Disney Rumor Alert!

[hookedonears]

Australia is nothing more than Texas with too many things that can kill you. Brazil would be cool. Brazil contributes a major number of fans to Disney each year and the Amazon rain forest is one of the few areas of our planet that is for the most part completely unexplored. South America is also the only MAJOR (multi-countries) continent that’s not represented at EPCOT.

 

[challer]

I know it has been two decades since this sign was posted in World Showcase, but I always hold out hope... mainly for a kosher resturaunt in a Disney Park!

 

[JDUCKY]

Australia is nothing more than Texas with too many things that can kill you. Brazil would be cool. Brazil contributes a major number of fans to Disney each year and the Amazon rain forest is one of the few areas of our planet that is for the most part completely unexplored. South America is also the only MAJOR (multi-countries) continent that’s not represented at EPCOT.

So why reward their bad behaviour?

 

[FireDancer]

I know it has been two decades since this sign was posted in World Showcase, but I always hold out hope... mainly for a kosher resturaunt in a Disney Park!

I have a feeling political pressure would keep this one out along with a lot of middle eastern countries, even if they showed up with the sponsorship dollars in hand.

 

[kaligal]

I'd like Australia.

I could live without Japan.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

I was just there less than a month ago. I was surveyed but it was all about the imagination pavilion. I let them have it

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

This was on display at a Vinylmation event over the weekend. Vinylmations usually come in sets of 12, so they needed something to fill the twelfth slot. Brazil is an interesting choice.

Not with all the Brazilian Tour groups. it was a logical choice

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

I know it has been two decades since this sign was posted in World Showcase, but I always hold out hope... mainly for a kosher resturaunt in a Disney Park!

Isn't this already up Interstate 4.

 

[challer]

I have a feeling political pressure would keep this one out along with a lot of middle eastern countries, even if they showed up with the sponsorship dollars in hand.

No doubt. But they did have Israel in the Millenium Village....

 

[yitbos96bb]

I too would like to see Russia added, it would be nice to see and Eastern European (well technically it's half Europe and Asia but you know what I mean)...Having said that it would be great to see an African Country (other than the Outpost) represented and if they did South Africa justice then that would be cool as well (meaning not just the colonized culture, but the original culture)....But one word sells me on the Russia idea...VODKA..Woooooo!!!!

DO we really need an African COuntry... I mean, it's pretty well covered at DAK...

I'd like to see Australia, but NOT at Epcot. I think it would be better at DAK.

Countries I'd like to see. Russia would be cool, Brazil makes a lot of sense due to the large amount of visitors and ease of getting brazilians to come and work there... I think Egypt would be cool, but I doubt it would happen... Spain....

 

[yitbos96bb]

Rumor has it that a survey is currently being conducted in Epcot. First was a multiple choice question asking which country you would most like to see added to World Showcase: Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Russia or Other. Following this, the next question asked guests which country would they be least upset to see removed from World Showcase. While I see no need for a country to be removed, I think Disney ought to check out the post I wrote to my blog on this subject a couple of weeks ago, http://disneygene.blogspot.com/2010/03/expanding-epcot.html. I created the whole thing for them, right down to the restaurant menu!

I read your blog... interesting ideas. I'm not sure that St Basil's cathedral would end up in there though... I can't think of anything overtly religious at Disney... For example, we don't see Notre Dame in France or the Vatican in Italy.. both equally well known and stunning land marks. I agree it would look awesome, I just don't think they'd do it.... which is a shame as its probably the most identifiable russian landmark... hopefully I am wrong though.

 

[Mindy5767]

I'd love to see Israel included. There is SO much they could do with it. Maybe they could even have some good kosher restaurants so we won't have to order sealed caterer meals reheated in the microwave! They could represent ancient history or even better, Israel today. As a 2nd choice, Russia would be cool because there is so much of Russian history and culture that most Americans don't know anything about. And, its too difficult for most to visit.

 

[challer]

I'd love to see Israel included. There is SO much they could do with it. Maybe they could even have some good kosher restaurants so we won't have to order sealed caterer meals reheated in the microwave!

