At Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, there are many attractions that set this particular Disney locale apart from the rest around the globe. One of these spots in particular actually contains multitudes from around the globe in the first place!
Epcot remains a seminal landmark in the history of theme parks with its blend of the cutting-edge technologies of Future World (including rides like Soarin' and Spaceship Earth) with the intricate cultures of World Showcase. The latter aims to recreate (in a microcosm) some of the most revered and sought after landscapes of the world. Considering attractions, entertainment, food, atmosphere, architecture, and beauty, these are the pavilions at World Showcase, ranked.
Canada
Situated on the far right side of the lagoon, Canada's best feature at Epcot is the immaculate architecture and gorgeous, authentic totem poles. It's a beautiful landscape to waltz through, for sure.
The rest of Canada leaves just a little to be desired. Le Cellier Steakhouse is a solid dining option, but the rest of World Showcase has better opportunities for eating. Similarly, Canada's Circle-Vision film ranks lower on the totem pole when compared to the others. (The Alberta Bound musical performance is worth checking out, though, if not only for a couple killer Celine Dion covers!)
The American Adventure
There's a genuine argument to be made that The American Adventure should rank last in terms of Epcot countries. However, its titular attraction helps bump it up just slightly over Canada. It's a corny, overly patriotic display, but it has heartening Audio-Animatronics and inspirational music.
The food in The American Adventure lags mightily behind every other country, but the entertainment is pretty solid. Peter Quill and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy have been known to make an appearance here, too!
Germany
Germany is a fairly standard pavilion at Epcot with a select number of shops to browse (including one bearing a Christmas tree festooned with pickles) and a princess to meet (Snow White).
The best feature of Germany is unequivocally the miniature village situated on the path leading into the pavilion. Guests have been known to stop and watch the trains speed through the village for hours before grabbing a bite to eat at the delicious, nearby Biergarten.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom pavilion is tasked with accomplishing a lot in a narrow corridor of Epcot. It's meant to depict England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland in equal measure. While England gets the top billing, it's not necessarily for the worse.
After all, Rose & Crown remains a great spot to grab a meal or just grab a drink for a brief moment. Not to mention, the culture of the U.K. seems situated in the second half of the twentieth century, which allows for fans of The Beatles and Mary Poppins to get their kicks.
Morocco
First of all, Morocco is an underrated pavilion for watching Epcot's ever-changing nighttime shows. The views are impeccable and the lighting of Morocco is well-suited to the ambiance needed to get the most out of a nightcap.
Morocco has a number of food options and souvenirs for shopping that are markedly different from other pavilions. (One's meal at Morocco will be delicious, especially if they opt for Baklava at Tangierine Cafe.) Additionally, the architecture was developed in tandem with the Moroccan government, contributing to the authentic feel of the pavilion.
Japan
Architecture is the first element of Japan's pavilion that guests at Epcot notice - and for good reason! The starring element is the Pagoda, which is stunningly gorgeous and one of the best structures in all of the World Showcase. (The torii gate is also an excellent photo-op.)
The Mitsukoshi Department Store helps connect traditional Japanese culture to the modern vibes that have swept the globe. There's something to represent all sides of Japanese culture here, but the best will always be the serene Bijutsu-kan art gallery and the captivating Matsuriza drummers.
France
The France pavilion gets a boost over the Japan pavilion simply because it's going to continue to be enhanced in the coming years. An attraction based on Ratatouille is imminent and a Beauty and the Beast sing-along (which is positively enchanting) just debuted in January.
For now, though, France will continue to be set apart by its benevolent "street" performers and top-notch World Showcase eats. Boulangerie Patisserie des Halles is a delicious option for those passing by who just want a small, scrumptious sampling of France's food.
Italy
If it's food that one is after in Epcot, then one should look no further than Italy. While the architecture is breathtaking and the atmosphere is truly immersive, Italy stands apart from World Showcase because of its flawless offerings on multiple menus.
Via Napoli Pizzeria e Ristorante is a fantastic option for those who are on a budget. However, if one feels like splurging, then Tutto Italia is the way to go. Every piece of pasta, every dollop of cheese. It's all curated to perfection with some of the friendliest staff one could ever meet.
Norway
The Norway pavilion doesn't quite stand up to Italy in terms of food (the Norwegian club does not give up, though), but the culture and attractions help to elevate it just slightly. (Plus, for Disney obsessives, the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall provides some of the best princess character dining in the entire resort.)
Norway has an immaculate environment, thanks in large part to the culturally-fixated Stave Church, which illuminates a brief history of Norse mythology. (It's one of the coolest mythologies, so the gallery is definitely worth a look.) Not to mention, Norway is home to the Frozen Ever After attraction, a seminal ride-through of the impeccable Frozen film with incredible Animatronic figures of the Frozen characters.
China
China is one of the best distillations of what a World Showcase can be. There's an educational and culturally respectful film about the wonders that China has to offer. There's a display of acrobats in the courtyard outside. There are characters to meet, like Mulan, most primarily!
It's a perfect Disney creation that is also reverent to authentic Chinese culture. Not to mention, China is also home to Nine Dragons Restaurant and Lotus Blossom Cafe, which are some of the best restaurants in all of World Showcase, thanks to their innovative twists on Chinese cuisine.
Mexico
The best World Showcase pavilion, however, is unquestionably the Mexico pavilion. It has everything one could want and it is a cultural celebration like no other country in the World Showcase.
At the center of Mexico is a Mesoamerican pyramid that would alone set it into the top half of the World Showcase countries. Outside of this is the impeccable Cantina de San Angel, which provides a quick bite to eat and a series of entertainers, including a Mariachi band and a celebration of Coco. Inside, though, Mexico is strikingly gorgeous. An evening atmosphere underscores the shopping complex and the San Angel Inn (the park's best restaurant), which overlooks a delightful and peaceful boat ride, themed to Donald Duck and his Caballero pals. Mexico is the best of Epcot, undoubtedly.