Would you want Jordan to be added to the World Showcase?

[Buzz Rules]

Would you want Jordan to be added to the World Showcase? I was watching Aladdin yesterday and was thinking Jordan would be a great addition to Epcot. I would love to see a Middle Eastern country added to the showcase but options always seem limited due to political factors. Jordan is a US ally and is Disney’s Aladdin setting in the cartoon and live action instead of its textual setting of China. In the cartoon, the genie literally says it’s next to the Jordan River and in the live action, part of Aladdin’s/Jasmine’s carpet ride is on the Jordan River.

Jordan could have a restaurant that shows diverse cuisine from it’s country as well as other common dishes found throughout the Levant. A unique aspect to the restaurant could be a setting of eating on the Jordan River’s palm tree covered beaches. Disney had some concept art of Jordan River for the cartoon that could definitely be a starting point for a restaurant’s design. They could even do a ride on the Jordan River (which I think would be cool and educational).

https://aladdin.fandom.com/wiki/River_Jordan

Thoughts?

 

[easyas123]

Sure, why not.

 

[kanerf]

Why? We already have Morocco.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Why? We already have Morocco.

Morocco is North African which is separate from the Middle East. It’s similar but also different.

 

[john7994]

And fun fact about Morocco:
"Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent United States, opening its ports to American ships by decree of Sultan Mohammed III in 1777. Morocco formally recognized the United States by signing a treaty of peace and friendship in 1786, a document that remains the longest unbroken relationship in U.S. history" - US Department of State.

 

[Jonfw2]

I dunno. NBA basketball fell pretty flat in Disney springs. Not sure an entire area in world showcase should be dedicated to one player.

 

[Buzz Rules]

And fun fact about Morocco:
"Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent United States, opening its ports to American ships by decree of Sultan Mohammed III in 1777. Morocco formally recognized the United States by signing a treaty of peace and friendship in 1786, a document that remains the longest unbroken relationship in U.S. history" - US Department of State.

I think Morocco is a wonderful country. I also love the fact that we beat them 3-0 in a USMNT friendly last week. I did know that fact and it makes me happy that our countries still are great allies to this day.

 

[Micca]

I dunno. NBA basketball fell pretty flat in Disney springs. Not sure an entire area in world showcase should be dedicated to one player.

Maybe they could fit him in Hoop De Doo Revue???

 

[Buzz Rules]

What would you want for the restaurant and ride?

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

I love Morocco and spent a considerable amount of time there several years ago. It shares enough general Arabic culture with Jordan that it would be redundant to the average WDW guest. Both are beautiful countries.

 

[karen4546]

I dunno. NBA basketball fell pretty flat in Disney springs. Not sure an entire area in world showcase should be dedicated to one player.

But come on.......It's JORDAN

 

[Buzz Rules]

I love Morocco and spent a considerable amount of time there several years ago. It shares enough general Arabic culture with Jordan that it would be redundant to the average WDW guest. Both are beautiful countries.

Morocco’s culture is North African while Jordan’s is Southern Levantine. It’s not the same. It’s like saying South Africa is almost the same as the Ivory Coast. They have some major differences.

 

[Mysterian]

I don't know much about Jordan or Morocco, but I know that Istanbul was Constantinople.

 

[SkipperDave]

Why? We already have Morocco.

They should get rid of Canada, since it's in North America, just like the U.S.

They should get rid of all but one of the following: UK, France, Germany or Italy, since they're all in Europe.

They should ditch China, since they also have Japan.

Does that work?

 

[Mysterian]

Wow, I know it's been awhile but I do not remember seeing the UK pavilion in Epcot! I googled, and it really doesn't stand out much.

They need to go full Wee Britain to improve upon this. And being a Disney park, they have the rights to Mary Poppins.

 

[Jonfw2]

Thats fair man. That is fair.

But come on.......It's JORDAN

 

[Buzz Rules]

I don't know much about Jordan or Morocco, but I know that Istanbul was Constantinople.

Jordan was part of the Ottoman Empire when the USA started relations with the country in 1830. It would also be less controversial to have in the world showcase and be a true representative of the Middle East.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

Morocco’s culture is North African while Jordan’s is Southern Levantine. It’s not the same. It’s like saying South Africa is almost the same as the Ivory Coast. They have some major differences.

I'm not disagreeing at all. That's just how my slightly pessimistic mind sees how that would go over in general.

One small note: my friends in Morocco would tell you they are both North African and Arabic.

 

[john7994]

They should get rid of Canada, since it's in North America, just like the U.S.

They should get rid of all but one of the following: UK, France, Germany or Italy, since they're all in Europe.

They should ditch China, since they also have Japan.

Does that work?

Mexico is in North America too btw

 

[Buzz Rules]

I'm not disagreeing at all. That's just how my slightly pessimistic mind sees how that would go over in general.

One small note: my friends in Morocco would tell you they are both North African and Arabic.

Just a geographic definition:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Peninsula