Say Goodbye for Good to This Once Planned Epcot Project

World politics being what they are, it's safe to assume we can now say a permanent goodbye to Disney Imagineering's plans for an epic Russia pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. Really, truly, unique addition to that part of the park- with a slew of attractions beyond the expected film type tour of the country. Retired Imagineer Joe Rohde was part of the project team. That should tell us something about the dedication to authenticity and excellence.

Beautiful or what?

Obviously, the plan was to move beyond the Communist regime and the Putin era by going into its history. With a nation rich in culture, art, music, and instantly recognizable architecture, Imagineers planned to offer guests the opportunity to experience it all in a stay rich manner that only Disney could. Go to Red Square as the beginning of your journey. Then enjoy a variety of attractions taking guests into the land and experience the history through the lens of literature and music, puppetry and more. 

Prior to this war with Ukraine, in the earlier days of Epcot, what kept this from becoming a brick and mortar expansion to World Showcase? Lack of a long term plan for the park that gave way to the invasion of Intellectual Property and the desire for long term mega-profits for the highest levels of the Disney executives. (Should I say that? I don't mean to sound so negative, but when you look at the recent bonuses and pay levels, what else can you conclude?)

Grand but intimate, rich with detail!

Imagine if you will, a Russian version of The American Adventure- a full blown theater presentation using all the tricks of the Imagineers with a cast of Audio-Animatronic characters. Heart wrenchingly beautiful musical pieces would accentuate the story making for a very memorable experience.  

More was planned, including a fun-filled journey on a sleigh through beloved Russian fairy tales, making it the perfect chance for Disney to use that trackless technology in the correct way. Of course, there would be more than plenty of opportunities to spend our heard earned cash. Dine on authentic cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, experience some great entertainment, and then interact with cast members from the homeland. Oh, what could have been! I have lots more concept art, but that will be for another day.

Sad, isn't it? Due to the invasion and the Russian government's plan to recreate the Soviet Union by force, this expansion for World Showcase will be relegated to coffee table books of what was planned but not built at Walt Disney World. It's good to remember that the people of any nation do not equal the government leaders. So, pray for peace- and pray for repentance. A complete turnaround of the situation would be wonderful, wouldn't it?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)