Blog #2: World Showcase Epcot

Photo by Katherine Ehrisman

Welcome to Blog #2 of the Disney World Nation. Today starts the split between the authors as we will be answering two different questions each week. There will be a new blog up every Monday and Friday, so be sure to keep coming back to the site. Here is today's question.

Epcot World Showcase has 11 pavilions each based of a certain country. Over the years Disney has toyed with the idea of adding extra countries to the showcase. Austrailia, Spain, Russia, Equitorial Africa, the United Arab Emerities and more were on the drawing boards at one time. So today's question is, if Disney was to come to you for your choice, which country and why? and do you have any attractions in mind, whether restaurant or ride?

Ted H: If I was given the chance to choose the next country to join the World Showcase at Epcot, I would choose Egypt, land of Pharaohs.  I debated this question back in forth in my head.  There are so many possibilities. You could go with Argentina or Brazil, to have a South America entry.  Australia would be another great choice.  My fiancée suggested her home country of Cuba as a possibility; mostly because she misses the great food she grew up with.  But I went with Egypt because it offers many possibilities for both restaurants and attractions.  And although the showcase already has Morocco from the North African regions, having structures that involve the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, would be quite the site.  Plus you could have both thrill rides involving ancient ruins and also camel rides for kids. 

Bill S: When thinking about this question a few countries popped in my head. First of being from SE Massachusetts I thought about Portugal. The thought of a counter service restaurant serving linguica, peppers, and onions would be awesome. That being said my choice has to be Greece. Greece would be a great country to have in the World Showcase because you could have the wonderful architecture displayed, a gyro stand, and a ride based on mythology (My suggestion is a boat/flume ride called The Odyssey). This would also be a great place to have a meet and greet with characters from Hercules.

Michelle W: I remember visiting EPCOT with my parents back when it first opened & can still recall seeing all the “Coming Soon” billboard signs for the different countries that were in the works. I think it would be great if they added a few more since the idea of EPCOT was to never be complete & always adding new ideas. I would love to see Russia added to World Showcase. I think it has a rich history that could be explored & enjoyed by guests of EPCOT. For the attractions, I could picture a Russian Restaurant, along with a Russian Dance Troupe & Band. I could also see an exhibit in place showing life before & after the Iron Curtain.

Michelle M: Many of us have dreamed of being World travelers.  Walt Disney has provided a quick fix answer to that burning desire for those of us who are held back by monetary means.  Their answer is Epcot's World Showcase.  The World Showcase consists of 11 different pavilions to be explored.  The Disney way is apparent in the presentation of each Country as even the cast members are true representatives from the country they are working.  The countries in the World Showcase are great learning experiences for everyone in your traveling party regardless of the age.  The authenticity is phenomenal, for example should you decide to amble to the back of Mitsokoshi Department Store in the Japanese pavilion you will find prepared cuttlefish and small crabs packaged in small bags like potato chips. So the question is what is missing?  How about a Greek pavilion?  Wouldn't it be amazing to meander through a Disney version of the Parthenon?  Who wouldn't like to eat at an authentic Grecian restaurant?  It would be great to see maybe a mini coaster developed covering Greek gods and their influence on the culture.  It would also make for a great meet and greet with Hercules and Hades.  Disney can't go wrong with Greece as the next addition to the World Showcase, the magic and pixie dust would be tangible regardless of your age.

Bill W: Epcot should look to diversify, and move beyond Europe, Asia and North America (with a small nod to North Africa and Morocco.)  I would like to see the next pavilion come from South of the Equator.  There are numerous possibilities in the Southern Hemisphere; with the three top contenders being Brazil, Australia and South Africa. I can imagine an exciting boat ride down the Amazon river in Brazil,  a ride through the outback in Australia, or a safari through South Africa (OK that may hit a little too close to Animal Kingdom.) I think Epcot pavilions should be multidimensional, with Dining and Shopping opportunities as well as an exciting Attraction. If you are missing one of these elements, that nation will not get the full attention it deserves. How many of us have breezed right through Germany, Italy or Morocco with just a cursory glance? An engaging Attraction will lure guests into the pavilion, and they will get to explore the country even more. Whatever nation is chosen, let’s hope it happens soon, World Showcase needs a new and exciting addition.

Let's hope it happens soon, and with that this concludes another blog from the Disney World Nation, check back in with us on Friday, when James, Sherry, Michelle M., Katherine, and Rachel tackle a question regarding the Backlot Tour in Hollywood Studios. Till next time, See you Real Soon

Bill Sauerbier

Blog #1, Part 2: Fantasyland Expansion

Photo by Katherine Muller



Hello all, Here is part 2 of the blog released earlier this week, Here are more answers from the Disney World Nation co-bloggers

To remind you, here was the Question again

For the past year the talk about WDW has been mainly about the new Fantasyland. New rides, restaurants, and theme changes are rapidly approaching. With 2012 coming fast, what are you looking forward to most about the new Fantasyland?

