Now, the dreaded World Showcase part in my Land Ranking Series. This is the most difficult to rank. This list is definitely not definite. What's your favorite pavilion?
11. American Adventure
As the focal point of the World Showcase, the American Adventure pavilion is gigantic. Not only does it have an animatronic show, restaurant, gift shop, and cute outdoor seating area, but it also contains an amphitheater, which hosts the Candlelight Processional every year, among other musical shows. This pavilion was clearly designed to be the greatest in the World (Showcase). But it automatically goes to the bottom of my list because as an American...I've already seen it. I love me a good funnel cake stand but every single county fair across the nation has one, too. The World Showcase is all about exploring other cultures, and the American Adventure is all too familiar to me.
10. Norway
I gotta be honest...Norway just doesn't do it for me. I know lots of other bloggers adore this pavilion and rank it as top-tier. The scenery and architecture does not leave me nearly as wonderstruck as other countries. The troll statues everywhere are a little creepy. I do think the little Sommerhaus area is cute.
9. Italy
Now that the bottom tier pavilions are out of the way, this is going to be difficult. The Italy Pavilion is truly beautiful. All of the buildings are intricately detailed with statues, ornaments, and columns. My favorite part of the pavilion is not the buildings themselves, but the part along the lagoon. There are some bridges over a tiny canal of the lagoon, which is meant to simulate Venice. Look down over these bridges and you will see gondolas floating in the water. While there may be no official attraction here, everyone knows the real attraction when it comes to Italy is food. Everything from pizza to gelato to wine is served up in this spot. The live entertainment (when offered) is always a treat. Italy ranks a little low on my list simply because I feel there is more potential. The country of Italy has so many iconic features to showcase.
8. Canada
When looking at a list of all the countries represented in the World Showcase, you may think that Canada is easily the most boring because it's, well, Canada. Surprisingly, Canada is one of my favorite pavilions. I think it is absolutely gorgeous. The garden, pond, and trails weaving next to a cascading waterfall structure are so fun to wander through. The Canada pavilion is one of my favorite spots to take pictures in the World. Plus, the Canada pavilion has surprisingly great food at its table service restaurant, and the beer cheese soup makes it a must-stop during every Food and Wine Festival.
7. China
The Chinese pavilion is a standout amongst top-tier pavilions. The food is pretty good, the souvenirs are unique, and the live entertainment (again, when offered) is stunning. Plus, this pavilion is home to Mulan, who is one of the most popular meet-and-greets offered at the park. The true beauty of the pavilion comes from the astounding design and architecture. The replica of the Temple of Heaven is an example of peak Imagineering. My favorite part of the pavilion is the garden and pond to explore.
6. Japan
Japan is a guest favorite for good reason. I love taking first-timers through the massive gift shop, with its exclusive and authentic merchandise. The Torii Gate at the edge of the lagoon is the perfect frame for photos. Wander a little inside the pavilion and you'll find some cute zen gardens. But what keeps me coming back to the Japan pavilion is the delicious food and drinks. The drinks at the Garden House Outdoor Sake Bar are my favorite from anywhere in the World and I had a fantastic experience at Tokyo Dining. The food and drinks alone at this pavilion makes it top-tier.
5. Morocco
There are certain qualities one must take into consideration when conducting a ranking of their favorite World Showcase Pavilions. Among those considerations are obviously attractions and food. I have never eaten in the Moroccan pavilion. I have never stepped foot in their art gallery attraction. I don't need to. Morocco still easily floats to the top of my ranking simply for its ambiance. This is the best pavilion to explore. Walking past the pavilion, you'll see a cute courtyard with a beautiful fountain that many guest relax on to people watch. But wander in deeper and you'll find a maze of a marketplace that transports you to another world. Pattern carpets, golden teapots, colorful clothes, and tiled fountains are all waiting to be discovered around the corner. It feels like a secret spot hidden away from the rest of the crowds.
4. UK
These next four rankings have been fairly interchangeable throughout the years. The UK pavilion is very charming. I love the cute little cottage, red phone booths, old time-y lamp posts, the hedge maze and rose gardens. The most exciting part of the UK Pavilion is all the meet and greets it hosts. Mary Poppins, Alice, and Pooh all can be found in various spots around the pavilion. This pavilion is always very crowded but it is one of my favorites to explore.
3. Germany
There's not a thing I don't like about the Germany Pavilion: the charming architecture, Snow White's wishing well, the Christmas shop, the candy shop, the crystal shop, the clock tower, the lively center fountain, the free pretzels that one Cast Member gave me one time, the little model train. I love that train. Germany slaps.
2. Mexico
Ah, Mexico. Everyone's favorite pavilion if you enjoy drinking around the World. Mexico is definitely the party pavilion. The drinks are good, the food is good, and the design is lively. Mexico's pyramid is pretty cool from the outside, but stepping inside of it is amazing. I love looking around the little marketplace for colorful details. And the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride is always a must. I'm pretty sure the boat ride was designed so that the drunker you are, the better it is. The last time I was at Epcot, I definitely had the most fun at this pavilion.
1. France
France has been one of my favorite pavilions for a long time. Crossing the bridge from the UK pavilion to the France Pavilion is my second favorite stretch of the World Showcase (second only to the stretch between Italy and Germany. I love that train). While crossing the bridge, look down towards the lagoon and you will see bicycles and painter's easels. My favorite place to eat at Epcot is the Les Halles bakery. Again, I'm enamored with the gardens. I think the character spot by the hedge maze is just perfect. And all of this is overlooked by the Eiffel Tower. The new expansion made me nervous for my beloved pavilion. I thought it would ruin the beauty of it, but it actually is what pushed this pavilion to the top of my list. Remy's Paris blends in nicely and adds even more detail to the intricate environment. Plus, the new attraction adds a fresh energy to the World as a whole. The refresh makes me excited for any more pavilion updates in the future.
My fave is Mexico
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