8 Sensational Facts About Epcot’s World Showcase At Walt Disney World

Epcot is home to two distinctive halves that comprise a truly unique park. Future World focuses on the development of technology and the harmony of the natural world whereas World Showcase focuses on different countries of the world. World Showcase features eleven different pavilions, each modeled after a particular country, which are home to unique cultural aspects, architecture, entertainment, dining options, and attractions. An entire day can be spent exploring World Showcase and all it has to offer and guests still might not see everything. Here are eight sensational facts about World Showcase to discover on your next visit to Epcot!

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8. Mexico’s Architecture –

The Mexico Pavilion is home to a massive pyramid which houses both the Plaza de los Amigos and the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. While exploring the Mexican pavilion, guests should take note of three distinctly different architectural styles utilized to make a cohesive image. Elements from the architecture of the Mayans, Toltec, and Aztecs were used to influence the creation of the Mexico pavilion that guests enjoy today.

7. Prince Min –

China is one of the most intricately decorated and designed pavilions in World Showcase and should definitely be explored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. While enjoying the details and architecture, guests might overlook a representation of a historical figure high above. Located on the roof of Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is a gold statue of a man meant to represent Prince Min, a cruel ancient ruler who was hanged for his crimes. It is a Chinese tradition to include a representation of Prince Min surrounded by animals as a warning to other evil rulers.

6. Saint George –

The Germany Pavilion is home to a charming courtyard where there is a busy beer stand, delicious smelling caramel store, and a large centrally located pillar with a statue on top. The statue is actually of Saint George, the patron saint of soldiers and he can be seen on horseback slaying a dragon. Legend has it that Saint George slayed a dragon that was about to kill a princess and his likeness can be found in many German towns as protection.

5. Morocco’s Details –

From front to back, the Morocco Pavilion is immersed in such amazing and opulent detail that guests truly feel as though they are exploring Northern Africa. The beautiful attention to detail is in thanks to King Hassan II who was ruler of Morocco when the pavilion was being constructed. The King sent his own artists and craftsmen to help create the area ensuring that it would have the most authentic feel possible.

4. Mini Eiffel Tower –

Guests who are strolling through the France Pavilion might forget that they are in Central Florida and think that they are walking down a quaint street in Paris complete with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The tower looks so incredibly authentic because Imagineers were able to utilize the original blueprints by Gustave Eiffel while scaling it down to one tenth the size!

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3. Norway’s Architecture –

The wooden building with many different levels and carvings that is now home to the Frozen exhibit is modeled after a traditional Norwegian style of church. A Stave Church, or Stavkirke, were the focal point of every small town in Norway and a few dozen still exist today. Luckily, guests in Epcot are able to enjoy the unique architecture without having to travel all the way to Norway.

2. Hidden Drawbridge –

Guests who find themselves in the right place at the right time will suddenly notice that World Showcase is home to a drawbridge! Along the walkway between China and the small South African outpost, there is a short bridge that appears to just be a normal walking path. At a certain point each day, the path becomes a drawbridge rising high into the air for the nighttime spectacular equipment to pass through into World Showcase Lagoon.

1. Hidden Tower –

When the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was built over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Imagineers realized that because the building was so tall it could be spotted from Epcot’s World Showcase. Guests with a keen eye can spot the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in the distance when standing in the Mexico Pavilion. Since the attraction can be noticed, Imagineers took care to design the outside of the tower in a similar color scheme and architectural style as the buildings in Morocco so that it would seamlessly blend in. See if it can be spotted next time you are in Epcot!