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