Sherry W. (9 Time Visitor) The new Fantasyland is going to have so many exciting new attractions, meet and greet opportunities, and restaurants, that I'm getting very anxious for it to be finished.  I can't wait to go "Under the Sea, Journey of the Little Mermaid,"  with Ariel, or dine at the Beast's Castle at the "Be Our Guest Restaurant."  But, I believe I am most looking forward to seeing the "Storybook Circus," featuring not one, but two, Dumbo the Flying Elephant rides, midway-type games and interactive activities inside the Big Top. The new Fantasyland is going to be so awesome.  I just can't wait to see it!

Michelle W. (25 Time Visitor) I’m looking forward to not seeing all of the construction going on for starters. It was a little bit upsetting to see so much of the Magic Kingdom under construction when we were last there in February. For someone who is sort of a ‘regular’ guest down in WDW, I knew it was normal to see some things under construction, but this time around it seemed like everywhere you looked, something was being renovated. I could only imagine what guests who were making their first trip to The World were thinking when they saw so much covered up. Hopefully it didn’t diminish the magic too much for them. So with that being said, I can’t wait to see the new area finally completed. I think it will open up that whole area of the park and finally use some of the park that has been closed off for years. I am a bit sad about not having Snow White’s Scary Adventures once things are completed, but I am looking forward to the new Seven Dwarf’s Cottage & Mine Train ride (even though I probably won’t go on it). Its bitter sweet when they take out the old favorites to make way for the new. Hopefully with this being taken away, it won’t have the same reactions that removing poor Mr. Toad faced. I’m very much looking forward to both the new Little Mermaid Ride & the Beauty & Beast area. The descriptions of both sound wonderful and with both movies being on my Top 10 List, I can’t wait to see them be brought to life beyond what Disney has already done with them for the stage shows. I would also love for them to add more of the interactive queue lines, like they have already done with Winnie the Pooh & soon to be seen with The Haunted Mansion. I think that’s one of the best ideas they’ve had in a long time!

Katherine M. (30+ Time Visitor) Nothing beats the anticipation of a trip to Walt Disney World, except waiting for a new attraction to open at Walt Disney World. In the past year many have been eagerly awaiting the fantasyland expansion.  For some people they cannot wait to see the new rides and how innovative the new ques will be. For others it is the draw of the new restaurants, and how the theming of the food and the restaurants will be presented. But for me, I am looking forward to the excitement of something new. What did the Imaginears come up with this time? Like a kid on Christmas morning excited to open the presents whose contents are unknown, it is the anticipation that I love. I am looking forward to walking down Main St. knowing that I am only a few steps away, walking through the castle and taking that first glimpse of all that is new. Soaking in everyone else’s excitement, and exploring the new and undiscovered.   

Michelle M. (50 Time Visitor) In the words of the late great Walt Disney “Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future."  This is the philosophy still evident in Walt Disney World today.  The whole Walt Disney World property is constantly evolving to create the perfect magical experience whether it is your first visit or your 101st visit.  The latest endeavor is the great Fantasyland expansion.  There are many exciting additions coming via the expansion including a Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant and an underwater Ariel adventure. All of the additions stir quite a bit of excitement for Disney fans, but the attraction that I am most thrilled about is the Seven Dwarves Mine ride.  It has been described as moderately intense and the first to use technology that swings ride vehicles back and forth on a twisting track.  Having been given the "moderately intense" label, it sounds as if it will round out the triple thrill (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain). On most recent trips Fantasyland held less attraction for my teenagers than other lands.  I think someone in those big ole offices stepped back and said "If I were a teenager, what would I want to do in Fantasyland?"  Seven Dwarves Mine is the answer to that question.  With a new thrill ride to look forward to my teenagers (who had gone lukewarm with their feelings about Fantasyland) are now excited about our next Walt Disney World vacation and that is magical in my book.

Thank you once again for reading the Disney World Nation blog. Thanks also go out to all the authors of this blog. A new question will be up shortly so please come back and see us real soon

Bill Sauerbier

Blog #1, Part 1: Fantasyland Expansion

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway

Welcome to the first blog of the Disney World Nation. From now on every blog will have a question about Walt Disney World (a ride, dining, hotel or more) and there will be answers from 5 or 6 fans of Disney. We have Cast Members, Authors, Annual Passholders, DVC Members, Podcasters, and many time park guests. These co-bloggers will give their opinions to help you be able to have a better Disney experience.
Here is the Question of the Week

For the past year the talk about WDW has been mainly about the new Fantasyland. New rides, restaurants, and theme changes are rapidly approaching. With 2012 coming fast, what are you looking forward to most about the new Fantasyland?

