Possible New Country at World Showcase

[TURKEY]

I was looking at the Orlando Sentinal site and came across this article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...011902jan19.story?coll=orl-business-headlines

The article pretty much dismisses any chance of a possible Korea country being built. It tells some about how decisions are made and of what goes on in the building process that I didn't know about.

Check it out.

 

[thedisneyfan]

I agree, unlike the former Disney man in the article, that EPCOT needs a new country. Disney shouldn't only think of drawing people from the host country but also those of us here from the states who enjoy such cultural exposure and those of us who go to Disney all the time! Russia, Switzerland, or Australia would be great additions. I never knew that the host countries continue to pay for all of the workers and such in their pavillions. EPCOT prices really should be much lower based on this fact! :animwink:

 

[MobileBadBoy]

I think if they remove that little Outpost deal, there'd be a nice little place for some kind of country there. I've always thought that was a wasted space anyway.

Not sure on Korea though. There's other places I think would be better. But if not there, then it would have to sit off the main path (trying to visualize), and that just wouldn't look right, IMO. Unless they were to cram one somewhere between 2 countries (and I cant think of a sufficent place), again, I don't like that either.

 

[Goofster]

It's almost known to be positive that the next country added to WS will take the outpost's place, especially if it's a big one with a big ride and a big draw. Geez Disney, why can't you throw in some money and build Switzerland!!!!!!!

 

[General Grizz]

Ya...ya beat me to it! I woke up too late!

The Austrailian idea is good, But I would leave that for Animal Kingdom.

SWISS ALL THE WAY! A Matterhorn would REALLY REALLY REALLY bring in crowds! It wouldn't replace a classic, it adds to the flavor, but like TT, also attracts many guests.

 

[stinkyface]

i'm not sure, but i think i read once that there are like thirteen plots of land around the lagoon for future countries. the way the empty plots are landscaped, you don't realize that there's space between the current countries when, in fact, there's enough room to build. i would love to see switzerland added! i think denmark has also been tossed around.

 

[The Mom]

Originally posted by MobileBadBoy
I think if they remove that little Outpost deal, there'd be a nice little place for some kind of country there. I've always thought that was a wasted space anyway.

Not sure on Korea though. There's other places I think would be better. But if not there, then it would have to sit off the main path (trying to visualize), and that just wouldn't look right, IMO. Unless they were to cram one somewhere between 2 countries (and I cant think of a sufficent place), again, I don't like that either.

As someone who visited Epcot before and after Norway, I can tell you that it didn't look like there was adequate space for a new country between Mexico and China! There are also a lot of temporary fillers around the world...many things could be easily demolished or moved. The train set up between Italy and Germany is one that comes to mind instantly, along with the Outpost...they weren't there when the park opened, and were added many years later. If you look at Norway, the ride really isn't on the "main path"...just the walkway and smaller out buildings are!

stinkyface is absolutely correct; there's more space than we can see!

 

[TURKEY]

Korea isn't the best country to add. There are already 2 oriental countries there. Adding a third would seem to be a little much. 25% of the countries would then be oriental.

Australia seems it would be better in AK. To go along with Asia and Africa.

I don't see what Denmark would have to offer.

The best country to add would be Switzerland. The Matterhorn would really help.

If there is room for thirteen countries I would think that they might add the two countries at the same time to keep the number of countries on either side of AA the same.

If two countries are added I think Russia would be the next choice.

The Outpost does not belong in the World Showcase. Africa has its own place in AK. Besides having a merchandise and snack place without a pavillion seems very out of place.

I wouldn't expect this project if it is even on the discussion board to be started until Space is open.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Originally posted by grizzlyhall
Ya...ya beat me to it! I woke up too late!

The Austrailian idea is good, But I would leave that for Animal Kingdom.

SWISS ALL THE WAY! A Matterhorn would REALLY REALLY REALLY bring in crowds! It wouldn't replace a classic, it adds to the flavor, but like TT, also attracts many guests.

I agree, Switzerland(sp?) is the way to go. A modern Matterhorn would be awesome, too, and like you said, bring in the Thrillseakers to Epcot.