Yes! Considering World Showcase has pretty much become a glorified international food court, it would be the perfect place for that.

 

[Mindy5767]

Yes! Considering World Showcase has pretty much become a glorified international food court, it would be the perfect place for that.

I had this thought... and since it was me... and since it was obviously a Disney thought... which tend to be larger than Texas.... what if.... we lobbied.... not like K street lobby.. ok... maybe like that... to get a Kosher table service restaurant at WDW!! What would it take? Some place that actually cooks fresh food, right there. No pork anywhere in sight! Where you don't have to ask... cause you know.... If they had such a restaurant, it would be popular. On the disboards, I've encountered non-Jews who choose kosher for health reasons and some who choose because they know it means quality. Because they expect more of kosher food. I was surprised, but

Do you update your blog? I just read your Thanksgiving entry and the one below it, but didn't see any later than Nov 2009. I'll be at Disney for Thanksgiving this year! The most important thing I will be thankful for besides family getting together... is weather with temps somewhere below the boiling point (yes, I was there last month).

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

The one pavilion I would eliminate (only if I had to) would be Italy. There isn't much to see there.

My Russian born daughter would love a Russian pavilion. I think a South American one would be more appropriate though. Chile, Argentina, or Brazil would get my vote.

I take it by your fur babies' names that you like Seinfeld. Very cute!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Someone also posted about a Roller Coaster in a pavilion - and in the same book (really wishing I could remember the title now) they said there was supposed to be a rollercoaster in either China or Japan (I know they are way different, but the details are fuzzy to me!!) but there just wasn't enough funding for it - because the pavilions are corporate sponsorships, I'm pretty sure.

I believe the rumored rollercoaster was for the Japan Pavilion. It was supposed to be a Mt. Fuji-themed attraction similar to the Matterhorn at Disneyland California called "Journey to Mt. Fuji". However, it was rumored to be scrapped because of Disney's relationship and sponsorship with Kodak. I found this information from numerous sources on the internet. However, remember it is only a rumor until Disney confirms.

Also, every few years there are rumors about a new country "planned" to be added to World Showcase. They've even posted signs in the past of coming pavilions that never made it past the planning phase (Australia, Russia, Spain, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Israel and Equatorial Africa). Can they hurry up already and choose a new addition! They've been asking those same poll questions for year about new countries. I was polled two years ago!

Personally, I think Russia and India would be on the top of the list. They have to think from a money-making point of view (restaurants and shopping). Then, they have to think of the aesthetics of the pavilions. Both Russia and India have some amazing architectural landmarks (Taj Mahal and Saint Basil’s Cathedral). I would be very pleased with either country. I think they would make a great addition to World Showcase.

For the person that said they don't think Disney would put anything religious into a pavilion, have you been to the Italy, Norway or Morocco Pavilions? Italy has St. Mark's Campanile (associated with St. Mark's Basilica), Norway has the Stave Church and Morocco has a Minaret (associated with a mosque).

Jennifer

 

[doconeill]

I believe the rumored rollercoaster was for the Japan Pavilion. It was supposed to be a Mt. Fuji-themed attraction similar to the Matterhorn at Disneyland California called "Journey to Mt. Fuji". However, it was rumored to be scrapped because of Disney's relationship and sponsorship with Kodak. I found this information from numerous sources on the internet. However, remember it is only a rumor until Disney confirms.

Supposedly, Fujifilm was going to foot the bill for it, but the Kodak relationship got in the way. Now that Kodak is apparently out of JII, I wonder if this can be reconsidered - but then again, what is Fujifilm doing any more? I don't think their marketshare of flash cards is sufficient potential business for the expense...

Also, every few years there are rumors about a new country "planned" to be added to World Showcase. They've even posted signs in the past of coming pavilions that never made it past the planning phase (Australia, Russia, Spain, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Israel and Equatorial Africa). Can they hurry up already and choose a new addition! They've been asking those same poll questions for year about new countries. I was polled two years ago!

