EPCOT’s World Showcase is 1.3 miles of architecture, snacks, live music, and yes, some dangerously good drinks. With 11 country pavilions wrapped around a lagoon, it’s the best place in Disney World to accidentally spend your entire day “just looking around.”
This guide is your shortcut to figuring out what each pavilion actually is, what to eat or buy there, and where to take your mid-afternoon sit-in-the-shade-and-regret-your-life-choices break.
Oh, and we’ve got a map, too. Because we’re not monsters.
EPCOT World Showcase Map
Here’s the lay of the land: 11 countries. One big lagoon. And a walking loop that seems chill until the heat of the day starts to bake you from the ground up.
Whether you start in Mexico (margaritas and mayhem) or Canada (calm, maple-scented vibes), this map helps you plan your route, or at least know what you’re walking past when you’re hunting for your next snack.
Most guests who enter from the front of the park start on the left in Mexico, especially if they’re drinkers or ride people (Gran Fiesta Tour, Frozen Ever After).
If you’re entering from the International Gateway (top right corner), you’ll probably want to start in France so you can go all in on pastries and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase
There are 11 countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase, and while that might sound like an easy lap around the lagoon, don’t be fooled. You’re about to be pulled into a whirlwind of margaritas, maple syrup, anime merch, and impulse-purchased Christmas ornaments.
Each country pavilion is packed with its own food, drinks, shops, cultural details, and distractions – plenty to keep you busy all day.
Here’s a preview of each one, with links to our full guides when you’re ready to deep-dive into the vibes.
Before we dive into each pavilion, if you’re here for the drinks (and let’s be honest, a lot of us are), check out our full guide to Drinking Around the World at EPCOT — with must-try drinks, tips for pacing yourself, and how to survive until Canada.
Mexico
Moody pyramid interior, strong tequila energy. It’s always nighttime in here, and always time for another margarita.
Norway
Frozen Ever After, Viking Coffee, and the most chaotic bathroom situation in EPCOT.
What to eat, drink, and yell “skoal!” about in Norway
China
Beautiful gardens, Circle-Vision film, and one of our favorite drinks that nobody talks about.
Get the scoop on the China Pavilion
Germany
Pretzels. Beer. Caramel. Miniature trains. Honestly, this one’s a trap — you’ll lose an hour here.
Why we always end up in Germany
Italy
Pizza, wine, and drama. Also, maybe don’t wear heels on the cobblestones.
Live your Italian daydream here
The American Adventure
Colonial cosplay meets BBQ and funnel cake. Bonus points for the air-conditioned animatronic show.
All the patriotic snacks in America
Japan
A zen garden on the outside. A chaotic anime mall on the inside. Don’t skip the Violet Sake.
What to eat, sip, and shop for in Japan
Morocco
Underrated, gorgeous, and the only place where doing absolutely nothing is the entire point.
France
Pastries, wine slushies, and a surprisingly fast rat ride. Très chic.
United Kingdom
Pub vibes, fish and chips, and possibly a Beatles cover band.
Where we accidentally spend an afternoon in the UK Pavilion
Canada
Maple popcorn, waterfalls, and the most polite pavilion of them all.
FAQ Around and Find Out (World Showcase Edition)
Welcome to the part of the page where we answer the stuff people are furiously Googling while standing outside La Cava, wondering why it’s not open yet.
What time does EPCOT’s World Showcase open?
Most of World Showcase, including food, drinks, and shopping, opens at 11:00 AM. But there are a few things that will open at park opening, like:
- Frozen Ever After (attraction in Norway)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (attraction in France)
- Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie (Quick Service restaurant in France)
How many countries are in EPCOT’s World Showcase?
Eleven. Not twelve. Not ten. Just a nice, weird number that makes you question Disney math.
Do I need a separate ticket for World Showcase?
Nope. It’s part of your regular EPCOT admission. But your wallet might not know that after two cocktails and an impulse purchase at Mitsukoshi.
Can I really walk through all the countries in one day?
Yes. And people do it all the time, especially if they’re drinking around the world. The full loop is about 1.3 miles, but if you take detours (and you will), it adds up fast. Wear comfy shoes and don’t trust your Fitbit.
Want to pace yourself with the best drinks? Here’s our full Drinking Around the World guide — it’s part strategy, part survival tips, and part “what were we thinking?”
What’s the best direction to go – Mexico or Canada first?
It depends:
- Mexico first: If you want margaritas, tequila, and to feel chaotic immediately.
- Canada first: If you want to ease in with maple and politeness. Either way, you’ll end up in the UK wondering where the last five hours went.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink in World Showcase?
That’s like asking us to choose a favorite child. We have full posts for each pavilion linked above – but spoiler: Grapefruit Beer in Germany, Viking Coffee in Norway, and anything from Les Halles in France are serious contenders.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the cocktails, the culture, or just trying to find the nearest shady bench that isn’t already taken, EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of those places that surprises you every time.
We’ve walked it. We’ve drank it. We’ve regretted wearing flip-flops for it. And we’ve documented every single pavilion so you don’t have to wander aimlessly, unless that’s your vibe, in which case, respect.
Got a favorite pavilion or snack you never skip? Tell us in the comments! We love hearing what other EPCOT adventurers can’t stop eating, drinking, or shopping for (especially if it’s weirdly specific).