If you’re a Disney lover who loves to travel, Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase is a must-see! Epcot is a beautifully curated journey around the world for Disney fans of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, it’s just a short drive away from many LGBTQ-friendly hotels in the area.
It’s amazing how many countries at Epcot you can see in just a day. In this article, we’ll take you through each country and what you can do there.
Countries Of Epcot
The Epcot World Showcase houses 11 countries spanning five continents. Each has its own unique themed restaurants, kiosks, and attractions that are all a must-see. Let’s take a look at what countries are in Epcot as well as what each has to offer.
1. The United States
As the host country of Epcot’s World Showcase, the US pavilion is the largest one. A unique feature of this pavilion is an audio-animatronic show called The American Adventure, which is housed in a gorgeous Georgian-style building.
The American pavilion also features the American Gardens Theatre, an open-air amphitheater near the World Showcase Lagoon. It’s a beautiful spot for relaxing, grabbing a bite to eat, and catching the daily musical performances.
Food And Drink
If you have a craving for barbeque, stop by Regal Eagle Smokehouse and the Fife & Drum Tavern stand. In the mood for something sweet? Check out the Funnel Cake stand for yummy desserts. Then, cap your night off with craft beers at Block & Hans.
Entertainment
On top of a 30-minute animatronics show called The American Adventure, this pavilion also offers a look into American historical events at the American Heritage Gallery.
For the music lovers, make sure to catch a Voices of Liberty show. This acapella group is composed of eight incredibly talented singers who perform classic Americana music.
2. Mexico
As you enter the iconic Mesoamerican pyramid, you’ll be greeted by a quaint market where you can pick up some souvenirs. The market offers guests the chance to purchase quality, handcrafted items by some amazing craftsmen – make sure to check out its wide selection of goods made by glassblowers, leatherworkers, and artisan woodworkers.
Food And Drink
Out of the many options for food, the San Angel Inn Restaurante comes highly recommended. The atmosphere inside is softly lit and calming due to the pavilion’s forever twilight lighting. It serves classic Mexican dishes with an American twist.
If you want more authentic Mexican cuisine, check out La Hacienda de San Angel with its view over the World Showcase Lagoon. The drinks at La Cava del Tequila are also a must-try – this enchanting tequila bar has a very large selection and some tasty margaritas to boot.
Entertainment
The Mexico Folk Art Gallery is the first place you walk through as you enter the pyramid. This stylish gallery features art that celebrates Mexican culture. The current exhibit is “Remember Me!”, a homage to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos.
Before journeying on, grab the chance to see Donald Duck in the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a slow boat ride around the pavilion.
3. Canada
Disney World’s Canada pavilion takes guests on a trip to the Rockies, complete with flowing waterfalls and a gorgeous garden. Stroll through to explore its small, tucked-away paths throughout the pavilion.
Food And Drink
The Le Cellier Steakhouse is one of Disney World’s signature restaurants, inspired by the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and serving excellent Québécois cuisine. It also offers a selection of drinks, French wines, and even a coffee with bourbon.
Make sure to include the Canada pavilion when drinking beers around the world in Epcot. Le Cellier and the Popcorn in Canada cart are excellent stops on the Epcot beer tour.
Entertainment
The Canada pavilion regularly screens a musical film called Canada Far & Wide. See it in Circle-Vision 360°, a panoramic film viewing experience.
4. United Kingdom
The UK pavilion gives you a glimpse into the country’s history. As you walk down the main cobblestone street, you’ll pass by a building with architectural designs from each century.
It also boasts beautiful, quaint cottages and a park square with serene English gardens. The iconic red London phone booths that pepper the exhibit also provide the perfect photo opportunity!
Food And Drink
If you’re dying to try classic British food, go by Yorkshire County Fish Shop for a basket of delicious fish and chips. It’s also worth dropping by the Rose & Crown Dining Room for a traditional pub experience.
If you’re at Disney to “drink around the world”, make sure to stop by the UK Beer Cart. Its tasty craft beers are said to be some of the best in Epcot.
Entertainment
The Rose & Crown Pub has musicians that perform live daily. You can also get the chance to meet Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, and Alice from Alice in Wonderland in different locations around the pavilion.
5. France
Get transported to Paris in this pavilion with its Parisian streets, fountains, and a cute French café. You can even see a replica of the Eiffel Tower, which uses a forced perspective to recreate the monument, which makes it seem like you’re gazing upon the real Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Food And Drink
If you’re looking for something savory, have a seat at the full-service Chefs de France restaurant and try its traditional courses. A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without wine, so be sure to check out its extensive wine menu while you’re there.
For the sweet tooths, La Crêperie de Paris offers crêpes with mouth-watering fillings, both sweet and savory. Enjoy artisanal ice cream at the L’Artisan des Glaces, or get amazing French pastries and croissants at Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie.
Entertainment
Tucked away in a small side street, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a 3D trackless dark ride. You’ll also find plenty of your favorite characters here – Belle and the Beast, Aurora, and the Aristocats often make appearances in the France pavilion.
7. Italy
This is a highly recommended pavilion because of its iconic Italian food and gorgeous Florentine, Venetian, and Roman-style architecture.
The pavilion is a small-scale replica of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Its cobblestone streets and atmosphere offer guests a dreamy Italian experience. The Fontana Di Nettuno is a replica of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, where you can flip a penny in to make a wish.
Food And Drink
Italy is well known for its food, and this pavilion doesn’t disappoint. For delicious and authentic Italian pizza, visit famous Chef Joachim Splichal at Tutto Italia Ristorante. Get off your feet and have a seat at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria for classic Neapolitan pizzas. Then, grab delicious wine, beer, and grappa at the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.
