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Destinations > North America > United States > Florida > EPCOT World Showcase: Real-Life Locations

Disney’s EPCOT Locations

Epcot is one of the four theme parks that makes up Walt Disney World in Florida. The park is split into two main areas – Future World and the EPCOT World Showcase. Eleven countries are represented within the World Showcase at Epcot. You can effectively travel around the world in an afternoon.

If you’ve ever visited the Epcot World Showcase and wondered where the Disney Imagineers got their inspiration from – look no further! Each country’s pavilion in Epcot features famous landmarks within that country both natural and man-made.

When we started our travels around the world we looked for an official list for where the inspiration came for for each of the countries in EPCOT, but the closest one we found was a D23 article. It was a good start, but definitely not comprehensive.

We’ve added on to that D23 article to cover more aspects of each country pavilion. You may be surprised at how accurate some of the Epcot recreations are, or further your appreciation of Disney Imagineer details.

Whether you plan to visit the famous landmarks in real-life or just enjoy their Epcot counterparts, keep reading to learn more and fuel your wanderlust!

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The Countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase

There are 11 country pavilions in the Epcot World Showcase. They are:

EPCOT Canada Pavilion
EPCOT United Kingdom Pavilion
EPCOT France Pavilion
EPCOT Morocco Pavilion
EPCOT Japan Pavilion
EPCOT American Adventure Pavilion (United States)
EPCOT Italy Pavilion
EPCOT Germany Pavilion
EPCOT China Pavilion
EPCOT Norway Pavilion, and
EPCOT Mexico Pavilion
in counter-clockwise order. The cultural representatives working in each pavilion are from the respective countries and many are there on one-year programs.

Here is our comprehensive list of the famous landmarks depicted in Epcot and their real-life locations in each country. We’ve tried to include photos for each landmark as well. Try to spot the differences between the Epcot version and the real-life versions. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which is which! We love traveling to each country in real-life, but appreciate the authenticity of the Epcot country pavilions around the World Showcase.

1. EPCOT CANADA PAVILION

“Hotel du Canada” was inspired by Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Despite having “hotel” in its name – unfortunately, you are not able to stay overnight in the Epcot Canada Pavilion. The real-life counterpart is a large hotel in downtown Ottawa and was designated a national historic site in 1980.

If Canada is your first stop in the World Showcase, you’ll see an entrance to a small garden that is always in bloom. The inspiration for the garden is none other than Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.

Sometimes guests miss the waterfall near the back of the Canada pavilion, but it is a stunning site and perfect backdrop for a photo. The bridge through the canyon to the waterfall is reminiscent of Johnston Canyon & Lower Falls in Banff National Park, Alberta. Learn more here.

2. EPCOT UNITED KINGDOM PAVILION

The main shop in the Epcot UK Pavilion is a miniature of Hampton Court Palace in Molesey.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon

The Tea Shop at the U.K. pavilion is modeled after Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – Shakespeare’s Wife, not the modern-day actress – the “quintessential English cottage” in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Fun fact: One of our favorite Twining tea flavors is not found in the actual UK. We looked all over! We’ve only seen it in Epcot and in Fiji of all places. Luckily you can also get it online! (click here)

English Pub

The “Rose & Crown” name for EPCOT’s pub comes from England’s most commonly used pub names (containing “Rose” or “Crown”), but the style of the building comes from an assortment of pubs that you can find near Covent Garden in London.

3. EPCOT FRANCE PAVILION

Fountain

The Epcot France version is a miniature of the Fountain of Warsaw in Jardins du Trocadéro, Paris.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

The iconic Eiffel Tower looks to be off in the distance at Epcot, but the lattice is unmistakable. When we visited Paris, we saw all the famous Paris sites in a day. If you go visit the real-life version, remember to go back at night to see it light up!

Pont des Arts Bridge, Paris

The bridge from the UK pavilion to the France pavilion was partly modeled after the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris. It also symbolizes the fact that the UK is separated from France by the English Channel.

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4. EPCOT MOROCCO PAVILION

Bab Boujouloud “Blue Gate”, Fes

The entrance into Epcot Morocco gets its inspiration from the “Blue Gate” in Fes. The real-life gate is the entry into the Fes medina, and the Epcot version brings you into an open bazaar of shops.

Nejjarine Fondouk “Nejjarine fountain”, Fes

You almost can’t tell the difference between the real fountain in Fes and the one in the Epcot pavilion! The details are amazing.

Koutoubia Minaret, Marrakesh
This mosque is in Marrakesh, across the street from the entrance of the medina. It is easy to spot and easily recognizable if you’ve seen the one in Epcot! We recommend going on a tour in Morocco if it’s your first time.

