surprised, but I really didn't like World Showcase

[UndercoverMama]

I thought it was a powerful, moving and inspiring show. That "show stopping Indian" happens to be Chief Joseph, and his decision to "fight no more forever" was a significant moment in U.S. history whether you chose to remember it or not. Along with his people's suffering, he expresses his hope "that all of us may be brothers with one country around us and one government for all."

Oh good, I was starting to worry the show was a downer... Have never stopped for it since we always seem to have a toddler with us and didn't think they would be very considerate of others

Norway - Maelstorm and movie (or skip movie and suffer the (probably just perceived) glares from the Norweigens who work there). .

I always feel the same way. Sorry Norwegians I love the ride and your shop and The Northwestern , but not that movie

OP - our first two trips we really didn't love epcot and this trip instead of hopping gave it a full day. We were able to take it a bit more leisurely and saw the theater group in england (which my kids likes a whole lot more than I thought they would) but it still isn't our favorite. I think when the kids get older and/or when our food budget goes up we can enjoy all the ws has to offer..

 

[FlightlessDuck]

My entire family dislikes World Showcase. We aren't "shoppers", and if we wanted to sight-see, we would rather visit the actual countries than look at fake Disney architecture.

The shows are all old, and once you see them once, they aren't worth going back to.

Some of the food is pretty good, though, and we all like browsing the store in Japan, but that's about it.

We did enjoy the entertainment we saw, though. Miyuki, especially, but also the French comedian acrobats/jugglers.

 

[FloridaDreaming]

We love WS. I love looking at the buildings and all the details in the different countries. Morocco is one of my favorite places to hang out. DFi could stay in Japan all day long talking to the CP CMs.
Growing up, I didn't care for Epcot much at all. But now a trip isn't complete without at least 2 visits to the park.

 

[gk90]

I must admit truthfully we never watched the film because we simply thought it would be rah rah rah fluff of grandeur, now hearing what the film actually shows I am very interested in watching it and seems like our 6th trip to WDW will mark the first time watching the movie. As a Canadian I think the Canadian move is 'OK' but could be heaps better. While the pavilion scenery is awesome I always expect more about our actual people, culture and history.

We went to American Adventure with Canadians one time and they enjoyed it. I love American Adventure because it's balanced, and because it's not too "rah rah". For anyone who thinks it's a downer, I always feel that it ends inspirationally, with "Golden Dream"

We're big World Showcase fans here---it's easy to see it as all shopping but when you know where to look it can be great fun.

 

[Onkel Hans]

I am for real.

You will not convince me that I like the American Adventure. I don't. I'd still prefer a movie that showcases the beauty and grandeur of our country - I want to see the good stuff, like I do in all the other WS countries.

It is typically American to prefer to showcase all that has been wrong with the country. I understand that many people prefer that.

Almost everyone likes the American Adventure.

I don't.

I agree that the American Adventure is oddly the only attraction that includes negatives along with the positives. I assume it was to preempt those who would complain that it would be a Disneyfied version of America if it was just a positive, feel-good piece, instead. For me, it doesn't match the "world's fair" feeling that is associated with Epcot, where the pavilions are meant to show the achievements of mankind, not its mistakes.

In addition, it has always irked me that the show erroneously claims that Columbus was the first European to discover the New World. Perhaps someone from the Norway pavilion should mention to Imagineering who got there first.

 

[Mrsjvb]

You aren't the only one. Tons of people love this show.

I don't. I would have preferred a movie that focused on the beauty and customs of our country. Historically, I'd like to have seen the good parts. I wish we had made a movie that celebrated all that is (and was) right with the country...like the other countries did.

I know I'm in the minority.

Pride is one thing but at least an effort was made to acknowledge our screwups as a nation.

Only one other place have I seen that.. the Peace Memorial on Okinawa, where they are VERY critical of how the Japanese Imperial forces treated the indigenous population( Okinawans/Ryukans are NOT Japanese and they are most offended if you lump them into that category). They also aren't afraid to call out US troops for THEIR actions as they invaded.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Ah, so there's where it went wrong. Every country has stuff like that all day long. You just need to pre-plan so you're there to see it.

