a late dinner at Le Cellier and be fininshing up after EPCOT has officially closed. We get to wander slowly through a nearly deserted WS. We love it.
Have fun and a Wonderful day!!

 

[Slapster]

If I had one day and wanted to spend it all in World Showcase, I would just make the loop around all the countries at a nice, leisurely pace. Browse all the shops and pick up a few unusual items. Get a margarita in Mexico, a dark beer in Germany, a black and tan in England.

Ummm, at least that's how I would do it. Guaranteed you'll have a smile on your face at the end!

 

[PMH]

You guys have really whetted our appetites! Only 5 weeks to go. Thanks -
PMH