Thoughts on new countries in Epcot?

[johnGorski]

Nah I would say they would make Norway into Farve/Jared Allen/AP and the whole team land. LOL

 

[idieh]

That's sad; why is Morocco thought to be the "least popular"? Maybe there have been some threads about this that I've missed? It's my favorite, but come to think of it, I never see that many people there. I love its architecture, the food, the gorgeous theming, and the beautiful and hospitable CMs who work there. I've had some memorable conversations with them (Sorry if that was OT).

Unfortunatly, I think the simple reason is that Americans just don't understand countries in that region. It has great history, but the lifestyle of the population is belived to be "different" and "strange". They are seen, incorrectly, as poor, uneducated and living in the desert. The pervasive Muslim faith presents its own challenges. For whatever reason, Americans seem to feel that all Muslims hate us. Were that is true in some places, it is certainly not true of all. Our relative isolation may play a role here. Whereas, Europeans can travel to many countries in an hour or two, America has only Canada and Mexico on our borders. And, they are not easily accessable to most parts of the country. So, we do not get exposure to other nations customs, history, languages, foods or people.

Doug

 

[KellyNY]

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,

Ha Ha, Starring Borat

 

[KellyNY]

That's sad; why is Morocco thought to be the "least popular"? Maybe there have been some threads about this that I've missed? It's my favorite, but come to think of it, I never see that many people there. I love its architecture, the food, the gorgeous theming, and the beautiful and hospitable CMs who work there. I've had some memorable conversations with them (Sorry if that was OT).

Unfortunatly, I think the simple reason is that Americans just don't understand countries in that region. It has great history, but the lifestyle of the population is belived to be "different" and "strange". They are seen, incorrectly, as poor, uneducated and living in the desert. The pervasive Muslim faith presents its own challenges. For whatever reason, Americans seem to feel that all Muslims hate us. Were that is true in some places, it is certainly not true of all. Our relative isolation may play a role here. Whereas, Europeans can travel to many countries in an hour or two, America has only Canada and Mexico on our borders. And, they are not easily accessable to most parts of the country. So, we do not get exposure to other nations customs, history, languages, foods or people.

Doug

I see Morocco as an exotic country to us, yes it is not as widely visited as lets say Canada, but this is what makes me visit the pavilion. Their culture is very different but if you set apart all the Muslim differences, you can see pretty exotic and romantic country with amazing archetecture, food, belly dancers. I would like to see more exotic countries at Epcot, makes it interesting.

 

[idieh]

I see Morocco as an exotic country to us, yes it is not as widely visited as lets say Canada, but this is what makes me visit the pavilion. Their culture is very different but if you set apart all the Muslim differences, you can see pretty exotic and romantic country with amazing archetecture, food, belly dancers. I would like to see more exotic countries at Epcot, makes it interesting.

I couldn't agree with you more! That is why I proposed both Brazil and Greece, before Australia as my choices for a new pavillion. Both would be more interesting and exotic. Whereas, Australia would be more "comfortable" and "familiar"; with nowhere near as much to learn and explore. I was mearly trying to point to a few reasons why Morocco may be less traveled than some of the other pavillions. Sadly, I do feel that the differences that Americans feel toward the Muslim faith does have a hugh impact here. Morocco is no more exotic than Japan or China, yet we do not hold the same misgivings about those countries.

Doug

 

[RookieMouse]

I don't think the World Showcase needs another European country, as it already has the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Norway (sorry Greece). Asia is represented by China and Japan, Africa by Morocco, and North America by Canada, the US and Mexico.

What is completely (and sadly) unrepresented is the Southern Hemisphere, which is why, for my money, Brazil and Australia would be wonderful additions.

Why Brazil rather than Peru? A previous poster mentioned the Inca connection and the possible Emperor Kuzco link, but to me, this would be too similar to the Aztec thing at Mexico pavilion. And think of the possibilities of a rainforest or Amazon theme, as well as the whole Rio and Carnivale thing.

Australia has a ton of potential as a showcase country. The Sydney opera house, Ularu and the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, the Aboriginal connection... the list goes on.

Anyway, regardless of everyone's well thought out choices, I think we can all agree that we are way past due for some new additions at World Showcase.

Awesome thread!!


John

 

[RookieMouse]

I would like to see more exotic countries at Epcot, makes it interesting.

What, we Canucks are not exotic or interesting enough for you? What's up with that, eh?

