How did they determine which countries for Epcot?

[k5thbeatle]

Does anyone know the story as to how the countries that are now in Epcot were chosen? Who made the decision? Was the World Showcase part of Epcot something that Walt envisioned in his early concepts of Epcot? Do the country selections have their origins in Walts original plans even though Epcot was not built for years after his death?

Who knows the true story?

 

[MissionMouse]

EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is Walt's name with a distinct design based upon a living world community not the amusement park you see today. Today even the spelling is no longer in all capitals... Epcot, thus it no longer references to Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Here is a quick and simple link http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/epcot.htm

 

[k5thbeatle]

Ok yeah, but I still ask my original question of how did they come up with which countries were to be used?

 

[HaleyB]

Walt did have a vision for EPCOT but it was nothing like what we have. It was to be a real prototype city that people lived and worked in...


As for why the countries were 'picked' I do know the countries sponser their own pavillions (as in paid for them to be built).

 

[pampam]

We took a behind the scenes tour at Epcot, and were told that originally, American Adventure was going to be at the entrance to world showcase, between Canada and Mexico. However, they needed something to draw visitors into World showcase and around the water. Also, putting American Adventure where it is now is more visually appealing. Various countries are invited to participate. It is up to individual countries if they chose to spend their resources to promote their country.

 

[aengus]

I took the same tour! The countries were going to be in geographical order america at the front, canada to the right (which it is) and then mexico to the left (which it is) but Japan and China being geographically close together and us silly Americans not really being able to tell the differences they dropped the whole idea, moved America to the back and moved Japan and China pavillions away from each other.

Any country was welcome to put a bid in and in some cases they either couldnt come up with an agreement with Disney on how to implement or couldnt agree on costs. The rumor had been that Spain was still in negotiations and still might some day be a part of the world showcase.

 

[minnie61650]

..... Was the World Showcase part of Epcot something that Walt envisioned in his early concepts of Epcot? Do the country selections have their origins in Walts original plans even though Epcot was not built for years after his death?

Who knows the true story?

WALT designed EPCOT it was to be an experimental prototype community (and community was a very carefully chosen word) of tomorrow. In other words it was going to a futuristic community where families would live, children would go to school, and parents would work. It was going to be encased in a envoirmently controled dome. Walt wanted to use futuristic transportation and the very latest in technology in this community. It was to be everchanging. Always the newest and best technology had to offer.
The Epcot we enjoy today was not at all in Walt's plans. In an interview Walt once refereed to EPCOT as "being a Showcase to the world.'" They used that phrase and thus made World Showcase. As much as I enjoy Epcot it sometimes saddens me to think that Epcot is not at all how he envisioned it.

Linda
AKA All Star Goddess

 

[WDWOKW92]

Epcot (Every person comes out tired) was in negotiations to add the Russia several plus years ago but I was told that the $$$ commitment couldn't be agreed upon. Most of the countries hope their representation at Epcot will increase their tourist trade.

 

[MissionMouse]

Ok yeah, but I still ask my original question of how did they come up with which countries were to be used?

You actually asked a series of questions and I answered two core questions dealing with Walt. Your remaining question is not so simple since it would require someone with insider - Executive Decision making knowledge of the specific committee that makes the decision. The country has to have entertainment value, marketability to guest, culture and history of interest, world contributions, notable city landmarks, product marketability (gifts to be sold in showcase), possible ride concept, appealing food, concept feasibility studies, guest marketability survey results, availability of company sponsors, financial capital of sponsors, and sponsors within the country too. I would expect this list is rather extensive and review by a variety of functional groups within the Disney organization over a period of time can even spell doom to a concept as the analysis of the concept nears completion.

If you have visted EPCOT/Epcot over the years there have been numerous countries posted as coming in the near future but fail to appear. Even when a country is approved it does not mean it will be built.

 

[puffkin]

I read in several places that Walt had wanted a World Showcase type place, but he originally planned it for the Magic Kingdom. So, when they designed EPCOT, they thought it would be appropriate to incorporate the World Showcase there.

I believe as to which countries, Disney approached certain countries and basically said if you can come up with the money, you can have a pavillion. It is a financial commitment mainly. I am sure more countries will be added should they come up with a design and the money to make it happen.