There are 11 countries at EPCOT in World Showcase: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These country pavilions surround World Showcase Lagoon and feature themed architecture, restaurants, shops, cultural exhibits, live entertainment, and several of EPCOT’s most popular rides.
Starting on the Mexico side of World Showcase and walking clockwise, you’ll encounter all 11 countries in that order. Start on the Canada side and you’ll see them in reverse.
Each pavilion has something different to offer. Norway and France have major Disney rides, Japan has some of EPCOT’s best shopping and gardens, Germany is known for its festive village atmosphere, and the American Adventure features one of the park’s most elaborate indoor shows.
Here’s the complete EPCOT countries list, a map of their locations, and what I would prioritize in each pavilion.
EPCOT Countries in Order Around World Showcase
The 11 EPCOT countries form a nearly complete loop around World Showcase Lagoon. From EPCOT’s main entrance, walk toward the lagoon and turn left to begin with Mexico.
| Order | Country | Main Attraction or Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | Gran Fiesta Tour and the indoor pyramid |
| 2 | Norway | Frozen Ever After |
| 3 | China | Reflections of China and gardens |
| 4 | Germany | Biergarten and German village |
| 5 | Italy | Italian restaurants and architecture |
| 6 | United States | The American Adventure show |
| 7 | Japan | Mitsukoshi, gardens, and Taiko drumming |
| 8 | Morocco | Courtyards, architecture, and shopping |
| 9 | France | Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure |
| 10 | United Kingdom | British village, gardens, and shops |
| 11 | Canada | Canada Far and Wide and waterfalls |
The United States pavilion is officially named The American Adventure. Although its pavilion name differs from the country’s name, it represents the United States and counts as one of the 11 permanent countries.
Disney also adds international food booths during EPCOT festivals, but these temporary marketplaces do not count as additional World Showcase countries.
EPCOT Countries Map
For the actual layout, you can use Disney’s official EPCOT park map (PDF). It shows the country pavilions around the lagoon, along with rides, restaurants, restrooms, and other park facilities.
There are two useful landmarks when reading the map:
- The American Adventure: Located at the back of World Showcase, between Italy and Japan, making it a useful reference point for the middle of the country sequence.
- International Gateway: EPCOT’s second entrance, located between France and the United Kingdom. It connects to the BoardWalk resort area and transportation serving nearby Disney hotels.
From International Gateway, France is the closest country pavilion in one direction and the United Kingdom is closest in the other. This entrance is particularly convenient if you’re arriving from the Disney Skyliner or the EPCOT resort area.
For a more detailed explanation of the walking route, including the distance around the lagoon and where to start, see my World Showcase walking guide.
What Is in Each of the 11 EPCOT Countries?
Not every EPCOT country has a ride. Some of the best pavilions are built around restaurants, traditional architecture, performances, shops, and smaller cultural details. Here’s what you can find in each one.
1. Mexico
Mexico is one of the most memorable entrances to World Showcase. Its large Mesoamerican-inspired pyramid contains an indoor marketplace designed to resemble a Mexican village at night.
Inside, you’ll find Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a gentle boat ride featuring Donald Duck and his friends. The pyramid also contains San Angel Inn Restaurante, which overlooks the ride’s indoor lagoon.
Outside, La Cantina de San Angel and La Hacienda de San Angel offer dining beside World Showcase Lagoon. La Cava del Tequila, inside the pyramid, is another popular stop.
Don’t miss: Walking through the pyramid, riding Gran Fiesta Tour, and exploring the indoor marketplace.
If you’re deciding where to eat, see my guide to EPCOT’s Mexican restaurants.
2. Norway
Norway is one of the busiest EPCOT countries because it’s home to Frozen Ever After. The boat ride takes guests through scenes inspired by Frozen and is especially popular with families.
The pavilion also includes Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where guests can enjoy meals with Disney Princesses. Nearby, Royal Sommerhus offers opportunities to meet Anna and Elsa.
For something to eat without a dining reservation, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe serves Norwegian bakery items, including its well-known school bread.
Don’t miss: Frozen Ever After if you’re visiting with children, and a stop at the Norwegian bakery.
3. China
China is one of EPCOT’s most attractive country pavilions, with ornate architecture, gardens, shops, and a recreation inspired by Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.
Inside the main building, Reflections of China is a Circle-Vision 360 film that surrounds guests with panoramic footage of Chinese landscapes, cities, and cultural landmarks.
For dining, Nine Dragons Restaurant offers Chinese table-service food, while Lotus Blossom Café provides a quicker counter-service option.
I would spend time examining the architecture and exploring the indoor spaces rather than just passing through on the main World Showcase walkway.
