What countries would you like to see in Epcot?

[Dawnlight]

Israel was in the running at one point: http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html

Yes, and ditched because of politics.

http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_c...ase-never-get-built.aspx#sthash.6afeoGfl.dpbs

Perhaps the saddest story associated with World Showcase's proposed Phase II is the one concerning the Israel pavilion. In November 1980, the State of Israel actually signed a deal to officially become part of Epcot. Joseph Wollf, special officer to the Minister of Finance and president of the Tourist Industry Development Corporation signed an agreement that called for this Middle Eastern country to underwrite the design & construction of a World Showcase pavilion that was estimated to cost $30 - $35 million. What's more, Jeshaja Weinberg (i.e. director of the Jewish Museum in Tel Aviv) agreed to provide Disney with a wide variety of archaeological artifacts. Which could then be put on display in a rotating gallery that was to have been part of Epcot's Israel pavilion.

"So if the money and the artifacts were already in place, why didn't this proposed World Showcase pavilion ever get built?," you ask. Well, that's where things get kind of vague. Though there were signs in place on Epcot's opening day trumpeting that the Israel pavilion was "Coming Soon," by October 1984, there was no sign of this previously-announced World Showcase addition.

Steve Baker (while speaking with Vicki Vaughn of the Orlando Sentinel) tried to put the best possible face on the situation. Insisting that The Walt Disney Company had ...

Herbie Ryman's concept art for the shopping district that was to have been built as part
of the World Showcase's Israel pavilion. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

... made much progress towards an Israel pavilion, getting the Israeli government to contribute design money and enlisting its help in putting together private sectors funds, Baker said. But "all this has taken five years and we expect lots of changes to occur" before the Israel pavilion takes shape.

To date, World Showcase's Israel pavilion has never made it off the drawing board. Reportedly because many senior Disney Company officials believe that including Israel as part of Epcot would then turn this theme park into a possible target for terrorism. Or - at the very least - a potential protest focal point. Which actually did prove to be the case when - in 1999 - the Arab League pushed for a boycott of the Millennium Village at Epcot due to the inclusion of an Israel Pavilion as part of this 15-month-long celebration.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Israel - it would be so great for Holidays Around the World and in the spring for Passover. The restaurant would be excellent, as well.
Spain
New Zealand (I'd save Australia for Animal Kingdom)

 

[mshanson3121]

Ireland. My husband's family is Irish, and the step dancers are so beautiful to watch (if there were to be a live show).

I'm curious - does the UK paviliion not touch on Ireland and Scotland, or is it just England?

If it doesn't, I agree - Ireland, and Scotland would both be phenomenal options - the pubs, food, the live shows, between step dancing, celtic music, bag pipes, highland dancing (with their swords and kilts etc...). Or, the UK pavillion could add some of these options?

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm curious - does the UK paviliion not touch on Ireland and Scotland, or is it just England?

If it doesn't, I agree - Ireland, and Scotland would both be phenomenal options - the pubs, food, the live shows, between step dancing, celtic music, bag pipes, highland dancing (with their swords and kilts etc...). Or, the UK pavillion could add some of these options?

Northern Ireland is part of hte UK but Ireland is not.

 

[mshanson3121]

Northern Ireland is part of hte UK but Ireland is not.

Lordy, shows how long it's been since I studied world geography...

 

[loves to dive]

Greece. Love the food, love the culture.

 

[prune1977]

Tahiti, Australia, Israel, any of these.

 

[mshanson3121]

While it would probably never happen due to politics, Russia.

 

[FigmentIsTheBest]

Another vote for India.

Or even better, build the India themed resort I see on the lake front north east of MK in old promotional material! (also shows a monorail line)

 

[nilla]

Nope. I love the France Pavilion. I was referring to Arendelle.

Is Norway really being dumped entirely, or is the ride just undergoing re-theming?

Edit: never mind - found the info on my own. This new "internet search" thing is amazing!

Sounds like it would be a new attraction, which would not replace the Norway pavilion.

 

[DisneyBelle27]

Definitely India, a sub-Saharan African country, Australia or NZ, and Brazil to represent South America. Heck, let's throw in Antarctica so we have representation from all 7 continents! lol

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I thought there is room for additional pavilions, they just haven't utilized it.

Brazil - They could put in a churrascaria, feature samba,...
Spain
Russia
Thailand
India
Greece - I don't care for the food, but it is pretty popular; and obviously there's a rich history and culture

 

[JanaDee]

Australia.

 

[JasonMouse]

Russia! Sing along with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf on a magical nuclear submarine voyage! Olaf bumps into the missile control panel and accidentally wages war on Norway! But it all works out in the end when Elsa discovers additional powers, which unfortunately causes everyone to go bald.

 

[SeilerBird]

I vote for Holland. Put in a few coffeehouses.

 

[Planogirl]

Australia, Spain and Norway.

 

[minnie mum]

Is Norway really being dumped entirely, or is the ride just undergoing re-theming?

Edit: never mind - found the info on my own. This new "internet search" thing is amazing!

Sounds like it would be a new attraction, which would not replace the Norway pavilion.

Well, let's contemplate just how Norwegian the Norway Pavilion will be when construction is done: a large chunk of the real estate is a Princess character meal. The ride is Frozen themed. The Stave church now holds a Frozen exhibit. The upcoming meet and greet hall is for Anna and Elsa. So what is there that is Norwegian in the refurbed Norway pavilion? Half ( and that's being optimistic) of the gift shop and the Kringla bakery. If you feel this is sufficient to continue calling it the Norway pavilion then we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[LENNON500]

There needs to be a match with character/film for each of the countries, so short of "The Rescuers Down Under", not sure how Disney would incorporate Australia, although I think it's the best choice by far.

Africa is so well represented on property already with AK, AKL, The Outpost, oh and yeah Morocco is already one of the countries and last I checked, that's in Africa , so I don't think they need another African country.

I do hope there is a new country added to World Showcase sometime soon though.
It would be so exciting to experience something completely new!

 

[Donna3271]

India (the food is so great, tons of history, and there's a Jungle Book tie-in if they need a character meet), Brazil (more great food and drinks, South America is not currently represented), an African country (Coolpost is most certainly not "cool", how about Kenya or Botswana? Ethiopia also has great food and a rich historical culture).

Adrienne,
India would be awesome!!! The backdrop could be the Taj Mahal!!! And the jungle book theme would be great.

 

[Donna3271]

Iran.

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz would be such a beautiful backdrop. Politics would never allow this one as well.