Epcot's Unbuilt Russia Pavilion Would Have Been Astounding

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, those incredible first and second generation Disney Imagineers must really love Moscow! Their faithful but fanciful version of Russia's Red Square was once planned for EPCOT Center's cultural heart, World Showcase. 

There's much culture to celebrate!

While travel to the Russian Federation is not uncommon today, it is still considered an exotic destination even if much more available to tourists than ever before. Imagine in the early 90s, a new Russia pavilion at Epcot would have been adored from its opening days. The Imagineers plan for representing the country would have been as ambitious- if not more so- than what they accomplished with The American Adventure! Imagine a pavilion with two rides, a theater presentation that would have rivaled its American host, a museum, a restaurant or two, and a slew of shops, and plenty of entertainment. 

Thanks to a newly released video, Russia Pavilion EPCOT World Showcase Presentation (1992), by a group known as CowMissing, I now have a new and large selection of image captures to go with a few previous pieces of Imagineering concept art. 

The fireworks would have been in front,

but artistic license always wins out in concept art.

Placed between Germany and the area once set aside for Equitorial Africa, the new pavilion and its iconic architecture of St. Basil's cathedral would make a stunning addition to the other landmarks around the lovely and large World Showcase lagoon. 

The only fully walled World Showcase

pavilion- mostly.

Wisely, the Disney suits and the Imagineers chose to focus on the art, history, and culture of the country rather than on its politics. And what a beautifully rich culture it is!

The pavilion's centerpiece attraction, a theater presentation entitled Russia- The Bells of Change, would combine Audio-Animatronics, beautiful sets, live actors, and film to create a stunning and memorable presentation.

Imaginers hard at work!

Love the model!

As in the age of strange advertising gimmicks, let me say, "But wait! There's more!" In addition to the theater show, there would also be a dark ride through the beloved old tale of Ivan and the Magic Pike. The story tells of a boy who finds a magic pike that grants wishes. I loved the old EPCOT Center that focused on the real culture of the nations in World Showcase. I wish they go back that direction. 

Even if guests did neither of the attractions, just walking the showcase would be a very rich experience in the largest international pavilion in the park. Take a look at these pieces of art.

Shopping and dining is a large part of World Showcase, and Russia would have been no exception! Although I find the country's cuisine rather bland, it would be a nice option to have and round out the offerings.

Although the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 put an end to their plans, given the current state of world affairs and the political climate, I say it' will never happen. But once upon a time a long time ago, the Disney Company's very serious about the project! After reading about and see what was planned, you will certainly agree that it would have been a great addition. And let's be honest, Epcot certainly needs a new international pavilion to add some new excitement to the park.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Bit of Sochi at Epcot

The Sochi Olympics are certainly a hot news topic. Hotel rooms in disarray, reports of insufficient security into the Olympic Village, corruption, kickbacks, and more. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to travel and see the country without having to encounter the harder traveling conditions? Well, truthfully, usually what's different about a country is what makes the travel exciting. New food, new experiences, walking around touring and hearing languages different than your own. With the cost of airfare rising again- and mileage plans such as United Airlines Mileage Plus cutting their travel rewards programs by increasing how many you need for a free flight- it would be terrific if you could visit a place such as Russia without all the headaches.

It almost happened. Yes, a Russian pavilion was this close to being built at Epcot's World Showcase. A couple of times, actually. Imagineers envisioned giving guests the opportunity to visit Red Square, enjoy an attraction taking riders into the history and culture of the land, and the chance to eat some authentic food. 

What stopped this from becoming a reality? Short-sightedness. As with the poor planning and execution of some parts of this year's Winter Olympics, the suits at the Walt Disney Company instead chose to focus on the short term: big bonuses for executives (just another form of payola) and quick return on stock instead of long term investments for continued growth. So, this project, like so many others, is now relegated to on-line discussion, coffee table books, and fodder for Imagineer presentations. Decisions like this, and the infusion of character tie-ins at attractions which have absolutely no business incorporating Disney characters in the show, have helped make Epcot a shadow of its former greatness. Another sad story of greed.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Really Red

Not my photo, but that of my youngest daughter. We are kind of a traveling family! Taken during her most recent trip to Russia, she snapped this shot of Moscow's Red Square, later telling us, "It really is red!" Quite beautiful detail in these buildings. Maybe one day, I'll get to see Moscow. It's on my "bucket list"...