And the Gold Medal for Best EPCOT Pavilion goes to… France!
Perhaps it’s the copious amount of the Paris Olympics I’ve been watching this week, but France is on my mind. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to visit Paris, I’m recognizing monuments and icons as the film crew shows large sweeping pans of the city in between the sporting events. It’s so much fun to see something that you connect with and recognize!
Like the good Walt Disney World fan that I am, I wasn’t just thinking of Paris, France this week; I was also thinking of the France pavilion in EPCOT. You see, the France pavilion is my favorite pavilion. In fact, I’d put the France pavilion up against any of the others in a competition for best all-around venue, and I think that the France pavilion would come out on top every time. Yes, I may be biased. I, for my entire life, wanted so badly to visit Paris, and EPCOT was Paris away from Paris for me. And when I lived far away from the parks, being able to return to my favorite pavilion in my favorite park was the very best feeling in the world. But now that I’ve actually been to France, it’s the country and the city that I miss, and EPCOT’s version reconnects me with them. And I love it even more.
So let’s brew ourselves a double espresso as we sit at our little virtual bistro table and talk about my favorite pavilion and why I believe it should receive the gold medal as the best EPCOT pavilion.
The Food
Yep, we’re starting with food. Where else would we start in a pavilion that reflects the city that offers the best food in the world? All you have to do is go to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie and sink your teeth into something delectably sweet or savory and you’ll be agreeing with me in no time. My favorite savory sandwich right now is the Jambon Beurre ($10.95). On your next trip to the bakery, be sure to ask the cast member to warm your sandwich, s’il vous plaît. You won’t regret it.
As far as desserts are concerned, please do not miss the opportunity to grab a macaron in the bakery or a scoop or two at L’artisans des Glacé. Even if there’s a little bit of a line to be waited in, it’s worth every minute.
Honorable mention: if you have time for a table service restaurant or two, Les Chefs de France and La Creperie de Paris are pretty wonderful. And very filling.
The Attractions
Yes, Remy’s ride from Disneyland Paris has arrived in EPCOT, making this pavilion an undeniable hit in the attractions department. But being the EPCOT purist that I am, even if Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure never came to fruition, in my book, the France pavilion would still come out tops in the attractions department with Impressions de France alone.
Not only is Impressions de France an iconic classic EPCOT attraction, it also brings the park guest a taste of the authentic culture of the country represented in the pavilion. I cannot begin to tell you how many times my husband and I declared “My France!” when exploring Paris. There were so many moments in the real France that Impressions de France prepared us for. And, for this EPCOT fan, that was an absolute delight.
The Shopping
You’ll find all sorts of shopping options in the France pavilion. From perfume and cosmetics from classic French beauty houses like Guerlain to classic French wines to all the Ratatouille-themed souvenirs you could ever want, the France pavilion has it all. Most recently, you can find a large range of Disneyland Paris merchandise at the exit of Impressions de France/Beauty and the Beast Sing-along.
The Atmosphere
This category is a bit subjective as really, beauty can be found in every EPCOT pavilion. But France? France has my heart. From the formal gardens reflecting the castle and grounds of Versailles to the all-encompassing feel of the pavilion back near the bakery, the France pavilion oozes with charm and authenticity.
Add the the Disney Skyliner moving overhead toward the expansion area of the pavilion, and you’ve got the full package. There’s something to look at everywhere, and the details harken directly to what you’ll see on the streets of Paris (well, except for the Skyliner). The pavilion is the perfect taste and touch of the real thing.
What about your favorite EPCOT pavilion? How would it stack up in a direct head-to-head competition for the best all-around? For me? It’s my France, hands-down!
