I love EPCOT. I am going to start by saying that. In the current emotional climate, before discussing something, I need to state my underlying appreciation for it before offering constructive criticism. I love EPCOT so much that I care deeply about two things. The first is eventually getting Australia into the World Showcase. The second is maintaining a sense of authenticity around all the pavilions in World Showcase so they are offering their best representation of their country. After all, this is the highlight of this park, which sets it apart not only from other Walt Disney World parks but also from every other theme park in existence. One would think that ensuring each country was accurately and authentically represented would be one of the few pillars this park stands on.
Alas, I find myself questioning different aspects of the project. For one example, I have yearned for a Dim Sum (Yum Cha) service to delight the masses in the China pavilion – it just seems like the perfect fit to tie in this Chinese tradition, maybe even with a dash of flair from the Shanghai and Hong Kong Disney Parks. But now, I have a new bone to pick with the World Showcase, and my sights are firmly fixed on the United Kingdom pavilion.
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
I’ve just returned from some time spent in England, reacquainting myself with my British heritage, and one aspect of English living became glaringly obvious as missing from the beloved pavilion. Cream Teas. Also known as High Tea, this is a delightful practice where traditionally tiered stands provide sample-sized finger sandwiches, savory and sweet small bites, as well as a delicious scone with jam and cream. Oh, and the tea, of course! Some Cream Tea services in the UK have a smaller offering, limited to just the tea, scones, and accompaniments. As a thriving part of English culture, I can’t believe I’ve never asked the question before. Why aren’t there any High Tea services in the United Kingdom Pavillon?
This realization is going to haunt the rest of my visits to the UK stop on the EPCOT world map, as I just can’t understand how this could have been overlooked. How can it be that with a United Kingdom representation in the park, the nearest High Tea is in… The Grand Floridian? Although it has remained closed since the pandemic shutdown. No, no, this won’t do; how do we rectify this situation?
Feature Image: Photo by Soyoung Han on Unsplash
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
