If you’ve visited EPCOT’s World Showcase at Disney World, you’re likely familiar with the main attractions: Frozen Ever After. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. That concert stage near the American pavilion where you can catch musical acts that were popular during your college years. (Hey, some of those bands are still pretty good!)
But the true standouts of World Showcase are its hidden gems—those tucked-away spaces that you might not notice at first, but that hold a special charm of their own. The pavilions are richer and more interesting for their presence.
Some of these hidden gems are great spots to escape from the park crowds, or to enjoy some entertainment without waiting in long lines. So keep an eye out for these 10 hidden gems next time you’re at EPCOT’s World Showcase.
1. Mexican Art Folk Gallery
Most of the Mexico pavilion is housed in a giant Mesoamerican pyramid that serves as the pavilion’s focal point. You can find the Mexican Folk Art Gallery just past the entrance.
Right now, the gallery has an exhibit on Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The exhibit is inspired by the movie Coco and celebrates the Mexican holiday where people remember their ancestors. A skeletal bride and groom anchor the exhibit. Smaller displays showcase skeleton figurines, artwork, and other artifacts related to the holiday.
It’s easy to breeze past the Mexican Folk Art Gallery on your way to ride Gran Fiesta Tour or eat at the San Angel Inn Restaurante. However, I recommend taking a few minutes to check out this creative exhibit.
2. Fez House
People often overlook the Morocco pavilion because it lacks attractions. But it’s actually one of the most authentic pavilions in World Showcase. The Moroccan government designed the Morocco pavilion, and they operated it until the end of 2020.
If you want to admire the pavilion’s stunning design up close, make sure to visit the Fez House. Filled with intricate details, this structure replicates traditional Moroccan homes. It’s located toward the back of the pavilion on the left.
Beautiful tiles cover the walls, pillars, and floor, and a fountain anchors the back wall. You can take a break from the Florida heat on the benches lining the walls.
When my friend and I visited on a recent Saturday afternoon, the Fez House was bustling with more visitors than I ever recall seeing before. It’s nice to see this well-crafted pavilion getting the love it deserves.
3. Japanese Gardens
If those EPCOT crowds make you want to run for the exit, escape to the Japanese Gardens. Nestled behind the pagoda in the Japan pavilion, this tranquil oasis offers a place to unwind away from the tourists thronging World Showcase.
Take a leisurely stroll down the pathways while listening to the sound of water splashing over rocks. Watch the fish swim in the koi pond, or admire the vibrant flowers and neatly shaped bonsai trees.
But you don’t have to walk around the gardens to enjoy them. There are tables nearby where you can enjoy your meal from the nearby quick-service restaurant while basking in the peaceful atmosphere.
TIP: Before heading over to the gardens, catch a traditional Taiko drumming show at the pagoda. The show, Matsuriza, runs three times a day from Thursdays-Mondays.
4. Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Just over a short bridge in the Japan pavilion lies the Bijutsu-kan Gallery, showcasing a variety of exhibits on Japanese culture and history. Past displays have delved into Japanese folklore, toys, and even baseball.
Currently, the gallery is home to a fun exhibit on kawaii, Japan’s “cute” culture. This exhibit highlights how the kawaii trend has influenced all aspects of Japanese society. From toilet seat covers to food storage containers and even road construction barriers, this exhibit has cuteness in every corner.
TIP: Make sure to visit the nearby Mitsukoshi department store, definitely the best shop in EPCOT. Where else in Disney can you find Super Mario, Pokémon, and Hello Kitty swag?
5. Romantic Road Miniature Train Village
Between Germany and Italy, you’ll find the Romantic Road Miniature Train Village. Originally built for the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, this charming model railway proved so popular with guests that Disney decided to keep it around.
The Romantic Road takes its name from a picturesque stretch of road in Germany lined with quaint small towns. True to its namesake, the sprawling miniature train village has much to see along its pathway, from cute miniature buildings to tiny figurines. Disney even decorates it for the holidays and EPCOT festivals.
