Beyond the Rides: Epcot’s World Showcase
Our “Beyond the Rides” series offers tips and activities for each park that don’t involve ride attractions. Don’t shy away from planning a trip if you or yours aren’t big riders. I am a notorious nervous rider. While I try to push myself to try one or two “scary” rides each trip to Disney World, I’m still not a thrill seeker. If you have someone in your group that gets anxious about “thrill” rides, there is still PLENTY to do in every one of the parks at Disney World.
While some of my all time favorite rides are in the Future World section of Epcot, there really isn’t much of a draw there in terms of attractions beyond the rides.
A good deal of the area is either closed or currently being redeveloped. A new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and a space themed restaurant are both under construction. The old Wonders of Life building is becoming the new Play Pavilion and plans are in the works to create less concrete and more, much needed, green space.
So many changes are coming to Epcot over the next several years, particularly in Future World, but for now, it is slim pickings for activities that aren’t rides.
Aside from several interesting character meet and greets (Joy & Sadness, Baymax, Wreck it Ralph & Vanellope), the interactive Turtle Talk with Crush and the Seas aquarium, there isn’t much to do in Future World beyond a handful of ride attractions.
The World Showcase area is also undergoing some development.
New restaurants in Japan and France are on the way. A new Ratatouille dark ride is coming to France along with a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
The whole of Epcot is growing and I’m excited for the new changes to this park. While Future World bears the brunt of the growing pains, the World Showcase section of the park is much more fertile ground for looking beyond the rides at Epcot.
Each of the 11 countries surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon offers unique architecture, food, shopping and entertainment.
Don’t just stop in to grab a meal or breeze by on your way to the Frozen Ever After ride. The pavilions look deceptively small, but most have little hidden nooks or even entire exhibits tucked away that most people miss.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead
Currently, there is an interesting Dia de los Muertos/Coco exhibit, “Remember Me”, just inside the entrance of the Mexico pavilion. While a lot of folks seem to tire of Disney’s recent penchant for shoe-horning intellectual property into the pavilions, here it really works. I’m not sure whether this is going to be a permanent fixture, but it’s worth stopping to take it all in rather than marching past to get to La Cava Del Tequila or the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride.
There is also a new music, dancing and puppet show, “Mariachi Cobre Presents The Story of Coco” that takes place outside of the pavilion. I am excited to check it out this Spring.
Catch a Movie
Several of the pavilions in the World Showcase have movies depicting scenes from the countries they represent. China and France, in particular, have great ones. For “Reflections of China”, guests stand inside the middle of a room surrounded by screens. While this film is slated for an update, the current version still makes you feel as if you are actually there and not just watching a movie.
France also has a popular and beloved film, “Impressions de France“, that transports you through the landscapes of that country. It is dated, but beautiful. There is seating for this film, so take a break from your park shenanigans and have a little mini trip to France.
Eat Breakfast in France or Norway
While Future World opens at 9 or earlier, the World Showcase area doesn’t open until 11 except for the Frozen Ever After attraction and the bakeries in Norway and France. Yep. You can grab a quick service breakfast at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway pavilion or at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion. If you didn’t get a FastPass for the Frozen ride but rope dropped it with success, celebrate with some School Bread in Norway or a quiche in France.
Learn about the Vikings
The BEST entertainment at the Norway pavilion is now coming to a close. I’m still going to mention it here though just in case someone in a position of Disney power reads it. There are, until March 30th 2019, a group of “Viking” rabble rousers that meet outside of the Norway pavilion. This very non-traditional meet and greet takes place daily, and the times are listed in the paper guide as well as on My Disney Experience. Don’t expect a cordial selfie or an organized picture taking situation here. These guys behave like the cartoon version of a Viking. They block people’s faces with their shields, attempt to photo bomb each other, and communicate via grunts and gestures only. It’s fairly ridiculous, but a ton of fun if you just roll with it. They will be MISSED! (hint, hint Disney)
However, there is also something else interesting besides the Frozen Ever After Ride and eating with the Princesses at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. If you have a Thor fan, take a few minutes to check out the exhibit inside the Stave Church. They will definitely enjoy it. It’s a small space but packed full of Norse Gods, Viking history and artifacts.