On the WWOD special on EPCOT Center's opening, they said right on the program that Equatorial Africa would be build and opened shortly, and even spoke with Alex Haley. That's about as confirmed an announcement you can get, and it didn't happen. At this point, I wouldn't believe anything until it's at least 80% built, and I can see it. And even then...

I'm hoping for a place that serves a good curry.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I'd love to see Israel included. There is SO much they could do with it. Maybe they could even have some good kosher restaurants so we won't have to order sealed caterer meals reheated in the microwave! They could represent ancient history or even better, Israel today. As a 2nd choice, Russia would be cool because there is so much of Russian history and culture that most Americans don't know anything about. And, its too difficult for most to visit.

Israel was planned. But due to political reason, it will never be in World Showcase. Disney is already a target for terrorists, imagine if they put an Israel Pavilion in World Showcase ... Disney is people's escape from "reality".

I am not Jewish, but do feel for your lack of a kosher menu at WDW. We visited Hershey Park this past summer and I noticed a full kosher counter service restaurant.

Jennifer

 

[challer]

Israel was planned. But due to political reason, it will never be in World Showcase. Disney is already a target for terrorists, imagine if they put an Israel Pavilion in World Showcase ... Disney is people's escape from "reality".

I am not Jewish, but do feel for your lack of a kosher menu at WDW. We visited Hershey Park this past summer and I noticed a full kosher counter service restaurant.

Jennifer

Actually, I believe the planned Israel pavilion was cancelled due to mutual Disney & Israel funding issues (Disney - Eisner not wanting to put more cash into the money sinkhole Epcot; Israel's need to up their defense budget). Thus, the Israel exhibit in the Millennium Village: cheaper, and no security or political issues.

Yes, the kosher counter service places in Hershey and Dutch Wonderland are a pleasure for the Kosher family.

I had this thought... and since it was me... and since it was obviously a Disney thought... which tend to be larger than Texas.... what if.... we lobbied.... not like K street lobby.. ok... maybe like that... to get a Kosher table service restaurant at WDW!! What would it take? Some place that actually cooks fresh food, right there. No pork anywhere in sight! Where you don't have to ask... cause you know.... If they had such a restaurant, it would be popular. On the disboards, I've encountered non-Jews who choose kosher for health reasons and some who choose because they know it means quality. Because they expect more of kosher food. I was surprised, but

Do you update your blog? I just read your Thanksgiving entry and the one below it, but didn't see any later than Nov 2009. I'll be at Disney for Thanksgiving this year! The most important thing I will be thankful for besides family getting together... is weather with temps somewhere below the boiling point (yes, I was there last month).

Whatever it takes. I wrote to Disney (when I was more naive) and suggested a Coney Island-style Kosher deli for the Boardwalk area. I thought that it would be great for Epcot and DHS visitors, and might even entice Kosher travelers to stay in the Boardwalk or Beach Club. However, the response was the typical "Thank you, but we don't accept Imagineering suggestions from civillians like yourself."

I know, I know.... I will be updating my blog now that the combined Halloween/Christmas season at Disney is here. Thanks for keeping an eye on it!

 

[Mindy5767]

We know about the kosher restaurant at Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland. I've only been to it once because usually we end up going up on Saturday and alas, it is closed for Shabbat. That said.... the last time we went to Hershey Park, I think it was 2 years ago. We couldn't help but compare everything to Disney and it wasn't that favorable. Probably because the bathrooms just don't measure up to Disney standards (or mine). Clean bathrooms is very important to me. The whole cleanliness of the park and upkeep just didn't compete with Disney, so we couldn't help but feel disappointed. Years ago, when we used to go all the time, we didn't have that problem because we hadn't BEEN to Disney! We hadn't been spoiled!

Whatever reason Israel is not included, I think its too bad! It would have been a great addition. They have the muslim country of Morocco. Did you know that when the Declaration of Independence was signed, Morocco was the first country to recognize us?! little historical factoid.

Challer, I will keep an eye on your blog for updates.