Five Things to Know About the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT

Located between France and Canada, the United Kingdom Pavilion represents four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you require an attraction for excitement, you won’t find one here. But the United Kingdom has long been a favorite of mine. Maybe it’s the fish and chips, the music, or the architecture – or maybe just the not-so-secret garden hedge maze that appeals to me. Besides, who doesn’t want to meet Winnie the Pooh? Or Mary Poppins?

1. Is the architecture a mish-mosh? Pish-posh!

If you visit the United Kingdom Pavilion without doing a little homework, it can look like a jumble. But the truth is, the pavilion is designed to suggest a classic British village, with styles of architecture that represent periods ranging from the 1500s to the 1800s. There’s a four-story Tudor half-timber, a home (or an inn) from the Elizabethan era, then a Georgian brick townhouse, a Victorian pub, and a 20th-century row house. Some say that the thatched roof cottage is meant to suggest the cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.

Other details that contribute to the theming start with the red telephone boxes. They used to be phone-enabled and had actual numbers you could call. But in the current day, the handsets have been removed from the booths.

The ornamental tea garden, cobblestone walks, wrought iron fences, and the garden hedge maze complete the feeling that you’ve been transported across the sea. Look up and you’ll notice that the chimneys have been “painted” with soot to seem as if they’re still being used regularly. And even though it’s not architecture, the bridge over water between the France and UK pavilions is meant to suggest that you’re crossing the English Channel.

2. Fancy a spot of pavilion history?

The United Kingdom Pavilion opened on October 1, 1982, as one of the original nine countries in the World Showcase. The Imagineers worked with experts to ensure that the details accurately represented the diversity and history of the UK – albeit in a Disney-fied, romanticized manner. A step back in time, (not a “step in time” – get it?) as it were, intended to be a place where you could stroll and enjoy a moment of leisure during a busy day of touring.

As is true for many of the other nations, original plans for this pavilion included a major attraction. Both a ride based on Mary Poppins and some sort of Shakespeare attraction were discussed. And as is true for the other ride-less pavilions, the attraction was never built. In 2019, Disney announced plans for an expansion to the pavilion that would feature Mary Poppins, Cherry Tree Lane, and maybe even an attraction, but those were laid aside when COVID hit. To date, the idea of expanding this pavilion has not been mentioned again.

3. Fish and chips and tea are all on the menu here.

The United Kingdom Pavilion is home to one Table Service restaurant and three Quick Service eateries. The centerpiece for UK dining is the Rose & Crown Dining Room. The great thing about this table service experience is that it’s on the waterfront of the World Showcase Lagoon. This makes it a perfect spot for late dining while enjoying the evening presentation, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.” (Fireworks Dining Packages are available if you’d like to guarantee a seat with a good view.) Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd’s Pie are highlights here. And for dessert, the Sticky Toffee Pudding can’t be beat.

If you’re not wanting to sit indoors, the same Fish & Chips is served next door at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. It comprises the entire menu and is served to you wrapped in faux-newsprint. It’s hot, crispy, delicious, and makes a great lunch or easy dinner.

Also adjoining the Dining Room, the Rose & Crown Pub recreates the experience of visiting an authentic pub. This bar/lounge offers only drinks, but boasts a beer selection that’s truly impressive. You won’t be surprised to hear that it includes Guinness, Harp Lager, and Bass Ale.  Only looking to grab a beverage? The UK Beer Cart, parked right outside the Rose and Crown Pub, has beer and water. Quick, refreshing, and you’re on your way.

4. The shopping is smashing, if not exactly Bond Street.

The various shopportunities in the United Kingdom pavilion include tea, apparel, familiar fragrances, sweets, and more. The Crown and Crest lets you create your family’s coat of arms. We looked up my surname and created a crest that hangs in our music room to this day. Beatles fans will find appealing apparel here, but there’s also housewares, Rose & Crown merchandise, and gifts.

The Toy Soldier houses British books, games, and toys, frequently featuring Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and other United Kingdom-associated characters. The tiny Lords and Ladies boutique offers perfumes and some luxe items, alongside Yardley soaps, purses, and jewelry.

My personal favorite is The Queen’s Table. Maybe it’s because I’m a fan of Walker’s shortbread and British candy? It’s pretty easy for me to spend way too much in here. (We won’t talk about the eating way too much later.) You can usually find merch featuring Winnie the Pooh and pals, too. The Sportsman’s Shoppe has sports apparel, along with Loungefly backpacks and high-end leather bags from the Leather Satchel Company.

And of course, there’s a tea shop! The Tea Caddy is in the charming thatch-roofed building where you‘ll find a wider variety of Twinings tea than you thought was possible. You can even put together your own custom tea chest with your favorite selections.

5. No ride, doesn’t mean no entertainment.

As you tour the pavilion, you’ll know loud and clear when Command Performance starts to play in the gazebo bandstand. Their set list is mostly British rock band faves from the 60s to the 90s, and they do an absolutely smashing job.

To meet some favorite Disney characters related to British books and films, Winnie the Pooh can be found in Christopher Robin’s room at the end of the garden walkway behind the shops. Occasionally, Mary Poppins has done a pop-in around the gardens, and so has Alice from Wonderland. It’s best to check My Disney Experience to see who may be available when you’re visiting.

Also in the garden is the hedge maze, just the spots for tired parents to rest while energetic youngsters run their way through. (It’s only knee high, so no worries about getting lost!) And as is true for all pavilions in the World Showcase, the UK Pavilion has a Kidcot Fun Stop. Inside the Toy Soldier, your littles can get their activity card packed with UK facts and more.

The Bottom Line.

As I said above, the United Kingdom Pavilion is a favorite of mine. It might not be the flashiest or most exciting place to visit in EPCOT. But it’s possible that this quiet charm is what makes it different. It’s a place where you can slow down, sip a pint next to the World Showcase lagoon, and listen to the beat of British rock bands. Pose for a few pix next to the phone booths, chat with Alice or Mary Poppins, and still have time for a cuppa. Then, refreshed, you can dive back into your touring day and run over the English Channel to ride Remy.

Have you been to the UK Pavilion? What’s your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below!