Tag Archives: World Showcase

Epcot’s Japan Pavilion – Mitsukoshi Department Store

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Epcot's Japan PavilionI’m planning to write an article about my favorite stores in Walt Disney World – so I started thinking about them – where they’re located, what type of merchandise they carry, and why I love them.  I’m still going to write that post, but in the middle of all that thinking….I couldn’t get my mind off the ONE most fantastic store in the World.  It really deserves its very own place in the limelight – without being grouped in with other great, but, let’s face it, lesser…or maybe I should say, more mainstream or ordinary stores.

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World but passed up the opportunity to visit the Mitsukoshi Plush Toys in Matsukoshi / Epcot's JapanDepartment Store in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion – I can understand how that could happen, but I need to…well…point out the error of your ways.  The store isn’t out there, up front with attractive window displays designed to draw you in.  The understated entrance gives no hint of the riches to be found inside – a treasure trove of unimaginable variety.  Do NOT pass through the World Showcase without taking at least a few minutes to look around at this huge and fascinating collection of Japanese goods!  I’ve been in Mitsukoshi many times, but every time feels like the first – and I always discover some new section I didn’t know existed.

Believe me, I’m not exaggerating or building this up for a good story.  Unless you’ve had the Shopping for Socks in Epcot's Japanchance to visit Japan (the actual country), I cannot believe you wouldn’t be impressed and, dare I say, enthralled by the enormous selection of unique merchandise within this building!  All the things you would expect to find are there – and so much more!!!  Traditional Japanese shoes and clothing?  Yes.  Incense, teas and teapots, chopsticks, swords, and fans?  Check!  Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Sanrio, Domo tees and collectibles – they’ll fix you up!  Tabi socks, books and jewelry – it’s all there!  But there’s also so much more!

The Pick a Pearl counter allows you to choose a live oyster from a tank for a Cast Member tBonsai Trees in Epcot's Japan Paviliono open for you…and retrieve your pearl!  You can have it made into a piece of jewelry right then and there or take it with you as is.  Ever wanted a Bonsai Tree of your very own?  The have a tiny forest from which to make your selection.  Too hard to take it home?  Buy a Bonsai seed kit instead!  Curious about Japanese food, candy and soft drinks?  Go wild in an entire room full of every imaginable snack, sweet, cracker – if you’re having a hankering for some shredded dry fish?  Not to worry!  They have that too (and it tastes better than you’d think)!

Mitsukoshi Department Store SnacksOne of Joseph’s favorite things to do at Walt Disney World is to take his time at Mitsukoshi and pick out a variety of Japanese packaged foods to try.  So much there is unlike anything we’ve ever had before!  At this point, he’s been to the store enough to have some favorites he’ll buy each time we visit.  Last week while we were there, he enlisted Megan’s assistance in picking out some new and different snacks (I even got to pick out something!).  Some of the candy looked so strange but was surprisingly tasty!  The descriptions on most packaging are completely in Japanese – so you’re pretty much guessing what you may be getting based on pictures and/or what the candy or snack looks like.  The mystery of it is what makes choosing treats so much fun!   Our Loot! Japanese Snacks from Mitsukoshi

There is literally something for everyone at Mitsukoshi and if it’s souvenirs you’re after – you’re guaranteed to find special and unique treasures for everyone on your list!

Have you been to Mitsukoshi?  What did you think?

Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot

Godzilla Tee at MitsukoshiAdorable Plush in Mitsukoshi

Disney’s Epcot – The Norway Pavilion

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IMG_2862Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

Situated between Mexico and China and designed to look like a Norwegian village, this little corner of Epcot’s World Showcase is an absolute gem.  If you happened to read my post about a certain hat from the Norway pavilion, then you know how near and dear we hold this particular area of Epcot.  What is it about the Norway pavilion?  I’ll tell you…

Five Great Things about the Norway Pavilion in Epcot:

1.  The Norwegian Cast Members – As far as we can tell, Norway’s citizens are among the kindest, most attractive people on Earth.  Every Cast Member in Norway is easy on the eyes and very engaging.  We’ve IMG_2876been charmed by their ready smiles and willingness to answer all our questions about their homeland.  I don’t know about you, but pretty much everything I know about Norway I learned in Epcot.  I adore their costumes especially.  They’re a representation of traditional Norway folk costumes called bunad.

2.  Maelstrom – As far as World Showcase attractions go, this one’s a winner.  Board a Viking ship and learn all about Norwegian folklore as you sail the Scandinavian seas.  This log-flume dark ride holds more than a couple of surprises for guests of all heights and ages!

