Disney's International Village of Friendship

Here's a rarely seen piece of Disney concept art! Imagineering has always tended to put its best foot forward when it comes to giving the money men renderings that get those important projects approved. From brand new theme parks to groundbreaking attractions, the business side of the Walt Disney Company must look at hard facts and financial projections before approving a project. They're not hired to be artistic or visionary! 

When it came to just about everything surrounding EPCOT Center, the second theme park at Walt Disney World, the business side quickly realized the impact of developing more of those 40 plus thousand acres. A new theme park would drive the need for more places to stay for all those tourists- and room rentals are BIG money makers. (It's one reason that Luau Cove at the Polynesian Village Resort is giving way to yet another Disney Vacation Club location.)

In the case of cast members having to be international students to create the realistic culture for World Showcase, Disney also had to provide appealing lodging to create a sense of community. Enter International Village, an ambitious, first of its kind campus and living center. Cast members recruited from all over the world would live together in peace and harmony in a welcoming and attractive complex.  New friendships would foster greater understanding about the world around us. What a loft goal! But that's what EPCOT Center was all about- making our world a better place. Does the Company care anymore about that? I guess a case could be made both prop and con. But that is a discussion for another day.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)