World Showcase countries

[mitros]

I know there was a thread here somewhere on this subject, I just can't find it. Anyway, there was indeed an African pavillion planned for WS. It was to go right next to the drawbridge where they have the African themed snack area and store. I was just thumbing through an old Epcot souvenier book and saw a concept drawing and a bit of an explanation of what was to be in the pavilion.

 

[ryley26]

I thought someone said there are still room for seven more countries. I like to see a new one or two the board says disney is having trouble lining up sponsor countries.

 

[crazy4wdw]

In the original plan for Epcot Center, there were several additions to World Showcase which were planned. I believe the countries were Israel, Spain, Morocco, and Equitorial Africa. Morocco was the only one that was built. There have rumors over the years that WDW considered adding Russia, Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, and Venezuela. Not sure what happend but these never made it beyond the drawing board. There were also attractions which were to be added to Germany, Italy, and Japan but these never happened.

 

[KNWVIKING]

Considering the amount of money a new country would have to spend to build & staff their pavillion it's not hard to imagine why they're not beatting the door down to get in.

I assume the countries staff is mostly paid from mechandise & food/beverage sales, but I doubt there's enough profit there to cover construction costs,maintenance and up-grades.

I know Norway tries to encourage tourism thru it's pavillion, but I have no idea how successful it is.

For awhile there it looked like Spain was a done deal but I guess thats fallen thru and I don't know if the new Spanish government has any interest at all.

Oh well, we can keep hoping.

 

[txdznydude]

Some years back there was a tour of Disney Imageneering items that came through town. One of the items was the scale model of the once planned Russia pavilion. It was incredible! It was a large St. Petersburg type square with lots of onion domes. I would really like to see that one become reality. If you look around inside one of the gift shops at showcase plaza you will notice that there are displays atop the shelves that are of the different countries around world showcase. Look close because one of them is Russia.

The Africa pavilion looked to be another great one. I have the book EPCOT - Creating the New World of Tomorrow that is about the planning and construction of Epcot and it has a section on the planned African pavilion. Sounds like it would have had some great affects. It also would be a great addition.