Puerto Rico in talks to host permanent pavilion in Epcot by 2017.

[HollyTW1997]

I think Epcot is just in need of a new country. I wouldn't mind which country but I'd like it to be somewhere rich in culture (a new ride would be amazing too). I love the showcase so much but it's not had anything new (significant new additions) since Norway was built back in the 80's. It's not like they don't have the space

 

[Planogirl]

Actually you are incorrect: "Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago."

You should Google.

And I spelled it wrong, it is actually Swaziland, (I should Google ) very similar to Lesotho. Both within South Africa and work closely with them, but independent in government. Rather unique arrangements. I had a friend from Lesotho many years ago. Swaziland is considered an independent kingdom.

You apparently completely missed my point: By listing some odd and little known countries/kingdoms, I was saying that it wouldn't matter what nation or territory or protectorate was included, it would be good to have other cultural additions to Epcot.

I can't say that I disagree with this but I fear that that ship has sailed. After what Disney has done to Norway I fully expect quite a few changes to come as time goes on and I doubt that these will involve more nations (or nations within kingdoms as the case may be ). I'd love to be wrong.

I could list a few lesser known nations too. Kiribati? San Marino? South Sudan?

 

[wallrock]

I can't say that I disagree with this but I fear that that ship has sailed. After what Disney has done to Norway I fully expect quite a few changes to come as time goes on and I doubt that these will involve more nations (or nations within kingdoms as the case may be ). I'd love to be wrong.

I could list a few lesser known nations too. Kiribati? San Marino? South Sudan?

I agree that the time has passed for new pavilions in World Showcase. I'd like to see more but the perceived new direction for Epcot is away from culture and more towards the cartoon crowd.

 

[circus4u]

I could list a few lesser known nations too. Kiribati? San Marino? South Sudan?

San Marino, been there; had a great time.
1. Oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world
2. Has the earliest written governing documents (constitution) still in effect
3. No national debt and has a budget surplus
4. It is 24 sq miles and the third smallest country in Europe (Vatican City and Monaco are smaller)
5. One of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP

Now, how about Andorra -- been there too.

Bring them both to the World Showcase.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I can't say that I disagree with this but I fear that that ship has sailed. After what Disney has done to Norway I fully expect quite a few changes to come as time goes on and I doubt that these will involve more nations (or nations within kingdoms as the case may be ). I'd love to be wrong.

I could list a few lesser known nations too. Kiribati? San Marino? South Sudan?

San Marino, been there; had a great time.
1. Oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world
2. Has the earliest written governing documents (constitution) still in effect
3. No national debt and has a budget surplus
4. It is 24 sq miles and the third smallest country in Europe (Vatican City and Monaco are smaller)
5. One of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP

Now, how about Andorra -- been there too.

Bring them both to the World Showcase.

Haha! OK, maybe we need a new thread or highjack this one: What would be the best most esoteric addition to World Showcase?

I'd have to give the nod to San Marino just for it's official name: The Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Other choices might be Monaco. They certainly have the money. You could do a Grand Prix of Monaco ride.

My third choice is not esoteric - everybody knows about Iceland. But Iceland is so cool. Volcano's and beautiful mountains, highest literacy rate, most libraries per citizen, Viking history on the journey to America, and the beginning of Jules Verne's journey to the center of the earth.

 

[Planogirl]

Haha! OK, maybe we need a new thread or highjack this one: What would be the best most esoteric addition to World Showcase?

I'd have to give the nod to San Marino just for it's official name: The Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Other choices might be Monaco. They certainly have the money. You could do a Grand Prix of Monaco ride.

My third choice is not esoteric - everybody knows about Iceland. But Iceland is so cool. Volcano's and beautiful mountains, highest literacy rate, most libraries per citizen, Viking history on the journey to America, and the beginning of Jules Verne's journey to the center of the earth.

Watch that Viking connection. Disney could just use it for Frozen 2.

I love the lesser known places myself. (Kyrgyzstan?) However I would settle for somewhere more mundane like Greece or Spain or, yes, Puerto Rico.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Elsa runs away to the west to a land of snow and ice that will some day be called... Iceland. Or maybe Elsa MAKES Iceland. Or Anna is kidnapped and taken to the beautiful green country of Iceland until Elsa arrives to save her.

Frozen 2: Arendelle Versus the Vikings

And there will be a new ride based on Frozen 2 in the Iceland pavilion.

 

[beer dave]

Elsa runs away to the west to a land of snow and ice that will some day be called... Iceland. Or maybe Elsa MAKES Iceland. Or Anna is kidnapped and taken to the beautiful green country of Iceland until Elsa arrives to save her.

Frozen 2: Arendelle Versus the Vikings

And there will be a new ride based on Frozen 2 in the Iceland pavilion.

Cool-- can it have a volcano?

 

[nkereina]

If you are strictly focusing on the Carribean I wouldn't go for Puerto Rico - there are so many other Carribean nations with more diverse interesting cultures, foods and backgrounds. How about Cuba or Jamaica....

