In this, the seventh part of our series about the Epcot theme park in Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort, we take a look at three more of the pavilions in the World Showcase section of the park: the Japan pavilion, the Morocco pavilion and the France pavilion.

The Japan Pavilion

The Japan pavilion features a large pagoda, streams, footbridges and a courtyard area. It also contains some beautiful plants and trees, including water lilies and monkey puzzle trees, and is one of the most relaxing pavilions in the park.

There are no rides in the pavilion, but you can see a photography exhibition, “Visions of Beauty: World Heritage Sites of Japan”,  in the Bijutsu-kan gallery and a group of Japanese taiko drummers, Matsuriza, perform in the Japan pavilion at various times during the day.

There are three restaurants within the Japan pavilion: Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining and Yakatori House. Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining are often referred to as the Mitsukoshi restaurants, as they are situated above the pavilion’s Mitsukoshi Department Store.

Teppan Edo is a table-service restaurant with a difference – the chefs prepare and cook your meal at your table! The menu features a range of Teppan-yaki style dishes, such as sushi and stir-fry dishes.

Tokyo Dining is also a table-service restaurant and its menu includes dishes such as shrimp roll, Japanese cutlet-style New York strip, octopus nigiri and sushi. You can also try sake and other Japanese drinks.

Yakatori House is a counter-service restaurant. Its menu includes main courses such as Japanese curry, Teriyaki chicken and Sushi Tokyo roll, together with a range of desserts and drinks.

You can also stock up on Japanese-themed souvenirs to take back to your Orlando hire car or hotel in the Mitsukoshi Department Store and the Mikimoto Store.

The Morocco Pavilion

The Morocco pavilion is divided into two sections, the Medina (Old City) and the Ville Nouvelle (New City). It features a reproduction of Marrakesh’s Koutoubia Minaret, a replica of the Bab Boujeloud Gate and a busy marketplace area, andits buildings feature mosaics and terracotta tiles.

There are no rides within the Morocco pavilion, but you can see an exhibition of traditional Moroccan artifacts and costumes, “Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment”, and explore the Fez House, a traditional Moroccan-style home.

There are two restaurants withn the Morocco pavilion: Restaurant Marrakesh and the Tangierine Cafe. The Restaurant Marrakesh is a table-service restaurant, where you can be entertained by belly dancers whilst dining on traditional Moroccan cuisine. Its menu includes dishes such as harira soup, shish kebabs and couscous, as well as Moroccan pastries and a range of cocktails.

The Tangierine Cafe is a counter-service restaurant with a menu which includes wraps, sandwiches and Mediterannean platters, as well as pastries and speciality coffees. You can also stop off for a snack at the Moorish Cafe and Pastry Shop.

There are a number of shops within the pavilion which sell Moroccan-themed items, such as carpets, tagines, ceramic tiles and clothes, and a band, Mo’Rockin, plays there several times each day.

The France Pavilion

You won’t be able to miss Epcot’s France pavilion – just look for the replica of the Eiffel Tower! This pavilion is best known for its fantastic food and drink. You can stop off for a snack at the Boulangerie Patisserie, which serves a range of savoury and sweet treats, including filled baguettes, croissants and pastries, or enjoy a meal at one of the pavilion’s two restaurants, Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris.

Chefs de France is a table-service restaurant with a menu that includes a number of French classics, such as French onion soup, lobster bisque, croque monsieur and crepes. Bistro de Paris is a formal, table-service restaurant, which is only open in the evening. Its menu includes snails in garlic butter, foie gras terrine,roasted rack of lamb, wild halibut and lobster.

There are also a number of shops and stalls in the France pavilion. Goods sold include fragrances by Guerlain, Chanel, Givenchy and other famous names, as well as wines, cosmetics and other France-themed souvenirs.

There are no rides in the pavilion, but there is an 18 minute long film show, “Impressions of France”, and entertainment is provided by Serveur Amusant, a duo who perform balancing acts whilst dressed as waiters, several times each day.

In the next post in this series, we’ll be taking a look at the final two pavilions in the World Showcase area of Epcot: the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions.

Image: UpstateNYer