The World Showcase in Epcot is one of my favorite places to visit – I can spend hours just exploring the different pavilions. While “drinking around the world” has become popular among certain circles, there are plenty of ways you can tour the countries of Epcot in a unique way. In honor of the 11 pavilions, here are 11 “around the world” ideas for your next trip to the World Showcase.
Food & Drinks
1) Drinking Around the World
Epcot is known for its wide variety of international beers, wines, and cocktails. And if you’re visiting during the Food & Wine Festival in the fall, you’ll find even more great options. A few of the highlights include Mexico’s Jalapeno Margarita, Germany’s Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen, and France’s Grand Marnier & Grey Goose Orange Slush.
Mouse Expert Tip: If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in Epcot, consider one of the resorts located within walking distance of the International Gateway: Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, or Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
2) (Non-Alcoholic) Drinking Around the World
If you’re traveling with kids, pregnant, or just not into indulging in the hard stuff on this trip, Disney still has plenty of refreshing options for you. Check out Morocco’s “Moroccorita”, China’s Strawberry Oolong Tea Slush, Italy’s Primavera, Japan’s unique sodas, or even America’s Frozen Coke.
Mouse Expert Tip: In Epcot’s Club Cool, you can sample Coca-Cola soft drinks from around the world! People will tell you to try the Beverley…don’t try the Beverley…
3) Dining Around the World
What foods do you think of when you think of Germany? France? Japan? There are so many incredible dining options in Epcot, ranging from themed table-service restaurants to casual quick-service spots to assorted international food booths. Why not make it your mission to try some staple cuisine from each country?
Mouse Expert Tip: The best time to do this is during the Food & Wine Festival, since everything is served in tasting portions.
4) Desserts Around the World
This is probably my favorite way to tour Epcot! Whether it’s churros in Mexico, gelato in Italy, or Kaki-Gori in Japan, there are delectable desserts in every single pavilion. See which unique desserts you can find as your tour the countries. Three of the best spots are Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie in France, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Norway, and Karamell-Kuche in Germany.
Mouse Expert Tip: The bakeries in France and Norway open at 9 AM (two hours before the rest of the World Showcase). Many desserts are big enough to share!
5) Snacks Around the World
The shops in each of the pavilions carry a variety of international snacks and treats. Many of these are pre-packaged, making them great to bring back to the room or save for souvenirs. You can also find fresh items such as Germany pretzels or Mexican tortilla chips with guacamole.
Mouse Expert Tip: Be sure to visit Mitsukoshi in the Japan pavilion. It has the greatest snack variety of any of the countries and you’re sure to find some interesting options.
Experiences
6) Crafts Around the World
Each World Showcase pavilion offers a Kidcot Fun Stop where Cast Members provide a complimentary picture of Duffy the Disney Bear for kids to decorate. Here they have crayons, stamps, and stickers that can be used to create unique souvenirs.
Mouse Expert Tip: Have the kids take photos with their Duffy creations in front of the pavilion icons!
7) Passports Around the World
Start your kids off with their first “passport” by having them collect stamps and stickers from the Kidcot Fun Stops as you tour the World Showcase. You can purchase a passport from most shops in Epcot (these come with the country stickers), find a unique version from an Etsy seller, or simply create your own DIY version. This is a great way to get kids excited about traveling and bring home a special souvenir.
Mouse Expert Tip: Ask the Cast Members if they can write you a special message in your passport (in their native language of course).
8) Interviews Around the World
Did you know that most of the Cast Members that work in the World Showcase pavilions are native to those countries? This is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and languages. Have a list of questions in mind to ask as you meet different people, or simply ask your kids what they’d like to know about life in another country.
Mouse Expert Tip: Have your kids learn how to say “hello” in each language. The Cast Members love to teach!
9) Exhibitions Around the World
Many people miss these, but each pavilion offers both cultural exhibits and live performances throughout the day. You can see acrobats in China, drummers in Japan, mariachi in Mexico, or even the “Voices of Liberty” in America. The exhibits range from films to art showcases to actual rides. You can even meet a few Disney characters in their native lands, such as Snow White, Jasmine, and Mary Poppins.
Mouse Expert Tip: Pick up a Times Guide when you enter Epcot – it will list all of the entertainment and show times for the day.
10) Souvenirs Around the World
Next to the rides and the food, Epcot’s World Showcase is certainly about shopping. You can find unique souvenirs from each country, such as decorated chopsticks from Japan, a family crest from the U.K., or carved trolls from Norway. Or, you can choose to collect Disney Trading Pins with each flag. You may even spot the Genie’s lamp in Morocco…
Mouse Expert Tip: If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can have your purchases delivered directly to your room (so you won’t have to carry anything large or fragile around the park).
11) Photos Around the World
Finally, we come to the easiest way to tour the World Showcase. Take photos! Each pavilion offers a variety of iconic spots in which you can take a beautiful family photo. When you get home, you can make a cute photo book out of your “travels”. Don’t forget to take at least one photo that has Spaceship Earth in the background.
Mouse Expert Tip: Ask PhotoPass photographers if any “Magic Shots” are available – they can add Disney characters and effects to your photos to make them truly special.
Which “around the world” tour will you choose?
Ready to plan your World Showcase adventure? I’d love to help you come up with even more creative ideas that your family will love. When you book your vacation with me, my booking, planning, and concierge services are completely free! Request a free quote and consultation to get started today. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at jtullino@themouseexperts.com.
