showcase

Mexico
Mexico is a representation of Mexico's ancient, colonial, and modern cultures. An Aztec pyramid is the central figure that is filled with various exhibits, and is surrounded by shops and festive eateries. There is a six-minute boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo (The River of Time) that tours Mexico's cultural timeline.

Norway
Norway is a showcase of Norwegian towns such as Bergen, Setesdal, and Oslo. The village square pavilion includes the Stave Church and a castle modeledd after Akershus, a 14th-century fortress in Oslo Harbor. Norway also has a boat ride, called Maelstrom, that takes you on a journey through a Viking village and a forest filled with trolls.

China
Here, Beijing's Temple of Heaven is re-created in the China pavilion along with landscaping and traditional gardens. China's main attraction is a 19-minute Circle Vision 360 film, The Wonders of China: Land of Beauty, Land of Time. The film shows famouse sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Yangtze River, and the Great Buddha of Leshan. The building that the film is presented in is designed after the 1420 Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in the Temple of Heaven.

Germany
Germany displays the various cities all over the country, giving the feeling of alpine villages of past centuries. Germany's main attractions are its food establishments and boutiques. In the center of the plaza is a statue of St. George (patron saint of soldiers) slaying a dragon.

Italy
Centered around St. Mark's of Venetia is the Italy pavilion. There is a live street theater for performances as well as L'Originale Alfredo di Roma, a popular restaraunt decorated with trompe l'oeil paintings copied from those of Veronese.

The United States of America
The United States pavilion takes place in the era of the colonials and informs on some early American history. The centerpiece here is a building that houses The American Adventure hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. The show is 29 minutes long and has an Audio-Animatronic cast of people who contributed to the history of our country.

Japan
The entry to Japan is marked by a traditional torii gate adapted from the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Bay. The centerpiece is an 83 ft tall pagoda designed after seventh-century Horyuji Shrine at Nara. The five stories of the pagoda symbolize earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. The pavilion also contains galleries, a restaraunt, and a Japanese department store.

Morocco
This pavilion is patterned after many Moroccan cities. It is also divided into two parts: the ville nouvelle (new city), and Medina (old city). Nineteen Moroccan artisans worked on the mosaic art throughout the pavilion adding to its authentic feel. Brasswork, hand-knotted Berber carpets, furniture, and leather goods are available at the marketplace.

France
Paris served as the model for the France pavilion. There is a replica of the Eiffel Tower present, of course it's not the same size. Bakeries and cafe's are also present as they are in France. There is an 18-minute long film, Impressions of France, shown on projection surfaces taking guests on a trip from Normandy to the Riviera.

United Kingdom
This pavilion is a re-creation of English streets lined with pubs and taverns. A replica of Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace and the Yorkshire and Regency buildings are part of the architectural tour. The United Kingdom is right on the waterfront giving it a nice atmosphere.

Canada
Canada is the last pavilion in the World Showcase, or the first one depending on which way you're walking. It has some French architecture like the Hotel du Canada, modeled after Ottawa's Chateau Laurier. The Canadian Rocky Mountain houses a Circle-Vision theater that shows
O Canada!, a presentation of Canada's geography, wildlife, and culture.