How to Spend a Day in Epcot’s World Showcase
When you visit Epcot, there’s no doubt that you’ll be exploring the E-Ticket attractions of Future World. From Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Test Track, the front of the park is home to some of the classics that you don’t want to miss.
But, the World Showcase is beautiful, with so much to do that you could spend an entire day taking in the sights of the Lagoon.
EPCOT World Showcase
There are eleven countries with dedicated pavilions, all offering wonderful aesthetics and culture to immerse yourself in: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Spaceship Earth
Although “Drinking Around the World” is a classic Disney trend, in this article we’ll be focusing more on the family-friendly activities that all ages can participate in. The Flower and Garden Festival is also happening now until June 1st, but below are things that you can do, see, and eat all year round.
World Showcase Hours
It’s important to know that not all of the World Showcase opens at 9:00 a.m. with the rest of the park. While the attractions Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After open with the entire park, most of the retail and food services may not open until 11:00 a.m.
This section of the park also has the possibility of closing earlier than Future World, usually around 9:00 p.m. So, if there’s a piece of merchandise you really want from the France pavilion, or a gelato cup from Italy to round out your night, make sure you save yourself enough time to grab it.
Rides, Attractions, and Characters
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After are two of the most popular attractions in all of the park, and both have recently experienced updates. Remy’s is no longer a 3D attraction, and Frozen just received some incredible new animatronics.
Photo: Scott Gustin on X
But, these are not the only fun attractions to do in the World Showcase. Inside the beautiful pyramid in Mexico, you can take a relaxing boat ride with Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito on the Gran Fiesta Tour.
The World Showcase is also where you can meet many beloved Disney characters. One of the more adorable meet and greet spots is in the United Kingdom pavilion, where you can meet Winnie the Pooh or a friend from the Hundred Acre Wood in Christopher Robin’s bedroom!
Winnie the Pooh Meets in Christopher Robin’s Room in EPCOT
The princesses can also be found all around the World Showcase, from Mulan to Snow White to Elsa and Anna. What’s so unique about these interactions is that typically the princesses will meet in the country where their film is based: for example, Mulan can be found in China while Snow White poses near her wishing well in Germany.
Live Entertainment and Experiences
Entertainment is alive and well in the World Showcase, and on slower days where all you really want to do is take in the ambience of the park, the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is a great use of your time. On the Play Disney Parks app, you’ll team up with Scrooge McDuck and explore some of the pavilions to find the seven Lost Magic Treasures.
Photo: Disney
Other highlights of entertainment include the Voices of Liberty, an a capella music choir that sing American classics in the American Adventure pavilion. The Matsuriza, traditional Japanese Taiko drummers, are another incredible experience you don’t want to miss.
In Mexico, you’ll have a beautiful mariachi band serenade you and in Italy, you don’t want to miss Sergio. Sergio is a juggler and mime, making guests laugh with his talents and if you’re lucky, you may be pulled into one of his shows!
Voices of Liberty
At the end of your night, the World Showcase also is where you’ll want to watch the nighttime firework show, Luminous The Symphony of Us. The view is gorgeous as you overlook the Lagoon, and if you’re staying at an Epcot resort like the Riviera or Yacht Club, you’re much closer to the Skyliner or boat back to your room.
Exclusive Merchandise to the World Showcase
Each country has special gift shops where you can purchase items or snacks relating to the culture the country you’re in, as well as unique Disney products representing the pavilion. However, what makes the World Showcase stand out in souvenirs are the customization options.
Photo: Disney
The France pavilion has taken the Disney internet community by storm with both its Dior bottle perfume engravings and a custom Guerlain lipstick. Though a bit on the pricier side, these items are unique to the World Showcase and offer pretty designs that will allow you to commemorate your time at Disney in a chic way.
In Japan, you can also do the Pick a Pearl experience. Inside of the Mitsukoshi Department Store, you can select an oyster for a cast member to open, revealing your Akoya pearl inside. It’s also one of the more affordable souvenirs, coming in at around $20.
Photo: Disney
Norway’s store, The Fjording, sells perfumes by Geir Ness, as well as authentic Norwegian wool sweaters. Italy also has beautiful Venetian carnival masks on display in Il Bel Cristallo, along with purses and jewelry.
There are a plethora of keepsakes you can buy from the World Showcase, and while these are just a couple examples, one of the best ways to enjoy your day in this section of the park is to stroll through all of the gift shops. Merchandise is always changing at Disney, so you may be able to find a hidden gem to add to your collection!
Food Highlights of the World Showcase
Finally, there is a good mix of Table Service and Quick Service credit restaurants, but with the sheer amount of snacks that are offered in each country, you’ll never go hungry!
Snacks
If you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go breakfast, you can head to Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, where classic Norwegian pastries like the beloved School Bread will get your morning off to a tasty start.
Another bakery with incredible bites is Karamell-Küche in Germany, and for a mid-day treat, you’ll want to check out the Gingerbread Salted Caramel Cookie Sandwich. The caramel lovers have so many options to choose from, from classic caramel apples to delicious cookie sandwiches.
At the Joy of Tea in China, you’ll find Boba drinks that are sure to keep you cool in the Florida heat. And on those exceptionally hot summer days, the Kakigōri in Japan is a wonderful, shaved ice and sweetened condensed milk treat.
Kakigōri Japanese Shaved Ice
In France, you can’t go wrong with Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie where you will find a massive chocolate croissant, or as it’s written on the menu, Croiss Oh LaLa. There are sweet and savory options, perfect for breakfasts or a pick-me-up snack during the day.
You also do not want to pass up the maple popcorn in Canada, the scent alone walking past the popcorn carts will make you want an entire bucket full.
Quick Service and Table Service Restaurants
In Mexico, the nachos at La Cantina de San Angel are a great lunch option. In America, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers comfort barbecue food, sure to fuel you up for the rest of the day.
Morocco’s Spice Road Table is a hidden gem for Disney restaurants, and if you get seated on their patio, you’ll have a great view of Luminous The Symphony of Us. Who doesn’t want a tasty Naan bread platter while watching fireworks illuminate the sky?
Tutto Italia Ristorante in Italy is another great option if you’re in the mood for a nice sit down lunch or dinner. The bread service with oil is a highlight, as well as the Tiramisu dessert and assortment of pasta to choose from.
In the United Kingdom, fish and chips from either the Yorkshire County Fish Shop quick service or the Rose and Crown Pub are a great buy. If you get them from the Fish Shop, you can enjoy them outside with a beautiful view of the Lagoon! 
It’s Fun to be a World Traveler!
As much fun as it is guessing which song you’re going to get on Guardians, you do not want to miss walking around the World Showcase. Whether you’re window shopping or basking in the ambience of the live entertainment, this half of Epcot makes for a great day of exploring new cultures and cuisines.
