Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
respite from the afternoon heat. The show is often preceded in the afternoon by the Voices
of Liberty a cappella group inside the mansion.
Outside, the America Gardens Theater is home to various free concerts throughout the
year with space-available seating, including Flower Power, Sounds like Summer, Eat to the
Beat, and the Candlelight Processional.
Liberty Inn is the quick service outlet. Recent menu overhauls have brought a New York
Strip Steak for less than $12 and more interesting salad and entrée fare like crab cakes and
Louisiana-style shrimp. Seating is plentiful indoors and outdoors. Fife & Drum Tavern out-
side serves beer, pretzels, turkey legs, popcorn, and an assortment of other snacks.
Japan Pavilion
The red torii gate and the 85-foot-tall Goju-no-to pagoda welcome guests to the Japan
Pavilion. These and other buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens made up of native
Japanese plants, bamboo, and evergreen, maple, and monkey puzzle trees. The large court-
yard in the middle of the pavilion makes Japan feel more open, relaxed, and less cluttered
than other pavilions. Be sure to cross the bridge leading to the White Heron Castle and
check out the koi fish below.
While there are no rides or theater shows in Japan, the pavilion is still rich with entertain-
ment and culture. Enjoy the athletic Taiko drummers outside on the pagoda steps and the
cultural exhibits inside the castle. The Mitsukoshi Department Store on the right side of the
pavilion is among the best in Disney World, offering more than 50,000 unique products.
Kimonos, Samurai swords, Bonsai trees, chopstick sets, calligraphy brushes, toys, and
everything in between are available for purchase. Check out the popular Pick-a-Pearl where
guests can pick an oyster and discover what's inside. Hundreds of relatively inexpensive
food and drink items are available in the final room, in addition to a sake bar with samples
available by the glass.
Dining options are even more plentiful. Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining are two very dif-
ferent table service restaurants. Teppan Edo, a traditional hibachi-grill experience similar
to Benihana, is one of the more consistent restaurants on property, offering grilled meat,
fish, and vegetables. Tokyo Dining focuses on sushi and tempura in a contemporary set-
ting. Outside, Katsura Grill serves quick service sushi, teriyaki, and other traditional food.
Indoor air-conditioned seating is available, in addition to the beautiful outdoor garden set-
ting. Food at Katsura is merely okay, but it's a relaxing location. A sake bar also serving
cocktails and beer is located outside across from Mitsukoshi Department Store. Also out-
side, Kabuki Café serves kaki gori (snow cones) with traditional toppings, in addition to
smoothies, beer, and other snacks.
Jim's Gems
by Jim Korkis
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