Don’t miss: The Temple of Heaven-inspired building, Reflections of China, and the pavilion’s gardens.
4. Germany
Germany recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German town square, with colorful buildings, shops, and a festive central plaza.
Biergarten Restaurant is the pavilion’s main dining attraction, serving a German-style buffet accompanied by live entertainment. Sommerfest offers a faster option for bratwurst and other casual food.
Germany is also a good stop for desserts and sweets. Karamell-Küche is known for caramel treats, while the pavilion’s shops sell German gifts and specialty merchandise.
Look for the miniature railway display near the pavilion, which is easy to overlook if you’re concentrating only on restaurants and shops.
Don’t miss: The village square, Karamell-Küche, and the miniature railway.
5. Italy
Italy is primarily a dining and architecture pavilion rather than a destination for rides. Its buildings draw inspiration from Italian landmarks and create an open plaza facing World Showcase Lagoon.
The main restaurants include Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria and Tutto Italia Ristorante. Via Napoli is particularly popular for wood-fired pizza, while Tutto Italia offers a more traditional Italian dining experience.
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar provides another dining option for visitors interested in Italian wines and small plates.
Even without a ride, Italy is worth exploring for its architecture, fountains, shopping, and waterfront setting.
Don’t miss: The Italian plaza, architectural details, and pizza at Via Napoli if you’re planning a meal.
6. The American Adventure (United States)
The American Adventure is the United States pavilion and occupies a prominent position near the back of World Showcase Lagoon.
Its main attraction is The American Adventure, an elaborate indoor theater production featuring Audio-Animatronic figures of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain alongside historical scenes, films, and music.
Before entering the theater, look for the Voices of Liberty performing in the rotunda. The group’s a cappella harmonies are one of the most impressive live musical experiences in EPCOT.
For food, Regal Eagle Smokehouse serves American barbecue in a casual quick-service setting.
Don’t miss: The American Adventure show and a Voices of Liberty performance if their schedules align with your visit.
7. Japan
Japan is one of my favorite EPCOT pavilions to explore beyond the main promenade. Its gardens, ponds, traditional architecture, and large shopping area give it more to see than visitors might expect.
The Mitsukoshi department store sells Japanese snacks, gifts, clothing, household items, and other merchandise. It’s one of the most extensive shopping experiences in World Showcase.
Japan also features Matsuriza, a live Taiko drumming performance, and cultural exhibits inside the pavilion.
For dining, Teppan Edo offers teppanyaki prepared at your table, Shiki-Sai serves sushi and other Japanese cuisine, and Katsura Grill provides a quick-service alternative.
Don’t miss: Mitsukoshi, the gardens, and a Matsuriza performance.
8. Morocco
Morocco is one of the best EPCOT countries for visitors who enjoy architecture and exploring places that don’t revolve around rides.
The pavilion features traditional Moroccan-inspired buildings, detailed tilework, narrow passageways, courtyards, and market-style spaces.
Some of the most interesting details are away from the main walkway. I recommend walking farther into the pavilion instead of stopping at the first storefront.
Spice Road Table offers Mediterranean-inspired dining near World Showcase Lagoon, while other shopping and food offerings may vary.
Don’t miss: The inner courtyards, decorative tilework, and quieter passageways.
9. France
France is one of the most popular EPCOT countries because it combines a major family ride with several restaurants, bakeries, and detailed streets.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is the main attraction. This trackless dark ride shrinks guests to the size of Remy as they move through scenes inspired by the Pixar film.
France also offers Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, with operating times that can vary depending on the day.
For food, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is one of my favorite quick-service stops for sandwiches and pastries. Chefs de France, Monsieur Paul, and La Crêperie de Paris offer different styles of French dining.
The expanded area around Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is worth exploring even if you’re not riding. Its detailed streets make this one of the more immersive corners of World Showcase.
Don’t miss: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Les Halles, and the streets around the ride entrance.
If you’re planning the ride, see my guide on how to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom pavilion recreates a collection of British streets, gardens, shops, and traditional architecture.
There isn’t a major ride here, but the pavilion is a pleasant place to explore. You’ll find British-themed merchandise, garden areas, and dining locations overlooking or near World Showcase Lagoon.
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room is the main table-service restaurant, while Yorkshire County Fish Shop serves traditional fish and chips.
The gardens and rear pathways are worth exploring, particularly if you’re interested in the pavilion’s quieter corners rather than only the shops along the promenade.
Don’t miss: The English-style gardens, Rose & Crown, and the village streets.
