Mouse Extra

For those who have never been to Walt Disney World, the impressions of what is there are generally misguided.   For many, they believe it is a glorified Disneyland, full of low-speed robot rides, campy parades, and people sweating inside mouse costumes.  Until they arrive, this is what many think, and I know people who have.   All of this comes to an abrupt and delightful end upon entering Epcot’s World Showcase.

Nothing more perfectly exemplifies the diversity at Walt Disney World like the World Showcase.  For those who have not been, the World Showcase consists of eleven pavilions representing different countries from around the world.  Just gazing around the lagoon they surround at the architecture alone can cause sensory overload, but the senses are bombarded tenfold throughout the experience.   There is so much to do, taste and see at the World Showcase that you always seem to find something new.

Each pavilion does a masterful job at bringing that country’s culture to the visitor.  Many of the people you’ll find working there have come to Epcot direct from that country.  Their accents and experiences all lend to the charm and authenticity.  Whether it is a bartender at the United Kingdom or a waiter at Italy, you feel as though an honest attempt to bring the country to you is what this is all about.   Anyone can build a replica of the Eiffel Tower, but not just anyone can tell you what it’s like to live the real tower’s shadow.

Each country has at least one restaurant, and the aromas that flow from each of them make it so if you’ve been there enough you can walk blindfolded from pavilion to pavilion and know right where you are.   The highlights include cheese soup at Canada’s Le Cellier, chicken crepes for lunch at Chefs de France, Fettuccini Alfredo from the folks who invented it, and a Mole Poblano dish in one of the most spectacular setting you’ll find anywhere.   Some are better than others, but all are good.

The live entertainment is one of the great hidden gems of Walt Disney World.  There’s great comedy and acrobatics, but the music is the standout.  There’s a world class mariachi band in Mexico, one of the best Celtic-rock bands you’ll ever hear in Canada, and a simply terrific Beatles tribute band at the U.K.   Take some time, more than one night, and just walk around the promenade.  Stop to see hear the music and sample to foods.  This is one of the true pleasures of vacationing at the Mouse.

The World Showcase is the first time a Disney theme park devoted so much space to a concept not dependant on attractions, though the American Adventure should be on anyone’s “must see” list.  The centerpiece is culture.  There have been many rumors that WDI will be injecting Disney characters into the World Showcase.  Well don’t fear folks.  If it happens it will only be a small addition to a place whose essence is something beyond the reach of the Three Caballeros, or whatever they add.  It’s in the taste of the wine, the smell of the pastries, and the wonder of the different cultures that defines the World Showcase.