World Showcase is packed with eleven pavilions representing as many different countries from all around the world. Some are exotic and far away like Morocco, and others, like Canada, are closer and may be more familiar. Regardless, each pavilion is uniquely themed.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the United Kingdom pavilion. If you’ve been fortunate enough to cross the pond and visit England, you might feel very comfortable here because it’s one of the most authentic pavilions in World Showcase.
The UK pavilion is located just to the left of the International Gateway, so if you’re staying at one of the Disney resort hotels near Epcot, consider taking the back entrance into Epcot, which is always less busy than the main entrance.
The United Kingdom will one day host the a new Mary Poppins attraction (and will become much busies), but even today it has a lot to offer. Let’s take a look at the top seven things to do in the UK pavilion.
1. Rose and Crown
The Rose and Crown is divided into two sides: the Dining Room and the Pub.
The Rose and Crown Dining Room is a table-service restaurant in the UK pavilion offering a full menu of British fare including fish and chips, bangers and mash, vegetable cottage pie, toffee pudding and turkey meatballs and grilled chicken on the kids menu. You can choose an inside table or outside by the lagoon, which I highly recommend if you’re dining at night near the time of IllumiNations. Disney suggests Advanced Dining Reservations for the Dining Room. It’s not a very large place, and it can be difficult to get a table!
If you can’t get an ADR or you want a different kind of experience, consider visiting the Rose and Crown Pub. The menu is much smaller, but the food served in the pub is the same food served in the Dining Room. It’s also a great place to belly up to a unique, authentic English bar and enjoy a pint. The pub is decorated with dark wood and lead glass and boasts authentic British Pub culture. There’s even a legendary Cast Member bartender slinging the bottles.
2. Characters
Disney has produced several movies set in England and many stories are based off of classic English stories.
One such story is Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Alice, the main character, meets and greets guests in the gardens of the UK pavilion. She’s a small, unassuming character with a big personality. She loves to talk to little kids, and she has a lot to say.
Mary Poppins also meets guests on the streets of Britain. She is right at home here, so expect to find her wandering through the streets and gardens. She’ll gladly pose for a photograph, and she might even give you some behavioral advice!
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger also meet and greet guests in the United Kingdom. Head all the way to the back of the pavilion to the Toy Soldier Shop, and you might just find them inside. Unusually, they’re not very busy, so spend some time hugging your favorite bear and bouncing with Tigger.
3. The Toy Soldier Shop
Speaking of the Toy Soldier Shop, it’s a great place to visit for things aside from meeting Pooh and Tigger.
This toy store sells classic British Toys like Thomas the Train, actual toy soldiers, Paddington toys, and Pooh toys, but the store is much more than just toys. There are some pop culture items here honoring some products of British culture including Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, and Doctor Who themed merchandise. Regardless of what you’re looking for, if you like British culture, this is a great place to buy souvenirs!
4. The Gardens
The United Kingdom isn’t all about high-paced activities though. The British are known for their calm demeanor (Keep Calm and Carry On), and they have plenty of locations to do this. The beautiful flower beds in the UK pavilion in World Showcase represent the style of gardening in the UK. There’s a miniature hedge maze near the gazebo and a tea garden beyond the Twinings Tea Shop, but you don’t have to travel through the pavilion to see the pretty posies. There are lush gardens right on the main promenade and around the classic red phone booths.
5. Architecture
Besides the beautiful flowers, the UK is also known for a rich history when it comes to architectural style. Disney has managed to pack many of the styles, including medieval castles, Victorian and Gregorian styles, and a thatched cottage representing legendary author William Shakespeare into one small village.
Most guests wouldn’t even recognize this mix of styles, but I encourage you to take notice next time you’re in the pavilion. The cohesive architecture paired with the lush gardens creates an authentic sense of warmth and charm that the United Kingdom is known for.
6. British Revolution
The British Revolution is a four-piece tribute band with an epic repertoire. They play British rock with everything from psychedelic to punk from famous British musicians like The Who, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and more.
This high energy show is bound to draw the crowds and get them dancing. If you’d like to hear them perform and have a little fun, look for the gazebo, and stop by sometime in the late afternoon and evening. They usually start around 3 and end just before IllumiNations.
7. Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Rose and Crown may be the only table-service restaurant in the pavilion, but it’s not the only dining location. The Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a quick-service walk-up window serving some of the most authentic fish and chips this side of the pond. The menu may be somewhat limited with Fish and Chips as the only entrée, Victoria Sponge Cake and Whole Seasonal Fruit as the snack options, and soft and hard beverages rounding out the menu.
This is definitely a must stop along the journey through World Showcase.
What’s your favorite stop in the UK Pavilion at Epcot?