How realistic are the representations of each country in EPCOT?

[draybook]

I'm half Mexican and I find the lack of lowrider trucks with poke out tires in the Mexico pavilion to be a bit worrisome. Not to mention the lack of L.A. Kings merchandise.....

Someone has some explaining to do.

 

[ToyStorygirl]

What's missing is the Marks & Spencer's, the tobacconists, the posters for everything slapped all over, the diesel smell, the squeals of taxi brakes, the busses, and (yeah) the weather. There's also not a "We'll make do" attitude with worn countertops, noisy radiator heating, leftover paint on the walls, and old flooring that actually give things a real personal touch.
.

Oh stop you flatterer you! You'll make me blush

 

[Disnee4Me]

I'm Italian-American. My biggest complaint is why display Venice as a representation of Italy and not have a gondola ride, something similar to the Mexican pavilion? And when I was in Italy last year, the food was cheaper!!

 

[marni1971]

Purposely not very. The pavilions were designed to be romantic, idealistic representations of the lands and cultures involved.

 

[Since1976]

I'm originally from Toronto, and I remember barely recognizing the Canada represented at EPCOT Center when I first visited in 1987. Granted, I was a city kid, and so my reaction to the pavilion would probably be similar to a Los Angelino's reaction to the American Adventure. (Heh, now that I think about it, the American Adventure replicates Philadelphia more so than the whole country.)

When I go to "Canada" now, it's more to interact with the friendly Cast Members (some of whom actually are Canadians) and enjoy the architecture, rather than to feel like I'm visiting home.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Well Englands nothing like the real thing, the bar isnt run by Australians and the shops populated by Eastern Europeans. Considering the architecture is all Suvvern Ingurland the CMs arent nearly obnoxious enough and theres no Jocks n charge,

 

[ToyStorygirl]

Well Englands nothing like the real thing, the bar isnt run by Australians and the shops populated by Eastern Europeans. Considering the architecture is all Suvvern Ingurland the CMs arent nearly obnoxious enough and theres no Jocks n charge,

Pleasant post

 

[Tom Morrow]

I feel that the pavilions could use some updating and modernization. At times it seems like they are almost stereotyping offensively. France playing Frère Jacques, for example. French visitors probably roll their eyes when they hear that.

 

[Mukta]

I'm Italian-American. My biggest complaint is why display Venice as a representation of Italy and not have a gondola ride, something similar to the Mexican pavilion? And when I was in Italy last year, the food was cheaper!!

@marni1971 will know more than I do, but I think there was supposed to be a gondola ride. There is still a gondola in the water in front of the pavilion.

 

[G00fyDad]

Purposely not very. The pavilions were designed to be romantic, idealistic representations of the lands and cultures involved.

That's the feel I have always had with them. At least for the ones who's country I have been to. Japan is not as perfect at the pavilion in EPCOT. I love the pavilions and all, but they just always seemed to be what the typical tourist would "expect" that country to be like.

 

[marni1971]

@marni1971 will know more than I do, but I think there was supposed to be a gondola ride. There is still a gondola in the water in front of the pavilion.

Indeed. One phase two proposal was a Gondola ride part outside, part indoors, cumulating with a float round the coliseum.

 

[ToyStorygirl]

Indeed. One phase two proposal was a Gondola ride part outside, part indoors, cumulating with a float round the coliseum.

Why wasn't it implemented? Sounds good!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Pleasant post

Who are you calling peasant?

 

[marni1971]

Why wasn't it implemented? Sounds good!

Same reason most of phase two stalled. EPCOT Center, even with sponsorship, nearly bankrupted the company. Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK were all left unfinished. Horizons was already under construction and was sucking another $110 million in 1982 money from WDP and GE. By the time new money arrived (and new leadership) it was from the Moroccan government and United Technologies.

 

[ToyStorygirl]

Same reason most of phase two stalled. EPCOT Center, even with sponsorship, nearly bankrupted the company. Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK were all left unfinished. By the time new money arrived (and new leadership) it was from the Moroccan government and United Technologies.

Interesting, thanks for that!

 

[Ralphlaw]

This raises an interesting question: Are we offended by our country's representations in Showcase?

I'm American, and I am neither offended nor disappointed by the American Pavilion. Britain is like a 2nd home for me, and I am not offended by the UK Pavilion. How about every one else?

 

[BoarderPhreak]

I'm Italian-American. My biggest complaint is why display Venice as a representation of Italy and not have a gondola ride, something similar to the Mexican pavilion? And when I was in Italy last year, the food was cheaper!!

Well, they do have gondolas in the lagoon...

 

[Lucky]

This raises an interesting question: Are we offended by our country's representations in Showcase?

I'm American, and I am neither offended nor disappointed by the American Pavilion. Britain is like a 2nd home for me, and I am not offended by the UK Pavilion. How about every one else?

Apparently many Canadians were offended by the stereotypes in the old film (maybe @Monty can confirm) but it's been updated to fix that.

 

[Sam Magic]

To be it seems that World Showcase is very stereotypical of each nation. I think the big problem is they are all too small. I feel the worst is Mexico though.

 

[ToyStorygirl]

This raises an interesting question: Are we offended by our country's representations in Showcase?

I'm American, and I am neither offended nor disappointed by the American Pavilion. Britain is like a 2nd home for me, and I am not offended by the UK Pavilion. How about every one else?

Not in the slightest. As I said I wish the pub wasn't there but you can't please everyone. I never fail to smile walking through it