Authenticity of World Showcase

[aladdinsgirl]

This question is for Diser's from the countries represented in World Showcase or for those lucky enough to have vacationed in one of the countries. I love Epcot and World Showcase is my favorite part of WDW, but I was wondering how authentic the pavilions are compared to the real thing. When guests from Germany come to the WS and they see the Germany pavalion, do they think it's a good representation of their country or does it look hokey or cheesy to them? I know nothing is better than the real thing, but how close did Disney come? I guess this would apply to Animal Kingdom for Africa and Asia as well.

Thanks,
Krista

 

[crcormier]

I've toured 6 out of the 10 countries represented and always found that the authenticity is excellent. The merchandise is all imported and authentic, the food is all authentic, and the employees are all authentic!

I think the fact that they have had representatives from those countries working on the design, implementation and daily operations of each country from the start really made each one an effective representation of the nations they represent.

Just as a note, I just recently finished a stint directing a play that was set in Naples, and got to visit Disney in the summer before I started, so took the opporunity to get some actual Italian chocolate bars that were used as props and distributed to the audience during the show. It was a great hit, and something I may not have been able to do if not for Epcot, since I searched high and low on the internet without being able to find the same thing!

Craig

 

[mariamouse]

VERY authentic! I had the privilege of vacationing in Switzerland this past summer and visited a theme park in Germany called Europa Park... it seemed it was designed after Epcot, with various countries of Europe around the theme park and a small-scaled sphere just like Spaceship Earth. Regardless, I was shocked because it did not even look as authentic as what I have seen of the continent, in person and through pictures. It was hilarious because as I visited France and Germany, I was constantly remarking how much everything reminded me of Epcot! I know I should have been saying it the other way around lol... Regardless, the architecture, food, employees, and merchandise are all from the countries represented and I now appreciate the WS much more knowing how close it actually is to the "real thing."

mariamouse

 

[TreeOfLife]

It seems to be very authentic indeed.

I just wish they were more inclusive of Latin and Spanish-speaking cultures, which vary from country to country and should not be represented by Mexico alone...
IMHO