Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT: Everything You Need to See, Eat, and Do
Explore the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT, including gorgeous architecture, Moroccan food, Spice Road Table, Princess Jasmine, shopping and hidden courtyards.
Estimated reading time: 22 minutes
The Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT is one of the easiest World Showcase pavilions to underestimate.
And I think I know why.
When you first walk past Morocco, you see some beautiful buildings, a few shops and restaurants, and maybe Princess Jasmine meeting guests. There isn’t a ride pulling you inside. There isn’t a huge attraction marquee. And if you’re walking quickly from Japan toward France, it would be very easy to glance around and keep going.
Don’t do that.
Because Morocco is one of those EPCOT pavilions where the more you explore, the better it gets.
Walk through the archways. Duck into the little courtyards. Look at the tilework. Notice the fountains and lanterns. Wander through the shops. Basically, if you see a pathway that looks like it might lead somewhere, follow it.
Morocco isn’t necessarily a pavilion that gives you a checklist of ten attractions to accomplish.
It’s a pavilion that rewards you for wandering.
And honestly? I think that’s kind of the point.
Where Is the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT?
The Morocco Pavilion is located in EPCOT’s World Showcase between the Japan Pavilion and France Pavilion.
It’s also relatively close to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. So if you’re entering the park from one of the EPCOT-area resorts or arriving via the Disney Skyliner, Morocco is one of the first World Showcase pavilions you’ll reach.
If you’re coming from the front of EPCOT, you’ll need to walk a good portion of the way around World Showcase Lagoon to get here.
But once you arrive, don’t just stay on the main promenade.
Seriously. This is important.
Go inside.
The Best Part of the Morocco Pavilion? Exploring It.
There are certain World Showcase pavilions where the architecture is mostly scenery surrounding the attractions.
Morocco feels different.
Here, exploring the pavilion almost is the attraction.
The Morocco Pavilion is filled with narrow passageways, little courtyards, tiled fountains, carved archways, lanterns, colorful mosaics and tucked-away corners that you could easily miss if you never venture beyond the World Showcase promenade.
And some of my favorite parts aren’t necessarily things I could tell you to put on a touring plan.
It’s more like:
Oh, look at that.
Wait. What’s through there?
Oh my goodness, look at this tile.
And suddenly you’ve spent 20 minutes wandering around Morocco.
That’s exactly what you should do.
Don’t Miss the Moroccan Tilework
One of the things that immediately stands out in the Morocco Pavilion is the incredible tilework.
It’s everywhere.
You’ll see intricate geometric mosaics around fountains, walls, columns and courtyards. And these aren’t just random Disney decorations designed to make the pavilion look vaguely Moroccan.
There is a remarkable amount of craftsmanship here.
The pavilion was created with assistance from the Moroccan government, and artisans from Morocco helped with its design and decorative details. That authenticity is one of the reasons Morocco feels so different from almost anywhere else in World Showcase.
You really need to slow down to appreciate it.
Some of the prettiest details are tucked into places most guests simply walk past.
That gorgeous tiled fountain you almost didn’t notice?
Stop and look at it.
The carved plaster surrounding an archway?
Look up.
The elaborate lantern hanging above you?
Yep. Look at that too.
This is not the pavilion to power walk through while staring at the My Disney Experience app.
Wander Through the Courtyards and Passageways
I especially love the little courtyards in Morocco.
Some are decorated with colorful furniture and lanterns. Others feel surprisingly quiet considering you’re standing in the middle of one of the busiest theme parks in the world.
There are tables tucked into corners, shaded passageways and little architectural details everywhere.
And I think this is where Morocco really separates itself from some of the other World Showcase pavilions.
You aren’t just looking at a façade.
You can actually walk into the architecture.
The pavilion has depth.
That also means some of the best parts are almost completely invisible from the main walkway.
So here’s my extremely sophisticated touring strategy for Morocco:
Be nosy. 😂
If there’s an open archway, see what’s through it.
If there’s a courtyard tucked behind a building, walk into it.
If you see a little alley that looks interesting, explore it.
You’re probably not lost.
And even if you are, Morocco isn’t exactly enormous. You’ll eventually find World Showcase Lagoon again. 😂
Morocco actually helped create this pavilion
One of the coolest things about the Morocco Pavilion is that Disney didn’t simply design its own version of Morocco.
The Kingdom of Morocco was actually involved in creating the pavilion.
