The theme park wizards at Disney Imagineering are experts at creating environments that both charm with fantasy elements and entice with real world delights. For my dollar, this unique blend is no more evident than in Epcot's World Showcase.
Of all the countries represented in this part of the park, the Kingdom of Morocco stands among the most fully realized. There is not a single traditional attraction or even a beautiful travelogue film, but the shops and restaurants- and even the Aladdin meet and greet- are set in an environment so compelling, guests miss out on something so unique if they just pass by.
What will Disney do with this part of the park? Hard to say. Sadly, most likely in this season, Morocco is toward the bottom of their must-do list. Perhaps something great is in the works. Then this gem of World Showcase will rise to the guest respect level of France, Mexico, Norway, and Canada. Until then, the crowds will pass by and miss one of the park's hidden treasures.
It was our first trip to EPCOT Center in 1983. We were newly married, and my wife was about to discover my Disney theme park obsession at a whole new level. This second Disney park in Florida would be the first new park we discovered together. How exciting!
The evening we arrived at Walt Disney World, the still sleek monorail to the park from the Transportation and Ticket Center took us through the evening darkness into the park. It was very late, but as was the practice back then, the park stayed open much later than it does now. It was a beautifully warm Florida night.
As we rounded the bend into the park, Future World shone in its nighttime glory. I couldn't wait to explore it all! Then we glimpsed the World Showcase lagoon and all the pavilions sitting like sparkling jewels against it. It was just too much for this guy to take. I barely slept that night anticipating experiencing a whole new Disney park for the very first time. It's not too often we get to do that!
I still get a rush walking into this park. Yes, it is not what it once was- and it will never be again- yet, it's still quite the experience. With that in mind, I'd like to take you on a tour of my favorite places in World Showcase one country at a time. You might be surprised by my choices. Sometimes, I'll highlight an attraction. But it might be a shop, restaurant, or even an experience. My list has probably changed over time, but as this section of the park has experienced the least amount of expansion / re-imagineering, it's fairly consistent. This will be a fun diversion before we know all the plans for the park this weekend from D23. We normally begin our World Showcase tour in Mexico, but for this post, we'll start counter clockwise and head into Canada. C'mon everybody! Here we go...
Love this Imagineering concept art!
Canada: A pleasant stroll through Victoria Gardens is my top pick for our first stop. The original (and still the best) O Canada film is pretty good and the overpriced Le Cellier serves delicious meals, but the gifted Disney landscape architects hit a home run with this mini creation of the famous Butchart Gardens. Part of the Epcot experience is slowing down, similar to touring Disney's Animal Kingdom. Attractions are expected and important, but they not to be enjoyed at the expense of the rest of the thoughtful design of this park.
Photo from the Disney Parks Blog.
United Kingdom: Until the suits approve that long planned and needed Mary Poppins attraction (unfortunately presumed to be a carousel according to those in the know), The Tea Caddy and the cluster of small shops is the highlight here. We haven't eaten in the Rose and Crown in years, as we've enjoyed real fish and chips and other specialties while being in the U.K., but it is an enjoyable place to stop and watch the nighttime show.
Ah the gorgeous music!
When the film gets updated, the music had better remain.
France: Hands down, my pick here is Impressions de France. Yes, I know, the film needs updating badly, but they had better not touch that beautiful score! The music accompanying the movie is magic on its own. Remy's Ratatouille's Adventure should be great fun, and it's my favorite Pixar movie, but this journey through France will remain beloved and my first choice. Eating here is always fun, with a variety of choices to please every palate and thickness of wallet.
Photo from my most recent visit.
Morocco: This largely ignored pavilion is truly unique in that artisans from Morocco under the direction of King Hassan II did much of the striking tile work found throughout. The prayer tower, a replica of the one in Marrakesh, is a focal point, but it's only the beginning of what you'll find. (By the way, from the right angle you can see Hollywood Studios' Twilight Zone Tower of Terror- and you'll notice how it easily fits in with the style of this World Showcase pavilion. Gotta love the thoughtfulness of the earlier era Imagineers!) My choice here? The Fez House. You've got to explore around to find it, but step inside, and you're a million miles away from Florida... and you can see from walking the alleyways of Morocco where they got the inspiration for Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. May I add a second choice? Stop and talk to the cast members / nationals working here. It's a good reminder that even if Muslims worship a different God than Christians, (Muslims consider Jesus only a great prophet. Their god is Allah. Christians believe Jesus is God in the flesh), they can be just as kind and delightful as anyone else. Sure, there are "bad apples" in every group, so avoid generalizations and take the time to talk to the cast in each country.
Imagineers' art for an unbuilt Omnimover ride.
