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Epcot is one of the most unique theme parks you will find anywhere in the world. One thing that makes it so unique is World Showcase. Here, you will find 11 countries along a promenade with scale models of famous landmarks in each. You will also find food, souvenirs, and other cultural experiences in each country. To help you plan your time, here are the most awesome things to do in Epcot’s World Showcase. You don’t want to miss any of these!
1. The inside of the Mexican pyramid
The anchor of the Mexico pavilion is a Mayan pyramid. The Plaza de los Amigos, located inside the pyramid, houses most of Mexico’s offerings. It is beautiful inside this pavilion.
The Plaza resembles a bustling marketplace under a starry twilight sky. A volcano and another pyramid located along the back wall serve as a backdrop to the lively nighttime environment.
At the front of the pavilion, talented artisans and craftsmen are making and selling their wares in the marketplace. In the front right corner, you will see La Cava del Tequila, a popular tequila bar.
In the back left corner, you can ride the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. Also in the back of the pavilion is San Angel Inn Restaurante, which sits directly in front of the volcano and pyramid and overlooks the beginning of the Gran Fiesta Tour.
2. The Temple of Heaven and the Tomb Warriors in China
The round Temple of Heaven, which is a one-half scale model of the Beijing Temple, anchors the China pavilion. It is highly detailed and beautiful, both inside and out.
The temple is also acoustically perfect and very symbolic of various aspects of the Chinese culture. You can’t help but be impressed by this temple.
Going inside the pavilion will lead you to the Reflections of China movie and a gallery showcasing a scale model of the famous tomb warriors from ancient China. Even these replicas, which are smaller than the originals, are impressive to see.
3. The miniature train set in Germany
Next on my list of the best things to do in Epcot’s World Showcase is the miniature train set in Germany. This train set is a small attraction, but it provides a lot of entertainment for kids and adults alike.
It is a large train set with multiple tracks and several trains running through a German-style town and countryside. Kids always love watching the trains go around and around.
I love looking at all of the little details in the town. It is so detailed!
Sometimes, you will also see some uninvited visitors when a small lizard or rabbit decides to explore the town up close.
4. The hedge garden in United Kingdom
For a quiet break from the crowds, head to the back of the United Kingdom pavilion. Along the side and behind the shops, there is a hedge garden with a courtyard and gazebo.
Sometimes, you can hear live music in the gazebo. The garden is beautiful and peaceful. The whole area is quiet, relaxing, and sparsely populated, especially when the band is not playing.
If you have a small child that needs a place to take a nap or burn a little energy, this is a great place to do it. It is also an excellent place to take a break and enjoy a snack.
5. Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo is one of three restaurants in the Japan pavilion. You can find it tucked away on the second floor above the Mitsukoshi store next to Tokyo Dining. In fact, the two restaurants share a hostess desk and waiting area.
Teppan Edo is a hibachi style restaurant with delicious food and great entertainment. We tried it on one of our trips, and it is now on our must-do list of restaurants! It is so much fun! Your kids will love eating here!
6. American Adventure
Now, in full disclosure, I am the only one in my family who feels that the American Adventure show is a must-do. Because my family doesn’t love it, we don’t see it every trip. But I do feel the need to see it every few trips.
It is a 30-minute journey through American history as told by a collection of audio-animatronics of famous Americans. Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain host the show.
This show gives me goosebumps and makes me want to jump up and sing “God Bless the USA.” I think every American should see this show at least once.
7. La Hacienda de San Angel
La Hacienda de San Angel is one of the restaurants in Mexico. It is one of our favorite dinner spots in Epcot. Unlike San Angel Inn Restaurante, it is not in the pyramid. Instead, you will find it located across the promenade from the pyramid at the edge of World Showcase Lagoon.
The inside of the restaurant is spacious with large windows overlooking the water. The food here is excellent.
If you have a late dinner here, you may get lucky enough to be seated by a window where you can watch the nighttime firework show while eating.
8. Karamell-Kϋche
Next on my list of the best things to do in Epcot’s World Showcase is the caramel shop in Germany, which is called Karamell-Küche. Here, you can treat yourself to freshly made caramel treats, such as caramel corn and caramel covered apples.
If you are a caramel fan, this is a must do anytime you are in World Showcase. You just can’t pass up all the tasty caramel treats! Plus, it smells wonderful inside.
9. La Petite Rue
If you walk towards the back of the France pavilion, you will find a tiny street hidden off to your left called La Petite Rue. It is a quaint little French street lined with shops.
It is one of the many places in Disney World that makes you forget you are in Florida. When strolling this area, you will feel more like you are on a tucked away alley in Paris.
Because this is a hidden street, most people don’t know it exists. This means that it is a great place to escape the crowds.
Conclusion
World Showcase is one of those places in Disney World where there is much more than first meets the eye. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore and hidden spots to discover. I find something new on every trip. There is so much to discover here! Start with these awesome things to do in Epcot’s World Showcase and see what you love the most!
Check out the best things to do in Epcot’s new neighborhoods, the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. And read more about the World Showcase countries.
For help planning your trip, see my step by step guide, the best resources for Disney trip planning, and advice for Disney first timers. To book your trip, head over to Disney World’s website.
Happy travels!
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