 

[Pecobill]

What, we Canucks are not exotic or interesting enough for you? What's up with that, eh?

Of course you guys are exotic and interesting.For instance I was completely shocked when I went up there and you have milk in a BAG

 

[pixiepirate]

I would love to see Australia, Ireland or Peru.

 

[marielynn724]

India would be awesome. or Russia.

 

[Dervis]

I'd love an India pavillion. I could finally get some good Thai food, and they could even have a Bollywood type of show for entertainment.

It'd be nice to see South America represented. Brazil would be really neat!

Personally, I'd love to see the South Pacific represented. Either New Zealand, or Australia, or even something like Tahiti, Tonga, or Fiji, even though we already do have the Polynesian resort.

 

[SecretPoohLove]

a steak place that could rival Le Cellier! One that was big enough for all of us!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I think Greece would be cool. Then they could do Pain and Panic, Hercules and Meghera (did I spell that right?) for characters there.

 

[loveWDWalways]

Unfortunatly, I think the simple reason is that Americans just don't understand countries in that region. It has great history, but the lifestyle of the population is belived to be "different" and "strange". They are seen, incorrectly, as poor, uneducated and living in the desert. The pervasive Muslim faith presents its own challenges. For whatever reason, Americans seem to feel that all Muslims hate us. Were that is true in some places, it is certainly not true of all. Our relative isolation may play a role here. Whereas, Europeans can travel to many countries in an hour or two, America has only Canada and Mexico on our borders. And, they are not easily accessable to most parts of the country. So, we do not get exposure to other nations customs, history, languages, foods or people.

Doug

That makes sense. I guess I didn't have my thinking cap on when I asked that question.

But thanks for explaining that in detail. I was hoping you'd say that maybe people think there isn't enough to do in Morocco or they don't like the food or some trivial complaint. I guess an India pavilion wouldn't go over too well with the people you've mentioned, as it has the same labels associated with Morocco. But it's such a popular choice here at the Dis, so I know there are many people who would appreciate the diversity of India, Morocco or any place else!

 

[Luisa]

I'd love an India pavillion. I could finally get some good Thai food, and they could even have a Bollywood type of show for entertainment.

Umm, isn't Thai food from Thailand?

 

[idieh]

That makes sense. I guess I didn't have my thinking cap on when I asked that question.

But thanks for explaining that in detail. I was hoping you'd say that maybe people think there isn't enough to do in Morocco or they don't like the food or some trivial complaint. I guess an India pavilion wouldn't go over too well with the people you've mentioned, as it has the same labels associated with Morocco. But it's such a popular choice here at the Dis, so I know there are many people who would appreciate the diversity of India, Morocco or any place else!

Although India would not be one of my favorites for a new pavillion, a strong case could be made for it. A Taj Mahal themed ride could work or even a film like China and Canada. If nothing else, an Indian TS restuarant would be outstanding!

 

[idieh]

a steak place that could rival Le Cellier! One that was big enough for all of us!

I couldn't agree more!

 

[Csaks]

Of course you guys are exotic and interesting.For instance I was completely shocked when I went up there and you have milk in a BAG

How else do you buy it? LOL We have cartons but those are for camping trips.
You don't have milk in bags?

 

[KellyNY]

Although India would not be one of my favorites for a new pavillion, a strong case could be made for it. A Taj Mahal themed ride could work or even a film like China and Canada. If nothing else, an Indian TS restuarant would be outstanding!

True, Taj Mahal is very beautiful and if you add some dancers and singers it will be amazing, however we have India representation in AK, Kali River and so.

 

[MissionMouse]

1) Whoever wants to pay
. . . $45-$70 million to build the exhibit ( a figure I saw elsewhere)
. . . $5-$15 million per year to operate it
2) ALL countries are sponsored and paid for by the sponsor.
3) Morocco is a state-sponsored exhibit.
4) All others are tourist bureaus or companies.

A source I found referenced the current rate to establish a new country at just over $100 million. They also need sponsorship derives from the countries government and corporate sponsors normally composed of a group of businesses under a lengthy contract. Initial countries signed 10 year contracts. Disney also looks at the Return on Investment (ROI) as many of the countries being referenced by many posters have already been proposed and pitched by Disney to the respective countries: Israel, Venezula, Ukraine, Soviet Union, Sweden, Poland, Egypt, Greece, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, Saudia Arabia, Spain, etc.