United Kingdom

The United Kingdom pavilion is a bustling destination. Through the seamless blend of architecture that takes you from the streets of London to an English cottage, the essence of this nation is yours to enjoy. Cobble-stoned streets, a quaint pub, the scent of fish and chips in the air combine to make this an authentic “trip across the pond.”

Tucked in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion is the perfect spot for taking a quiet break. There’s a lovely English garden, topiaries and Tigger’s Maze. Children delight in working their way through this puzzle. A copper roofed gazebo is the showpiece of this section. You may find the loveable Winnie the Pooh and the perfectly proper Mary Poppins making appearances here.

While there is no “attraction” at the United Kingdom, there is entertainment with a decidedly British flair. The World Showcase Players are an improvisation group who engage visitors in their hilarious skits. The “British Invasion” performs songs from the Beatles and other British groups.

France

The France Pavilion is a bit deceptive at first glance. Tucked away behind the Chefs de France restaurant (one of the Epcot's best), is an alleyway where the Boulangerie Patisserie is found. This is a fancy way of saying "bakery" and is not to be missed.

When you approach France from the United Kingdom, you stroll over the Pont des Arts inspired footbridge. This spot is reminiscent of the the Seine waterfront, complete with flower carts and artists.

The center fountain is a great place to sit, relax and people watch. Throughout the day the "Serveur Amusant" acrobats perform. It's a fun show where the two talented performers build a tower out of chairs and balance on top.

The 'streets' are lined in cobblestones and as you explore the pavilion, you'll hear romantic tunes being played. Speaking of romance, there's no greater love than the Beauty and the Beast. You'll often find Belle and her fur covered man.

There is an "attraction" so to speak. The "Impressions de France" film is shown throughout the day in the Palais du Cinema. The best thing about this movie is that you actually get to sit. (A nice departure from the Circle Vision movies in China and Canada.)

Morocco

Guarding the entrance to the Moroccan pavilion is a reproduction of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh, a prayer tower of the 12th century mosque. The intricately carved tower reflects the pride in the craftsmanship that the native artisans took when assisting in the construction of the Moroccan pavilion.

More native craftsmen were used in building this pavilion than in any other in all of the World Showcase. This is evident in the supreme quality of the geometric patterns and mosaic art found throughout Morocco.

The warm terra cotta tiles and carved plaster buildings topped with green roofs amidst the winding alleys and stuccoed archways add to the charm of the "jewel of North Africa".

The flower filled courtyard surrounded by citrus and olive trees, date palms and banana plants, includes a fountain inspired by the Nejjarine fountain Fez. In this area, you can hear Moroccan musicians, watch the exotic belly dancers perform or marvel at the incredible acrobatics of the Houzali Troupe.

Japan and Pick a Pearl

Japan is one of the more picturesque of the countries in the World Showcase. It also is one of the best spots for shopping.

Photo enthusiasts will want to capture the large red torii gate that welcomes visitors to this pavilion.

A towering blue-roofed pagoda, which is a replica of a 7th century Horyuji Temple, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Footbridges cross streams brimming with water lilies and colorful koi fish.

Japanese maples, bamboo, monkey puzzle trees and other native plantings provide a tranquil garden setting. This is a great place to sit and relax for awhile.

Inside Epcot’s Japan pavilion is the Mitsukoshi Department Store where you will find a variety of items such as anything Hello Kitty to Japanese Swords. Here guests can also choose their own oyster to discover and keep the pearl that lies within.

Your pearl adventure begins as you point out one of the oysters in the tank for the Cast Member to pick out for you. When you make your pick the Cast Member leads you in a countdown opening the oyster. When the pearl is found inside, the Cast Member will measure it for you, and will then celebrate by playing a beat on the drum on the counter. It is so much fun and YOU get to do it! =)

United States

The American pavilion is a colonial-style mansion whose roots are found in the architecture of Independence Hall, Boston's Old State House, Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg. The 110,000 bricks used on the building are all hand-made from Georgia clay and were tinted and aged to add authenticity. The interior floors are made from marble and copper.

