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2. United Kingdom

When I shortlisted the best pavilions at the World Showcase, I knew something immediately. My top two selections were obvious. As I walk through the back half of Epcot, the two places you’re most likely to find me are the United Kingdom Pavilion and the top choice you’ll read in a moment.

Why do I love this tribute to Great Britain? Americans are rightfully obsessed with the place that was once our overlord. Sure, we revolted and declared independence, but the connection between the two countries is eternal. British culture inevitably seeps into the American way of life, whether it’s the British Invasion influencing our music, British food influencing our menus, or Doctor Who influencing our timeline, we care about what happens across the Atlantic Ocean.

The United Kingdom Pavilion somehow brings all the best parts of England to America. The stores have all sorts of wonderful punk rock and 1960s boy band merchandise for sale along with an unexpectedly large number of Doctor Who items. The band that plays British Invasion music is also a delight. They’re probably my favorite of all the recurring acts at the World Showcase.

Finally and most importantly, the Table Service meal here is my family’s happy place. Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room is our favorite place to eat an extended meal and watch IllumiNations. The servers here are all delightful (seriously, every experience I’ve ever had with a British cast member has been glowingly positive), and the food is delectable. For all these reasons, the United Kingdom Pavilion deserves the title of Best World Showcase Pavilion. And yet…

1. Japan

I’ve previously joked that I waste a full third of my disposable income at Mitsukoshi Department Store, only it’s not that much of a joke. As I type this, I can see half a dozen items in plain sight in my living room that we bought there. The store is broken up into several sections, each of which offers enticing items straight from Japan.

Whether it’s the silk robes from the apparel section, the harmonious items that reflect Feng Shui, seventeen different variations of Kit Kats, or the glorious number of anime and videogame-based items, this retailer has everything I could possibly want. I honestly couldn’t even proffer a guess as to how much money I’ve spent here. All I know is that my wife smiles with her eye teeth (and her heart) every time she holds several bags’ worth of stuff as she exits the store.

Amazingly, the Mitsukoshi Department Store is only a part of what makes the Japan Pavilion so marvelous. The current Kawaii exhibit is THE greatest thing at the World Showcase right now. Here, you can see all the elements that embody cute culture in Japan. The showcase features entire rooms decorated in the style, providing insight into how Harajuku and other styles become so popular in the country.

And have I mentioned the food? Teppan Edo is the gold standard in Table Service dining at the World Showcase. As I type this, Trip Advisor ranks it as the 81st best restaurant in Orlando. If anything, the voters are underselling it. Japanese food is beloved for a reason, and Teppan Edo displays the finest qualities of the cuisine. Plus, you get a show with your dinner!

The Japan Pavilion has so many elements to highlight that mentioning the architecture almost feels derivative. Yes, you can identify the place from a mile away due to the unique style and yes, it looks amazing. There’s so much else to love about this pavilion, however, that it’s not even one of my five favorite parts of a visit here. More than anywhere else at the World Showcase, the Japan Pavilion is where I choose to spend my time. And money.

 
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