EPCOT’s World Showcase Touring Guide
Epcot’s World Showcase is home to 11 countries featuring attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Below, we discuss what you need to know about touring this section of the park and provide a list of what you can expect in each country. It’s important to note that it would be almost impossible to do everything in a day’s visit. We often tour Epcot in a way that allows us to get most of the significant attractions out of the way before we hit the World Showcase.
Our afternoons and evenings are more relaxed as we browse the gift shops, try specialty food items, and enjoy entertainment offerings as we come across them. Our only major concern is trying to time it to see Impressions de France at its 7:00 p.m. showing. Then we would like to enjoy an ice cream cone or maybe some other treat from the nearby Patisserie before finding a spot for Luminous: the Symphony of Us, the evening fireworks finale.
Need to Know About Touring World Showcase
Epcot’s World Showcase formerly opened at 11:00 a.m. However, in recent years, most country pavilions have opened between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Attractions like Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion are open for early entry. They will be immediately available when the first guests enter the park. By 9:00 a.m., most of the park is open and operational, except for attractions that might be closed for refurbishment or experiencing downtime.
Additionally, most of the pavilions in the World Showcase will close promptly at park closing, which is typically 9:00 p.m. Some exceptions to that rule are when the park is open later. However, it’s essential to be aware that nearly every dining location in the World Showcase and other park areas will close when the park closes. So, if you’re eligible for extended evening hours, you would want to dine before the park’s regular closing time. If you get hungry, your choices will be limited to a couple of popcorn carts. It is challenging to find late-night food at Walt Disney World.
*Attractions like Frozen Ever After, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure remain open for extended evening hours at Epcot. But most everything else in the World Showcase will be closed. Cast members rope off the area between the Norway and France Pavilions when the park closes. So you’ll have to walk through the United Kingdom and Canada to get around the World Showcase.
World Showcase Countries
Epcot is home to 11 countries in the World Showcase. The countries are as follows:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- America
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Below is a brief overview of what you can expect in each country. We have detailed guides for each country’s pavilion with photos if you want to learn more.
Mexico Pavilion
We’ve listed the highlights of the Mexico Pavilion below. The pavilion’s attractions are inside a pyramid built to resemble ancient Mesoamerican ruins. Additional dining and shopping locations surround the exterior. This pavilion is popular for margaritas, so don’t be surprised to find a lengthy line for La Cava del Tequila.
Architecture
- Pyramid
Attractions
Entertainment
- Meet Donald Duck in Mexico
- Music of Mexico (Mariachi Cobre and Marimba de las Américas)
*Showtimes for entertainment offerings and characters are listed in the My Disney Experience app.
Dining
- La Cava del Tequila
- Choza de Margarita
- La Cantina de San Angel
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
Shopping
- La Princesa de Cristal
- La Tienda Encantada
- Plaza de Los Amigos
Kidcot Fun Stop
Learn More: Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Guide
Norway Pavilion
Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is home to one of the park’s most popular attractions, Frozen Ever After. The pavilion offers a tasty bakery that often has long lines. Many guests like to try the famous school bread from Kringla Bakeri. The pavilion is also home to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, a character dining location with princesses.
Architecture
Attractions
- Gods of the Vikings Exhibit
- Frozen Ever After
Entertainment
Dining
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Counter Service)
- Restaurant Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Norway Pavilion Beer Cart
Shopping
- The Fjording
- The Puffin’s Roost
- Wandering Reindeer (PhotoPass Area)
Learn More: Epcot’s Norway Pavilion Guide
China Pavilion
Epcot’s China Pavilion is wonderful to explore, especially the House of Good Fortune. We love to browse this tremendous gift shop and almost always pick up a specialty canned soda at the back of the store.
Architecture
- Temple of Heaven
- Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest
- Gate of the Golden Sun
Attractions
- House of Whispering Willows
- Shanghai Disney Exhibit with Zootopia
- Reflections of China (CircleVision)
Entertainment
Dining
- The Joy of Tea (QS)
- Lotus Blossom Cafe (QS)
- Nine Dragons Restaurant (TS)
Shopping
- Good Fortune Gifts
- House of Good Fortune
Kidcot Fun Stop
Learn More: Epcot’s China Pavilion Guide
Germany Pavilion
While this pavilion has no formal attractions, it’s still fun for sightseeing and shopping. Don’t miss the Romantic Road train station!
