How to Spend Your Time - The Easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney World Visit 2015 - page 121

rotating globe. SCARY FACTOR Low. The fireworks are occasionally loud, particularly at the
end.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE : Begins at regular park close. LENGTH 15 minutes.
Our World Showcase reviews begin in Mexico and run clockwise around World Showcase
Lagoon.
Mexico Pavilion
Framed by a giant Mesoamerican pyramid, Mexico is home to a boat ride, two sit-down
restaurants, a quick service outlet, a tequila bar, a margarita stand, a Donald Duck meet and
greet, and a live mariachi band. Most of what Mexico offers is located inside the dark, air-
conditioned pyramid that acts as a cool respite from the heat. Grab a margarita and enjoy
the heritage exhibits, stores, ambiance, and music.
Minor attraction: Gran Fiesta Tour is a relaxing, slow-moving boat ride through the world
of The Three Caballeros . The ride lasts about seven minutes and follows Jose Carioca and
Panchito as they hunt down Donald before a big gig. Waits are under five minutes most of
the time. On busier days, visit before 12:30pm or after 7pm.
Norway Pavilion
Themed to a Viking-era village, Norway features a replica of the 14th century Akershus
Fortress, originally built to protect Oslo from attack. Disney's version is sanitized—you'll
find a princess-hosted character meal inside. The richly detailed stave church features
a Frozen tie-in with artwork and artifacts that show how reality influenced the movie.
Kringla Bakeri, the pavilion's quick service, offers excellent, inexpensive treats. At the
Puffin's Roost, guests can peruse fun Norway-themed merchandise alongside authentic
(and expensive) hand-knit apparel, perfume, and toys.
Disney announced in September 2014 that Norway's ride, Maelstrom, would close just a
few weeks later on October 5. Its replacement will be based on Frozen , with an expected
opening date of early 2016. In addition, an Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet will be added to
the pavilion sometime in the future.
China Pavilion
An intricately detailed triple-arched ceremonial gate welcomes visitors to China. Imme-
diately past the gate is a replica of the Temple of Heaven, inside of which guests can
view Reflections of China , a 15-minute Circle-Vision 360 film that covers the more posit-
ive Chinese traditions and culture (as in all World Showcase shows except the American
Adventure, no negative aspects of the culture appear). Visit the air-conditioned, standing-
room-only theater at your leisure. While you wait for the next film to begin, check out the
cultural exhibit through the door on the left. Chinese acrobats perform most days either in
the courtyard or inside the Temple of Heaven in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Nine Dragons is the pavilion's table service restaurant, serving up traditional and contem-
porary Chinese food at prices lower than most other restaurants on property. It has a lousy