Japan: Confession mode- I could spend a few hours exploring this single showcase, and I'd encourage you to do the same. Listening to the drummers or watching the candy maker is always time well spent. As a young adult, Japan was my first destination choice for my solo trip out of the country, and I've never lost my love and fascination with the country, the people, and the culture. A very late evening stop at the Katsura Grill is the perfect way to end the day. While crowds are headed out of the park, we love to climb up the steps in the back of Japan to this small patio. The quick service location is usually closed by this point in time, making it a lovely way to reflect on the day. Then as a bonus if you time it right, you get to walk back to the park entrance with so few people, making it the prime time for some nighttime photos. If you want to read more about all the Imagineers once planned for the Japan showcase- and it's incredible- go here.
Imagineering concept art.
The American Adventure: This Audio-Animatronic theater show is king! At its best, Disney inspires- and Walt himself and the original Imagineers were a patriotic bunch. It's sadly in vogue to bash and trash the United States these days, but God knows, you have to think twice after watching this presentation. Listen to The Voices of Liberty musical group. Such talent! There's not much else here, which is odd given it is the host pavilion, but maybe one day there will be.
Beautiful surroundings await.
Italy: Here in Italy, dining is king. Each destination reveals both familiar and unexpected choices. From the humblest of drinks and ice creams to lavish meals and freshly fired pizza, the restaurants help even the fussiest eaters find something to love... and don't overlook the waterside Venician style gondolas. Unlike those at Tokyo DisneySea, you can't get a ride, but they still photograph well! Walk around and explore the nooks and crannies of this re-imagined St. Mark's Square in Venice. From being to the real one, (here's my trip report), I can tell you the Disney Imagineers crafted their recreation with a loving and detailed hand.
A memorable "Date night" with Grandma and Grandpa.
Germany: Perhaps it is because of some recent memories, but the Biergarten reigns as my top choice here, my Number One favorite experience in Germany. The live music and show entertain, and it gives family members a chance to dance together in the cool of the indoor restaurant. The food was better than I thought it would be, but that was secondary to the memories we made! When you shop, don't miss all the clocks. I just wish they also had a wider selection of nutcrackers since I have a few prized ones from my trips to Germany.
One day I will visit this country!
China: Top pick here? Reflections of China. It's a very lovely Circle Vision 360 film. When the park opened years ago, only a few privileged folks were able to travel overseas to this destination. Now, it's more common, but it is still a treat to experience a slice of the culture. Take in the acrobats, explore the shops, and even look at the models and concept art for Shanghai Disneyland. In today's Disney, synergy is a game everyone plays. Like it or not, it's all about the money.
It's difficult to hate Olaf.
Photo from Laughing Place.
Norway: I hate to admit it, but Anna and Elsa's attraction has grown on me. I absolutely detest several aspects of Frozen Ever After (the placement, the transformation of World Showcase into Magic Kingdom 2.0, the low end budget given the ride once it was decided upon), but there are parts that unexpectedly charmed me.
Always changing- for better or worse.
Mexico: I guess now that it's long gone, El Rio del Tiempo doesn't count anymore. It's been replaced by Gran Fiesta Tour, but that newer attraction still makes it my first choice and top pick. Not the entire boat ride mind you, but the first minute or so cruising the lagoon toward the ancient temple is true Disney magic. Back when this part of the park was about culture and not Disney animated properties and live action films, El Rio del Tiempo and its catchy song spoke EPCOT Center to me almost as much as Journey Into Imagination. Two totally different attractions and executions, but still full of Disney magic. On our last trip, our dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel was a surprise- one of our best meals of the entire vacation. Listen to the mariachis, drink a margarita, and enjoy the sights and flavors. Will Coco come to Mexico? Will Brazil finally be announced? What else is coming? We will find out more in a few days!
Look at these straight on images of the models once prepared for EPCOT Center's World Showcase, particularly the France pavilion. Notice how the backdrop "wall" looks three dimensional but in reality is only a flat wall rising above the main building?
It may seem like a small question or even one that doesn't make sense. Yet, when you look at the back of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, Cars Land at California Adventure, or Expedition: Everest from behind at Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's obvious there is a newer philosophy behind these major buildouts versus the standard of Imagineers and company suits of old.
Back of Cars Land from Laughing Place.
Back of Expedition: Everest from Theme Park Guy.
Sure, guests forget all about the backsides once they are inside the respective parks. But it's not like in the old days under Walt. And I'm glad early post-Walt leadership held onto his values or the iconic Space Mountain would look like something you'd find in one of those Chinese Disney rip off theme parks!
