During a visit to Epcot, many visitors to the park often rush through the countries in World Showcase. However, there are so many hidden gems within each pavilion, which allow you to enjoy the culture of these countries and immerse yourself in the experience Disney has created for their guests. Today we’re going to share with you our top five things to do in Epcot’s United Kingdom Pavilion during your next day in the park.
- Visit the Rose and Crown Pub & Dining Room
On a visit to the United Kingdom pavilion, you can’t miss dining in the Rose & Crown Dining Room. If you’ve got time in your day, book a reservation to enjoy lunch or dinner here, where you’ll sample traditional British pub dishes while overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon. Enjoy chatting with your server from the United Kingdom, who can recommend their favorite dishes and educate you about the various food and drink options available.
We highly recommend trying the Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash for your entrée and make sure you save room for the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. There’s also a fantastic live musician who plays here regularly, so try and time your meal with her performance. If you are in a rush, you can pop into the Rose & Crown Pub, where you can enjoy a refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from the bar. Specialty drinks on offer here include Cider and Fireball, the Welsh Dragon, and the Leaping Leprechaun.
- The Tea Caddy
The Tea Caddy in the United Kingdom pavilion offers so much more than just a regular shopping experience. Enjoy browsing the extensive selection of Twinings tea products and British sweet treats on offer and speaking with the cast members who will be able to teach you about the differences between the various blends. If you are lucky enough to visit during Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, special events take place during this time, including tea tastings and tours of the tea garden behind the store.
- Historical Research Center
During your walk around World Showcase, some of the most unique experiences can be found hidden within the stores. The Historical Research Center is located by the Crown & Crest store and offers you the chance to see your family coat of arms. This store offers an extensive library of family crests and coats of arms. Any history buffs in your family will love learning more about their heritage while speaking to the cast members here. You’ll also find an incredible display of swords and dragons as you enter the store, all of which are available for purchase.
- Take a Break in the English Garden
If you need to escape from Epcot’s crowds for a short while, head to the back of the United Kingdom pavilion. This area of the park is often overlooked but offers you a lovely spot to take a break. Kids will love running through the small maze, and adults will enjoy strolling around the English garden. The houses here are reminiscent of a London street, so you’ll feel like you’ve escaped the park completely back here. On a hot day, grab a drink from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop and head back here to relax and cool down. While there’s no longer live music in this area of the park, kids will want to keep their eyes peeled for the character meet and greets in this area. Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, and Mary Poppins are often seen strolling around this part of the park.
- Admire the Architecture of the Stores
While most guests spend their time indoors exploring the pavilion’s stores, take your time to walk around the outside of the buildings. The pavilion’s design and architecture are influenced by the Victorian and Georgian periods, and you’ll see a variety of influences within these buildings. It’s fascinating witnessing the transition between the different time periods in each building, and we love The Tea Caddy in particular, which is inspired by a traditional English cottage.
You could easily spend a couple of hours dining and shopping in the United Kingdom pavilion. On your next visit here, take the time to chat with the cast members who are from the UK, who will be happy to share their culture with you. Visitors of all ages can learn so much during a visit to Epcot, and an in-depth exploration of the United Kingdom pavilion will make a great addition to your next day here.
