It was proposed to open before or around 2000. Perhaps the economic problem was the final nail in the coffin.According to the Neverland files, It was caused by 3 things. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the 2nd being Russia faced Severe economic in 1998. I don't how accurate Russia Pavilion not happening due to severe economic trouble in 1998 because I did not remember reading anything about Disney still planning this pavilion around the 1998 time frame.