Japan Pavilion

The Japan pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase is a scenic spot to stop, shop and eat. The pavilion has several places to eat, both counter and table service. Walking around you'll notice the pagoda and torii gate. You'll even see beautiful koi fish swimming in pools and creeks. The Mitsukoshi Department Store is a great place to shop for unique gifts that symbolize Japan. You can even watch as they retrieve fresh water pearls from oysters! There are plenty of entertainers from Matsuriza (Japanese drums) and storytellers to someone who fashions candy into animals and flowers. Also, check out the exhibits, located inside Japanese castle, called "White Heron".

This pavilion has plenty of shade and plenty to do so either grab your credit card or grab a kaki-gori (shaved ice topped with an assortment of fruit flavors) and relax as you enjoy a trip to Japan.

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Located at Epcot's China pavilion, Nine Dragon's serves both lunch and dinner, with separate menus. For the most part you need reservations for all of the sit-down restaurants at Epcot, however, Nine Dragons is usually easy to do a walk-in, the reason being the very fast delivery of your food and the large seating area.

The wait staff are not like many of the other restaurants, they do not stop to chat and tell you about China and what part of the country they are from, they just take your orders and serve your food. The restaurant itself is grand, with windows facing the walkway and lake. There are tall pillars and archways and the tables and chairs are carved and dark.

I have eaten at the Nine Dragons several times (we held our wedding rehearsal lunch here) and the food is always delicious, although a little on the pricey side. One of our favorites is the General Tso's Chicken and another favorite is the Canton Pepper Beef, all served with white rice. I've also had the Sichuan Kung Bao Chicken, which was very, very spicy. Overall I liked the lighter lunches here rather than dinner and it's always good as a backup if another restaurant is booked up.

Spelmanns Gledje

With a mix of accordion, bass, fiddle and guitar, Spelmanns Gledje are my favorite performers at Epcot. Situated at Epcot's Norway pavilion, the band plays a variety of polkas to waltzes. They usually play right outside of the Stave Church, either under the big tree or closer to the bakery's outdoor seating, so grab a rice cream (rice pudding found at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe), find a place to sit, listen to the music and get a taste of Scandinavia.

Voices of Liberty

The Voices of Liberty is a touching, eight-part a cappella group of singers that perform at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Because of the great acoustics, they sing inside the rotunda of the American pavilion. Their songs range from patriotic to folk music, classics such as 'God Bless America' and 'Oh! Susanna'. For me, it's one of those things that I must go see every time I go to Epcot, so don't miss out!

Italy: Photospot

The photo above was taken at the Italian pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Although Italy does not have the traditional ride or movie that the other countries have it is very picturesque. The beautiful plaza is a replica of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Campanile and across the way you can look over a 'canal' and see the gondolas moored to posts.

Around the plaza are shops selling everything from clothing and perfume to wines, sweets and chocolates and handmade masks. There is a fountain with a statue of Neptune, where you can pose for photos or just sit in the shade to rest your legs.

Recently the L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante was closed and a new restaurant has was opened in its stead called, Tutto Italia. Haven't been to the new restaurant but I'll let you know how it is when I try it!

Overall the Italian pavilion is a great place to just sit, have a canoli or gelato and enjoy the view.

Reflections of China

This is a circle-vision 360 film where you stand in the middle of a theater as nine screens give you a full 360 degree view of everything. There are stunning views of the different lands and peoples of China. Visually beautiful and interesting, it lasts 14-minutes and is located within the Temple of Heaven (shown above) at Epcot's China Pavilion. Some days, if you get to the temple early, there is a lovely show called Si Xian, where a musician performs traditional music on a 'zheng' or Chinese harp.

Boulangerie Patisserie

I can't say enough about how tasty the pastries are here. Maybe the line out the door will convince you. Try the napoleon, fruit bavarois, pralineige or chocolate mousse... don't worry I can't pronounce them either. It's a little hard to find a place to sit and enjoy your pastries or beverage, often there is just one spot left located inside the gift shop seating area. If you prefer eating it outside then have a seat by the fountains, where you may be able to catch the Serveur Amusant show.

Epcot's Maelstrom

This is my favorite boat ride attraction in all of Disney and I still can't fully explain why. Is it the 'epic journey' feel as you step in? Is it that classic Disney water smell or the cooling cave-like atmosphere on a hot day? Is it the seaside village that you eventually dock at?

It's one of those overlooked rides (I've never had to wait in line for it yet) and it is reminiscent of the classic Pirate's ride at the Magic Kingdom with just a hint of danger. Also, my husband loves the movie at the end, but it's always amusing to watch everyone quickly shuffle out before it starts. I've heard that they're replacing that movie with a more up-to-date one though...