Moroccan artisans were brought in to work on the incredibly intricate mosaics, tilework and other architectural details throughout the pavilion. That’s a big reason why Morocco feels different from some of the other World Showcase countries. There is an extraordinary level of craftsmanship here.
And once you know that, I think you start looking at the pavilion differently.
Those mosaics aren’t just pretty Disney theming. Look closely at the fountains, walls, arches and courtyards. There is so much detail here.
Honestly, this makes me even more adamant that you shouldn’t just walk past Morocco on your way around World Showcase. The pavilion itself is one of the attractions.
Morocco Is Gorgeous at Night
If you only visit Morocco during the daytime, I highly recommend coming back after dark.
The entire pavilion changes.
The lanterns come on. The tilework catches the light. The fountains glow. The little passageways and courtyards become incredibly atmospheric.
It is gorgeous.
And because Morocco doesn’t have a major ride attracting thousands of people into the pavilion, some of those tucked-away areas can feel surprisingly peaceful at night.
This is one of those places where I wouldn’t necessarily come back because I needed to do something.
I’d come back because I wanted to see it.
There is a difference.
Meet Princess Jasmine in Morocco
Morocco also has one of the more obvious Disney attractions in the pavilion: Princess Jasmine.
And honestly, this is a pretty perfect place to meet her.
The Moroccan setting makes the character interaction feel much more immersive than simply meeting Jasmine in a generic character location somewhere else in Walt Disney World.
If Jasmine is a priority for your family, definitely check the My Disney Experience app for her appearance times on the day of your visit. Character schedules can change, and I wouldn’t plan your entire afternoon around an old schedule you found online.
This can also be a particularly fun stop for kids who are making their way around World Showcase meeting princesses.
RELATED: Where to Meet Disney Princesses at Disney World
Explore the Shops in the Morocco Pavilion
Shopping is another reason to venture farther into Morocco.
And once again, this isn’t necessarily the pavilion where I would tell you to march directly to one particular store, buy one specific thing and leave.
The fun is browsing.
You’ll find merchandise that feels very different from the standard Disney souvenirs available throughout the parks, including Moroccan-inspired décor, jewelry, clothing, accessories and other gifts.
The shops also blend into the architecture of the pavilion in a way that makes wandering through them feel like part of the overall experience.
Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, take a look.
I rarely need another reason to spend money at Disney World, so I am perfectly capable of browsing without purchasing something.
Usually. 😂
See the Live Entertainment in Morocco
Morocco has also traditionally been one of the World Showcase pavilions where live entertainment adds to the atmosphere.
And this is one area where I always recommend checking the current EPCOT entertainment schedule rather than assuming something you saw on a previous trip will still be performing.
World Showcase entertainment changes.
A lot.
But when there is live music or another performance happening in Morocco, stop for a few minutes.
You don’t necessarily need to rearrange your entire EPCOT day around it. One of the things I love about World Showcase entertainment is that sometimes you simply stumble across something wonderful while you’re walking around the lagoon.
Morocco is exactly the kind of pavilion where that works.
Get a Henna Tattoo in the Morocco Pavilion
Here’s another experience that’s really easy to walk right past: you can get a henna tattoo in the Morocco Pavilion.
Henna artists create temporary designs directly on your skin, and it’s one of those little World Showcase experiences that feels much more interesting than simply buying another Disney souvenir.
You can choose from different designs, and the finished henna gradually fades over time rather than washing off immediately. If you’ve never had henna done before, this could be a really fun souvenir from your EPCOT day—especially for older kids and teens.
Like so many things in Morocco, though, you have to actually venture into the pavilion to find it.
That’s becoming a theme here, isn’t it? 😂
Kidcot Fun Stop in Morocco
If you’re visiting EPCOT with younger kids, Morocco also has a Kidcot Fun Stop.
There is a Kidcot station in each World Showcase pavilion, and kids can collect a card and interact with Cast Members representing the different countries.
I think Kidcot is especially useful if you’re worried your kids won’t enjoy World Showcase because there aren’t enough rides.
It gives them a little mission.
And suddenly you’re not dragging them through eleven countries while Mom stops to photograph another fountain.
They’re collecting something.
Everybody wins. 😂
Morocco Is a Pavilion You Have to Look For
I think that’s the biggest thing I want people to understand before visiting Morocco.
Disney isn’t necessarily waving a giant sign at you saying:
COME IN HERE. THERE ARE THINGS TO SEE.
You have to be a little curious.