You must be Canadian. If you aren't familiar with the U.S. and Cuba's relationship, it's worth a google. That is one country you will NEVER see in the World Showcase.

Didn't read all the back and forth on the Brazil posts, but with all the visitors from the country and the rich culture it has (regardless of their stance on America, crime, etc), I think it's probably a better fit than PR. Nothing against PR, I just think Brazil has more of an influence and is more of a world leader.

The addition of PR wouldn't be my first choice for a country, but I am anxious for them to add a new one regardless of what it is. I'd love to see a really unique country, unlike anything else in the WS. Maybe Australia or India. With PR being a US territory and their cuisine being akin to some Mexican foods, I'd be concerned it won't be very different or exciting. But we will see!

 

[Suger Mag]

I'd love to see a really unique country, unlike anything else in the WS. Maybe Australia or India.

I would also love to see India ... huge populous county... lots of great architecture, culture and delicious food... it would be a great addition

 

[circus4u]

Cool-- can it have a volcano?

No, that's at Downtown Disney, formerly known as the Rainforest. All that scaffolding around it must mean they are secretly adding some kind of cool coaster inside it. Rumor has it that you will zoom over and around the tables of diners. No fast pass plus though, instead, as patrons complete their meals, they will receive priority boarding. Just don't eat a lot, the diners below you may not appreciate it. (Well, this is a rumor board, isn't it?)

 

[Polish Hammer]

You must be Canadian... With PR being a US territory and their cuisine being akin to some Mexican foods, I'd be concerned it won't be very different or exciting.

you must be Canadian as well, their cuisine isn't the same.

Another thing to keep in mind regarding this possible expansion, Disney likes to have their countries in Epcot staffed by people native to that particular country. With PR being a US territory they can staff it quite easily without any hassle of visas, green cards etc...
I always wondered how or why they'd have some of these countries but would leave out Spain, but I'd love to see PR.

 

[Teacher Princess]

you must be Canadian as well, their cuisine isn't the same.

Another thing to keep in mind regarding this possible expansion, Disney likes to have their countries in Epcot staffed by people native to that particular country. With PR being a US territory they can staff it quite easily without any hassle of visas, green cards etc...
I always wondered how or why they'd have some of these countries but would leave out Spain, but I'd love to see PR.

Our cuisine it's completely different ! Just check the menus at the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot and you will notice the difference .

 

[RustManFan]

Remember DISers.....Iceland is greener and Greenland is icier!! Elsa better work on Greenland!!

 

[MandiC]

India would be fabulous! Australia has the potential to be pretty great as well. As would Jamaica (oh how I love Jamaican food! If I could get some good authentic jerk chicken on my Disney vacation I'd be in heaven). Brazil wouldn't be a bad choice either. No offense to Puerto Rico I just don't think it'd be the best addition at the moment.

 

[Soarin'Steven]

Yes, India! It would be my number 1 choice. Have always loved the idea of Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, Spain, Australia, and Russia as potential new pavilions as well. Tho I like the mention of Iceland too. Also, if ever possible, a Sub-Saharan African country, but I imagine Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge will have to suffice.

 

[IamGroot]

I want ancient Egypt or Ancient Rome.

Who says it needs to be a modern country?

 

[tony67]

you must be Canadian as well, their cuisine isn't the same.

Yeah..not really the same..maybe the same influence but hen went off in totally different directions..any I think PR would be good...as long as it is not the Disney version of the food

Another thing to keep in mind regarding this possible expansion, Disney likes to have their countries in Epcot staffed by people native to that particular country.

Is this still true...it seems like they are not as strict on this as they used to be...

 

[Kiwini]

Bringing this back to the original post, it looks like the story from the Puerto Rican source has now been redacted. The context was that Puerto Rico successfully participated in the Food and Wine festival, and something may have been interpreted as something more.

The page currently says (translated by Google):

At the request of the interviewee
September 29 This note has been removed as a courtesy to the request of the interviewee. No way this action corresponds to an admission that Metro reporter Cindy Burgos or made errors in reporting what was said by the interviewee. ​

However, the page does link to a story about the Food & Wine Festival, with a (translated) line that says:

The flag of Puerto Rico will be throughout the festival, which ends in November. Bacus said that, upon completion of the event, negotiations with Disney to keep the flag is permanent.​

That could be interpreted in different ways, including the literal "let's keep a Puerto Rican flag flying somewhere in Epcot after the festival" and not necessarily a pavilion.

http://touch.metro.pr/locales/todo-...de-puerto-rico-en-epcot/pGXnit!9lcQugZT5khoY/

Directly stolen from the WDW subreddit.

http://touch.metro.pr/locales/para-largo-presencia-de-puerto-rico-en-epcot/pGXniC!roFloBmBSHKI/

https://translate.google.com/transl...rico-en-epcot/pGXniC!roFloBmBSHKI/&edit-text=