Disney in a Minute: What is the World Showcase?

The World Showcase is one of the four neighborhoods that make up EPCOT. But it covers about half the park! It features 11 pavilions, surrounding a lagoon, each representing a different country. As you go around, you’ll find Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Each pavilion showcases its host country. In each World Showcase pavilion, you’ll find

• authentic architecture
• shopping, including traditional merchandise and food
• dining that highlights the native cuisine
• live entertainment

The architecture is often more than just style. It’s common to find recreations of specific landmarks, such as the Bell Tower from the Piazza San Marco in the Italy Pavilion. And truth be told, some of the best restaurants in Walt Disney World are found in the World Showcase. The shops and eateries are staffed by native Cast Members of each country.

Beyond food and shopping, there are a variety of World Showcase attractions. Several Pavilions have small museums with cultural exhibits. Some have artisan crafts. Some have movies highlighting the host country. And two of EPCOT’s most popular rides are in France and Norway.

EPCOT hosts four seasonal Festivals per year:

• Food & Wine
• Festival of the Holidays
• Festival of the Arts
• Flower & Garden Festival

The focus of each Festival is a little different, as you might guess from the names. But each features food stands in the World Showcase countries with special menus just for the event. It’s especially fun around the Christmas season to see the different nations present their versions of Santa (or similar figures).

Last, but not least, EPCOT’s evening spectacular takes place in the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon. ‘Luminous the Symphony of Us’ features fireworks, lights, and music, celebrating global unity. There are terrific viewing sites all around the World Showcase.

Disney in a Minute is a series of short posts designed to help you better understand a Disney term or planning topic. Do you have a Disney term that you think needs a bit more explanation? Let us know in the comments.