World Showcase, what country would you add?

[Pumbas Nakasak]

The pavillion may be called Great Britain or UK but it certainly only represents England. This is a standard gripe from someone of non Anglo origin such as myself, We are seperate in culture ands personality and would like to be represented that way.
from another prspective Why not demolish that poxy back street area and build something more exciting. Have england as the token element in a Celtic dominated UK. Great Idea.:lol:

 

[starsky]

To make some minor corrections, Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth. It is the UK pavillion and is supposed to represent all 4 nations; there are shops dedicated to Wales and Scotland, but nothing for Northern Ireland. You can however buy flags and hats with the Northern Ireland symbols attached.
But I do agree that the pavillion is pretty stale and altogether too English. It could do with something just to represent a more vibrant image of the UK.

 

[2much2do]

Hello all,
I don't want to do anything to perpetuate this Scottish/Irish/British discussion, but I just wanted to add one minor point nobody has touched on yet. The actual countries themselves are the ones that sponsor their pavillions, is that not true? So, If the UK pavillion is too British, wouldn't that be a direct fault of the government? The UK gov., that is. The fact is, that while Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland are all part of the UK (Canada is not), Englad runs the show and has the money. The others end up being pushed to the side as far as the international appearance goes. Very few Americans realize these are seperate countries within one central gov., each with their own people, customs, culture and heritage. This however, is an internal UK issue. Not a Disney one. And there is no way the UK will pay to sponsor another UK pavillion geared towards a country they feel is part of the existing pavillion. What would be ideal would be to have the other countries better represented in the UK pavillion as the UK is not only Britain. JMO

 

[tinkrbel]

I dont think WDW would be the place for something like the horrors of Stalin, But it would be really interesting to have Russia represented I like the suggestions of Egypt and Greece too Of the three I think I would love to see one of Greece .. one of my favorite Haley Mills movies was set in Greece, The Moonspinnners

 

[MKCustodial]

Ok, I saw a lot of stuff here concerning Brazil, so I decided to shed some light.

First of all, we were invited to EPCOT in the beginning of WS, but the government then declined it. Since the counties have to take care of the pavillions, it'd be expensive for us. We did have one in the Millenium Village but, if you want my honest opinion, the country did a bad job on it. It just helped to reinforce some "myths" other countries have about us. I personally was ashamed of the thing. The video they showed was dated, from the 80's, and anyone who don't know Brazil and saw that probably left with the impression that we only have jungles, carnaval, naked women walking around and beaches. Oh, and soccer, of course.

Now, 2Much said: "I like the Brazil idea. I also like Spain or maybe Argentina or Venezuela. Almost half the world speaks Spanish, and it is the fastest growing minority/language in the U.S."
Well, even though we have this "latino" influence, this a common American mistake. We don't speak Spanish down here! :zipit: We speak Portuguese! Different from Portugal's, but Portuguese just the same. This confusion happened a lot when I was a CM. Every time there were "latinos" in trouble, they'd send me. They are similar languages, but not that much.

Howlin_Mad said: "Brazil would be good, but I still shudder at the thought of those notorious Brazilian tour groups that contaminated the parks a couple of years ago. The last thing we need is a reason from them to visit the Orlando area again. Fianlly, they could build a giant jungle (aka rain forest) section in Animal Kingdom and use it to represent many countries on or near the equator (Indonesia, Zaire, Congo, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, etc.)"
See what I meant in my first point? And I know it's not his case, but some people DO THINK that, because of the rain forest ("jungle"), Brazil is in Africa or something. And don't worry, man, some of us who have some sense also shudder at that same thought. I don't think we'll be seeing groups like those in a while. They'll be there, for sure, but not in those numbers. Economy is not at its highest nowadays, and 9/11 just made it harder. Also, I don't think people would rush to pay a lot of money to see some deturped image of what they have at home for free, know what I mean? A pavillion would be no extra attractive for the majority of the Brazilians.

Well, I hope these explanations helped some. I really wouldn't like to see a Brazilian pavillion. WS is wonderfully well kept and well done, and odds are our government would just make a bigger mess in WS than they did in MV.

