My Controversial Answer To EPCOT's Left or Right Debate

Ah, perhaps the most heated of Disney World arguments — left or right in EPCOT?

Quincy at EPCOT

When headed to explore World Showcase in EPCOT, many people will tell you that you should head to left to the Mexico Pavilion first. Still others will swear by starting to the right in the Canada Pavilion. There are even some who will tell you to start in the France Pavilion if you’re coming from the back entrance to the park. Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you — they’re all wrong.

Before we dive in, if you want to see a little more about exploring World Showcase, watch us drink around the world at EPCOT in this video!

But now, let’s talk about that left or right debate.

Left vs. Right

First, I’ll explain the argument for those who don’t already have an adamant stance. World Showcase is the back section of the park at EPCOT and is comprised of 11 pavilions, each representing a different country, circling World Showcase Lagoon.

It’s a massive area (about 1.2 miles around the whole loop), and because of it’s shape, most tend to tackle it in order either going from left and around clockwise or from right and around counter-clockwise. Each option has its merits, and Disney fans are adamant about the “right” way to go around — whichever way they choose to.

For those who argue for starting to the left, they often say that going clockwise feels more natural to how you would want to walk. For many, exploring World Showcase means trying different drinks as you go around. Mexico, to the left, is known for its margaritas. You’re more likely to grab a beer in Canada. So, I have often heard “lefters” quoting the age-old adage, “Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.”

For those who argue for starting to the right, they say that because Mexico is one of the most popular pavilions, it makes it the perfect finale! Plus, heading right puts you in the France Pavilion on only your third country — a great place for breakfast and to ride the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride.

Our secret third category is those who start in the France Pavilion. Typically, guests who enter from International Gateway, the entrance dedicated to those coming from EPCOT Resort area hotels or the Skyliner, start in France and continue counter-clockwise to the right. These guests also argue about the great breakfast options in France, and for the ability to rope drop Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and not have to wait in a longer line later.

To be fair, all of these options have their merit. I, on the other hand, take a different approach and one that I stand by being the absolute best.

Start in Morocco…yes, really.

The way that I do World Showcase is by starting in the Morocco Pavilion and then heading counter-clockwise. I know, I know, who does that? The answer is me, and I have some pretty good reasons.

If you’re entering EPCOT from the front of the park, head to the boat that crosses World Showcase Lagoon. This boat has a stop at the edge of the Canada Pavilion and cruises across to a dock in the Morocco Pavilion. It comes to each stop around every 25 minutes and takes about 6 minutes from dock to dock. If you’re coming from International Gateway, you can cruise through France to start in Morocco (or stick to your usual France Pavilion start and just move quickly).

This may seem like an unnecessary step. Why waste time waiting on and riding a boat when you could already be started on your World Showcase journey in Mexico or Canada? Well, I’ll tell you.

There are two main reasons I employ this tactic. One is that it puts you out of the crowds. By starting at the full opposite of the park from the left and right crowds, you end up with shorter lines at any festival booths and even attractions that you find. It’s even easier to find seating! That’s why you head away from France, too. It keeps you a country or two ahead of those International Gateway crowds for the whole day.

The other reason I love this tactic is that I love to take my time in World Showcase. All of that eating, drinking, and walking in the sun is really tiring, and typically I want a bit of a break halfway through the day. Starting in Morocco means you hit World Celebration at the halfway point, and you can take a break from World Showcase to ride all of your favorite rides like Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and Soarin’.

This tactic might be for you if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds as much as you can when exploring World Showcase or if The American Adventure just isn’t cutting it as a mid-day break for you. Plus, you get to start the day with a short but delightful boat ride and see all of the countries from a different perspective as you get ready for a day of traveling the world.

I get why folks love going left and going right, but my answer will always be start the day on a boat to Morocco.