And if you’re willing to wander, Morocco is one of the most interesting pavilions in World Showcase.
But we’re not remotely done yet.
Because Morocco also has something else going for it:
the food.
And between Spice Road Table, Tangierine Café, Moroccan pastries, festival food and one of my favorite ways I’ve ever watched EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, there is quite a bit to talk about there.
Where to Eat in the Morocco Pavilion
Okay, now we get to one of the best reasons to spend some time in Morocco.
The food.
And I think Morocco is particularly good if you want something that feels a little different from standard theme park food. You can find hummus, falafel, pita, kebabs, couscous, pastries and plenty of other Mediterranean and North African-inspired flavors here.
You also have options ranging from grabbing something quick to sitting down for a full meal with one heck of a view.
And that brings me to Spice Road Table.
Spice Road Table
I really like Spice Road Table.
The restaurant sits right along World Showcase Lagoon, and the location alone makes it worth knowing about.
But fortunately, the food is good too.
The menu is designed around Mediterranean small plates, which makes this a particularly fun restaurant if you’re dining with people who are willing to share. We’ve ordered several things for the table and basically turned dinner into a giant tasting session.
Which is my preferred method of eating anyway. 😂
We’ve had hummus with pita, falafel and other small plates here, along with some really fantastic desserts. This is flavorful, interesting food without being so adventurous that I think most people would struggle to find something they enjoy.
And the setting is lovely.
There is seating overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, and if you time your meal right, this can become much more than just dinner.
Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
We’ve also done the Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package, and this is where that waterfront location really shines.
I mean…
LOOK AT THIS VIEW.
We sat right along World Showcase Lagoon with dinner and drinks in front of us while the nighttime spectacular unfolded basically straight across the water.
It was fantastic.
And unlike trying to stake out a prime fireworks location around World Showcase Lagoon, we were sitting down.
With food.
This is my kind of fireworks strategy. 😂
Obviously, your exact table and sightline can vary, and the dining-package setup itself can change over time. So I would always check Disney’s current details before booking specifically for the nighttime spectacular.
But our experience was excellent.
If you’re already interested in eating at Spice Road Table and also want a great way to watch EPCOT’s nighttime show, I absolutely think the dining package is worth considering.
RELATED: My Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package Review
I go much deeper in that review into what we ate, what the view was actually like and whether I thought the experience was worth the money.
Tangierine Café
Tangierine Café has historically been one of the better places in this area to grab Moroccan and Mediterranean-inspired food without committing to a table-service meal.
However, this is also one of those places where you really need to pay attention to what Disney is currently doing.
In recent years, Tangierine Café has frequently been used as a festival location, including the Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina marketplace during EPCOT festivals.
And I actually think Morocco tends to be a really interesting pavilion for festival food.
So if Tangierine Café is operating as a festival marketplace during your visit, definitely take a look at the menu instead of walking past because you assume it’s simply another permanent quick-service restaurant.
This is one of those places where the answer to “What’s being served here?” may depend heavily on when you’re visiting EPCOT.
What Happened to Restaurant Marrakesh?
One of the stranger things about the Morocco Pavilion is that there’s an entire former table-service restaurant sitting back here that Disney doesn’t regularly use as a restaurant anymore.
Restaurant Marrakesh was once one of the pavilion’s major dining experiences, tucked way back inside Morocco. These days, Disney tends to repurpose the space for temporary experiences—things like DVC lounges, Annual Passholder areas or Disney Visa Cardmember events.
And I really wish they would do something permanent with it.
This is a beautiful, substantial space in an already underappreciated pavilion, and it feels like such a missed opportunity. Morocco doesn’t exactly suffer from a lack of gorgeous architecture. What it needs are more reasons for people to actually walk back here and experience it.
Bring back a restaurant. Add a cultural experience. Put some entertainment back here. Give us something. 😂
Because the space already exists. Disney just needs to use it.
Don’t Skip the Moroccan Pastries
This is another area where Morocco gets me.
Pastries.
You’ll find an assortment of Moroccan-style pastries and sweets, and if you like nuts, honey, phyllo dough and desserts that aren’t necessarily just giant piles of frosting, take a look.
Baklava is the obvious one, but there are usually several different options.
And I love that you can often choose an assortment.
Because obviously the correct number of pastries to sample at EPCOT is not one. 😂
If you’re already eating your way around World Showcase, this is also an easy way to try something from Morocco without sitting down for an entire meal.
