Ciao! Today we’re taking a look at the Italy Pavilion, home to several great restaurants, a variety of Italian goods and exciting entertainment. Italy is located between Germany and American when touring the World Showcase.
It’s meant to feel like you’ve arrived in Venice with a replica of St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the Doge’s Palace. Even on the water of World Showcase Lagoon, there are some subtle touches that let you know you’ve been transported to Italy.
The Fun
The Italy Pavilion does not contain a ride or a movie, however, don’t let that stop you from exploring! If you’re traveling with smaller children, there is a Kidcot station outside, near La Bottega Italiana. While there, Cast Members often share fun facts with the kids about their country and will give the kids a stamp of Duffy in Italy.
Another great activity for kids is the Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. Italy offers a mission for this adventure, participants solve clues to defeat Agent P’s enemy. This interactive activity takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and is very immersive.
There are no character meet and greets in Italy, but you can watch Sergio. He’s a highly entertaining performer that mixes juggling and miming. When he comes out to perform, you cannot help but stop and watch. Italy is a wonderful pavilion to take in during Flower and Garden Festival. Their Lady and the Tramp display is one of the best!
The Food
Like the country it represents, the Italy Pavilion offers a wide variety of food options. For those of you with a sweet tooth, Gelati is located in a kiosk at the front of the pavilion. This stand offers a variety of gelato flavors as well as more traditional Italian desserts including tiramisu and cannoli. They also offer alcoholic beverages including an Italian Margarita made with frozen Limoncello!
Tutto Italia is the more formal of the two sit down restaurants in Italy. It participates in the Disney Dining Plan (one table service credit) and features what Disney calls “traditional Italian favorites.” Here, you can nosh on calamari, pasta, and more. The real star of the show here is the desserts. They are incredible, I highly recommend the tiramisu. Attached to Tutto Italia, you’ll find Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. This wine bar is meant to resemble an Italian wine cellar. The offer a wide selection of wines, beer, and small plates (including dessert).
The final eatery in the Italy Pavilion is Via Napoli. This large, and decidedly more laid back eatery, serves everything from pasta to their famous pizza. Also participating in the Disney dining plan (one table service credit), Via Napoli is a bustling, family friendly restaurant. The pizza is fantastic, it’s cooked in wood-burning ovens and has the perfect char to it. Desserts here are also spectacular, and the ricotta fritters are a true delight!
The Shopping
The Italy Pavilion offers a variety of shopping options. For those looking for Murano glass and high end perfume and hand bags, look no further than Il Bel Cristallo. Cookware and decorative items can be found in La Bottega Italiana. Enoteca Castello features Italian wines. Perhaps the most interesting store in the pavilion is La Gemma Elegante which sells Venetian Masks. It is a worth a trip in this store to see the incredible work that goes into creating the masks!
Italy is an exciting pavilion to explore! There are great photo opportunities, tons of fascinating cast members, shopping galore and perhaps best of all, lots of choices for dining! Make sure you stop in and check it out during your next visit to Epcot.
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