You can tour the world in a day at this community of 11 miniaturized nations, which line the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon on the park's southern side. All of the showcase's countries have authentically indigenous architecture, landscaping, background music, restaurants, and shops. The nations' cultural facets are explored in art exhibits, song and dance performances, and innovative rides, films, and attractions. And all of the employees in each pavilion are natives of the country represented.
All pavilions offer some kind of live entertainment throughout the day. Times and performances change, but they're listed in the guide map and on the Times Guide. World Showcase opens between 11am and noon daily, so there's time for a Future World excursion if you arrive earlier. Note: There are regular appearances by characters at Showcase Plaza (consult the daily schedule for times).
Eat, Drink & Be Merry -- In early October, Epcot's 6-week-long International Food & Wine Festival adds 25 booths to the park's 1 1/3-mile World Showcase promenade. Here's your chance to walk off some calories while you sip and savor the food and beverages of several of the world's cultures. On the food front, the appetizer-size temptations might include burgundy escargot, seared alligator medallions, green mussels, shrimp on the barbie, octopus on purple potato salad, chicken sa cha, and much more ($1.50-$4.50). You can also sample wine and beer from more than 100 wineries and breweries. Tickets for the dinner-and-concert series or a special wine tasting are $45 to $199 including tip, but you can cruise the festival for standard park admission ($67 adults, $56 kids 3-9). Call tel. 407/939-3378 for details or go to www.disneyworld.com.
Stay Tuned -- Disney hasn't added a new "nation" to World Showcase since Norway became the 11th country in 1988. But the latest buzz has Spain possibly becoming the 12th, with a pavilion that would blend the city of Toledo with some architectural highlights of Madrid and Barcelona. It would be a great way to celebrate Epcot's 25th this year, wouldn't it? Call it another (potential) cash cow: Disney didn't pay to build the other countries (it charged the sponsoring companies and countries $50 million and up). Disney also doesn't pay any of the operating costs. But the Mouse collects the rent and a share of all merchandise sales.