Architecture
- Platz Square
- Statue of St George and the Dragon
- Clocktower
Entertainment
- Meet Snow White in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion
- Model Train Station (The Romantic Road)
- Various Bands (Throughout Festivals)
Dining
- Sommerfest (Quick Service)
- Biergarten Restaurant (Table Service)
- Karamell Kuche (Candy Shop)
- Bier (Beer and Snack Cart)
- Bier und Brezeln (Beer and Pretzels)
Shops
- Das Kaufhaus
- Volkskunst
- Die Weihnachts Ecke
- Stein Haus
- Weinkeller
- Kunstarbeit in Kristall
- Glaskunst
Learn More: Epcot’s Germany Pavilion Guide
Italy Pavilion
Like Germany, Italy’s Pavilion doesn’t have a formal attraction. However, the architectural structures within the pavilion are stunning. You feel as though you stepped out of a theme park and into the streets of Venice. The shops are pretty great here, too!
Architecture
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- Doge’s Palace
- The Carretto Siciliano at Epcot
- Ponte della Paglia
- Neptune Fountain
Entertainment
- Sergio, Italian Mime
Dining
- Italy Mule Cart
- Enoteca
- Enoteca Castello
- Gelateria Toscana
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Retail
- Il Bel Cristallo
- Le Gemma Elegante
- La Bottega Italiana
Kidcot Fun Stop
Learn More: Epcot’s Italy Pavilion Guide
American Pavilion
If you need a place to rest weary feet midday, consider yourself a history buff, or are even remotely patriotic, you don’t want to miss the American Adventure in Epcot’s America Pavilion! See our article below for more details of what to expect. We also really enjoy dining at Regal Eagle Smokehouse.
Architecture
- Colonial Style Mansion
Attractions
- The American Adventure
- American Heritage Gallery
- Portraits of Courage by President George Bush (This is a limited-time offering through May 2025.)
Entertainment
- Voices of Liberty
- The America Gardens Theater
Dining
- Block and Hans (Quick-Service)
- Fife and Drum (Quick-Service)
- Funnel Cake (Quick-Service)
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (Counter-Service)
Retail
- Art of Disney
- Kiosk
Learn More: American Pavilion at Epcot
Japan Pavilion
Japan is the shopping pavilion. You can spend hours browsing the Mitsukoshi Department Store. If you enjoy Asian cuisine or sushi, this pavilion offers incredible dining options.
Architecture
- Torii Gate
- Japanese Castle
- Pagoda
- Japanese Gardens
Attractions
- Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Entertainment
- Matsuriza Drummers
Dining
- Garden House (Kiosk)
- Kabuki Cafe (Quick Service)
- Katsura Grill (Quick Service)
- Teppan Edo (Table Service)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Table Service)
- Takumi Tei (Signature Dining)
Retail
- Mitsukoshi Department Store
- Mitsukoshi Kiosk (Temporarily Closed)
Kidcot in Japan
Learn More: Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Guide
Morocco Pavilion
Here is what’s currently available for Morocco. Note that some of the pavilion’s shops have been closed for a few years.
Architectural References
- Koutoubia Minaret Tower
- Bab Boujouloud Gate Replica
- Fez House
Attractions
Entertainment
- Meet Princess Jasmine in Morocco
- Atlas Fusion
Dining
- Tangierine Café (Currently Flavors of the Medina Festival Market)
- Spice Road Table
- Oasis Sweets and Sips
- Restaurant Marrakesh (Currently Closed)
Retail
- Souk-al-Magreb
- The Brass Bazaar (Temporarily Closed)
- Casablanca Carpets (Temporarily Closed)
- Marketplace in the Medina (Temporarily Closed)
- Tangier Traders (Temporarily Closed)
Kidcot
Learn More: Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion Guide
France Pavilion
Epcot’s France Pavilion is always busy. At Le Halles, you can pick up anything from a simple baguette for breakfast to a strawberry tart later in the day. L’ Artisan des Glaces has delicious ice cream concoctions, including the popular Brioche ice cream sandwich and macaron. As mentioned early on, we always go out of our way to see Impressions de France. It’s quite possibly the most charming attraction at Epcot.
