Epcot Historians: Tell me why only certain countries are represented

[missypie]

I'm sure the answer is "Those are the countries that were willing to fork over the money to build something." But were pretty much all countries (who weren't our "enemies" at the time) invited? Is there room for other countries to be added? For example, after seing the Olympics, Greece would be nice; lots of people love Greek food. And now that we aren't in the Cold War, Russia would be interesting.

If you know the history of Epcot, this is your time to shine!

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

I don't know if this is true but I thought I remember reading a post on the DIS why Morroco was included - - > it was the first country to recognzie the United States as an independent country.

Anyone know if that's true?

Debbie

 

[Chuck S]

Actually, an African pavilion was originally planned (where the trading post type area is today) but did not find a sponsor. In fact, it was announced by Alex Haley on the EPCOT grand opening broadcast. Spain has been talked about, as well as Israel. Israel had a simulator ride during the Millennium Celebration. Spain has a small temporary area last fall. There is room for several new countries.

 

[Chuck S]

I don;t know if that is why Morocco was included, but it is true that they were the first country to officially recognize the USA as a sovereign nation.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I was gonna post on the Morocco question, but ChuckS covered that nicely (and my Moroccan friends will attest, bcs many Moroccans know this while very few of us Yanks do).

The never realized African pavillion might some day get a South African sponsor, the way that the Moroccan tourism ministry and Royal Air Maroc do for Morocco. I would think modern sensibilities would mean that it would be the South African pavillion, rather than respresent a whole continent (which BTW includes Morocco).

What I would love to see would be India represented! Tho India does not rely much on foreign tourism (as a percentage of the economy) compared to say South Africa. But hey, India will soon represnt 20% of the World's population, and wow, what a cultural legacy there! Not likely tho.

Perhaps more likely might be Brazil. Wouldn't that be fun! They'd have to doctor any beach photos to expand the suits to American sensibilities - or maybe not, if they want to attract more tourists. And I'd love to have a Brazilian dining option at Epcot. And we really ought to have representation from the second largest economy in the Americas. Tourism is big business in Brazil so perhaps we might actually get a sponsor. Just dreaming here.

 

[kandmwedding]

Originally posted by WeLoveThePoly
I don't know if this is true but I thought I remember reading a post on the DIS why Morroco was included - - > it was the first country to recognzie the United States as an independent country.

Anyone know if that's true?

Debbie

That's what I was told by a CM on our Hidden Treasures of the WS tour. You can actually see a framed letter in the lobby of the Marrakesh to George Washington from the then king/prince/prime minister (not sure which) of Morroco. Morocco is also the only country that is funded by it's government. This was avoided in general because they didn't want the countries to become political.

Learned lots of interesting stuff on that tour... for instance, they originally planned to have the American Adventure at the base of the World Showcase, between Mexico and Canada since that's where it is located geographically. They decided against it because the Colonial them of the American Adventure didn't fit with the theme of Future World.

 

[Fire14]

I personally would love to see a Netherlands Pav. Growing up in a Dutch comm. I learned a lot but would love to have a disney touch.