Epcot nations

[Chautauqua]

As many know, there are spaces around the World Showcase where additional countries could be added. Does anyone know: 1. Are there are plans to add one or more countries, and 2. If not, what is the likelihood that more will be added sometime down the road and what might be a realistic expectation for how many years down the road?
It seems like a logical way to invigorate the park, as they regularly do by adding/changing/refurbing rides and attractions.

As a sidebar, the question then becomes - if they add a country or two, what countries should they be?
I'd put in a vote for Australia. It would be neat to go 'down under' at Disney.

 

[doconeill]

There have been nothing but rumors, and given that new pavilions were even announced by Disney that never happened, I wouldn't expect anything until it actually opens.

Often cited "desired" countries are Australia, India, and Thailand (or a Southeast Asian consortium at least). Past rumors (or even announced) off the top of my head have been Africa, Russia, and Iran.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Having Australia would be alot of fun. India or another country around it with a similiar culture would also be pretty cool. I'm really not sure if they would choose India or a country of Africa considering Animal Kingdom has those themes rooted into the park. And you can get African food at Jiko. Because of this, they would probably choose India instead.
There are too many rumors about new countries, Disney hasn't announced anything and I don't think they will in the near future. Especially with the Fantasyland refurb in Magic Kingdom.

 

[daber]

More countries that have been considered are I believe....Switzerland, Israel, Greece, and Spain. Some have had Imagineer drawings made. But until someone within that country decides to pony up the $$$$, it won't happen.

 

[doconeill]

Having Australia would be alot of fun. India or another country around it with a similiar culture would also be pretty cool. I'm really not sure if they would choose India or a country of Africa considering Animal Kingdom has those themes rooted into the park. And you can get African food at Jiko. Because of this, they would probably choose India instead.

The Africa pavilion predates Animal Kingdom - in fact it was planned for as the first expansion of EPCOT Center when it opened, and was even announced in the EPCOT Opening special on Wonderful World Of Disney, with Alex Haley talking about it. It was to go where the African Outpost is now, between Germany and China (and now you know why there is an African Outpost...), but obviously it fell through.

Now with the Animal Kingdom and AKL/AKV, I expect that there will never be an Africa pavilion at all. But India could still have enough draw to warrant it.

South America is the major continent without representation now (aside from Australia, and Antarctica...), but other than people saying what they wished I don't know if anything has ever been considered...

 

[Chautauqua]

But until someone within that country decides to pony up the $$$$, it won't happen.

How much might it cost to add a new pavillion ?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

How much might it cost to add a new pavillion ?

I would guess approaching at least the $10 million mark for design, building and furnishing. Add at around a couple million for annual budget, not a cheap venture.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

The Africa pavilion predates Animal Kingdom - in fact it was planned for as the first expansion of EPCOT Center when it opened, and was even announced in the EPCOT Opening special on Wonderful World Of Disney, with Alex Haley talking about it. It was to go where the African Outpost is now, between Germany and China (and now you know why there is an African Outpost...), but obviously it fell through.

Now with the Animal Kingdom and AKL/AKV, I expect that there will never be an Africa pavilion at all. But India could still have enough draw to warrant it.

South America is the major continent without representation now (aside from Australia, and Antarctica...), but other than people saying what they wished I don't know if anything has ever been considered...

Oh, I forgot about the resfreshment outpost where the CM is carving masks and things. And it is true South American isn't respresented at all, but I don't think people would want to visit a South American country compared to some of the other choices. Or Spain, considering Mexico is already there and they have similiar culture.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Oh, I forgot about the resfreshment outpost where the CM is carving masks and things. And it is true South American isn't respresented at all, but I don't think people would want to visit a South American country compared to some of the other choices. Or Spain, considering Mexico is already there and they have similiar culture.

I dont know, a Brazil pavilion with a Carnival theme could be interesting. A Chili/Andes theme could be neat too.

 

[MJMcBride]

The most recent rumor was a Russia Pavillon that had concept art

Here are some ideas I had

http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/06/03/how-can-we-add-some-spice-to-the-world-showcase/#comments

 

[W.E.D.]

I would guess approaching at least the $10 million mark for design, building and furnishing. Add at around a couple million for annual budget, not a cheap venture.

And probably WAY more than that if they wanted to include a ride.
I heard recently that Australia was really pushing tourism...hmmmm.

 

[ConcKahuna]

They should put in a pavilion for Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

[manning]

Poland....do you know how many polish people live here??

 

[MartinaC]

They should put in a pavilion for Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

[KYMickey]

Poland....do you know how many polish people live here??

Only problem is they came to America to get away from Poland. They certainly wouldn't want to take a vacation to visit a replica of Poland. The only reason they would want to see Poland again is to visit relatives!

 

[ConcKahuna]

"This is my sister. She is #4 prostitute in all of Kazakhstan."

 

[Chautauqua]

Are the nations in a certain order for a reason? I know the American Adventure is where it is for a reason, but how about the others?

Canada and UK together on purpose?

 

[doconeill]

Are the nations in a certain order for a reason? I know the American Adventure is where it is for a reason, but how about the others?

Canada and UK together on purpose?

I am not aware of any significance to any of the ordering. I don't know if it was design or by accident that the UK and France are separated by a channel...

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Canada and UK together on purpose?

The Commonwealth!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Let me cast my vote yet again for the Duchy of Grand Fenwick.

Back to reality, we'll all probably be long gone before they add another country to Epcot. A shame, but evidently there are many obstacles that have prevented it for as long as these rumors have existed.