How authentic is World Showcase?

[andtigger2]

As sad as it might be - when I do travel in some of those countries - my thoughts are always "wow, just as nice as disney". lol.

 

[Piglet Pal]

lorraine31; just fyi: the word England is mentioned twice in the thread. The OP, and in one repeat one additional reply.

Hardly everyone, all the time, etc.

Perhaps one is being a touch oversensitive?

FWIW; My husband and children are Irish born, as is my Dad (ROI) and most Americans don't realize that ROI is not part of the UK. Do I get offended every time someone gets it wrong? No. Because I would become a very frustrated and unhappy human being.

well if you read the candy from ws thread you'll see that the UK pavillion is referred to as England numerous times so "one" can correct you on that point.

The fact is the Uk is made up of 4 separate countries, all of which have their own diverse histories and cultures. Now dont get me wrong I love visiting England and have English relatives and friends but everyone in the UK is proud of their origins and it does become frustrating to have to repeat myself over and over again to those too ignorant to learn basic geography.

And its not just us Brits being "over-sensitive". I have Canadian uni friends who reacted in the same way when someone referred to them as Americans, the same with the ROI students on my course being referred to as Northern Irish. People are proud of their roots and like to have them recognised.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

World Showcase smells much better than the real thing, esp (Venice and Paris). It is also much cleaner and you don't have to worry about someone pickpocketing you on the train or a vendor chasing you down the street. Also, if you order a soft drink it comes with ice. It is also great because most people there like Americans.

So to answer the question OP, the WS is not even remotely authentic, but that is not always a bad thing!

As far as the UK thing goes, maybe the posters were specifically speaking of the England area of the UK pavillion, I think this is the case because Fish and Chips were specifically mentioned.

Also, I wouldn't get down on Americans for not knowing World Geography, it is bad enough that most don't even know American Geography. Ask 10 random Americans to name 5 US mountain ranges and see what you get. Ask 10 random Americans what state boaders South Dakota to the North and see what you get. Trust me it won't be pretty.

All joking aside. We travel a lot and we enjoy the WS. I do like the 3-D travel brochure analogy.

 

[ntsammy5]

Ask 10 random Americans what state boaders South Dakota to the North and see what you get. Trust me it won't be pretty.

I'm guessing North Utah? Just a guess mind you!

 

[Jennasis]

I had the opportunity to visit China last year for three weeks. I agree with the poster who said that WS smells better than the real thing. The ENTIRE Cityof Shanghai smelled like farts. Sorry I can't sugar coat that one. The food was just awful too. At least the stylized WS version was clean, tranquil and pretty. The main similarity was the people staffing it. The folks in China are some of the nicest, most pleasant and accomodating I've ever met!

DH and I will take the illusion of WS over the real deal anyday.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

The ENTIRE Cityof Shanghai smelled like farts. Sorry I can't sugar coat that one.
DH and I will take the illusion of WS over the real deal anyday.

I guess on the plus side, you could rip a nasty one and no one would know!

 

[surfergirl602]

Some countries at WS are more "immersive" than others. Morocco is a good example, but it was also one of the last countries done and was personally funded by the King of morocco who sent his own architects to design the pavilion.

The UK, Japan, Morocco and Mexico are all more immersive, and Germany, Italy, America aren't very immersive IMO.

That said, it IS very tastefully done and it is not tacky or like you'd see in vegas for example. The attractions are also well done and authentic (except for three caballeros invading Mexico).

France, China and America have the best shows IMO.

Morocco and Italy are my favorites. I could spend hours walking around in the little space of Morocco. It's sooo beautiful. I love italy, talking to the CMS about everything, mostly I love the masks, we get one every time we go. I like the UK because of the food though.

 

[Piglet Pal]

Also, I wouldn't get down on Americans for not knowing World Geography, it is bad enough that most don't even know American Geography. Ask 10 random Americans to name 5 US mountain ranges and see what you get. Ask 10 random Americans what state boaders South Dakota to the North and see what you get. Trust me it won't be pretty.

lol ok then!!!!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

My DD just loved the Japan pavillion. She wanted to spend all here time there. She spent most of her money in Mitsukoshi. The girls who worked there were super nice. And she loved seeing Miyuke and the drummers.
I think that when you do WS you can't have the attitude that it is going to be exactly like visiting the actual country. If you do that I think your expectations are going to make you be disappointed. Just go there and relax and enjoy the atmosphere and the surroundings. Even if it isn't perfectly like the country it represents it is still beautiful and there are still funs things there to see and explore. I think how much you enjoy WS (just like with ANYTHING) is dependent on your attitude. Just have fun! You are at Disney after all! Sure beats working anyday!!!