Medina, Marrakesh

A visit to Marrakesh in Morocco would not be complete without going to the Medina. It is the heart of the old city and contains the riads – traditional hotels, and souks – marketplaces. The whole Epcot Morocco pavilion is smaller than the Medina in Marrakesh, but the alleys and shops still have that authentic feel.

5. EPCOT JAPAN PAVILION

Himeji Castle, Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture

Going straight back into the Japan pavilion feels like you’re entering a castle. That’s because the facade was modeled after Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.

Shishin-den, Imperial Palace

Before Tokyo became the capital of Japan, it was in Kyoto. It’s nice to visit both cities to compare the modern and ancient capitals of Japan. The two-story building in the Epcot Japan pavilion was modeled after the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The specific building is the Shishinden – Hall for State Ceremonies. Epcot’s version houses two restaurants on the top floor, and Mitsukoshi Department Store on the ground level.

Katsura Imperial Villa, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

It’s easy to find the inspiration for Katsura Grill as it takes its name from the real-life counterpart. The Epcot version is on an incline but its easy to see the similarities.

Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

The red gate greets visitors to Itsukushima island, more commonly known as Miyajima. The floating torii gate is under construction as of June 2019 for at least a year. The photo below is from when Jenny visited Miyajima in 2015. In low-tide, you can walk out to the gate and wander around its tall pillars.

Epcot Japan’s red gate is always floating in the World Showcase Lagoon and is a popular photo site, an excellent spot to watch the nightly fireworks, and can be used as a wedding location through Disney!

Horyuji Temple, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture

It’s hard to say which 5-story pagoda was the inspiration for the one in Epcot, but Horyuji temple’s pagoda is a safe guess since it is the oldest wooden building in the world.

Epcot’s Japanese pagoda is often the stage for Matsuriza, a traditional taiko-drum troupe. They usually have a lively, energetic performance about 3 times a day.

6. EPCOT The AMERICAN ADVENTURE PAVILION - UNITED STATES

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the halfway point around the World Showcase!

The American Adventure pavilion focuses on the Northeastern area of the US.

Colonial-style Mansion: It is a combination of four mansion designs

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Old State House, Boston, MA
Monticello, Charlottesville, VA
Colonial Williamsburg Area, Williamsburg, VA

The American Adventure pavilion in Epcot has one main building split into different areas for a quick-service restaurant, attraction, and merchandise shop. The facade pulls inspiration from various iconic colonial buildings.

Inside Rotunda Dome: United States Capitol building, Washington, DC

You can’t tell from the outside, but when you enter the center building of the American Adventure pavilion you’ll be under a rotunda. The acoustics under the rotunda are perfect for listening to the Voices of Liberty perform.

The real-life inspiration for the rotunda in Epcot is none-other than the Rotunda inside the Washington D.C. Capitol building.

7. EPCOT ITALY PAVILION

Ponte della Paglia / Rio Novo, Near Venice Bus Station, Venice

There are many bridges in Venice and the Epcot Italy pavilion pulls most of its design from the iconic Italian city. The bridges at the pavilion sometimes go unnoticed as guests are drawn to the shops and restaurants away from the water. But if you visit, take time to notice the attention to detail.

The bridge area in front of the Italy Pavilion is also a popular wedding and photo spot. If there isn’t an event going on, it’s a great location to watch the nightly fireworks show with lots of space to spread out.

Via Napoli & Arcata d’Artigiana building (front right of Italy Pavilion)

The restaurant in the back of the Epcot Italy pavilion, Via Napoli, and the store in the front pull inspiration from Florence and the broader region of Tuscany. The architecture and design of the buildings and windows are very reminiscent of those areas.

St Mark's Campanile & Doge's Palace + Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro, Piazza San Marco, Venice

Besides the size, the replicas of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile are barely indistinguishable. Even the columns that mark the entrance of the square in Venice are strikingly similar. It’s like looking at a mirror image.

Gondolas, Venice

The waterways in Venice can be explored via gondola and the many bridges throughout the city. Unfortunately there isn’t a gondola ride in Epcot. But if you visit Tokyo DisneySea, you can enjoy a Disney gondola experience complete with a serenade.

Fontana de Nettuno, Piazza Navona / Trevi Fountain, Rome

Inspiration for the fountain in Epcot Italy came from a couple of different fountains. The main figure comes from Fontana de Nettuno, and the structure is similar in style to Trevi Fountain – both in Rome.

For even more about the Epcot Italy pavilion, check out this article. It goes into greater detail and gives a little more history. Be sure to read our Staycation to Italy guide for ideas on how to visit Italy from home.

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8. EPCOT GERMANY PAVILION

St. George & the Dragon with Fountain: St. Georgs Brunnen, Markplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Who is the statue in Epcot Germany? The statue is of St. George & the dragon he slayed. Epcot Germany Pavilion’s version is shorter and more colorful. The real-life counterpart can be found in Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is a charming medieval town and definitely has a magic of its own.

