Ranking Epcot’s World Showcase Entertainment Options
Note: This article was written in early February. Since that time, the Walt Disney World Resort has closed due to safety concerns with COVID-19. Some of the entertainment options in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan had their contracts terminated by the company.
Now that Epcot is essentially WallCot, there is no time like now to set out and explore the World Showcase. While many people know about drinking around the world or the endless festivals, these pavilions also have plenty of entertainment options for you to enjoy. With each pavilion, you can get a glimpse of their culture and history, along with some tasty drinks and other offerings in each country. Let’s take a look at all the countries of World Showcase. We’ll see how they rate on our list for entertainment as you take a trip around the world.
11. Canada
Oh, Canada. It would be great to rank your country higher on the list, but you just don’t have a lot of entertainment options since Off Kilter left. Let’s just say, things have been downhill since the Canadian Lumberjacks began rolling logs in 2014 (they are gone, by the way). Yeah, you can find various performers and musicians on the stage, but nothing to pique our interest. Sorry Canadian Voyageurs and Alberta Bound! The bands are fun, but they aren’t the showstoppers like other acts across World Showcase. For the kids and those big kids at heart, more bad news. There aren’t any characters meeting and greeting at the pavilion either. The CircleVision with Martin Short was mildly entertaining, but the new version (Canada Far and Wide) has pretty mixed reviews. Just bring back BeaverTails, and we will forgive you for the entertainment missteps.
10. Italy
Aside from the delicious food and exquisite architecture, Italy does lack some entertainment options, including no character meet and greets (Hello, we demand a Pinocchio meet!). Sergio the Juggler, offers an entertaining show throughout the day. However, his constant whistling might not be the best for those with noise sensitivities or headaches (We have actually received hate mail for adding his performance on the radio station). Despite that, the show is fun as he involves audience members for the performance.
9. Norway
Outside of dining and attractions, Norway is another pavilion that does not have many entertainment options. For those Frozen fans, you can meet and greet with Anna and Elsa. That is pretty much the extent of the entertainment during the non-holiday season. Once the holidays roll around, you can find many entertaining options in the pavilion. During the International Festival of the Holidays, Norway becomes one of the most popular pavilions with its holiday storytellers. You can join Ingrid and Julenissen as they retell the story of the mischievous Santa.
8. Morocco
Morocco has a few must-see entertainment options for both children and adults. The Kidcot station is a perfect way for the kids to learn about the Arabic language. Princess Jasmine also is here for her meet and greets. Now, the adults will want to grab a reservation at the Restaurant Marrakesh, which features some fantastic Moroccan cuisine with traditional belly dancing and music. When you are in the pavilion, you might get a chance to hear some traditional Moroccan music from Houzali Troupe traveling throughout the country.
7. Germany
For the adults, you know Germany as the land of beer and pretzels. You can find Born to Polka on the outdoor stage, but sometimes these musical acts do change throughout the year. The real gem is the Biergarten, where you can experience Oktoberfest Musikanten as they play all the Bavarian favorites. Snow White holds her meet and greet in the pavilion. If you are want to be entertained by candy-making, you can watch the caramel getting made in the Karamell Kuche.
6. France
France is home to a live audience show that draws in heavy crowds. Serveur Amusant is the main entertainment in France. This comical show features a waiter who tests his great balancing skills on a daily basis. With the new year, there are new film-style entertainment options. Impressions de France is still staying strong, along with the new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
5. China
The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats are another popular show in World Showcase. These amazing performers will dazzle you with their feats of strength and balance. Since it is a favorite among many visitors, you will want to scope out your spot for the show at least a half-hour before it begins. Mulan also meets in the pavilion for those who want to see a Disney Princess. The China Pavilion is also looking to upgrade its CircleVision 360 movie for the 2020 year. If food is more your thing, then you will not want to miss out on seeing Wenbo Zhang, the cotton candy artist. These creations can be found during some of Epcot’s festivals, with cotton candy crafted into everything from Santa hats to colorful flowers.
4. Japan
Japan is one of those perfect pavilions with beautiful architecture, quiet spaces to relax, and delicious dining. We haven’t even touched the entertainment options. The traditional Taiko drummers, Matsuriza, are a can’t-miss show. You will hear the drums roaring across the pavilion with their rhymic beat. Mitsukoshi is the main store, and it features the popular Pick-A-Pearl. Whether you are buying a pearl or not, there is a great show that is entertaining for everyone to watch. Teppan Edo also features the talented Teppanyaki chefs who put on an impressive show as you get to watch your food cooked at the table.
3. The United Kingdom
One of the most popular bands resides in the United Kingdom pavilion. The British Revolution has a huge fanbase, and it preforms British music from the 60s to 80s. Crowds grab a spot to hear them play up to an hour before a performance. It is a great way to spend a relaxing evening in the World Showcase. The UK is chockful of all your favorite British Disney characters, including Alice (in Wonderland), Winnie the Pooh, and Mary Poppins. If you are looking for more performances, make sure to grab a pint and hear some live music in the Rose and Crown Pub.
2. Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful pavilion inside and out. When you enter the inside, you immediately walk an open marketplace. You can find plenty of artisans working on their trades, including the Oaxacan wood cravings. While that is entertaining on its own level, you will not want to miss the long-running music group Mariachi Cobre. They have been playing traditional Mexican music at this pavilion since 1982. Throughout the year, the band will even play a few seasonal shows. For those Donald Duck fans, he does make an appearance in his Three Caballeros garb outside of the pavilion. However, Mexico does get knocked down a notch since the Story of Coco performance was cut last year.
1. The American Adventure
The host country could have walked away with the number one spot based solely on the American Gardens Theater. However, you cannot overlook the talent of the acapella group, The Voices of Liberty. This vocal group is one that you cannot miss, and it should be a must-do on every visit to Epcot. You will want to grab a spot in the rotunda to hear their glorious voices, especially during the Christmas season. Let’s look at the American Gardens Theater. This large amphitheater hosts several seasonal concerts throughout the year, including the Garden Rocks (Flower and Garden Festival), Eat to the Beat (Food and Wine Festival), and Disney on Broadway (International Festival of the Arts). In addition to that, you can catch some fantastic shows in the summer, and the Christmas season brings the ever-popular Candlelight Processional with guest narrators. This pavilion beats everyone hands down when it comes to entertainment options in the World Showcase.
Like many things at Walt Disney World, these entertainment offerings are subject to change. If you want to see a particular act, make sure to check the schedule before you head down for your next vacation. On the day of your visit, you can also pick up an entertainment guide to see what is offered for that day.
What is your favorite pavilion for entertainment in the World Showcase? Let us know in the comments.
