Mike ranks the Epcot World SHowcase Pavilions.

More... (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ms070720ms)

I enjoyed reading Mike Scopa's article- Mike's Top 10 Countdown: Epcot's World Showcase Pavillions - http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=ms070720ms

It made me think of how I would rank them and what criteria is important to me. What order would you rank them in? It's all so subjective - everyone appreciates different things. For me, having an attraction in the pavillion is not critical. But having either good food or fun shopping is key! And bonus points are awarded for atmosphere. Here's how I would rank the World Showcases, with 11 as my least favorite and 1 as my favorite:
11-Italy
10-U.S.
09-Germany
08-Canada
07-France
06-Norway
05-Morocco
04-U.K.
03-China
02-Japan
01-Mexico

What order do you put them in??

11. Italy
10. Morocco
9. UK
8. China
7. Japan
6. Canada
5. Germany
4. Mexico
3. US
2. France
1. Norway

11-Morocco
10-China
09-Japan
08-Canada
07-U.K.
06-Mexico
05-Norway
04-U.S.
03-Germany
02-Italy (subject to slide down after Alfredo's closes)
01-France

Moderator's note: Discussion thread merged with Columns thread for this article.

As for me....

10.Italy: hey, I'm part Italian; I couldn't leave them completely off the list;who knows what might have happened to me if I had.
9.Japan: beautiful theming, but needs more "stuff" to do.
8.Germany: In the words of the lovely Stacy, "Pretzels, und beer!" Nuff said.
7.Canda: One word: Boring! I love O Canada, though, and that's what keeps it from being number 10.
6. US: I'm not a big fan of the attraction here, plus, besides the Voices of Liberty, what else is there to do?
5. UK: I like the theming of the shops there (plus they have Curlywurly, the retired Marathon candy bar), plus something always seems to be going on at this pavilion; never sleepy, never boring.
4. China: Personally, I like their movie, and their theming.
3. Norway: I've never eaten at Akershus, but WILL the nextime I'm there -- I hear great things about it though; plus they have the best ride in the World Showcase, The Maelstrom.
2. Mexico: The restaurant and marketplace inside the pyramid -- easily, in my mind, the best themed area in EPCOT; plus you have the updated ride now with the 3 Caballeros.
1. France: Love their Impressions de France movie and adore Les Chefs de France; plus, c'mon, look at the beautiful French women!!! Oh, and don't forget the pastries! Hands down winner.

What say you all?

Wow I was just going to comment on that article when I saw this. first of all, before I have my say. Although I didn't agree with it I was pretty well understanding of Mike's thinking, then I read his Canada comments and I thought maybe he must be seeing a different Epcot somewhere else in the universe. as I recall from our last visit in May that there was only one mediocre shop about 1/4 the size of the old shops. and the film O Canada is an embarrassment to all Canadians. the only positive things I can say about Canada is that it has nice gardens and Off Kilter.

which makes Canada #11 IMHO. it would be higher I think if it had the original Le Cellier restaurant, and may one day creep up a bit when the new films debut, but too often we walk by thinking "been there, done that".

#10 England: I like to shop here, but that's about it, the performers that used to be here are now in Italy, so I go there to see my street theater now. OK I like the architecture also, but I'm not a fan of British food so the Rose and Crown do little for me.

#9 China: there is someplace we spend little time in as well. I give the place some high marks for some of the transient exhibits. the current lost tomb exhibit is really awe inspiring. But I'm not a big fan of Chinese food, and every time I watch the acrobats I can't help but think that some day they will all grow up and leave this place for the reality of their oppressive government.

#8 Germany: I have to admit that when we were there on our honeymoon it ranked much higher, but alas the Buffet thing just doesn't do it for us. I miss the real German food that used to be served here. on a side note both Germany and Japan were built with show buildings for rides/shows that were never done. that is the reason for the big castle behind both buildings.

#7 Italy: I tend to agree with much of what Mike said here. this place needs something, still I rank it 6 because of the Alfredo's, I just hope it doesn't fall farther down the list with the new proprietors.

#6 Japan: One thing is for sure, we will probably never eat in any restaurant here. It's not personal, well it is, I just don't like the kind of food that is popular in Japan (or at least the pavilion). but I do love the store, the gardens, the Kaki Gori, the cool tin toy exhibit. and if they were to add a first class show/attraction here it would vault way up high on the list. but on the other hand if Miyoki were ever to leave this place would fall to 8 or nine on the list quickly.

#5-2. These I put as a Tie as when I add it up this is where we spend more of our WS time then anywhere else, it also happens to be about equal, so in no particular order (OK clockwise order) here they are and why.

Mexico: moves from 5 to a tie with the others because of the new boat ride (although I am one of the few who will miss the old one). San Angel Inn is one of our must eat places and would be restored to our ATF if they would bring back Quesa Fundido.

Norway: a running joke we have in our family is "and we go back to Norway". what can I say I love Helly Hanson. this place moved up to it's position with the addition of the Princess breakfast, but loses points, and I shed tears every time I think of that beautiful, once sailing Viking boat that now is rotting away through neglect. still I love to sit out on the terrace nearby and eat a Kringle.

Morocco: We love just wandering the streets and shopping, and one day when I'm rich my home will feature an open courtyard just like the one here. We love the Merrikesh, and the best reason... Jasmine:D

France: Yes I know it's still fashionable to loath the French, but I do love their country so. I love the food they serve in the pavilion, I love the French accents of all the cute girls, and I love the movie. the only down side is I wish they had a bigger mini Eiffel Tower that you can ascend in like in Las Vegas. even better a tower simulator that would take guests up to the second level where they could look out over the city of lights at sunset.

#1 by now you can see it's the American Pavilion. It's the show, for sure, but it's also the voices of liberty, and the fife and drums. It's also the home of the American gardens theater where so much good entertainment happens. I would also like to see a world class restaurant here, but what would it be? all other pavilions feature food types at least stereotypically from the host country. so what is "American food" besides Pizza and hamburgers?

just my thoughts.

What struck me was how much of a museum World Showcase has become. That same article could have run almost word for word in 1985.

I do have a higher opinion than Mike, though, of the films in China and France.

all other pavilions feature food types at least stereotypically from the host country. so what is "American food" besides Pizza and hamburgers?

Pot roast, Honey-baked Ham, Corn Bread, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Barbecue, Hush Puppies, Collard Greens or Spinach, Green beans, Corn on the cob, Watermelon, Brunswick Stew, Pineapple upside-down cake, Apple Pie (any pie, really), freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Real Breakfast - pancakes, waffles, multiple toppings, fruit, eggs, biscuits/gravy, grits, oatmeal, muffins

Pizza is Italian!

I'm probably the only person around who misses the old smorgasbord at Akershus. The WS pavilions are about equal to me now.

11. United Kingdom. Nice gardens, bad food and service keep us away.
10. Morocco. I love the buildings and shops (plus the stories) but food kills it.
9. France. Again not much on the food or the shops.
8. Germany. Shops are OK but never found anything else here that was cool.
7. Italy. Food never did much for me and the people not friendly.
6. China. Like it better now with the warriors. Great garden/water areas.
5. Norway. Best ride, nice setup of buildings.
4. America.
3. Mexico. Best use of a building with the outside being inside. Good food.
2. Japan. The food I find to be some of the best and the area looks great.
1. Canada. Love Le Callier and the gardens.

On the podcast, they were wondering about what kinds of foods that could be served in the American pavilion. How about barbequed ribs, steak, brats, Philly cheese steak, New York style hot dog, Tofu burgers, shrimp dishes, etc. I think that would be a good start. Anyone else have any suggestions?