Will World Showcase ever change?

[sbkline]

I have often wondered if World Showcase will ever change to reflect the changing geo-political structure in Europe. With many European nations integrating into the EU, will the current setup be deemed obsolete? Instead of having the UK, Italy, France and Germany, will there one day be just an EU pavillion? And, although I may be wrong, I assume that the reason there was never a Russia pavilion is because EPCOT was built during the Cold War and Russia was the "enemy". Now that this has changed, will there ever be a Russia pavilion?

Personally, while I wouldn't mind seeing a new Russia pavillion, I truly hope that they don't get rid of the European ones in favor of an EU pavillion. But I have always wondered if this will happen someday. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this being proposed or talked about in any way?

 

[napnet]

I doubt that there will be much change (unless adding a new country) but it would be interesting to see what Disney would do if a country should happen to split or something (ie: like Czechoslovakia)

 

[DisneyCane]

The EU isn't a country like the USA, it's more a very strong alliance. There will still be Italy, UK, Germany, etc as their own independent countries. You will still travel to the UK or France or whatever, not to the EU.

 

[duckburg85]

I don't think they would ever destroy what is there now, unless to improve it. It's a nod towards that countries past and showcases what is important to that country. The idea of adding onto the showcase would be great and would help create the unity of the countries rather then making them all into one large blended pavilion.

 

[maggiegrace1]

I love World Showcase..it is AWESOME....They can add..but I hope they dont take anything away....

 

[wdwcastwannabe]

i highly doubt we would ever see changes of that ilk, nor a russian pavilion in the near future...the US and russia seem to be at odds again...

 

[ToTBellHop]

European countries will never give up their national identities in favor of the EU. The EU is more set up to promote trade (such as with the Euro).

 

[spoodles]

OK, dumb question time -- I would love to see countries added someday, but being that WS is basically circular, aren't all the "spots" taken? Where do you guys think they would put new countries?

 

[ms7479a]

OK, dumb question time -- I would love to see countries added someday, but being that WS is basically circular, aren't all the "spots" taken? Where do you guys think they would put new countries?

There are still spots available:

The first open space is located between China and Germany:
http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=nqv94m8640tt&style=o&lvl=1&scene=3949840

There is also this space between Morocco and France (This is less likely):
http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=nqv6mb863jpv&style=o&lvl=1&scene=3949828

And of course, the former Millenium Village:
http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=nqvp7d863m9v&style=o&lvl=1&scene=3949838

 

[Since1976]

OK, dumb question time -- I would love to see countries added someday, but being that WS is basically circular, aren't all the "spots" taken? Where do you guys think they would put new countries?

They could stick some island nations into the middle of the lagoon. Australia, anyone?

All kidding aside, I think that the World Showcase concept was risky to begin with. Considering that wars are fought, and nations do not always get along, some really uncomfortable situations could develop among the pavilions of the WS.

 

[WhyteAL]

They could stick some island nations into the middle of the lagoon. Australia, anyone?

All kidding aside, I think that the World Showcase concept was risky to begin with. Considering that wars are fought, and nations do not always get along, some really uncomfortable situations could develop among the pavilions of the WS.

I think that was one of the main purposes of EPCOT to help bring everyone together thats why I am a little disappointed with EPCOT even though it is my favorite theme park. I feel it should be a place were all our ideas and knowledge are put on the table and shared. To avoid further conflict and mend our broken past.

 

[spoodles]

All kidding aside, I think that the World Showcase concept was risky to begin with. Considering that wars are fought, and nations do not always get along, some really uncomfortable situations could develop among the pavilions of the WS.

I've often thought about this and wondered how much political history went into choosing the countries.

ms7479a - I see what you're saying (thanks for the links), there is some room. I guess it could work if they didn't have to squeeze and end up with nations right on top of each other.

 

[napnet]

I think that the World Showcase concept was risky to begin with. Considering that wars are fought, and nations do not always get along, some really uncomfortable situations could develop among the pavilions of the WS.

I've often thought about this and wondered how much political history went into choosing the countries.

I doubt the'd be really 'uncomfortable' but i do notice that China and Japan arn't next to each other and they are not comfortable neighbors in the past. Also, if you look at a map, you will notice that none of the countries are near their neighbors (China/Japan, Germany/France/UK) and i also wonder if this has to do with the history of the countries. Both mentioned have fought each other in past wars. OT... Could the German pavilion invade the France one :lol:?

 

[animay]

Germany Pavillion to France Pavillion: "We never got our boat ride so we're taking your movie! Charge!"

 

[mousermerf]

I think we sat down once and figured it out, but I don't recall the exact details.

If Outpost and Millenium Village are placeholders, then there's room for like 7 more places. Pretty much anywhere you can see trees between pavilions there is room for a new one.

 

[joel_maxwell]

what is actually in the Mill. Village right now?......

 

[WhyteAL]

yeah what exactly is in that place?

 

[napnet]

what is actually in the Mill. Village right now?......

I think it being used to house special events. Last time i was there, i saw alot of people in tuxes going back to it.

 

[young9222]

A long time ago...

If you set the way-back machine for circa 1985, as you walked around World Showcase there used to be small billboards advertising the new countries soon to be under construction, namely Spain and Israel. I've also seen concept art for Equitorial Africa and possibly Greece. None of these pavillions ever got made, Norway went up instead and what started as the Africa pavillion was apparently scrapped and turned into a hut with some bongo drums, there to this day!

 

[mousermerf]

A little over a week ago it was hosting the Epcot Doll and Teddy Bear weekend with lots of vendors setup inside.