When it comes to love, enchantment and all things romance, there’s nowhere in Disney I would rather be than the World Showcase in Epcot. If you’re anything like me and you haven’t had the luxury to travel around the world and back (I just keep booking Disney vacations, dang it!) you know that the next best thing is a trip to your second home in one of the most magnificent and innovative parks on Disney property. While Spaceship Earth, all the festivals, and nighttime shows are more than enough to keep you coming back, the charm of the World Showcase transports you around the world with just a few steps. So, grab a limoncello, your friends, family or significant other and let’s take a stroll around the world to the four pavilions that give me all the warm fuzzies! 

Japan

This is my number one, all time favorite spot in all of Epcot. While at first it always reminded of my sweet niece and her affinity for/callback to her own Asian roots, it has quickly become the stuff of fairy tales for me. Gazing in awe at the onion volcano you’ve seen a million and one times at Teppan Edo, picking out a gift at Mitsukoshi shop for a loved one, and, lest we forget, gazing up, up, up at the stunning Japanese Pagoda, beaming with light as the sun goes down over the Torii gate-nothing, except maybe some sweet hand holding during Epcot: Forever! can compare to the romance of Japan. 

France

I’d be remiss not to mention the romance capital of the world! If you’ve never taken a stroll in the gardens, enjoyed a champagne and creme brulee whilst watching watching the gorgeous fountain, or grabbed a bite to eat for two (or one!) at Chefs de France, you don’t know what you’re missing! If it’s a romance you’re looking for, grab a pastry at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (and your loved one by the hand, of course!) and saunter through the beauty that is the France pavilion. And speaking of the provincial countryside beauty of France, don’t forget that you can meet Belle down by the lagoon, when she’s not off reading a book that is!

Italy

This has to be one of my favorite pavilions for just my heritage alone. While I love it most during festival holidays (Italy just screams Christmas to me!!) I could walk around Venice all by myself (and have!) and feel the romance in the air! (It’s no wonder that you’ll find topiary versions of Lady and the Tramp at this pavilion during the Flower & Garden Festival!) If you love a good pizza pie and a glass of Chianti, head on over to Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria for some of the best of the aforementioned you’ll find anywhere in the world! If cooking for your sweetie is what makes your heart happy (no judgement if DoorDash if your best friend!) head on over to La Bottega Italiana to pick up some gorgeous cookware to bring the romance of Italy to your very own kitchen! Buon appetito!

Morocco

Last, but certainly not least is one of my favorite pavilions for the snuggle spots alone! Maybe it is the time of year I frequent Disney, or maybe Morocco really is one of the least frequented spots, but either way, the strolling’ around room just adds to the romance: selfies with Fez; delicate small plates and possible viewing of Epcot: Forever at Spice Road Table; that breathtaking view as you enter the pavilion of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh, a prayer tower of the 12th century mosque… it adds a fairy tale twist on romance that stands apart (and every bit as delightful!) from the equally stunning romance of the European pavilions. 

Admittedly, Epcot has, until recently, been the least frequented park on the ‘Britta does Disney’ list (I live in Fantasyland, most of the time!). But during a recent solo trip around World Showcase, I was able to find all the romance the Imagineers designed just for me in the stunning architecture, delicious food, and tear jerking music that can be heard at any given time throughout, signifying the unique cultural identity of each of the eleven countries. While it’s great to stroll hand in hand as you skip from Italy to Japan, (though snapping a pic of an empty seat for a loved one  is always a thoughtful gesture!) finding the romance, the magic that is the World Showcase all on your own can be just as significant.