Epcot World Showcase

Epcot World Showcase Overview

Epcot's World Showcase is centered around a reflective lagoon. There are eleven countries represented here. With rare exception, the World Showcase opens at 11:00am.

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.

Dining at the World Showcase is not to be missed. Most countries have both table and counter serve restaurants. It's a wonderful chance to try a different cuisine. (We strongly recommend making an Advance Dining Reservation for the table serve venues.)

Epcot hosts two special events. The Fall brings the very popular "International Food and Wine Festival" while the Spring welcomes the "International Flower and Garden Festival."  The holidays are especially festive with the "Candlelight Processional" a highlight of the Christmas season.  

The World Showcase is one of the main reasons Epcot got the reputation of not being "kid friendly." That changed when they added "Kidcot" stations in every country's pavilion throughout the park. Your little one can create free crafts at the Kidcot spots (yes, you read that right, something is actually free.) It's made Epcot a "must see" for all ages.

Every evening Epcot presents "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". This spectacular presentation is centered around the World Showcase Lagoon where fireworks, lasers and dancing fountains combine in a choreographed display performed to an inspirational musical score.

 

DIS Unplugged Blog

Listen To Some Of Our Epcot World Showcase Segments!

The DIS Unplugged is a weekly trip planning podcast with unbiased advice on getting the most from your next Disney vacation. Each week our team of Disney experts tells you what's new, what's good, and what's not-so-good in the world of Disney. New shows are released every Wednesday and can be found at disunplugged.com!

 

Epcot 101: World Showcase - Part 1— May 9th, 2012

Kathy Werling and Teresa Echols discuss Canada through the American Pavilion as part of their Epcot 101 series.

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Epcot 101: World Showcase - Part 2— August 1st, 2012

Kathy Werling and Teresa Echols discuss Mexico through Italy as part of their Epcot 101 series.

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For guests who were fans of the Kim Possible Adventure, this has replaced that attraction and is basically the same game, with a different theme, this time based on the popular Phineas and Ferb Disney Channel show.  On the show, stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb create crazy inventions, while completely oblivious to the double life their pet platypus Perry is leading as secret spy Agent P.  Guests partner with Agent P and Major Monogram to outwit evil scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz and save the world! 

Guests are given a F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) at one of the kiosks in Epcot's World Showcase - located at Odyssey bridge, Norway, Italy, International Gateway. These interactive devices use state-of-the-art technology to help guests keep in touch with the Phineas and Ferb characters by finding clues.  Use the clues to find Dr. Doofenshmirtz's evil "Inators" and stop his quest for world domination!

There are top secret devices hidden in the World Showcase pavilions at Mexico, Norway, China, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. At each country, there will be a different mission that needs solved!

The operating hours for this attraction are 11:00 am - 8:15 pm daily.

Read a blog with photos about Agent P's World Showcase Adventure!

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is a not to be missed Disney event. Taking place around the World Showcase at Epcot, the Food & Wine Festival features more than 100 wineries, breweries and cuisine from around the world.

At various times throughout the year, you may find a special celebration going on at these World Showcase countries:

January 26 - Chinese New Year

May 5 - Children's Day at Japan

May 5 - Cinco de Maya at Mexico

May 17 - Norway Constitution Day

October 3 - German Reunification Day

November 5 - United Kingdom's Guy Fawkes Day

November 18 - Morocco Independence Day

Click Here for Epcot "World Showcase" Photos