Disney World Epcot Dining - An international experience - Canada, United Kingdom, France (Part 1)

Visit France for fine wine and French cuisine

When Epcot debuted more than 25 years ago, the World Showcase pavilions pioneered the idea of global cuisine as a theme park attraction in itself, and expanded fine dining in Central Florida.
           
“Authenticity and tradition were two key words when we embarked on the research and planning for our restaurants,” said Jens Dahlmann, executive chef for Epcot.  “Our goal is to staff each World Showcase restaurant with people from the country represented, so when you’re in Germany’s Biergarten, for instance, your hostess will greet you and take your order as if you’re in Hamburg or Munich.”
           
Collaborating with chefs and restaurateurs from around the world, such as France’s celebrated Paul Bocuse, and Joachim Splichal’s Tutto Italia Ristorante, the Epcot restaurants are premier attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. From a spirited mariachi band and mole poblano in Mexico to belly dancing and spicy bastilla in Morocco, World Showcase offers gustatory globe-trotting – all in easy walking distance.
           
“Our guests love the diverse dining adventures,” said Mandy DiGiammarino, general manager of Epcot Food & Beverage.  “We immerse our guests in traditional cultures, but with contemporary experiences.”
           
Ordinarily, it might take a lifetime of vacations to sample the representative cooking of China, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Italy, Norway, Mexico and Morocco.  For the World Showcase traveler, it’s a 1.1-mile walk around the lagoon, where all roads lead to authentic restaurants. Starting counterclockwise from Future World:
 
Canada

Le Cellier Steakhouse welcomes guests to a cozy space featuring steakhouse fare – favorites such as Prince Edward Island mussels, cheddar cheese soup, King salmon, salt-crusted prime rib and a veal t-bone.  Ales and beers reflect Canada’s brewing history, and dessert wine feature Canadian ice wine and late harvest Rieslings.
 

United Kingdom

Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room embodies “Otium Cum Dignitate,” or “leisure with dignity,” and sipping Bass Ale and Guinness Stout in the lively pub gets guests in the spirit.  The adjacent restaurant offers herb-roasted lamb, vegetable curry, bangers and mash and other traditional dishes.  The Rose & Crown’s outdoor seating is one of the best spots for viewing the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks and laser show.

For a quick bite, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a walk-up window for popular fish and chips.
 
France

Chefs de France has the lively atmosphere of an authentic brasserie along the Rue de Seine, with gastronomic creations of its three famous owner-chefs: Paul Bocuse, the late Gaston Lenôtre and Roger Verge, whose gourmet restaurants in Lyon, Paris and Cote d’Azur, respectively, are known around the world.  Bocuse’s son, Jerome, oversees the culinary operations, and Executive Chef Bruno Vrignon trained under Bocuse in his Lyon restaurant. Braised lamb shank, roasted breast of duck, seared tuna and classic onion soup are menu among favorites.

Upstairs, Bistro de Paris showcases upscale French cuisine in a more intimate setting.

And while dining in France, be sure to watch for Remy, the new Audio-Animatronics figure at Les Chefs de France restaurant.  Remy, made famous in Disney's Academy Award-winning animated film "Ratatouille," is featured at the restaurant in a new guest experience called "Bon Appetit from Chef Remy."  The Audio-Animatronics figure -- the smallest ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering -- interacts with diners inside the restaurant.  Through Sept. 5, Remy will make appearances in the dining room during specific times.