Architectural Influence
- Eiffel Tower Replica
- Parisian Neighborhood
Attractions
- Impressions de France
- Tale as Old as Time: French Storytelling Exhibit
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Entertainment
Dining
- Chefs de France (Table-Service Restaurant)
- Les Vins des Chefs de France (Quick Service)
- L’Artisan des Glaces (Quick Service)
- Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie (Quick Service)
- Les Vins De France (Champagne)
- Monsieur Paul (Signature Dining)
- La Crêperie de Paris (Table-Service)
- Crêpes À Emporter (Quick Service Window)
Shops
- La Signature
- L’Esprit de la Provence
- Les Vins de France
- Plume et Palette
- Souvenirs de France
Kidcot Fun Stop
Learn More: Epcot’s France Pavilion Guide
United Kingdom Pavilion
The United Kingdom Pavilion is an excellent place to meet beloved English characters and shop. If you’re craving something fried, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop offers a tasty fish and chips platter.
Architectural Elements
- British Village
Entertainment
- Meet Alice in Wonderland in the United Kingdom
- Meet Winnie the Pooh in the United Kingdom
- Various Bands
Dining
- Rose and Crown Dining Room
- Rose and Crown Pub
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
- UK Beer Cart
Shops
- The Crown and Crest
- Lords and Ladies
- The Queen’s Table
- Sportsman’s Shoppe
- The Tea Caddy
- The Toy Soldier
Kidcot
Learn More: Epcot’s United Kingdom Pavilion Guide
Canada Pavilion
Here’s what you can expect to find while touring the Canada Pavilion.
Architecture
- Totem Poles
- Victoria Gardens
- Hotel Du Canada
- Waterfalls
Attractions
Entertainment
- Mill Stage Performances
Dining
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (TS, Signature)
- Popcorn Cart in Canada (QS)
- Festival Booths
Retail
- Northwest Mercantile
- Trading Post
- Kiosk
Kidcot
Learn More: Epcot’s Canada Pavilion Guide
EPCOT Festivals
Epcot hosts four festivals throughout the year. During each of these festivals, the countries in the World Showcase will have additional food and entertainment offerings. If you want to participate in these extra activities during your vacation, we recommend starting with our Epcot Festival Guide for an overview. Or you might like to browse the individual guides for each festival:
Seeing ‘Luminous: The Symphony of Us’ from the World Showcase
Guests gather around the World Showcase Lagoon each evening to watch the spectacular nighttime fireworks. For reference, Epcot’s fireworks are always offered at the park’s closing time. So if the park closes at 9:00 p.m., the fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. After the fireworks, we recommend taking your time leaving the park. While the attractions close, the larger shops near the park’s entrances (not in the World Showcase) remain open until about an hour after the park closes. So there is no rush to leave. You might even sit on a bench and relax while the crowds clear. On most evenings, you’ll want to secure a spot for Epcot’s fireworks 30 minutes to an hour in advance. The more crowded the park is, the earlier you’ll want to find a spot. Our guide below details some of our favorite (and a few not-so-great) areas to see the fireworks.
Learn More: ‘Luminous: The Symphony of Us’ Viewing Areas
We hope this guide helped you plan your time in the World Showcase. For more details, you might enjoy our entire Epcot Planning Guide. For the other Disney Parks, try the following guides:
- Magic Kingdom Planning Guide
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios Planning Guide
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Planning Guide
Or you might like our complete overview of the Walt Disney World Parks.
Get Our Free Quick Start Planning Guide
Walt Disney World vacations are expensive and time-consuming to plan. This email course teaches you how to plan a vacation that’s PERFECT for you!