 

[stinkyface]

denmark was considered at one point because that's where lego's come from. don't know what type of attraction was planned though. speaking of world showcase i wish they'd put something permenant in the millenium village building

 

[MrEeeeeh]

I worked at Epcot for a while and can confirm that there is plenty of space for new pavillions between most of the excisting ones, the biggest space available is behind Outpost of course. Too bad Mt Fuji never got built. That area (backside of the Japan pavillion) is now just a huge storage facility, mainly for the Tapestry floats.
About possible new pavillions, I doubt they will bring in Denmark. There were plans for a Scandinavian pavillion between UK and France, but because Denmark and Sweden did not show any interest in the project, the whole thing became Norwegian (thanks to some enthusiastic Norwegian sponsors) and moved to the other side of the lagoon. Total building costs for Norway were $46mill. The sponsors payed around $34mill and Disney the rest (according to the book about the pavillion's 10th anniversary). Disney bought the whole thing in 1992 for $26mill.
OK, a bit off topic. Anyway, personally I doubt Switzerland will be next. To build a possible Matterhorn, I guess Disney would have to use the Outpost site. But that is right next to Germany and most of the architectural styles/foods/customs and traditions of Switzerland are very identical to what can be found in the German pavillion. It could be a nice addition, Matterhorn, but I am afraid many would just think it was a German expansion... any thoughts about this, anyone? There was a Rheine river rapids ride planned for Germany, what if they could put in that? And added Mt Fuji of course... I would not mind if they built a well done Greek or Eastern European pavillion as well. And spruced up Maelstrom, El Rio...etc etc

MrEeeeeh

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by The Mom


As someone who visited Epcot before and after Norway, I can tell you that it didn't look like there was adequate space for a new country between Mexico and China! There are also a lot of temporary fillers around the world...many things could be easily demolished or moved. The train set up between Italy and Germany is one that comes to mind instantly, along with the Outpost...they weren't there when the park opened, and were added many years later. If you look at Norway, the ride really isn't on the "main path"...just the walkway and smaller out buildings are!

stinkyface is absolutely correct; there's more space than we can see!

I´m sorry my memory is bad to remember the exact number, but we were told during trainning, that each country in WSC has the same amount of land. It depends on the construction how u perceive it, but for instance, Japan is as big as Mexico or Morocco.
Between each country and the next one, there is room for another one exactly the same size. Of course, not between Mexico and Norway... Norway already filled up that space just to name one case.

As for the African Outpost, I agree with Turkey Leg Boy, a place for merchandise and snacks can´t be called pavillion, and my african friends who worked there thought the same.... I think they had to do something with that space next to the bridge to add some life to it and they put it there. It works... the ice creams and fruits there are best sellers!

 

[Luau Cove]

I think Switzerland pavillion needs to be built, I doubt the matterhorn will be built, since it would cut the view of the Illuminations from sorroundings as resorts, for example. But, what's more important is that Switzerland is extremely well managed in what's monetary. So they are economically able to become part of Word Showcase. The problem with this country is that it's culturally divided in 3 zones that owned the country's territory before: Germany, France and Italy. The three of them are already in the World Showcase, so it's difficult to make a Swiss pavillion without being redundant.
Some countries that need to be in the Showcase are Greece, Spain, Russia and Brazil.
-->LUAU

 

[Fievel]

I'd swear I read something about Switzerland being seriously discussed by WDW-I, they even did balloon floats if I remember correctly.....But funding became an issue...the main reason they want the country is they want the Matterhorn....

There was also discussion about building the Matterhorn as Mt. Fuji, sponsored by Fuji, but that would trump the contract they already have with Kodak, who sponsors a lot of things the way it is.

 

[The Mom]

Originally posted by Luau Cove
I think Switzerland pavillion needs to be built, I doubt the matterhorn will be built, since it would cut the view of the Illuminations from sorroundings as resorts, for example. But, what's more important is that Switzerland is extremely well managed in what's monetary. So they are economically able to become part of Word Showcase. The problem with this country is that it's culturally divided in 3 zones that owned the country's territory before: Germany, France and Italy. The three of them are already in the World Showcase, so it's difficult to make a Swiss pavillion without being redundant.
Some countries that need to be in the Showcase are Greece, Spain, Russia and Brazil.
-->LUAU

You're right about Brazil! I never thought about it, but there really isn't anything representative of South America in WDW! At least Africa is showcased in AK, and Asia in both WS and AK. I know the worlds are heavily dependent on national sponsors, but maybe several countries could pool together? The same with Australia and New Zealand; I hope we see something spotlighting them soon!

 

[riess424]

If they don't build another country (which would need a good ride), why dont they just build a ride for one of the exisiting countries. Like for Canada, why don't they build like a flume ride, even though there is one at MK, it will still bring a lot of people of to the ride. Making TT smaller lines.

Any thoughts?

 

[mickeyman]

If they want to savesome money they could just build afganistan. Just dump a big pile of sand and some rocks. Dig a hole in the pile for a cave and thats it. they could have it done for presidents week.

 

[General Grizz]

Like I said...the mine cart!

 

[ToTBellHop]

I would like to see Egypt. It would allow for a ride with Dinosaur style vehicles inside a pyramid. If they built this along with Switzerland, Epcot would be VASTLY popular...

 

[General Grizz]

Ya ya, ya ya...and if they build the Historical Center...it just might turn out to be my favorite theme park again...