Across the World Showcase promenade on the lagoon is the outdoor stage and amphitheater known as the America Gardens Theatre. Live shows such as the Candlelight Processional, Eat to the Beat and Flower Power concerts are held here.

The America Pavilion is all about patriotism, with the gardens planted in hues of red, white and blue. The roses all varieties named for U.S. Presidents.

Before entering the American Adventure theatre, you will see a collection of the flags which have represented the United States during the course of its history. The show is a patriotic look at the concepts America was founded on. Hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, the 29-minute show blends Audio-animatronics with images shown on a 72' rear projection screen.

There are 6 statues on each side of the theatre which represent Individualism, Innovation, Tomorrow, Independence, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Pioneering, Knowledge, Self-Reliance and Adventure.

There are 35 Audio-animatronic figures used in scenes depicting the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth Rock, the Boston Tea Party, George Washington at Valley Forge, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, slavery and the invention of the telephone.

Princess Meal!!!

Can you believe we are going to eat in the castle? Me neither! When we get to our hotel, we will check in, grab something small to eat and then head to the Magic Kingdom!

We will ride a few rides and then enter the castle for dinner! Here are the different menu choices:

Appetizer: Fruit & Cheese Platter with carrots, celery, and ranch dressing for dipping.

Entree Selections: Mini Hot Dogs with potato tots, green beans and carrots

OR Chicken Tenders with Mashed Potatoes, green beans and carrots

OR Beef and Macaroni with marinara sauce and melted Mozzarella served with green beans and carrots

Dessert Selection: Royal Crown Sundae or Raspberry Sorbet.

Selection of Beverages: Minute Maid Apple or Orange Juice, Milk, Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade, or Punch

Your parents can order from the following:

Appetizers of the Court
Choice of one:

Mixed Greens Salad - Mixed Field Greens and fresh herbs tossed with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Rock Shrimp Cocktail - rock shrimp with tomato marmalade

Royal Tasting of Cheese - a trio of cheeses with accompaniments

Soup Of The Day

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Entrées Royale:
Choice of one:

Roasted Beef Tenderloin - sliced roasted beef tenderloin with Duchess potatoes, asparagus, and a tomato Hollandaise

Grilled Pork Chop - grilled bone-in pork chop with roasted butternut squash, braised baby greens, and an apple-onion ragout

Vegetarian "Cassoulet" - baked French-style casserole of cannelini and Garbanzo beans topped with wild mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, tomatoes, and herbs

Fried Chicken - fried chicken with a house-made Macaroni and Cheese and Cheese and Broccolini

Braised Cobia - braised on Pomodorro sauce served with vegetables over angel hair pasta

Duck Confit - duck confit with savory mushroom bread pudding and Hollandaise sauce

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Finale
Choice of one:

Valrhona Chocolate Mousse - A light chocolate mousse presented with berries and raspberry sauce

Créme Caramel - caramel topped with vanilla custard

Seasonal No Sugar Added Sorbet - with berries

Germany and Italy

Germany -- A fountain with a statue of St. George slaying a dragon, is the centerpiece of the cobblestoned German platz (plaza) in the World Showcase's Germany. The architecture reflects a diverse cross section of German regions, from the replica of the medieval castle to the fairy tale Bavarian style buildings. The clock tower features a glockenspiel that chimes a special melody on the hour. A miniature German village houses three model trains much to the guests' delight.

While there is no ride or attraction in the Germany pavilion, shoppers will enjoy the wide variety of quaint shops. Der Teddy bar is a toy shop with Steiff stuffed animals, Engel Puppen dolls, Medieval themed toys, finger puppet theaters, and of course, teddy bears. 