Entertainment
Other than its beautiful architecture and art, guests have the chance to see Pinocchio doing meet-and-greets at the Italy pavilion.
8. Germany
This pavilion feels like stepping into a small German town. The decorations and architectural design of its medieval-era castle and ornate buildings stem from the Bavaria and Rhine regions of Germany.
As you make your way into the pavilion, you’ll see a splashing fountain with a statue of St. George and the Dragon. The statue is a replica of a historical landmark of the same name, which is originally located in Berlin.
Food And Drink
The food and beverages in the German pavilion are its best feature. Take a seat at one of the long Oktoberfest-style tables in the Biergarten Restaurant, and eat all the German food you can at its buffet. If you’re still hungry and want a taste of German sausages, check out Sommerfest.
For the sweet tooths, don’t miss the chance to try handmade caramel delights at Karamell-Küche. Drop by Sussigkeiten for pretzels, chocolate, and other classic German delicacies.
If you’re “drinking around the world” on an Epcot beer tour, a visit to the Bier Cart is a must. We highly recommend the Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Wheat beer. You can also stop by Winekeller for a fantastic selection of German spirits and wines.
Entertainment
The Oktoberfest Musikanten, dressed in traditional garb, performs at Biergarten for guests enjoying the buffet. Another popular sight is the German model train in a miniature village.
9. Norway
The Norway pavilion’s design and architecture mimic that of four famous Norwegian cities: Oslo, Bergen, Alesund, and Setesdal. A prominent feature of this pavilion is the Stave Church. This wooden church is a slightly smaller replica of the historical Gol Stave Church in Oslo, Norway.
Food And Drink
Taste Nordic delicacies at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. Its open-faced sandwiches are a delicious and healthy snack. It also serves sweet treats like Kringles, Lefses, and the very famous School Bread. For coffee lovers, you can sip tasty coffee while you enjoy the shade at the café.
Entertainment
If you want to meet some Frozen characters, drop by Anna and Elsa Royal Sommerhus. Another fun draw is the Vikings roaming the pavilion while entertaining guests.
If you don’t mind getting just a little wet, hop on the leisurely Frozen Ever After, the Norway pavilion’s dark ride and newest addition since Maelstrom closed.
10. Morocco
This pavilion is one of the highest-rated Disney World countries in Epcot and for good reason – intricate, artisan architecture and tile design can be seen everywhere you look. In fact, this is the only pavilion that was designed by architects and craftsmen from the country itself.
Food And Drink
Have a taste of Moroccan cuisine at the pavilion’s restaurants and cafés, especially the Pistachio Baklava and frozen cocktails at the Oasis Sweets and Sips kiosk. Another popular destination is The Tangierine Café. Its menu includes shawarma platters, Moroccan bread, and delicious pastries, among other traditional Mediterranean dishes. At the Spice Road Table, take in the waterfront view while you enjoy its snack-sized meals and lovely cocktails.
Entertainment
Drop by Lamps of Wonder for a chance to meet Jasmine from Aladdin. This pavilion also houses the Gallery of Art and History. Its current exhibition is called “Race Against the Sun” and depicts two different runs near and in the Sahara Desert, the Rally of the Gazelles, and the Marathon of Sands.
11. China
As you enter the China pavilion, you’ll pass under a grand, arched gateway reminiscent of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Relax and get away from the crowds while strolling through its many bamboo groves, footbridges, serene ponds, and waterfalls.
Food And Drink
Try authentic Chinese cuisine at Nine Dragons Restaurant. It offers dishes from different regions like Guangzhou, Hunan, and Sichuan. Not only does it have delicious food, but its drinks and cocktails are unique and worth a try.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, the Joy of Tea booth offers drinks like specialty tea, Chinese beer, and delicious cocktails.
Entertainment
Its Circle-Vision 360° film, Reflections of China, takes you on a panoramic tour through the Chinese countryside. It also shows many famous historical landmarks like the Great Wall of China, and The Forbidden City in Beijing.
If you want to meet Disney characters, Mulan and Mushu make appearances throughout the day.
Japan
You’ll feel like you’ve landed in historic Japan when you enter this pavilion. It has beautifully decorated buildings and even a replica of the famous Floating Torii at the Itsukushima Shrine in the Hiroshima prefecture.
Don’t miss the chance to take a photo in front of the Torii gate with Spaceship Earth as your background. While you’re there, check out the towering pagoda, a replica of the 7th-century Horyuji Temple.
Food And Drink
Guests can try Japanese cuisine at Teppan Edo, a teppanyaki restaurant that features chefs preparing your meal right in front of you. Katsura Grill also offers many traditional dishes, like sushi, teriyaki, edamame, and okonomiyaki. If you’re a sake lover, there’s a small sake bar slightly hidden at the back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store.
Entertainment
While there aren’t any rides in the Japan pavilion, guests have many amazing shopping opportunities. Pick up cute Japanese souvenirs at any of its stalls and booths.
If you’re interested in Japanese art, check out the Bijutsu Kan Gallery. The gallery’s current exhibition is, “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture”.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced traveler around the world of Epcot, it’s guaranteed to have something magical for all ages!
If you’re at Epcot for the food, the France, Italy, and Morocco pavilions are some of the highest rated by guests for the amazing food available. For those drinking around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, there are countless unique cocktails, craft beers, or delicious wines to sample while strolling through the gorgeous landscapes of Epcot.
**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).
Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.
