Friday, May 20, 2011

Magical Blogorail: The Best of World Showcase

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you who have just hopped aboard.  I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.


This month, Magical Blogorail Red is discussing the World Showcase pavilion where we like to spend the most time.  Well, I can't ever pass up a chance to hang out in Canada and catch a show or two from Off Kilter.  (LOVE THEM!)

Jamie from Off Kilter, me and Pal Mickey

However, the pavilion where I spend the most time is United Kingdom.  I have been in love with British history since elementary school.  In college, I had the opportunity to live in London for a semester, studying and working for a Member of Parliament and traveling on the weekends.  I love wandering the streets of the pavilion and taking in the architecture.  Next time you visit, slow down, notice the detailing of the buildings and think about the eras represented.  

Can't pass up a phone booth pic!
  








United Kingdom's shops are always a must-do for me.  For one, I love hearing the accents of the Cast Members.  It takes me back to my London days.  Secondly, I almost always buy something at the tea shop and my brother is likely to cross the street and buy something with the logo of his favorite soccer team.  Even if you aren't a tea fan, pop into the tea shop on your next trip.  British chocolate is SOOOO much better than what we are accustomed to here in the States.  My personal favorites are Penguins and milk chocolate Digestives.  (I said they made good chocolate.  I didn't say they came up with the best names.)

For @disneynine

This was in one of the shops on my last visit.  How many can you answer correctly?

She almost had to come home with me.

The British Invasion. (Recently replaced. Boo!)

The architectural photos were taken by my brother
and co-blogger, Chris.  Thanks!
The table service restaurant in the United Kingdom pavilion is Rose & Crown.  It's pub-style dining with a fantastic water-front location.  If you are lucky enough to dine outside here during IllumiNations, you are in for quite a treat.  However, we typically eat here for lunch every few trips.  I am a big fan of the midday break and this is a super place for one.  The food and service are always good.  Of course, the fish and chips are tasty, but don't hesitate to branch out and try something else from the menu.  I always enjoy the cheese and fruit appetizer.  With the more relaxed atmosphere comes a little more wait.  It was too much for Tink to handle on her first trip to WDW at one year old but an older child would be fine.

A trip to Walt Disney World usually includes plenty of food and we find the fish and chips take away to be just enough for a lighter meal, especially when you need a little more after a day of nibbles at the Food and Wine Festival.  Notice I didn't say quick.  Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a popular counter service location and sometimes the line can get quite long.  

And of course, there is the beer.  While I recommend reservations to eat at Rose & Crown, you are welcome to stop into the pub for a pint at any time.  There isn't a ton of seating but it's worth a visit.  Some of the bartenders are quite unique and so is the entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, I now can't find the picture I want but the World Showcase Players are a clever improv troupe that performs on the streets of the UK pavilion.  It's usually very funny, but if you are shy, don't stand too close as there is lots of audience participation.

Wandering World Showcase is among my favorite activities at Walt Disney World and it's not complete without a visit to the United Kingdom.  What pavilion in World Showcase draws you in and captures your imagination?

Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is WDW Backstage.





Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Makin’ Memories
2nd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney
3rd Stop ~ A World View
4th Stop ~ Growing Up Disney
Final Stop ~ WDW Backstage

7 comments:

  1. I have to admit that I really love the UK Pavilion, but I haven't spent a whole lot of time there. It is really cool how they blended the architecture over so many time periods. I do have to say that my hubby enjoys the beer ;)

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  2. everyone is sad to see british invasion go, but the new group is really great, too! the fish and chips are to die for! <3 the uk pavilion =)

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  3. I really enjoy the UK Pavilion, especially during the F&G festival. The shops are a favorite too:)
    Thanks for sharing.

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  4. I love the UK pavilion too. We visited the Rose & Crown for the first time on our last trip. I can't wait to go again!

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  5. I enjoy strolling through UK too. We only saw British Invasion once, but really enjoyed them. I look forward to seeing the new talent they have brought in!

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  6. Definately a toss-up between Japan and United Kingdom on the place I'd spend the most time.

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  7. Great choice! The UK is definitely a great pavilion to take your time in. The shops are great, and a stop in the Rose and Crown is a must do!!

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