Burg Eltz, in Wierschem, and Burg Stahleck, Bacharach

Two castles were blended to create the facade of the castle in the background of Epcot Germany.

Schwabentor and Martinstor, Freiburg im Breisgau

The glockenspiel (Clock Tower) is also a blend of two different ones in Germany.

Biergarten Exterior: Röderbogen next to Markusturm, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Oktoberfest is celebrated in at the end of September until the first few days of October in Germany. At Epcot Germany, you can celebrate all year-round. The Biergarten restaurant doesn’t look like the big tents seen at the fairgrounds in Munich from the outside, but the interior has the lively, fun atmosphere complete with musical entertainment.

9. EPCOT CHINA PAVILION

Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi

The Temple of Heaven in China is a large complex of buildings, but the famous one is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests – the 3-tiered circular building. Epcot China has a convincing replica.

BONUS FUN TIP: When visiting the Epcot China Pavilion, make time to enter the Temple of Heaven. Stand in the very center of the circle and start talking. You’ll notice it will sound like your voice is floating upwards….towards heaven.

Yunhui Yuyu Archway, Paiyun Gate, Haidian Qu, Beijing Shi

Epcot China’s version of the Summer Palace archway found in Beijing is called Zhao Yan Men - Gate of the Golden Sun. Both arches are popular and usually have many tourists below.

Terracotta Army, Lintong, Xi'an, Shaanxi

The Terracotta Army has been replaced at Epcot with and exhibit about Shanghai Disneyland. But the replicas that used to be there were a tribute to the ones in Xi’an.

Street of Good Fortune: streets in Beijing and Shanghai

The main “street” in Epcot China was designed to replicate the feeling of being on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai – China’s two largest cities.

Gardens & Rock Formations: A blend from a few gardens in Suzhou - Ouyuan Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Blue Wave Pavilion, Lion Grove, and Lingering Garden

There is a less-used path in the Epcot China pavilion on the right-hand side as you face the pavilion. It goes along the pond and feels like a peaceful stroll through a garden. It takes its inspiration from gardens around Suzhou.

10. EPCOT NORWAY PAVILION

Gol Stave Church, Oslo

Just like its real-life counterpart, the Stave Church replica in Epcot Norway is a museum. As the Frozen movies and characters have increased in popularity, there is also information about the movie inspiration inside as well. The original was moved from Gol to the Norse Folk Museum in Bygdøy Park, Oslo.

Akershus Fortress & Castle, Oslo

I couldn’t find photos that looked similar, but the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot takes its name from a Castle and Fortress in Oslo, Norway.

Fjording Shop: Old Bergen Museum, Bergen

The facade on the left-hand side of the shop in Epcot Norway is based off buildings in the Old Bergen Museum. The museum is a collection of about 50 wooden houses reconstructed from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It’s amazing to see all of the details put into the countries at the World Showcase.

The shops to the right of the Fjording store are modeled after the UNESCO World Heritage wharf in Bryggen, Norway. Bryggen is one of the oldest large trading ports of Northern Europe.

Royal Sommerhus: Detli House, Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum - Trondheim, Norway

The Royal Sommerhus is where you can meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen. There’s no mistaking that the real-life inspiration comes from the Detli House in the Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe & Puffin’s Roost: Setesdal Valley farmstead

The bakery in Epcot Norway has authentic food from Norway like the popular Norwegian School Bread. The building is based off of the farmstead found in the Norse Folk museum in the the Setesdal Valley area. So if you check out the Gol Stave Church in the Norse Folkemuseum, be sure to look for the Setedal Valley Farmstead as well!

11. EPCOT MEXICO PAVILION

El Castillo, Pyramid of Kukulcan, Chichén Itzá, Yucatan

The main building of the Epcot Mexico Pavilion is in the shape of a pyramid, but the one that is modeled closer to Chichén Itzá is the one inside across the water from the San Angel Inn restaurant. Chichén Itzá is one of the seven modern wonders of the world and the most visited archaeological site in Mexico.

San Angel Inn Restaurante: San Ángel Inn, Ciudad de México

There is a San Angel Inn located in Mexico City that was the inspiration for the restaurant at the back of the Epcot Mexico Pavilion. The one in Epcot is located indoors but looks like you’re dining under the stars.

Wow, you made it around the World Showcase locations inspired by real-life places! Can you believe all of the research and detail the Disney Imagineers did to create each country’s pavilion? We’re on a mission to see all of the real-life places in person. Have you seen any of them in real life?

We mostly covered the buildings and gardens that Disney used to create the countries in Epcot. But there are also smaller details like carvings or sculptures on the walls, or the types of plants and decorations you might find in each country that definitely gives the Epcot counterparts a feeling of being “real.” If you’re interested in being able to re-create a feeling of Disney at home, check out our Disney Staycation and Epcot Staycation articles!

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