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by MKCustodial
Ok, I saw a lot of stuff here concerning Brazil, so I decided to shed some light.

First of all, we were invited to EPCOT in the beginning of WS, but the government then declined it. Since the counties have to take care of the pavillions, it'd be expensive for us. We did have one in the Millenium Village but, if you want my honest opinion, the country did a bad job on it. It just helped to reinforce some "myths" other countries have about us. I personally was ashamed of the thing. The video they showed was dated, from the 80's, and anyone who don't know Brazil and saw that probably left with the impression that we only have jungles, carnaval, naked women walking around and beaches. Oh, and soccer, of course.

Now, 2Much said: "I like the Brazil idea. I also like Spain or maybe Argentina or Venezuela. Almost half the world speaks Spanish, and it is the fastest growing minority/language in the U.S."
Well, even though we have this "latino" influence, this a common American mistake. We don't speak Spanish down here! :zipit: We speak Portuguese! Different from Portugal's, but Portuguese just the same. This confusion happened a lot when I was a CM. Every time there were "latinos" in trouble, they'd send me. They are similar languages, but not that much.

Howlin_Mad said: "Brazil would be good, but I still shudder at the thought of those notorious Brazilian tour groups that contaminated the parks a couple of years ago. The last thing we need is a reason from them to visit the Orlando area again. Fianlly, they could build a giant jungle (aka rain forest) section in Animal Kingdom and use it to represent many countries on or near the equator (Indonesia, Zaire, Congo, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, etc.)"
See what I meant in my first point? And I know it's not his case, but some people DO THINK that, because of the rain forest ("jungle"), Brazil is in Africa or something. And don't worry, man, some of us who have some sense also shudder at that same thought. I don't think we'll be seeing groups like those in a while. They'll be there, for sure, but not in those numbers. Economy is not at its highest nowadays, and 9/11 just made it harder. Also, I don't think people would rush to pay a lot of money to see some deturped image of what they have at home for free, know what I mean? A pavillion would be no extra attractive for the majority of the Brazilians.

Well, I hope these explanations helped some. I really wouldn't like to see a Brazilian pavillion. WS is wonderfully well kept and well done, and odds are our government would just make a bigger mess in WS than they did in MV.

Wow! I had to quote your whole post because it was very well said!
I hated the Brazilian exhibit in MillVill because it was extremely noisy! The game was cool, the questions were ok, but who would want to read all that info in such a loud place? Not me... sorry. I worked in GR MillVill and it was very annoying. It did reinforce the stereotypes we have of brazilians, just as you said.

I did shudder when I saw those big groups of brazilians running to me when I was escorting Xmas characters, or when I was working the queue in the mexican ride. That was scary!

I know what you mean about brazilians not liking to have their pavillion there... we mexicans criticize ours! For instance, the mexican pavillion represents mainly central Mexico, so us, southerners, complain about that. I am sure that happens in every place! But I certainly like having my country being part of WSC!

 

[thumper]

If I had to pick another country, I think I would go along with most of you and say Russia or Greece....although I always wished that Italy would put in a ride or movie. I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful country, and I think it could be presented much better at EPCOT. I'm curious if anyone knows why they didn't add a ride or movie to this pavilion. Was it Disney's choice? Or Italy's decision?

 

[mickeykid79]

I agree with the idea on expanding Italy's pavillon, its too small. Put in the coliseum with a 360° movie, or a Ride that deals with Mythological Gods or the diaster in Pompeii. And what about "Meet the World" an orignal attraction planned for Japan, Now in Tokyo Disneyland, whats up with that!!! Update all the rides and add more...:lol:

 

[raven]

I see what you mean when you guys get angry at the way your country is portrayed. I would be a little upset too if I knew everyone thought of my country with only what they see before them.

Look at the American Pavillion. Are all US citizens dressed like those there? Do we all have a big Independence Hall we live in. Haven't we come a long way from that?

Not complaining because the other parks cover everything else but it's all the same.