Lauren R. (DVC Member) Anyone with small children knows how excited they become upon seeing Dumbo flying high in the air. I know it's a ride we could find at any traveling carnival, but there is magic within that little gray elephant. So much magic in fact that otherwise sane adults willingly stand in the blazing hot sun for two hours just to allow their child to experience the ride. I know, as I've been that adult. There are no fans circulating overhead, no roof to block the unforgiving Florida sun and most importantly, nothing to keep little ones well entertained while they wait. With the expansion of Fantasyland at Walt Disney World due to be completed in 2012, the concern of possible heatstroke diminishes. Dumbo the Flying Elephant, traditionally found behind Cinderella's Castle and to the right, will find a new home in the now defunct Mickey's Toontown Fair. It is slated to not only have extended coverage from the sun but to actually have two rides running simultaneously. The major problem with Dumbo now is supply and demand; Lots of riders, few seats and an extended time period for loading and unloading. Explaining to a hot, tired and no longer patient 3 year old they have to wait even longer than the hour they just stood in line isn't fun! My hope is with the second Dumbo (and therefore a higher seating capacity), added with protection from the sun and an interactive, entertaining queue, wait times can be significantly cut down. Fantasyland has always been where my small boys feel most at home in the Magic Kingdom. It's great to know that Disney is thinking not only of their enjoyment but also their safety. And maybe they also considered at least a very little bit, parents' sanity, including my own.

Bill W. (18 Time Visitor) The Fantasyland expansion will bring plenty of new and exciting offerings Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. The one I am looking forward to the most is "Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid."  To me, nothing says Fantasyland more than a Dark Ride. Rides like the bygone Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, transport you to a fantasy world of books and stories. I love the Little Mermaid story and music, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid is one my favorite shows at Walt Disney World. A Little Mermaid themed ride is a perfect addition to the other Dark Ride offerings in Fantasyland. I can already see myself being serenaded by Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian as we glide under the sea in a giant Clam-mobile. I can't wait to experience it for real next year!!

Ted H. (Annual Passholder) What I look for most out of the New Fantasy expansion in 2012, is a return of the magic of Disney. What does that mean you ask? I'm a Florida passholder and my fiancée and I have been to the parks over 40 times this year, and most of the times its not to go on any particular ride or eat at any certain restaurant, but just the magic. Half the fun at being at Disney is being at Disney, watching all the excitement around you. Unfortunately during the expansion what you see from the north side of Magic Kingdom is a big green wall that takes away from the feel of being in Fantasyland. And once those walls come down and you get to see what Magic the Disney Imagineers have created, I don't believe it'll be one particular ride or restaurant that catches your eyes, but just the whole wonderfulness of the expansion and how it seamless bridges the old Fantasyland and the new. Can't wait to see the magic.

James H. (Cast Member DCL) With all the news about the new Fantasyland expansion, it's hard not to get excited about my next trip to The Walt Disney World Resort. From the first mention of the new seven dwarfs mine train attraction, with it's all new ride vehicle technology, I can immediately tell it will soon become a cherished favorite at the Magic Kingdom. Then we move to the new "Be Our Guest" restaurant, a quaint quick service dining location during the day, and a beautiful dining experience by night. This lavish restaurant promises to be a unique addition to the world-class dining experiences that Disney Parks continues to offer their guests. However the one addition that I am most looking forward to is The Little Mermaid dark ride. I first learned of WDI's plans for this attraction when searching the special features of "The Little Mermaid" DVD. I watched a document on "The ride that almost was," and learnt all about the planned attraction as well as take a virtual ride through. Then to my disappointment I learnt that WDI had moved their plans to the side. After waiting for this ride to make its return from the WDI vault, finding out that it was to be included in the new fantasyland expansion was extremely exciting! And with all the other little additions, I can tell that the new Fantasyland will soon become home to many happy memories for many guests."

Bill S. (Author) While I am very excited for everything new that is coming to Fantasyland in 2012-2013, the thing I am most intrigued with is the brand new Dumbo ride. Taking away an opening day classic like Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a tragedy, and I know people are saying that the new ride will be better. Dumbo is one of thos symbolic rides that people immediately think of when they think of Magic Kingdom. I am interested in seeing how good this much larger, double circular Dumbo with the interactive waiting area will be. You know Disney World has to pull out all the stops for this, otherwise there is going to be quite a backlash by the Disney Purists out there. It will be very fun to see when it makes its way to Disney World next year.

One thing is for sure, with all the new attractions, dining, and extras Disney is planning for the new Fantasyland, it will definitely be something to go see. Thank you for reading Blog 1 Part 1 of the Disney World Nation. Please come back in a few days when 6 more Disney fans give their opinions on this topic. Have a magical night
Bill Sauerbier

Welcome to Disney World Nation

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway

Welcome one and all to the brand new Disney World Nation blog. I am your host Bill Sauerbier, author of The Cram Zone Guide to Walt Disney World 2010. Each week myself and a group of experienced Disney visitors will tackle a new topic or question asked by you. Feel free to leave comments about the current topic or a question for a future post.


Hope you enjoy the upcoming blogs
Bill Sauerbier