Do you realize there are no less than five bakeries at Epcot?  Add to that the countless stands offering sweet delights.  If you’re not careful, before you know it, you and your family will be financing your dentist’s next trip to Walt Disney World.  But I love to indulge in sweets when I’m at Epcot because they offer some things I just can’t get at home.  (If I could get them at home, I would avoid them at all costs due to my level of willpower!)

Whether you enter from the Epcot main gate or the International Gateway (between the U.K. and France pavilions in World Showcase), there’s a bakery just waiting for you.  Near the main gate fountain, the Fountainview Cafe offers yummy breakfast pastries, cappuccino and the like.  If you’re coming in via the International Gateway, go to the Boardwalk Bakery before you enter the park.  Their twist Chocolate/Vanilla pastry pretzels are so fantastic you’ll find yourself wanting more.  Technically, the Boardwalk Bakery isn’t part of Epcot.  My rationale is that the Boardwalk is an Epcot resort; so it’s all good.  At least it tastes good.

As you walk the World Showcase, there’s Boulangerie Patisserie in France offering eclairs and other sinful French pastries.  Oh, and don’t forget the Crepes des Chefs de France stand on the promenade at the French pavilion!

Keep walking towards the American pavilion and you’ll come to Tangierine Cafe at Morocco.  Desserts are just a part of this counter service eatery.  You have to try the baklava - flaky, nutty and oh so sugary sweet.  At this point, I’m starting to channel Homer. 

If you’ve been eating the whole way, maybe you want to pick up that walk to a jog as you go past the Funnel Cake kiosk in the American pavilion.  Oh, and note there’s a coffee and dessert stand on the other side of the American Adventure building (but still on the promenade).  As you head toward it, your nose will detect the holiday smell of sugared nuts at the stand just outside the America Gardens Theatre.

Continue towards Italy and out on the promenade, you’ll discover my absolute favorite, the Pasticceria Italiana di Alfredo di Roma.  This place has cannolis as good as my Sicilian grandma used to make.  I justify that I must partake because they remind me of her.  Are you buying that?   I’m not either.

Break into a sprint past Germany and China and drop by Kringla Bakeri og Cafe at Norway.  Not only is this a great little place for a light lunch but you can find Norwegian goodies such as Kringla (sweet pretzel with raisins and almonds). 

I wouldn’t suggest eating your way around the World Showcase in one day.  Spread out your tastings.  And if you’re worried about the calories, split your sugar with the family.  One cannoli split four ways makes you feel a little better!  I haven’t even mentioned the ice cream, gelato, candy, cookies and on and on that can be found at the shops in the World Showcase, various stands and other counter service places.  Suffice it to say, there are plenty of ways to satisfy the sweet tooth at Epcot.  If we learned anything from Food Rocks!, (attraction formerly in the Soarin’ space) it’s everything in moderation.  "Harmony guys, Harmony"!

Eating right is easy
Choose before you chew
We’re waiting in the kitchen
Waiting in the kitchen for you 

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

(Be sure to leave a comment to tell us your favorites.  I’m always looking to try something new!)

Do you realize there are no less than five bakeries at Epcot?  Add to that the countless stands offering sweet delights.  If you’re not careful, before you know it, you and your family will be financing your dentist’s next trip to Walt Disney World. < more... >