The Epcot World Showcase highlights 11 countries around the world but in some ways, Italy stands out far above the others. It is a brilliant replica of Italian traditions that cover various regions of the country from the southern regions to the north.
Located between Germany and the American Adventure, Italy has a plethora of offerings from wine to sweets to traditional Italian food and some of the best architectural features of the entire park.
The architecture covers Venetian styles and Florentine and Roman styles that make up the great history of one of the world’s most beautiful countries. A fountain features a carved out fountain with a statue of Neptune that gains a lot of visitors for pictures. There are replica columns of San Marco and San Teodoro and the Bel Cristallo shop replicates the entrance to the Sistine Chapel.
Around the spacious pavilion, you will find shops that feature candles, wines, home goods, Italian sweets and treats, as well as a perfume shop.
Dining in Italy will bring you three choices. Tutto Italia Ristorante features an impressive authentic Italian menu and an authentic interior that transports you to Italy. At Via Napoli Pizzeria, brick ovens are designed to represent the three Gods that are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy. The vaulted ceiling makes the dining area enormous and the long dining communal table is imported from Italy.
Italy is one of the more spacious pavilions in the World Showcase. There is plenty of room to walk around and explore without bumping into others. Italy doesn’t just showcase the pavilion itself. Along the water’s edge, get a look at the gondolas that pay tribute to Venice’s water city.
Throughout the day, Italian artists will perform on the streets and music adds to the ambiance of the entire area. There is a very nice wine shop at the pavilion as well. Unlike the French pavilion, the cast members who hail from Italy are much nicer. During the Food and Wine Festival, make sure you get a taste of the wine from Italy, they don’t skimp and will fill your glass to the top.
All in all, Italy is a majestic representation of a romantic country that is rich in tradition and tradition that has spilled into the United States through a hundred years of immigration.
World Showcase ranking: 6 of 11