Exploring the nooks and crannies of World Showcase is awesome. Here's some stuff to look for:
Japan:
· Explore the paths leading up to the Katsura Grill at the top of the hill. There are waterfalls, a babbling brook, gardens, and koi fish. It’s gorgeous.
· Cross the moat and explore the castle in the back of the pavilion
· The Tori gate has barnacles at the base to make it seem like it’s been around for centuries
· The stone lanterns in the gardens are there because tea masters would use them to guide guests to tea ceremonies.
· The stone lantern in the front of the pavilion was a gift to Roy Disney from the emperor of Japan when Disney World opened
· The pagoda has 5 stories each representing one of the elements that Buddhists believe make up the universe: earth, water, fire, wind, sky.
· Check out the rock garden in the front of the pavilion. Raking stones are a Zen Buddhist ritual. It inspires mediation and pleasure in its beauty
Italy:
· Look for little red buttons located close to the fountains behind the shops. If you push them, water sprays out from one of a handful of locations.
· The pillars that surround one of the building are decorated with several kings. One of the kings is holding a bowling ball and the holes are shaped like Mickey. The Imagineers were allowed to put something of “themselves” in the design and one was a bowler.
· The representation of Doge’s Palace has a face carving at far end. In ancient times, these faces could be found in Venice. People could anonymously drop slips of paper into the mouths to report neighbors of wrongdoings, financial crimes, or voice complaints about the government.
Germany:
· Check out the famous train village on the far right side of the pavilion
· In the courtyard if you look up towards the back there is a clock. If you are there around the top of the hour, it will ring and a German boy and girl will come out and twirl around
China:
· There is a pathway on the far side of the garden that has a babbling brook
· When looking at the Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is a figure of man sitting on a bird on the roof. This is a common effigy on buildings in the Forbidden City. He is cruel ancient Prince Min who was killed by his people. The bird he’s sitting on is a chicken, which can’t fly away from the rest of the animals attacking him. This is a warning to other leaders to be kind and just.
· The large rocks found in the front of the pavilion represent the Chinese belief that contemplation of unusual rock forms brought inner peace and serenity
· All the architecture in China is stunning and beautifully detailed. Spend some time checking it out.
· Stand in the middle of the beautiful Temple of Heaven. If you speak, you'll hear your voice echo back to you - the temple is acoustically perfect.
Norway:
· There is a grass roof on the bakery. This represents actual grass roofs found in Norway that animals would graze on. They were extremely common in the Viking and Middle Ages when the majority of most structures had sod roofs, and they continued to be common in rural areas well into the 18th century. They offered homes several advantages such as providing stabilization, insulation, and durability.
· Explore the Stave Church Gallery, now showcasing artifacts that inspired Frozen
· While moving through the queue at the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet there is a painting that depicts a trio of trolls on the top and a large waterfall leading to the bottom where another troll can be found. A nice Maelstrom tribute
· There is also a rock outside the Meet and Greet area that has a tribute to the Maelstrom boats chiseled into it.
· One last Maelstrom tribute… in the queue for Frozen Ever After there is a sign that reads “Maelstrom sighting southeast bay of Arendelle”
UK:
· Take a look at the ornate chimneys on the buildings. They were painted with blackened soot to give the impression that they are still working.
· There is a garden in the back of the pavilion with a hedge maze
Morocco:
· The Fez House represents a Moroccan home. Approach fountain and hear children playing.
· At the back of the Medina in a courtyard, perched high, is a reproduction of an ancient water clock found in Fez. A water clock measures the passage of time by the regulated flow of a liquid either into or out of a vessel which is then subsequently measured.
· There is a museum of Moroccan arts in history across from Tangerine Café with a camel in front of it.
· Explore the bazaar in the back of the pavilion. Incredible detailed and immersive, there is great unique merchandise to get.
· Walking from Morocco to France, notice that the walkway becomes darker. This special stretch represents the Strait of Gibraltar: the body of water which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and separates Europe from Africa.
Canada:
· Explore the gardens in front of Le Cellier, and journey into the back to find a gorgeous mountain and a towering waterfall.
Also:
- There is a bridge between the UK pavilion and the France pavilion. As you cross over the bridge, this is intended to be the World Showcase’s English Channel. Check out the painting on the easel.
YEA!
