Best Ways the World Showcase Mimics International Travel
For the first time in my life, I had the opportunity to visit Europe. My husband and I spent ten days exploring some of Italy’s most famous cities, shopping districts, and eateries. The vacation was a dream, and I don’t make this statement lightly.
I’ve been a hard-core Disney World fan my entire life. So much so, that I worried Italy would be a disappointment. I’ve traveled domestically, but I was still concerned the lack of Cast Members would be jarring.
But I loved my time abroad.
Traveling overseas for the first time didn’t only open my eyes to a new culture. It reignited my appreciation for what I have at home. Specifically, EPCOT.
I always understood that the Imagineers took great care in designing the World Showcase pavilions. Talented individuals made the effort to travel and replicate some of the world’s greatest sites in Orlando, Florida.
Now that I’ve seen some of the real-life sites, I feel like I can confidently say, “Well done, Disney World”. Keep reading to learn how EPCOT captures the spirit of international travel.
Beautiful Replicas
The World Showcase versions of famous buildings/monuments may be smaller in scale, but their versions are realistic.
For example, when walking into St. Mark’s Square in Venice, I immediately turned to my husband and said “EPCOT”? Italy’s pavilion in Florida features various Venice landmarks, such as the Doge’s Palace, the columns featuring the guardian and saint of Venice, and St. Mark’s bell tower.
The attention to detail is breathtaking and provides an even better preview of the actual country than I realized.
After seeing how beautiful and accurate the Italy pavilion is, I’m dying to see the real El Castillo pyramid in Mexico and the Chateau Laurier in Canada. Is it time to call Mickey Travels to quote an Adventures by Disney trip?
Native Cast Members
Throughout the pandemic, I missed the international Cast Members. In pre-COVID days, I was always striking up a conversation with these Cast Members. Often, I’d ask them for traveling tips.
Thankfully, those folks are back in your favorite pavilions! Now we can freely explore the World Showcase and interact with people from all over the globe.
Well, these interactions also happen constantly abroad. Whether you’re chatting with your guide or other international tourists, you’re always meeting interesting folks.
EPCOT gives a wonderful taste of what it feels like to expand our horizons. I couldn’t be happier for this return to normalcy.
Incredible Cuisine
It’s no secret that dining is a great part of any vacation – whether domestic or international. World Showcase shines when it comes to authentic and delicious food.
I’ve eaten at almost every establishment (both sit down and quick-service locations), and I’ve rarely been disappointed.
Briefly, some of my favorite recommendations are:
- Caramel Butter Bar – Karamell-Kunche (Germany)
- Apple Streusel and Schnitzel – Biergarten Restaurant (Germany)
- La Cava Avocado Margarita – La Cava del Tequila (Mexico)
- School Bread – Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway)
- Margarita Pizza – Via Napoli (Italy – Made with water imported from Naples, Italy)
- Filet de Boeuf Grille – Chefs de France (France)
- Fraises Tart and Frose – Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie (France)
This is just a sampling, but it’s clear that the food is treated with the same reverence as it receives abroad.
Unique Shopping
Shopping is a joy, but in Disney, it can get repetitive. At some point, you’ve seen every seasonal t-shirt, hat, and pair of Mouse Ears.
Shopping in EPCOT though, can be refreshing. Wonderful, imported souvenirs can be found all around the lagoon.
For example, a curious guest can find:
- Hand-made carnival masks from Venice, Italy
- Marble Mickey wine stoppers from Italy
- Authentic bier steins and glass blown Christmas ornaments from Germany
- Football jerseys and paraphernalia from the U.K.
- Embroidered belly dancer skirts from Morocco
- Customized kimonos from Japan
On my recent trip, I picked up a bottle of imported Italian wine and a pair of Limoncello-inspired Minnie Mouse ears. (I needed to commemorate my recent travels.)
So, whether these souvenirs make you fondly remember a trip or whet your appetite for one, World Showcase is the place to window shop.
Silver Lining…
It’s true. At the end of the day, nothing can perfectly replicate the real thing. Despite that, EPCOT comes pretty darn close.
Especially for a less-seasoned traveler, EPCOT is a much easier introduction to exploring the world. A trip to EPCOT (for U.S. citizens) will never require passports, language barriers, or pesky stops in customs.
Adventurous world explorers will also benefit from this! Anyone who’s traveled abroad can see EPCOT’s clean, pickpocketing-free crowds only exist in the Disney Bubble.
So, while EPCOT cannot replace the thrill of world travel, it does a lovely job bringing the best of it to Florida.
Do you agree or disagree? Has EPCOT ever inspired you to start jet setting or is the World Showcase more than enough adventure?
Either way, we wish you the best. Adventure really is out there!
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Feature Photo: Disney