Check out Germany’s Miniature Train
There is a sweet little miniature train set and village nestled between the German and Italy pavilions. Stop by and have a look. There have been rumors swirling around for a while now that it may have to go to make way for a possible new pavilion so its days may be numbered. For now, it’s still around and particularly great if you have any train lovers in your group. Grab a bag of the AMAZING caramel popcorn from Karamell-Küche and watch the little train wind its way around the track.
Eat in Italy
I have to be honest here. In Italy, we come for the food. If you think that Via Napoli may not be worth it because you can get pizza all over Disney World, please reconsider that. The wood fired ovens are a work of art, the Cast Members are fantastic and the pizza is DELICIOUS. Stop by for a slice and then get some gelato before strolling over to the America pavilion on your way around the world.
Listen to the Voices of Liberty
I am ashamed to say that I have not ever spent much time at the America pavilion. The limited time of our visits have us, understandably, exploring the other pavilions that are not part of our culture. We have stopped briefly to listen to the Voices of Liberty sing, but have never seen the American Adventure show. I plan to remedy that on our next trip.
Browse at Japan’s Mitsukoshi Department Store
Granted, there are lots of things inside this store that you can get in American stores. My kid had to have a Zelda baseball hat on one of our visits that later turned up at Target. I know, I know. However, there is a lot of interesting Anime and Studio Ghibli merchandise, and peculiar snacks and candies to at least look at, if not purchase. There is also a Pick-a-Pearl area where they make a big deal out of revealing the pearl inside the oyster of your choosing. It’s a fun and colorful atmosphere and more than worth the leisurely stroll through the store.
Take in the architecture and ambiance of Morocco
Morocco’s pavilion is beautiful. There is an art gallery off the beaten path, tucked into the back of the pavilion that is a nice place to slow down and enjoy the air conditioning.
The outdoor markets are fun to browse and the air is filled with the spices of the many restaurants in the area. You can even get a henna tattoo here for your vacation!
Explore the grounds at the Canada and UK Pavilions
All of the pavilions have interesting features, but the Canada pavilion has a very picturesque and natural landscape going on. A small garden area modeled after Butchart Gardens lies at the entrance. You can also follow the pathway into the “mountains” and past a waterfall. It’s gorgeous.
The UK pavilion has a beautiful tea garden with a gazebo and small hedge maze. You can sometimes find Mary Poppins or Alice here and live bands perform throughout the day. Around the back of the gift shop, Winnie the Pooh fans can take a look at Christopher Robin’s bedroom.
Get the kids involved
The World Showcase is often considered the one Disney park that isn’t particularly entertaining for kids. I think that’s because folks are concentrated on the food and drink. If you take some time to really visit the pavilions, there is a lot that could be of interest to kids.
If you have younger children, pick up a free “passport” at the Kidcot stations at any of the pavilions. Cast Members in each country will stamp their little booklets. It’s a great way to get young kids involved in each of the pavilions. Some of the Cast Members take the time to really interact with the kids and to write special messages or their name in the language of the country they are visiting.
Each country has streetmosphere performers as well. Check the daily park schedule. I guarantee you that the kids will get a kick out of the jugglers, acrobats and drummers. There are also meet and greets in the character’s “home” country like Snow White in Germany and Belle in France.
Enjoy a Festival
Chances are that while you are visiting, there will be a festival going on at Epcot. Fall is the International Food and Wine Festival . Winter is either International Festival of the Holidays or the International Festival of the Arts. Spring is the International Flower and Garden Festival.
Each comes with their own special food booths, drinks, desserts and activities. Make sure to check out the daily schedules for more information on what is going on while you are at the park.
Take advantage of PhotoPass
This is our recommendation for ALL of the parks ALL of the time. Some of our best family pictures have been taken at Disney World. In Epcot there are a lot of unique and fun PhotoPass opportunities throughout the park and pavilions. There are even special festival related Magic Shots. Can’t visit France or Morocco? You can still have a photo op that looks like the real thing.
These are just a handful of my group’s favorite activities in Epcot’s World Showcase. Really take the time to stroll through the pavilions. Rather than rushing from one to the next, try to let each one sink in a little. You’ll be happy that you did.
For more information on what Epcot has to offer, check out our Everything You Need to know about Epcot .