11. Canada
Canada is the final country when walking clockwise from Mexico, but it’s also an excellent place to begin if you choose the opposite direction.
The pavilion features dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, gardens, and architecture inspired by Canadian landmarks.
Canada Far and Wide is a Circle-Vision 360 film showcasing Canada’s landscapes and cultural diversity.
Le Cellier Steakhouse is one of EPCOT’s best-known table-service restaurants, offering steakhouse dining in an intimate setting.
I would walk up into the pavilion’s landscaped areas rather than passing Canada from the main promenade. The waterfalls and gardens are a major part of what makes it worth visiting.
Don’t miss: The waterfalls, garden paths, and Canada Far and Wide.
Which EPCOT Countries Have Rides?
Only three of the 11 World Showcase country pavilions have traditional rides:
| Country | Ride | Minimum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros | Any height |
| Norway | Frozen Ever After | Any height |
| France | Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Any height |
All three are family-friendly attractions without minimum height requirements, although Frozen has small drops and Remy uses motion and 3D effects.
Several other pavilions offer shows or films instead of rides. China has Reflections of China, Canada has Canada Far and Wide, and the United States has The American Adventure.
For attractions outside World Showcase, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Test Track, and Soarin’, see my complete list of EPCOT rides.
Which EPCOT Country Has the Best Food?
France, Japan, Mexico, Italy, and Germany are the countries I would prioritize if food is a major reason for visiting EPCOT. Each offers a different dining experience.
France is excellent for pastries, sandwiches, crêpes, and traditional French dining. Japan is a strong choice for sushi, Japanese grilled food, and quick-service dishes. Mexico has some of EPCOT’s most atmospheric restaurants, including San Angel Inn inside the pyramid.
Italy is a particularly good choice for a sit-down meal, especially pizza at Via Napoli. Germany is worth visiting for pretzels, caramel treats, and the Biergarten buffet experience.
Canada is another strong choice for a special dinner at Le Cellier, while the United States has Regal Eagle Smokehouse for a more casual barbecue meal.
For a broader restaurant comparison, see my best restaurants at EPCOT guide. If you want to avoid dining reservations, my EPCOT quick-service restaurant rankings focus on counter-service meals.
Can Kids Collect Something From Every EPCOT Country?
Kidcot Fun Stops provide a way for children to explore all 11 World Showcase countries. Each country pavilion has a designated activity location where kids can collect cards with facts and activities related to that country’s culture.
These activities are a good reason for families to visit countries that don’t have major rides. Instead of rushing through Italy, Morocco, or Canada, children have something to look for in every pavilion.
Kidcot Fun Stops are included with EPCOT admission. See Disney’s official Kidcot Fun Stops information for current locations and operating hours.
Are There 11 or 12 Countries at EPCOT?
EPCOT has 11 permanent World Showcase countries, not 12. The confusion sometimes comes from counting other areas or temporary festival marketplaces as additional countries.
For example, the Refreshment Outpost area between China and Germany has African-inspired theming and food offerings, but it is not an official World Showcase country pavilion.
Likewise, festival food booths may represent destinations that don’t have permanent pavilions. Their presence does not change the number of EPCOT countries.
The 11 permanent pavilions remain Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Do All the EPCOT Countries Open at the Same Time?
Not every attraction, restaurant, and shop in World Showcase opens at the same time.
You may see older advice suggesting that World Showcase opens at 11 AM, but that isn’t a reliable rule for every location. Major rides such as Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure can operate from EPCOT’s morning opening, while restaurants may have different breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedules.
If you want to visit a specific restaurant, ride, or shop early in the day, check its hours in the My Disney Experience app rather than assuming the entire country pavilion opens at once.
You can also check my EPCOT operating hours guide for general park opening information.
Which EPCOT Countries Are Most Worth Visiting?
If you’re short on time, I would prioritize Mexico, Norway, Japan, Morocco, France, and Canada. These give you a particularly good mix of rides, architecture, cultural experiences, shops, gardens, and dining.
Mexico has one of EPCOT’s most memorable indoor environments. Norway and France have major family rides. Japan and Morocco reward visitors who spend time exploring deeper into the pavilions, while Canada has attractive gardens and an impressive waterfall setting.
However, all 11 countries are worth seeing at least briefly on a first visit. You don’t need to spend equal amounts of time in each one, and I wouldn’t rush through an interesting pavilion just to keep a strict schedule.
If you’re planning to walk the entire loop, my World Showcase guide explains the route and how to avoid unnecessary backtracking. For the rest of the park, see my EPCOT planning guide.
Before visiting, use Disney’s official EPCOT page to check attractions, operating hours, and current entertainment.