There is a new shop Karamelle-Kuche in Germany. It features Disney cast members making fresh caramel corn, caramel apples, strawberries, marshmallows. The store will also carry gourmet caramels, cookies, brownies, fudge and cupcakes.

Italy-- The 83 foot belltower in the World Showcase's Italy is an authentic replica of the original campanile in St. Mark's Square. The great attention paid to detail is found on the angel atop the belltower that is covered with real gold leaf even though it is up so high that guests really cannot appreciate it.

The romance of Venice is demonstrated in the Venetian bridges and the gondolas that are moored to a festive striped barber shop-style poles alongside the World Showcase lagoon.

A spectacular replica of the 14th century pink and white Doge's Palace is authentic right down to the marble like façade similar to that used in the original. In the central plaza area of the pavilion, the Plaza del Teatro, you'll find the "Fontana de Nettuno" a fountain inspired by Bernini's Neptune fountain. Live street theatre and the singers of Naples, "I Cantanapoli" entertain guests in the plaza as well.

China!

You enter the China Pavilion through a distinct triple arched ceremonial gate patterned after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

If you're looking for a spot where you can enjoy a few minutes of peace, this is it. There are footbridges, bamboo groves, a small waterfall and ponds which provide the perfect getaway from the crowds.

Throughout the day you'll often find Mulan and/or Mushu available for meet and greets.

The Dragon Legend acrobats entertain guests throughout the day. When these children perform, it always attracts a good sized crowd.

Also be sure to check out the replica of the Terracotta Army. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers.

"Reflections of China" is a 360º Circle-Vision film shown in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This movie features footage of China including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, the tropical rain forests. 

There is no seating in this theatre, only rails for guests to lean against so that they can fully experience the Circle-Vision effect. Not overly thrilling, but rarely busy so if you're looking for a place to either cool off, dry off or escape crowds, this is an option to keep in mind.

 

Norway

The area of Norway resembles a Norwegian town square with its cobble stone courtyard and a replica of a 14th century fortress found in Oslo. A stave church mimics 13th Century medieval craftsmanship.

Norway's attraction is Maelstrom. Maelstrom uses a 16 passenger Viking-style boat that takes you through a 10th century Viking village and a mythical forest where you'll encounter trolls who cast a curse on the boats. From here, the boat starts going backwards before it reaches a waterfall and again changes course. (If you look up at the building, you'll see where the boats stop and head forward.)

As with most of Disney's attractions, you exit through a store. Most everyone likes to put on set of Viking horns and pose for a pix by the giant troll found in the shop.

World Showcase and Mexico

  Epcot's World Showcase is centered around a reflective lagoon. There are eleven countries represented here. 

 

This is one of the more relaxing and scenic areas of Disney World. As far as "attractions" go, you're not going to find thrill rides but there are several movies, boat rides and shows that will give you an overview of the country you're in.

As you stroll around, you'll transition from one country to the next. While each "land" is next to the other, you'll never get the sense that you're in two places at once. To enhance the experience, the Cast Members come from the country you're visiting and are always eager to talk about their homeland.

If you're looking for unique and often inexpensive souvenirs, this is the place to be. Unlike the other theme parks which sells almost identical merchandise, each country in the World Showcase has items that are only found there. From candy to clothing, from CD's to Cuckoo clocks, there's no end to the "treasures" waiting to be found.

Mexico

A pyramid surrounded by lush landscaping fashioned after a Yucatan jungle is your first introduction to the Mexican pavilion. As you enter the Plaza de Los Amigos, you first notice the darkened interior.  

It's always twilight in Mexico, the perfect backdrop for the smoking volcano and the grand Mayan pyramid in the background. There are colorful carts and shops offering Mexican jewelry, Kahlua, pottery, clothing and leather goods. There's often a strolling mariachi band making this visit an authentic taste of Mexico.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros-- this boat ride takes you looking for Donald. He has disappeared enroute to the Three Caballeros performance in Mexico City. His friends Jose and Panchito go off in search of their missing pal.