EPCOT days gone by

[W.E.D.]

Wasn't sure where to put this, so Mods, please move if you feel it appropriate.

Just found an old ('82) map of EPCOT. Way in the back it looks like there is an African Pavilion where now there is just a bridge and a few African-type merch. stalls.

Anyone know what ever became of that? Passing by that area of WS, it looks like nothing was ever built there.

http://www.realdisney.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/epcot-center.jpg

 

[DisneyNutinNJ]

Reply needs links and I need posts.. so coming in 2 more posts

 

[DisneyNutinNJ]

once again....I promise an answer is coming...

 

[DisneyNutinNJ]

And here we go :

Found this article specifically on the "lost" Africa Pavilion, seems that the only country willing to (and able to) contribute sponsorship was South Africa at the height of Apartheid and Disney wanted to keep clear of that:
http://futureprobe.blogspot.com/2008/11/africa-lost-world-showcase-pavilion.html

While it's not here, my understanding is that an Israeli Pavilion was also nixed because of fear of it becoming a target, and a USSR pavilion for similar reasons -- it would be too politically charged in the 1980s. (I think this might be on Lost EPCOT - see below)


Also, for all things from EPCOT of days gone by, this site is great too:

http://www.lostepcot.com/index.html

 

[W.E.D.]

Thanks, DisneyNutinNJ! What a fabulous site. And I've been trying to find all the old pavilion icons for some time.

 

[grimley1968]

Funny how much the image on the top of that page looks like a section of Animal Kingdom now.

 

[W.E.D.]

^^^True. But from what I understand, the Imagineers don't throw anything away. You never know when you'll need some concept art.

 

[grimley1968]

^^^True. But from what I understand, the Imagineers don't throw anything away. You never know when you'll need some concept art.

That's got to be true, because the image in that one site's main page is almost exactly what that one corner of AK looks like now, down to the color scheme, the locations of elements within the image, everything. When I first saw it, I thought there had to be a mistake and that it was a concept drawing for AK.

 

[W.E.D.]

Keeping with the theme of the thread, I'll pose a couple more questions/thoughts.

I know the Japan and Germany Pavilions (maybe China too??) were originally set to have dark-ride type attractions. I believe the exteriors were even built (thus the huge castles at the back of the pavilions). Wouldn't these be good places to make additions to WS? Considering that they already have the shell built? You would think it would reduce some of the cost.

 

[grimley1968]

I wouldn't be surprised if they were intended to house dark rides, but the sponsoring nations just didn't want to foot the bill for them. I was under the impression that the sponsoring nations pay for much of what is inside their pavilions, if not the entire pavilions themselves.

 

[doconeill]

Regarding the Africa pavilion - on the Wonderful World Of Disney special on the opening of EPCOT the Africa pavilion was announced and described, and even had an interview of Alex Haley. I hadn't heard anything about S. Africa being involved and Disney trying to avoid it - I think it was just a deal that yet again fell through at the last moment.

 

[BarleyJack]

Not exactly sure how Africa as a nation could sponsor a pavillion, as Africa is a continent made up of many different countries. The financial logistics could be a nightmare.

 

[Robo]

Keeping with the theme of the thread, I'll pose a couple more questions/thoughts.

I know the Japan and Germany Pavilions (maybe China too??) were originally set to have dark-ride type attractions. I believe the exteriors were even built (thus the huge castles at the back of the pavilions). Wouldn't these be good places to make additions to WS? Considering that they already have the shell built? You would think it would reduce some of the cost.

China already has a CircleVision 360 theater that takes up it's large interior space.

Yes, looks like there are some large "show-buildings" at both Japan
and Germany. (Presumably in search of a "ride.")

 

[DisneyNutinNJ]

Here's another fun site (with the page for never realized World Showcase attractions):

http://www.waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id207.htm

At least 3 nations got to the point of having a "future site of..." and "coming soon" signs: Africa, Israel, and Spain!!

A great site to browse to remember what was and what could have been throughout the World!

 

[puffkins]

Those large "show buildings" in countries that do not have rides have all been converted into restaurants. Doubtful Disney would remove them now since I assume they are money-makers.

 

[Shannon12]

I wish I could remember what site it was, but I read that the ride in Germany was supposed to be a dark ride along the Rhine river. That there are 2 giant wooden doors somewhere there that would have been the entrance.

Japan was supposed to have a ride based on Mt. Fuji, and Fuji film wanted to be the sponsor, but because of Disney's relationship with Kodak, this never came to pass.

I don't know how much of this is true

 

[MonorailDriver]

I have the the book from the opening of Epcot, the last page tells you that Equatorial Africa, Israel, and Spain are all coming soon. Doesn't mention anything about Norway or Morocco, which I think were the only things added to WS since it opened...correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Israel was the main attraction at the Millennium Village around the turn of the century, but I've heard in more then one place that there was a fear of terrorism so they scrapped the idea.

Also heard the USSR was in final planning when it became apparent that communism was going to collapse and it was put on the back burner and then scrapped all together.

Never heard anything about Spain. I think two good ideas for additions that not only would lend a nice ride or show or something but also is something that is different from what is already there, would be either Egypt or Australia. Although I kind of think Australia would work even better in Animal Kingdom if they were ever going to add on to there...who knows just some thoughts.

 

[Robo]

Those large "show buildings" in countries that do not have rides have all been converted into restaurants. Doubtful Disney would remove them now since I assume they are money-makers.

I don't think that's true, to my memory.

I know the Japanese restaurants are above the department store.
(Dark rectangle building on the right of the photo.)

The German restaurant is in only a section of the large building.
(In the photo, the area with the lower roof, to the right of the much
larger and taller-roofed area.

 

[Glenn]

One small thing that was eliminated from Germany is the figures in the clock. Back in the 80s & 90s when the clock tower in Germany struck the hour (not sure about the quarter hour) the doors on the clock face would open and 2 figures would go from one side to the other. Many medieval clocks in Germany, Austria & Switzerland have this feature. I wonder if this feature broke & just never got fixed. I know kids used to like catching this when the folks werent watching. Lots of little things like this have disappeared.

 

[PatriciaH]

One small thing that was eliminated from Germany is the figures in the clock. Back in the 80s & 90s when the clock tower in Germany struck the hour (not sure about the quarter hour) the doors on the clock face would open and 2 figures would go from one side to the other. Many medieval clocks in Germany, Austria & Switzerland have this feature. I wonder if this feature broke & just never got fixed. I know kids used to like catching this when the folks werent watching. Lots of little things like this have disappeared.

They still come out. There is also a figure for Kim Possible