Italy Pavilion
For a list of all Epcot attraction and World Showcase reviews, see this post.
Setting: The focal point of the Italy Pavilion is the 105-foot tall functioning replica of St Mark’s Campanile, the bell tower that looks out over the World Showcase Lagoon.
Also prominently featured is a replica of the Doge’s Palace, originally built by the Venetians in the early 14th century.
You may also recognize a replica of the Sistine Chapel’s exterior in the Il Bel Cristallo. Disney modeled the Neptune fountain after the beautiful Trevi fountain in Rome designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi.
The entire Pavilion is meticulously detailed.
Attraction Info: Like Japan, the United Kingdom, and others, Italy does not feature a major attraction or ride. For years, Sergio, a fun comedian/mime/juggler performed for guests, but Disney ended his contract on March, 2020. Expect new entertainment to emerge.
Dining Options:
Italy offers two table service restaurants and a wine bar attached to Tutto Italia.
During Epcot Festival season, Italy operates a pizza window to-go to the left of Via Napoli. The pizza is not quite as good as what they serve inside, but it’s usually a quick option.
Tutto Italia is the more formal of the two restaurants, though it’s not at all stuffy and kids are perfectly welcome.
Lunch is the less expensive affair with entrees like the Caprese Panini and Spaghetti.
Dinner replaces many of lunch’s less expensive sandwiches and salads for items like the Risotto con Gamberi (Arborio rice, shrimp, lemon zest, and crab butter) and Bistecca del Macellaio (Grilled Butcher’s Steak, rosemary potatoes, caramelized onions), which cost about twice as much as lunch’s less expensive options.
Via Napoli is the newer table service pizzeria, serving some of the best pizza in Walt Disney World.
While the pizzas are undeniably expensive, one of the $49 mezzo-metro pies easily serves four to five people, making the cost per person less than most quick services. Above is a photo of the large pizza, which serves 2-3. That will set you back about $36, on average, or $12-$18 per person. It’s still a bargain.
Tutto Gusto opened on May 1st, 2012. It serves over 200 wines, a healthy number of cocktails, and features several beers on tap in an informal setting.
Excellent appetizer-portion food is served alongside more hearty items like paninis and pasta salads. Because it doesn’t accept reservations, it’s best to visit during the early afternoon. We’ve been quoted waits of a couple of hours on popular holiday evenings.
Italy does not offer your prototypical quick service, but they do offer a variety of ice cream treats at an assortment of kiosks around the Pavilion. That includes this cart on the right side of the Pavilion. Expect to find wine, a beer, cocktails, and a couple of frozen snacks.
There it is between the buildings on the left.
Another kiosk out on the promenade primarily offers ice cream, snacks, and drinks.
It’s rare to hear about anyone raving about what they receive, but something on the menu may jump out.
Drink Around the World:
The Italian drink cart features the extravagant Peach Bellini, a variety of wines by the glass ($8-$15 or so), and bottled beers like Peroni, Moretti, and Menabrea.
Those looking for wine are best served visiting the Enoteca on the right side of the front of the Pavilion.
Wines, flights, and more are available.
Cast members are quick to offer suggestions and help you along your exploration.
The wine shop also offers bottles of wine and Italian liqueurs. These will be sent to the front of the Park to pick up as you exit.
Character Sightings: Characters do not usually appear in Italy. Double check your Times Guide or My Disney Experience.
Shopping Opportunities: There are a number of small shops in Italy.
Much of it is expensive and hand-made, including Venetian masks, San Lorenzo glass jewelry, and fine leather goods.
More popular and less expensive items include food, wine, chocolates, perfume, and clothing.
Like most World Showcase Pavilions, merchandise exclusive to the country has increased. It’s worth taking a look around.
Overall Ratings:
Setting: 7/10
Attractions: 1/10
Dining: 8/10
Drinking: 4/10
Shopping: 7/10
Italy is a beautiful Pavilion and the cuisine is familiar enough that many guests make reservations at one of the sit-down restaurants. Hopefully, entertainment will improve in the near-term, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. For a walking tour of the Pavilion, see this video.
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