EPCOT’s World Showcase

EPCOT is Walt Disney World’s 2nd theme park which opened on October 1, 1982. With the opening of this fascinating, futuristic park, came not one but two components. The first section is Future World which is all about the progress we have made and where the future is taking us. Then as you venture a little bit further, you enter EPCOT’s World Showcase. This is an area of EPCOT that has a beautiful lagoon in the middle surrounded by 11 countries all proudly boasting its own pavilion.

The countries represented are Canada, Great Britain, France, Morocco, Japan, the American Adventure, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico. Each pavilion has authentic restaurants and food, with most countries having both table and counter service restaurants. It is a wonderful chance to try different cuisines from countries you may have already visited or have wanted to. The food is very authentic and rightfully so. Each cast member within the country’s pavillion, is actually from the country itself. They are here to teach Disney’s guests all about their native land and the culture that surrounds it. Talk about learning while having fun = that’s Epcot’s World Showcase.

In addition to the food, each country has wonderful shopping and hands-on activities to learn even more about the actual country itself. The cast members are there to educate and proudly show their heritage. Learn Origami, watch a 3-D movie all about the beautiful nation of Canada, walk through the dusty passageways of Morocco or sample authentic German beer while accordion music surrounds you. This is just a sample of what you will find here.

Each year EPCOT’s World Showcase hosts some very special events – The Fall brings the ever-popular “International Food and Wine Festival” while the Spring welcomes the “International Flower and Garden Festival.” Of course you can’t forget the “Candlelight Processional” held each holiday season at the World Showcase. These seasonal events are what make EPCOT’s World Showcase so popular and loved.

Perhaps what EPCOT’s World Showcase is most famous for would have to be – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which is held every evening.” This spectacular presentation is centered around Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon where fireworks, lasers and dancing fountains combine in a choreographed display performed to an inspirational musical score. It is one of the most moving presentations at Walt Disney World and is not to be missed. You can position yourself anywhere around the 360-degree World Showcase lagoon and watch the MAGIC unfold. Once you experience Illuminations, you will be hard-pressed not to get a little emotional. It embodies everything Disney represents and you will know why you came here to visit and why you will be back many times to come.

Epcot’s World Showcase might be one of the most relaxing and scenic areas of Walt Disney World. You don’t have to wait in lines for attractions, but merely stroll along country to country, taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells that each individual country showcases. It is an inviting feeling you get as you walk around and then sneak into a country to further explore. Who thought that you could experience authentic foreign culture each within steps to the next country. Taste, touch, smell and experience the world through a day at EPCOT’s World Showcase. You will be amazed!

Elyssa Antonelle
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
888-812-8750
elyssa@mickeytravels.com
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