Ciao! Welcome to Epcot’s World Showcase and the Italy pavilion.

World Showcase is comprised of 11 country pavilions scattered along the south side of World Showcase Lagoon. The Italian pavilion is located straight across the water sandwiched between the American and German pavilions. Spend a few hours here and you will feel as though you’ve been transported to the vibrant Italian cities of Venice, Rome and Florence.

Italy Pavilion in Epcot

If the architecture here looks familiar it’s probably because the pavilion was designed to be a melting pot of some of the most famous Italian structures such as the Sistine Chapel, Neptune Fountain, St. Mark’s Capanile (the bell tower is an authentic replica) and Doge’s Palace. Pay special attention to the landscaping and you’ll find trees native to Italy such as the olive and kumquat trees. Soft Italian music sets the mood while street performers are out and about in the crowds. Even though you are in Central Florida you really get the sense of being in a busy Italian piazza.

Street Performers

Just as in Italy there is much shopping and eating to do here! There are two full service restaurants. Tutto Italia is an Italian trattoria serving traditional Italian dishes. Via Napoli specializes in wood oven pizza. Its three wood burning pizza ovens represent the three active volcanoes in Italy and many of the larger furniture pieces were made in Italy. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar offers small plates representing food from the different Italian regions as well as over 200 varieties of Italian wines.

There are several shops selling authentic Italian wares such as Venetian masks, handmade soaps, espresso, Venetian glass, leather, perfume and olive oil. As a Disney resort guest you may have all purchases shipped back to your resort for pick up the following day. Of course you may always ship your purchases directly home. So shop away!

Italian Artisian

I’ve visited the Italian pavilion many times over the years however we were privileged to experience the “real” Italy not too long ago. During my most recent visit to Epcot I returned to the pavilion with a new eye for detail, comparing everything to my Italian experience. I have to say that Disney has once again managed to capture the little details that that take authenticity to the next level. I truly felt as though I was back in the piazzas of Florence. Epcot has managed to recreate some of the spectacular beauty and essence of Italy in a tiny little corner of Central Florida.

Piazza

My name is Susan Heidenrich and I am a Destination Specialist with Travel with the Magic. I love sharing the often overlooked Disney details with my clients and I would love to help you with your next Disney Destination vacation. My planning services are completely free! Learn a bit more about me here and then come along and join the fun and follow me on facebook! You can also email me at SusanH@travelwiththemagic.com.