ETA: "threatening sounding drummer show"? So wrong but so, so true. *dies*

Taiko are POWERFUL, not threatening heheheh

I love me some taiko and in fact have several CDs of the music( as well as samisen

 

[Mrsjvb]

In addition, it has always irked me that the show erroneously claims that Columbus was the first European to discover the New World. Perhaps someone from the Norway pavilion should mention to Imagineering who got there first.

Poor Eric. never gets any credit. or are you referring to Leif cuz you don"t count Greenland?

 

[Robo]

it has always irked me that the show erroneously claims that Columbus was the first European to discover the New World.

The show does not make that claim at all.
Columbus is not mentioned in the American Adventure presentation.

The ship first referenced is the "Mayflower," and the Pilgrims are the first New World adventurers named.

 

[lan3]

I also am not a fan of WS. I will go there to eat and my kids like the Mexican boat ride. I also like to see the characters in their native lands. Beyond that, I find it boring and HOT. I have gone in february twice and it seems that the WS is an inferno even in mild weather. The sun beats down on you while you walk from boring shop to boring shop. It is not a favorite to me but I do go to eat.

 

[Pixiedust34]

The World Showcase is my favorite part of all of WDW!

We all like different things. It's OK with me when people say they don't care for WS. That means it'll be a little less crowded for me. Studios is my least favorite park by a mile, and I know it's a favorite of many. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[vettegirl]

I WS. I could spend days and days in that place!

 

[bluvw]

I can see your points for sure.

It's nice to see the different archectures and costumes from the different countries.

I think for younger kids, it can be really fun. My son (at 3 and 5) enjoyed trying to get all the passport stamps and the face mask cutouts. You can buy the Passport book at a shop and the Face Mask deal is free.

You can also try the snacks (we used our snack credits) from different countries.

 

[k5thbeatle]

it was basically all shopping. We were there 2 days last week, including Saturday. There was very little entertainment and only 3 countries had movies. I expected to love it, but I also expected it to be more educational and fun.

anyone else?

Couldn't agree more. The few movies are old and lame and even the shopping is essentially the same disney crap that can be found all around the park. Very boring entertainment with few exceptions. And educational....ha! Thank you for your honest review!!!...and thank goodness they serve alcohol there which is the bioggest draw otherwise...ugh!

 

[TabithaCaine]

So is WS better experienced at night, out of the hot sun? Or do you miss out on displays/ architecture/ entertainment if you only go at night?

 

[kathie859]

I'm a fan of the WS and of EPCOT in general. I find it visually pleasing with little pockets of either entertainment or food/drink that I wouldn't have in my home town. It's interesting to chat with the CM's from the countries about their experiences and impressions.

As my Mother used to say "To each their own...." . It would be terribly boring if we all liked the same things.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

My husband and I both love WS! It's a huge highlight to our trip! I remember as a child I thought the WS was SO boring but LOVED Future World. I still think they need to bring back an updated version of Horizon's!! IMO, EPCOT in general is the best park there, maybe because I don't have kids!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Couldn't agree more. The few movies are old and lame and even the shopping is essentially the same disney crap that can be found all around the park. Very boring entertainment with few exceptions. And educational....ha! Thank you for your honest review!!!...and thank goodness they serve alcohol there which is the bioggest draw otherwise...ugh!

I love the movies! They always take me back to my WS visits from years ago! You must not be shopping in the right places!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

My entire family dislikes World Showcase. We aren't "shoppers", and if we wanted to sight-see, we would rather visit the actual countries than look at fake Disney architecture.

So let me ask, what countries in Europe have you been to?? I will saw WDW does an EXCELLENT job at recreated these places! When I visit, the German, Italy, France, UK, and Canadian pavillions, it immediately brings back the memories and feelings of being in those countries. Have you even paid attention to all the detail around the WS? I'm guessing not.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

It would be a shame if a single person skipped out on this terrific and moving experience because they think it's a list of everything wrong with the country, when that couldn't be further from the truth.

I had not seen the film in forever until last year and my husband saw it for the 1st time last year. We both thought it was wonderful! I get chills at the end everytime!