(Top Photographs and Models copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Have you ever in your life seen Epcot so empty? I kid you not! These photographs were taken in the afternoon- post lunch when the crowds should be pressing in. But as you can see, it was an easy walk around the park.
These really were not carefully timed photos in order to make a point.
Looking across the lagoon toward the Mexico pavilion, you can see there wasn't a crush of crowds waiting to go in and take a boat ride.
Back to the American Adventure. A walk in the park.
Oh Canada! Your gardens are lovely, full of charm, and peaceful. It's quite eerie to see such empty public spaces in World Showcase.
Future World wasn't any more populated. Strange.
What was the key to all these empty spaces? They were taken by me on a visit on August 23, 2007- a decade ago in a month when everyone was back to school. Perhaps the only time of year the park (doesn't yet) have a festival.
Anonymously written and forwarded to me: Canadian's
version of David Letterman's Top 10.
Just
makes you want to shake your head in disbelief.
This is
Canada's Top Ten List of America's Stupidity.
# 10 Only
in America... could politicians talk about the greed of the rich at a
$35,000.00 per plate Obama campaign fund-raising event.
# 09 Only
in America... could people claim that the government still discriminates
against black Americans when they have a black President, a black Attorney
General and roughly 20% of the federal workforce is black while only 14% of the
population is black, 40+% of all federal entitlements goes to black Americans -
3X the rate that go to whites, 5X the rate that go to Hispanics!
# 08 Only
in America... could they have had the two people most responsible for the tax
code, Timothy Geithner (the head of the Treasury Department) and Charles Rangel
(who once ran the Ways and Means Committee), BOTH turn out to be tax cheats who
are in favor of higher taxes.
# 07 Only
in America... can they have terrorists kill people in the name of Allah and
have the media primarily react by fretting that Muslims might be harmed by the
backlash.
# 06 Only
in America... would they make people who want to legally become American
citizens wait for years in their home countries and pay tens of thousands of
dollars for the privilege, while they discuss letting anyone who sneaks into
the country illegally just 'magically' become American citizens. (probably
should be number one)
# 05 Only
in America... could the people who believe in balancing the budget and sticking
by the country's Constitution be called EXTREMISTS.
# 04 Only
in America... could you need to present a driver's license to cash a check or buy
alcohol, but not to vote.
# 03 Only
in America... could people demand the government investigate whether oil
companies are gouging the public because the price of gas went up when the
return on equity invested in a major U.S. Oil company (Marathon Oil) is less
than half of a company making tennis shoes (Nike).
# 02 Only
in America... could you collect more tax dollars from the people than any
nation in recorded history, still spend a Trillion dollars more than it has per
year - for total spending of $7 Million PER MINUTE, and complain that it
doesn't have nearly enough money.
# 01 Only
in America... could the rich people - who pay 86% of all income taxes - be
accused of not paying their "fair share" by people who don't pay any
income taxes at all.
What a beautiful representation of our wonderful Northern Neighbors is found in Epcot's World Showcase! The warmth of the people combined with the various landscapes and buildings makes for a must-see area. And isn't the inclusion of a delicious meal at Le Cellier a perfect way to spend the afternoon, eh?
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Just to commemorate the opening of the majestic EPCOT Center twenty six years ago today. The attractions still inspire and entertain, the lush gardens delight, and there are few better sights than World Showcase lit up by the glow cast from Illuminations.
For a special treat, follow our advice: View the show from the Mexico or Canada areas. Wait until the show is over, then walk around World Showcase through the pavillions and bask in the nighttime ambience of the hidden spots here. Standout locations include the Japanese gardens, the Moroccan streets, and the waterside of the Italy pavillion. Even better on nights with a full moon. Still our favorite Florida park! (Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
Here's a wonderful old photo of my French Canadian grandmother. She was beautiful then, and even today at 90, she is still beautiful. There was always that glimmer, that sparkle in her eyes. Full of life and full of laughter. I spent many wonderful summers with her. We would talk, bake, play cards, and sit on her porch swing drinking lemonade. She made chores fun. She knew me well and knew what I loved. Memere never had much in material goods or wanted much for herself, but she gave away what she had and did it with a joyful heart. Each year when I was a youngster, she would wrap up a Disneyland ticket book as my Christmas gift. It was a sacrifice, but she knew it would put a smile on my face, so it put a smile in her heart. We still talk on the telephone and visit in person as much as we can. We're a thousand miles apart now, but I can hear the life and laughter in her voice. If I really want to watch her light up, we talk about our love for Jesus. He is the One who puts the sparkle in her eye and the love in her heart. My grandmother is a wonderful, godly woman. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." (Psalm 31:30). Love you, Memere. I really do.
