World Showcase is just that -- a showcase, and, as such, its country pavilions attempt only to give visitors a feel for the countries represented, not a complete history lesson or socio-political rundown. The architecture, shops, and foods are to be considered representative of the country's spirit, if not a literal translation of its everyday lifestyle. The approach is impressionistic, idealistic, and very compressed, just as the theming in, say, Frontierland merely suggests highlights of westward expansion and is not to be considered a faithful reproduction of any single time or exact location.

The details, on the other hand, are generally reproduced as faithfully as possible. The architecture is often based on actual buildings, while the landscaping uses (where possible in the Florida climate) native or look alike plants. Whenever possible, the Cast Members and entertainers themselves here have been recruited from the countries on display and are themselves a great source of information about the nations they represent.

One of the great features of World Showcase is the live street entertainment. You turn a corner and there's Chinese acrobats or a Moroccan belly dancer entertaining the crowds. Check the show schedule for the many musical groups of various styles scheduled throughout the day.

Disney's characters also sometimes make appearances in their country of origin: Pooh in The United Kingdom, Mulan in China, Snow White in Germany, Belle and the Beast in France, etc..

Traveling clockwise around World Showcase we encounter (click on name for more):