So if you find yourself between pavilions, take a few minutes to admire all the fun details in the miniature train village. Chances are you’ll notice something new.
6. The Germany Boat Ride That Never Was
This hidden gem is literally hidden, but it’s such an intriguing piece of World Showcase lore that I had to share it with you.
Back when EPCOT was still in the works, Disney had plans for a boat ride in the Germany pavilion called Rhine River Cruise. The ride was designed as “a cruise down Germany’s most famous rivers– the Rhine, the Tauber, the Ruhr and the Isar. Detailed miniatures of famous landmarks will also be seen, including one of the Cologne Cathedral.” Other highlights would’ve included the Black Forest and Oktoberfest.
Little is known about this ride, but you can find some a blueprint and concept art online if you’re curious. As you exited the ride, you would’ve had a view of the Biergarten restaurant and the live entertainment happening on its stage.
Unfortunately, Rhine River Cruise was scrapped in 1982 due to budget cuts. Construction of the show building was never completed. Today, a mural to the right of the Biergarten covers the spot where the ride’s entrance would’ve been. According to the Internet, Disney now uses the space for storage, a workshop, and cast member rehearsals.
7. American Heritage Gallery
As you step into the American Adventure building, head right into the small but fascinating American Heritage Gallery.
The current exhibit, “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art,” features Native American art from across the country. You’ll find clothing and other personal items from 40 different tribes across 7 regions, along with interactive displays. This exhibit was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
The exhibit has been on display since 2018 and runs until 2026. If you’re planning to catch the American Adventure, give yourself some extra time to check out the American Heritage Gallery first.
8. English Gardens
In the back of the UK Pavilion, you’ll find a traditional English garden filled with colorful flowers. The garden changes depending on the time of year, but it’s a lovely spot to unwind. There’s also a small hedge maze nearby for little ones to explore.
For something a little rowdier, there’s a gazebo stage where live bands play British hits. So whether you’re there for the peaceful gardens or the live music, your visit to the UK pavilion can be just as chill or as hyped as you want it to be.
9. Live entertainment
“Wait, street performers can’t be a hidden gem,” you might say. “They’re out in the open.”
While it’s true that the live entertainers at World Showcase are pretty visible, it’s easy to overlook them as you rush to your next stop. I’m guilty of doing that myself. However, these performers are incredibly talented, and it’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to appreciate their craft.
Almost every pavilion offers some form of live entertainment. I mentioned the Taiko drummers in Japan and the British cover band in the UK pavilion, but there’s more to see at World Showcase. Here are just a few examples:
- A mariachi band in Mexico
- Acrobats in China
- Live bands in Germany and Canada
- Voices of Liberty, an a cappella group, in America
During EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, which starts at the end of November, World Showcase also features live storytellers sharing holiday legends from around the globe.
In short, Disney brings a diverse group of international performers to World Showcase. These skilled artists help set the mood in the pavilions and enhance the park experience.
10. Impressions de France
Have you ever visited a Disney attraction that you found boring as a kid, but now enjoy as an adult? Impressions de France makes that list for me. This movie has been captivating visitors to the France pavilion in World Showcase long before Remy came along.
This 18-minute movie plays in the Palais du Cinéma early in the morning and late in the day. It’s been around since the park opened in 1982 and even holds the Guinness World Record for the “longest running daily screening of a film in the same theater.”
The movie takes viewers on a tour of 49 gorgeous locations in France. From Paris to Versailles, the French Alps to the Loire Valley, you’ll get to see many famous places.
Rewatching Impressions de France as an adult, I appreciate the beauty and charm of the French landscape as shown in the film. It’s a relaxing experience and the perfect place to rest your tired feet before grabbing a spot around the lagoon for the Luminous fireworks show.
Conclusion: 10 Hidden Gems in EPCOT’s World Showcase
EPCOT’s World Showcase is like a permanent world’s fair where you get to learn a little about each country. You can find surprises everywhere if you take the time to really look at the details of each pavilion. So the next time you find yourself at EPCOT, make sure to take some time to explore these hidden gems and immerse yourself in all the diverse cultures it has to offer.