An Expedition to Epcot’s Italy Pavilion (Entertainment, Dining, and Shopping)

Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

Below is a list of the different architectural references, entertainment, restaurants, and shops in the Italy Pavilion.

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

Architecture

Epcot’s Italy Pavilion features significant architectural detail, some of which reflect historical references dating back to the early 1300s. Italy is also one of the most recognizable countries from a distance in the World Showcase skyline. Its bell tower tends to single the country out from various viewpoints.

Next, we have the Doge’s Palace adjacent to St Mark’s bell tower. Built in the 1300s for the ruler of Venice, the original Venetian structure has been transformed into a museum. The Epcot version features an Italian retail shop underneath the facade. We’ll examine what’s inside a little further below.

The pavilion makes you feel like you’ve traveled through time and left the theme park behind.

If you have ever walked through the area, you’ve probably noticed the donkey pulling a drink cart. While researching, I found that this cart is called a Carretto Siciliano. They originated around 1890 and were used to carry various items, including people, on newly developed roads to Sicily. They are now considered pieces of artwork. Each one was technically crafted and contained close to sixty working parks. However, the one at Epcot is only stationary and used as a seasonable beverage stand.

Entertainment in the Italy Pavilion

Unfortunately, Epcot’s Italy is not home to any attractions or character meet-and-greets. But the pavilion offers one form of entertainment: Sergio, an Italian mime. He performs at various times throughout the day. His schedule is listed in the entertainment section of the My Disney Experience app. It’s also posted on a sign toward the front of the pavilion. If you see him out in the area, take a few moments to watch his performance. He tends to draw a large crowd and is exceptionally entertaining. Not only is Sergio a mime, but he’s also considered a master juggler.

Dining in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

“When in Rome, one must do as the Romans.” When most people think of Italy, one significant thought comes to mind—food. Epcot’s Italy Pavilion allows visitors to enjoy a taste of the Italian countryside.

Italy Mule Cart

We’ll start with the Italy Donkey Cart, which we discussed earlier. This cart is located near the back of the pavilion by Neptune’s Fountain.

Enoteca Castello

Enoteca Castello is the interior location behind the beverage cart. This shop sells many of the same offerings. However, they have a larger selection of wine.

They have a few different options compared to their outdoor kiosk.

Gelateria Toscana

Gelateria Toscana is the Italy Pavilion’s gelato shop. They sell items like a gelato (cone or cup), floats, smoothies, espresso coffee, cappuccino, and various other treats at this counter service.

They have several flavors of gelato and sorbet.

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar sits adjacent to Tutto Italia toward the back left-hand side of the pavilion. This location offers small plates, appetizers, entrees, and more. You can preview their menu here on Disney’s site.

Via Napoli

Via Napoli is, in my opinion, the best dining location in all of Epcot. It’s also the best pizza place at Walt Disney World. Given the restaurant’s popularity, it’s often difficult to get reservations. However, they take walk-ups based on availability.

Via Napoli has three wood-fired ovens it uses to prepare its pizza. Those ovens are named after active volcanoes, Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, and Stromboli. What’s so great about the pizza at Via Napoli? It’s the dough. They use special water to make it, and I can assure you that you can tell the difference after that first bite. But if you’re not in the mood for pizza, this location has several excellent pasta dishes.

Related: Via Napoli Review

Pizza al Taglio

Next door to Via Napoli, there’s a pizza window called Pizza al Taglio. When it’s open, you can order slices of pizza from Via Napoli. Unfortunately, however, they are only available from time to time. So if you catch those large wooden doors open, expect a line.

Italy Festival Booths

Epcot’s Italy Pavilion is home to a food booth for each of the festivals at Epcot. Unfortunately, the booth is known for serving mediocre items at high prices. If you’re craving Italian, you’ll likely do much better at Tutto Italia or Via Napoli.

Shops in the Italy Pavilion

Epcot’s Italy is similar to the Germany Pavilion when it comes to shopping. The pavilion has some incredibly unique items that might normally be difficult to find here in the United States.

Il Bel Cristallo

Tucked inside the replica of the Doge’s Palace is a relatively large store that goes by the name of Il Bel Cristallo. Typically, you will run across a few higher-end Italian clothing items, accessories, perfume, and cologne in this store.

This is where you’ll often find items branded with the Ferrari label and a few Mickey and Minnie Topolino pieces.

They also have an excellent selection of leather goods and chic handbags.

Here are some of the items that were available as of this update. We provide photos of the merchandise to give you an idea of what to expect. But it’s important to note that styles are constantly changing. So not everything we photograph will be available on your visit.