Originally Posted By HauntedMansionFan Does anyone know if there any plans to build any new countries in the World Showcase area of EPCOT Center? From what I recall...it's been quite a while, yes? The last one to open was Norway in 1988...
Originally Posted By trekkeruss There aren't even weak rumors of any new countries coming. At this point, I'd just like to see them freshen up what is there. More specifically, I'd like to see more attractions. Actual rides, not movie theaters.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I remember seeing the imagineering models and concepts in a museum exhibit years ago. Russia would have definitely been spectacular.
Originally Posted By fundog58 I visited several times when they had the Millennium Village (I think it was called) back in the late 90's/early 00's, and I really enjoyed it. I know these exhibits were only meant to be temporary but something similar should be done on a more permenant basis to showcase those countries that aren't already represented at Epcot.
Originally Posted By barboy Russia is too "Europish"--- and I think we have enough of Europe represented in the showcase. Africa(sorry, but Morocco doesn't cut it), Middle East, SE Asia, South America and Australia are not represented. Peru, Uganda, Tonga, Thailand or Australia could work nicely.
Originally Posted By danyoung Ummm, isn't Japan SE Asia? And there will never be a Middle East pavilion as long as there's religion in the world. No matter what the country, it would be a rallying point for the religious on both sides. Just ain't gonna happen, sadly. I'd love to see an Australia pavilion, though!
Originally Posted By jmuboy I dont look for any new pavilions at EPCOT. look for rides to continue to be rehabed and or added to current pavilions.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Don't know danyoung. Morocco is a Muslim country. And Israel and Saudi Arabia were both present in the Millenium Village. The issue is, there is not much of a difference between the Moroccan Architecture and cuisine and that of the Middle East (except for ancient sites such as Petra and Jeruselem). But the souks of Dubai, Saudi and Morocco are very very similar in real life.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Morocco is a Muslim country.< But I don't think Morocco is in a blood feud with all of its neighbors (I could be wrong about that, though). It just seems to me that any other middle eastern country would just add a level of volatility into the mix, and I can't see Disney doing something that controversial.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Fair point. Though UAE would be ok, they get on with all their neighbours too. But it's a moot point as like I say, in terms of traditional architecture, it's very similar to Morocco.
Originally Posted By barboy "Ummm, isn't Japan SE Asia?" Not really.... Japan is not SE Asia. Japan is more straight up East Asia or part of what we call the "Far East" along with Korea and much of China's seaboard. SE Asia is Vietnam, Loas, Cambodia, Thailand, Malasia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong and arguably Burma and on a very loose definition, India. SE Asia is most closely associated with what we call "the Orient".
Originally Posted By SFH Primary thing needed before one will be greenlit: $ponsorship from the country's government and/or companies. SFH
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Millenium Village was for the millenium. I didn't see it when I was there in July of '99 or Sept of 2001. But it sure was nice, only gave a small taste of what the countries were like, but still enjoyable. Isreal had the magic carpet, real good.
Originally Posted By MPierce ^^^ I certainly think it would have been worth keeping around if possible. I guess convention space is worth more than guest satisfaction though.
