Entering the World Showcase in Walt Disney World's Epcot is a magical experience. To my sister Danielle, it is a rollercoaster of emotions. Each country's pavilion explores their diverse cultures while combining typical theme park experiences, like gift shops and food stands. Not to mention meeting a Disney princess or two. I interviewed my sister because I find her very funny and here are her thoughts that very closely align with mine. Note: one should read this in an extremely sarcastic tone.
1. Mexico
"Wow! Here we go! A trip around the world while not even having to leave the state of Florida. Who needs to travel to other countries when you can drink your way through Europe and Asia in a day at Epcot center? What a beautiful world we live in. It's so cool how this pavilion looks like you're outside but you're actually inside. I just love the Mexico pavilion. It smells so good in here. I think Mexico might be where I want to honeymoon. I'm so going to eat here for dinner tonight. Ugh, Gianna's first bathroom trip of the world showcase. Can't we just move on already?"
2. Norway
"Ahhh Norway. What a beautiful cultural experience. So glad they put in a Frozen ride here. Good thing we have a FastPass. OMG, the perfume here smells so good. Who would've thought I would love Norway this much. I think Norway might be where I want to honeymoon now. Oh good, Gianna isn't using this bathroom. Praise Jesus."
3. China
"The Chinese pavilion here is SO amazing. I mean I've never actually been to China but I bet you this is what it would look like, right? Maybe not. I don't know, I can't make a judgment call here. OMG IT'S MULAN! The hero of China. My idol. I should go get a pic with her. Would that be weird since I'm 22? Nahh it's okay. Gianna will do it with me anyway and she looks like she's 12. It'll be fine. Even though we have Chinese food at home, I should eat dinner here tonight."
4. Germany
"It is so crowded here. Probably because this is Disney's number one spot for beer. I should get some. *gets beer* Wait, I don't like beer. Whatever, Daddy will drink it. Haha, Gianna can't have any. What a little baby. This place kind of smells like sauerkraut. I don't think I want to eat here for dinner tonight. Where's Gianna? Oh wait. The bathroom. Typical."
5. Italy
"Italia. The home of my people. My culture. Mi famiglia. Nobody here at this pavilion understands Italy like we do. I mean we're 100 percent Italian. This is our time to be alive. I need 300 pictures of me standing here and then I need to upload one to Instagram with a quote in Italian so that people know I'm Italian. I'm thinking "and we call it a bella notte." Perfect "Lady and the Tramp" reference. I'm so honeymooning here. I should definitely eat dinner here tonight."
6. The United States
"Having this pavilion might be redundant since we are already in this country, but you know what? I love this country. I am proud to be an American. I can feel patriotism flowing through my veins. I wish I was wearing red, white, and blue right now. I feel like I should say the "Pledge of Allegiance" or sing the national anthem or something. I can't wait to watch the American Adventure stage show here. The ending song about America makes me feel inspired. Wow, what a glorious country we live in. I think I'm going to eat a turkey leg here for dinner tonight."
7. Japan
"This is seriously the best gift shop in all of Epcot. I just love the Japanese architecture here. It might be my favorite. Where's Daddy? Oh yea, he's getting a turkey leg from America because it's time for dinner. Oh God. Where should I eat for dinner? This is the most important decision I'm going to make all day. Mexico, Italy, China... there are too many choices! I'm panicking. What if I regret my decision? What if I -- wait...I smell teriyaki. Japanese food it is. Guess we are going to be here for another hour since Gianna is using the bathroom AGAIN. Did she even drink that much water? Gianna, the public restrooms do not change from pavilion to pavilion, jeez. Wait, I should probably go too. You know, just in case."
8. France
"Ahhh France. Bonjour. They better have good "Beauty and the Beast" merch here or I'll freak. They really need a ride here. There is so much expensive stuff here. I probably should not touch anything since I'm sweaty. Oh great, this lady actually thinks I'm going to buy this perfume. Sorry ma'am, I just need the free sample so I won't smell anymore. I need a pic of that fake Eiffel tower so I can fool people into thinking I actually went to France. I really wish I ate here for dinner. I love quiche."
9. England
"Pffft! The England pavilion is nothing like England in real life.* I should know since I studied at Oxford. I have a library card from there for goodness sake! I'm going to keep telling my sister about how this place is/isn't like England in real life so people will know that I went to England. I'm such a worldly person. How dare they mix in Irish merchandise here. Ireland deserves its own pavilion. I'm getting hungry again. Where's the bathroom?"
*The England pavilion actually is very accurately portrayed.
10. Canada
"OHHHH CANADAAAAA! God, I love the Canadian pavilion. This is my last chance to get a good picture by that flower garden since I've hated every single picture I've taken so far. It's now or never. They have the best firework viewing here. I remember that husky puppy stuffed animal I bought here once and named her Mia and had her watch the fireworks with me. Haha, silly little girl Danielle...I miss Mia. Should I get popcorn or run to Italy for a gelato? You know what, I'm too tired to move. I'll just text Gianna to get me something while she's in the bathroom."
BONUS: Illuminations - Reflections of Earth Fireworks Show
"Wow. Just wow. What a beautiful message about unity and togetherness. We may be from different cultures, but we are all human. We all need to work together to make the world a better place and bring about peace. Am I crying? I think I'm crying. Oh good, Gianna's crying too. I'm not alone. I love her. I love this planet. I love Epcot. I love Disney. Now time to make a mad dash to the parking lot and beat the rush."
