Morocco Pavilion facing financial troubles

[TrainsOfDisney]

On one hand, this seems like sad news. I'm afraid that any traces of authenticity that may have been found in the Morocco pavilion will be gone. But on the other hand, Marrakesh and the Tangierine Cafe were run–let's say, a bit too authentically.

I know it's never been the most popular place to eat in World Showcase. It's expensive and had a lot of options on the menu that weren't chicken fingers. But the hummus was made way ahead of time and portioned out into bowls and wrapped in plastic wrap (for who knows how long). Service was less than Disney-level friendly. You want mint tea? Head over the the drink bar that we haven't used in a few weeks. Stale pastries and faded menu boards are not up to Disney quality. The result? Guests just walk on by.

I would eat there regularly, it was one of my favorites. I’ll miss the chicken gyro and the tangerine couscous!

Certainly possible that you got served a stale pastry, but the baklava I would get was quite good I thought.

 

[GimpYancIent]

Just shoehorn in Aladdin, change it to Arabia or make an IP for Morocco.

There you go! Creativity!

 

[LittleBuford]

Just shoehorn in Aladdin, change it to Arabia or make an IP for Morocco.

How do you suggest they change the country when the architecture is very specifically that of Morocco?

 

[DCLcruiser]

How do you suggest they change the country when the architecture is very specifically that of Morocco?

It looks like Arab architecture in general?

So, call it Arabia and you can include North Africa, Levant and Arabian Peninsula. Now, Aladdin fits.

 

[Magicart87]

Just shoehorn in Aladdin, change it to Arabia or make an IP for Morocco.

The latter option. A new IP. One that can appeal to both girls and boys, with plenty of merch options. And one that can be developed quickly for Disney+ as a series, movie, and as a Disney Junior companion series. An "Elena of Avalor" type adventure series with the main protagonist and his friendly Jinn (Genie) solving mysteries. Then make the attraction a mystery-based clue scavenger hunt game in the same vein as Agent P.

(Whatever happened to that Ducktales overlay?)

 

[UNCgolf]

I don’t think this option will be economically viable for many years, by which time the cultural sensitivities surrounding such a project would be even greater.

I don't either. I'd be shocked if they added a ride there in the next decade.

I was just saying if they were desperate to add a ride that's probably the only place one could go without re-doing the entire pavilion.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

Oh come on... we obviously need a Bing Crosby/Bob Hope ride

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Disney already said that World Showcase going forward would be about "the world and the worlds inspired by ours".

You can't defend Frozen and Ratatouille and then be surprised and disappointed when they add Aladdin, Wakanda or whatever other IP.

It's the focus of the park going forward. Some of us worried from the start the justification for each new ride would be iffy at best.

I expect a pause due to the pandemic, but not a radical change in strategy going forward.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

That pavilion is in a tough spot right now. With no attraction, no meet and greet, no live entertainment and food that people tended to be wary of - and it is very easy to just walk by. I wouldn't be surprised to see Disney leave it largely closed until the park is back to something like normal.

I wonder would Disney ever consider swapping Morocco for another country they feel would push more revenue?

Keep the bones of the structures (kitchen, restrooms, back of house etc) and change the facades and décor?

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

On one hand, this seems like sad news. I'm afraid that any traces of authenticity that may have been found in the Morocco pavilion will be gone. But on the other hand, Marrakesh and the Tangierine Cafe were run–let's say, a bit too authentically.

I know it's never been the most popular place to eat in World Showcase. It's expensive and had a lot of options on the menu that weren't chicken fingers. But the hummus was made way ahead of time and portioned out into bowls and wrapped in plastic wrap (for who knows how long). Service was less than Disney-level friendly. You want mint tea? Head over the the drink bar that we haven't used in a few weeks. Stale pastries and faded menu boards are not up to Disney quality. The result? Guests just walk on by.

Tangerine had some of the best food in all of Disney.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

That pavilion is in a tough spot right now. With no attraction, no meet and greet, no live entertainment and food that people tended to be wary of - and it is very easy to just walk by. I wouldn't be surprised to see Disney leave it largely closed until the park is back to something like normal.

So you're saying its essentially Italy.

 

[J4546]

the should replace morocco with an egypt pavilion

 

[_caleb]

Tangerine had some of the best food in all of Disney.

It was good, when it was fresh. Which was hardly ever.

See how the food in the case is covered in plastic wrap? That's because it isn't a display sample. Those are literally the dishes they made up that morning (or who know when) and serve to customers. It's fine if you like the food, calling it "the best in all of Disney" hurts your credibility a bit.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It was good, when it was fresh. Which was hardly ever.

See how the food in the case is covered in plastic wrap? That's because it isn't a display sample. Those are literally the dishes they made up that morning (or who know when) and serve to customers. It's fine if you like the food, calling it "the best in all of Disney" hurts your credibility a bit.

View attachment 507704

That is not the food served to customers. That was plated for display.

That display was typically on the right side for people to see while waiting to order. The food would be prepped on the left side unless both sides were being used during holiday weekends.

Lying like that hurts your credibility.

 

[Lilofan]

Tangerine had some of the best food in all of Disney.

It's ok but the Arabic small business kebab/ hookah locations in Kissimmee are better. Go to place where locals enjoy their food and or smoke those hookah things which I do not. Some of those places close as late as 2am including serving food.

 

[LittleBuford]

It looks like Arab architecture in general?

No, it doesn't. An Egyptian minaret, for example, looks nothing like a Moroccan one.

So, call it Arabia and you can include North Africa, Levant and Arabian Peninsula. Now, Aladdin fits.

"Arabia" does not refer to North Africa.

 

[Horizons1]

Time to shove that IP into IP Showcase at IPCOT!

 

[MisterPenguin]

Again: Aladdin and Jasmine have already had a M&G at Morocco with Genie in the lamp.

So, if y'all keep saying "they're going to add Aladdin!", I'll have to alert the Time Cops that you're fugitives of the past.


BTW, Aladdin and Jasmine's story is that they're visiting Morocco. They will most definitely tell you that you're not in Agrabah.

 

[rle4lunch]

does it really matter if Disney or the original 3rd party is running it? seems like something that'll be invisible anyway.

 

[GimpYancIent]

Again: Aladdin and Jasmine have already had a M&G at Morocco with Genie in the lamp.

So, if y'all keep saying "they're going to add Aladdin!", I'll have to alert the Time Cops that you're fugitives of the past.


BTW, Aladdin and Jasmine's story is that they're visiting Morocco. They will most definitely tell you that you're not in Agrabah.

Exactly! The guests will enjoy it.