Italy

	Italy
	The Italy pavilion as seen from across the World Showcase Lagoon.
	Epcot
Land	World Showcase
Opening date	October 1, 1982
Number of Attractions	Zero
Number of Restaurants	Two

Italy is a pavilion located within World Showcase in Epcot. It is located between the Germany pavilion and The American Adventure pavilion.

History

Although the Italy pavilion was ready for opening day, the pavilion that opened was much different then the one originality planned. The pavilion was going to include an area which was to represent Southern Italy. Here, guests would be able to go on an attraction, which would be a gondola ride through various Italian scenes. Ever getting off the ride, guests would be deposited into a Roman Ruin walkthrough attraction. After three years of construction however, Epcot was over budget. Disney executives eventually decided to push back the creation of four attractions, including the Italy ones. The original plans was for the attractions to reopen with "Phase II" of Epcot, shortly after the park opened. Unfortunately The money that was set to be used for Phase II, was instead put towards the opening of Horizons, the Journey Into Imagination attraction, the Morocco pavilion, and the creation of the Living Seas.

When Italy did open, it featured a restaurant (L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante), as well as two shops (La Gemma Elegante and Il Belle Cristallo). The entire pavilion faces one plaza, which features a raised platform. Originally the platform was going to be used for live entertainers, but such shows are now performed near the lagoon. The focal point of the pavilion is a recreation of the Dodge Palace in Venice. Both of the Italy pavilion's shops can be found within the palace. Located at the end of the Dodge Palace, is a statue of a grotesque face. Such sculptures were used in Italy by citizens, to complain about their neighbors or their government. The pavilion also features a 100 foot tall campanile (or bell tower), which is a replica of one found in Saint Mark's Square. On top of the campanile is the Archangel Gabriel. One of the most popular photo opportunities in Walt Disney World, the Neptune statue, can also be found in the Italy pavilion. The statue is based on two sculptures found in Italy, the original Neptune statue in Florence and the Trevi Fountain Rome.

The Neptune statue located in the Italy pavilion.

The first major change came to the Italy pavilion in 2007, when Italy's original (and only) restaurant, L'orignale Alfredo di Roma Risorante closed. The building was purchased by Patina Restaurant Group, and the restaurant was renamed Tutto Italia which translates to "All Italy". Another change came to the pavilion on August 5, 2010 when a new resturant, Via Nopoli opened where Italy's dark ride attraction was to have been.

Attractions

Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.

Restaurants

Tutto Ilalia- This table service restaurant offers guests a traditional Italian meal. The restaurant replaced Italy's original restaurant L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante.

Via Nopoli- The newest dining option in Italy, Via Nopoli is a table service restaurant. The restaurant specializes in pizza and is located near the back of the Italy pavilion.

Shopping

La Gemma Elegante- This shop is famous for its Venetian masks. La Gemma Eleqante translates to "The Eloquent Gem" in English.

Il Belle Cristallo-This large store sells jewelry, leather goods and clothing. Il Belle Cristallo translates to "The Beautiful Crystal" in English.

Fun Facts and Trivia

The entrance to the Italy Pavilion is marked by two columns. On top of the column on the right is a statue of Saint Theodore of Amasea slaying a dragon. On top of the column on the left, is a winged lion.