IMG_07463.  The Giant Troll – Located in The Puffin’s Roost gift shop, this gigantic troll has become a “must see” at Epcot.  What’s not to love?  The troll is always smiling for pictures.  A bonus is the store’s merchandise – a wide assortment of clothing, toys, fragrances, and accessories – not to mention Viking helmets!

4. Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe – Home of the beloved, the famous, the much discussed School Bread.  Go on and give it a try.  Even if you are not a fan of some of the ingredients, you will find when they’re combined in this particular way, they are magically transformed into a delectable treat.  Don’t let the fact that it’s a coconut covered, cream-filled cardamom bun put you off.  Fans are legion.

5. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Need a princess dining experience and want to enjoy wine with that dinner?  Can’t get an ADR for Cinderella’s Royal Table?  Then Akershus is the place for IMG_0737you.  Designed to replicate an actual medieval castle near Oslo, Akershus contains all the right elements to make it suitably royal.  Exposed dark wood beams, huge chandeliers and hanging banners adorn the ceiling.  White washed walls, arched doorways, and heavy furniture all combine to make you feel just like you’re dining in the real castle.  Then brace yourself for a princess palooza!  Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, and even Mary Poppins (oddly enough) may all be on hand for the feast (some or all may appear, princesses may be subject to change without notice).  Dressed in their regal finery, the princesses mingle with diners and offer excellent photo ops for adoring commoners.

Are you a fan of Epcot’s Norway?  What’s your favorite reason to visit?

Epcot’s Japan Pavilion – 5 Great Things to Enjoy

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IMG_2971Epcot’s World Showcase!  The opportunity to visit 10 foreign countries without leaving Disney World and you don’t need a passport.  Circling the World Showcase Lagoon, each country’s pavilion holds wonderful surprises, beautiful details, and educational opportunities for all ages.

Nestled serenely between The American Adventure and the Moroccan Pavilion, is Japan.  A tidy cluster of buildings surrounding a central courtyard, the Japanese Pavilion offers visitors unique shopping and dining experiences (among my most favorite in the World) and opportunities to be entertained by unique Japanese demonstrations.

If you haven’t yet taken advantage of all there is to see and do in Epcot’s Japan – here are 5 IMG_0936reasons to go:

1.  Mitsukoshi Department Store – this place is awesome and HUGE!  The building’s outside is a replica of sections of Japan’s Imperial Palace, but the inside is an incredible, modern store packed with a stunning array of Japanese items – toys, books, clothing, games, swords and knives, kitchen items (sushi-making supplies!), pick-a-pearl (you select the oyster and a Japanese Cast Member will open it and retrieve your treasure), and much more.  Do take time to visit this place – it’s amazing!  Joseph once bought an gorgeous Japanese sword there and had it shipped home – service was perfect, sword arrived safe and sound.

IMG_20052.  The Food (and Beverage).  Three dining options, all delicious – chopsticks optional!

  • Teppan Edo offers guests hibachi-cooked meals where your meal’s preparation is as entertaining to watch as it is tasty to eat.  Beef, chicken, seafood (alone or as part of a combination) are served with fresh vegitables and rice.
  • Tokyo Dining – if you enjoy tempura or sushi, this is the place.  Diners enjoy traditional Japanese fare in a classy, modern setting.
  • Katsura Grill is a quick / counter service option offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes.  Dine inside our enjoy the gardens in the beautiful outdoor seating area.

3.  The Japanese Art Display in Bijutsu-kan Gallery – Learn how Japan’s cultural history gave rise to some of today’s most popular cartoon and video game characters.

4.  The Entertainment

  • Matsuriza is an impressive show featuring taiko – a form of drumming.  I’ve only seen (heard?) this one from a distance – it absolutely merits a closer look / listen.
  • Miyuki – Displaying her skills since 1996, Miyuki’s demonstration involves making artwork out of a piece of rice candy – the candy starts off as a soft ball which hardens as Miyuki forms it into a fanciful masterpiece.  I’ve seen this up close – prepare to be amazed!

5.  Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure.  Pick up your “Interactive Evil Detection Device” calledIMG_0937 F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) at one of three different Epcot locations and get busy on your mission.  Join Agent P as you receive clues you must solve to foil the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.  Your mission will lead you through several different countries (7 possible) as you stamp out evil and save the world!  Complete details here.

If you’ve overlooked the Japan Pavilion on a previous visit to Epcot or you’re headed to Disney World for the first time, be sure to slow down for a few minutes and appreciate all this incredible spot along the World Showcase has to offer.