RELATED: The Best Snacks in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT
Is Morocco a Good Place to Watch the EPCOT Fireworks?
Yes.
And I think Morocco sometimes gets overlooked when people start talking about places to watch the EPCOT nighttime spectacular.
The pavilion sits directly along World Showcase Lagoon, so there are waterfront areas with very good views across the water.
But there is an important distinction here.
The general Morocco waterfront and the reserved viewing experience we had with the Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package are not the same thing.
I wouldn’t show up at Morocco five minutes before fireworks and assume you’re going to magically acquire the exact table and view we had. 😂
But as a general area of World Showcase? Absolutely keep Morocco in mind.
And if you want the combination of dinner plus a reserved fireworks experience, that’s where Spice Road Table becomes particularly interesting.
How Much Time Should You Spend in the Morocco Pavilion?
If you’re simply walking through Morocco, you could technically see it in five minutes.
Please don’t do that.
I’d give yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes just to wander through the pavilion, look at the architecture, explore the shops and see what’s tucked behind all those archways.
Add more time if you want to:
- Meet Princess Jasmine
- Stop for live entertainment
- Eat a meal
- Browse the shops
- Try some Moroccan pastries
- Let your kids do Kidcot
- Take approximately 742 pictures of tilework
That last one may just be me.
If you’re having a table-service meal at Spice Road Table—or especially doing a fireworks dining package—Morocco can obviously become a much bigger part of your EPCOT evening.
Is the Morocco Pavilion Good for Kids?
I think so, although this isn’t necessarily one of the pavilions kids will immediately circle on the EPCOT map.
There isn’t a ride here.
But you do have Princess Jasmine, Kidcot, interesting shops, lots of little spaces to explore and plenty of food that isn’t terribly intimidating.
And I actually think the physical design of Morocco works really well for kids.
There are little passageways and courtyards everywhere. It feels like you’re exploring something rather than simply walking past another row of buildings.
For princess-loving kids, Jasmine obviously increases the appeal quite a bit.
Is Morocco Worth Visiting Without Kids?
Absolutely.
In fact, Morocco might be one of the World Showcase pavilions I appreciate even more as an adult.
You can slow down enough to notice the architecture. Browse the shops. Have a leisurely meal. Try different foods. Find a quiet courtyard. Come back at night when all the lanterns are glowing.
And Spice Road Table is an especially good option for an adults-only EPCOT evening.
Give me Mediterranean small plates, a waterfront table and EPCOT fireworks and I’m pretty happy.
What Should You Absolutely Not Miss in Morocco?
If you only have a short amount of time, my biggest recommendation isn’t actually a restaurant or character.
Walk into the pavilion.
That sounds ridiculously simple, but I mean it.
Don’t just stand on the World Showcase promenade, look toward Morocco and decide you’ve seen it.
Walk through the archways.
Look at the fountains.
Explore the courtyards.
Notice the tilework.
Morocco’s best feature is Morocco itself.
And if you have more time, I’d add Spice Road Table, Princess Jasmine if she’s important to your family, and whatever food or live entertainment happens to be available during your visit.
Is the Morocco Pavilion Worth Visiting?
Definitely.
But Morocco isn’t going to demand your attention the way some other EPCOT pavilions do.
Norway has Frozen Ever After.
Mexico has Gran Fiesta Tour.
The American Adventure has a massive show.
Japan has approximately 97 different ways to make me stop walking. 😂
Morocco is quieter.
You have to go looking.
And I think that’s exactly why people sometimes underestimate it.
There is a tremendous amount of detail here, but Disney doesn’t necessarily put all of it directly in your path. The best courtyards are tucked away. The most beautiful tilework requires you to actually look at it. Some of the most interesting spaces are behind archways you could easily walk past.
Give Morocco a little time.
Wander.
That’s when this pavilion gets really good.
Visiting Morocco During an EPCOT Festival
Morocco is also worth another look during EPCOT’s festivals, particularly because the food offerings can change substantially throughout the year.
Tangierine Café has been used for festival marketplaces, and this is one pavilion where seasonal menus can give you even more reasons to stop.
If you’re visiting during one of EPCOT’s four major festivals, these guides will help you figure out what else is happening around World Showcase:
RELATED: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Guide
RELATED: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Guide
RELATED: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Guide
RELATED: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Guide
Festival offerings change from year to year, so I always check the current menus before a trip rather than getting emotionally attached to one particular snack Disney served three years ago.
Because that is how Disney breaks your heart. 😂