Raven º0º

 

[bossmsx]

I'm gonna put in my vote for Spain....The original plans for WS actually called for a Spain pavillion, and on my last visit to Epcot wayyy back in '84 (shame on me), I remember seeing the spot marked out for it, with a big sign saying something to the effect of "SPAIN--COMING SOON"......Was actually looking forward to seeing it on my next visit when I find out that pavillion was never built....I'm also of Spanish descent, so it'd be a neat thing for me.
On a related note, I've noticed some people putting votes in for Russia...That too was a proposed pavillion (way back when it was still the Soviet Union).

 

[2much2do]

Originally posted by MKCustodial

Now, 2Much said: "I like the Brazil idea. I also like Spain or maybe Argentina or Venezuela. Almost half the world speaks Spanish, and it is the fastest growing minority/language in the U.S."
Well, even though we have this "latino" influence, this a common American mistake. We don't speak Spanish down here! :zipit: We speak Portuguese! Different from Portugal's, but Portuguese just the same. This confusion happened a lot when I was a CM. Every time there were "latinos" in trouble, they'd send me. They are similar languages, but not that much.

Hi, me again. Just wanted to say that my parents are from Colombia, and I speak Spanish, and I used to be a cast member, and whenever someone from Brazil was in need of help, they always sent me, and I DO NOT SPEAK PORTUGUESE!!!!, LOL! I'm sorry it came out that way in my post, but I know Brazilians don't speak Spanish. I meant I like the Brazil idea. Then a seperate thought: I ALSO like Spain, etc.... But, anything from South America would be cool!

 

[Tramp]

Originally posted by raven
I see what you mean when you guys get angry at the way your country is portrayed. I would be a little upset too if I knew everyone thought of my country with only what they see before them.

Look at the American Pavillion. Are all US citizens dressed like those there? Do we all have a big Independence Hall we live in. Haven't we come a long way from that?

Not complaining because the other parks cover everything else but it's all the same.

Raven º0º

With the utmost of respect, I think you missed the point of this pavillion....many people in the United States don't know who Richard Cheney is, never mind Mark Twain, Ben Franklin and other statesmen and heroes of America.... the Pavillion is a replica of Philidelphia's Liberty Hall and is themed in the 18th century...I really don't think the women should be showing their belly buttons or the men grabbing their crotches simply cuz we live that way now...

...my daughter asks a TON of questions everytime we visit that Pavillion and she's gonna grow up understanding the brilliance of our forefathers and their weaknesses too...it's called an education, something of which I fear many of us don't get.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I think its very important that the youth of all countries understand the roots and sacrafices there forebears made.If the US pavilion works fair play. I just find it too sanitised tell it like it was warts n all.
Every country/culture has got a dark side but that shouldnt be avoided, it should be used to highlight how we develop or in some cases regress.
I dont think todays PC concious Disney would be so bold, so lets forget the educate part and stick to entertain. Build my Celtic Myths coaster NOW!!!

 

[tinkrbel]

warts and all

I love that ..my friend Karen in the West Midlands says that alot .. as for showing the bad side of any country at WDW I dont think thats the point of the pavillions ..you can all correct me if I am wrong ..but what I get from the WSC is a sense of each country and its heritage/culture and a bit of history. there are bad things in every ones history, things we are not proud of as a people, but WDW is not the place to educate anyone on these things ..There is no way Disney wants someone to go away from its parks feeling depressed and sad. the idea is to show what is good about these counties, and .. it seems also to draw tourism to them.

22 days left!!

 

[jcmayid]

My vote would be for Egypt too. Would be very cool to see Pyramids and Ancient Egypt architecture. I definitely think Epcot needs another country & more rides!!! I love Epcot don't get me wrong, but it needs some change. Looking forward to Mission: Space!!!

:sohappy:

 

[jcmayid]

Re: warts and all

Originally posted by tinkrbel
I love that ..my friend Karen in the West Midlands says that alot .. as for showing the bad side of any country at WDW I dont think thats the point of the pavillions ..you can all correct me if I am wrong ..but what I get from the WSC is a sense of each country and its heritage/culture and a bit of history. there are bad things in every ones history, things we are not proud of as a people, but WDW is not the place to educate anyone on these things ..There is no way Disney wants someone to go away from its parks feeling depressed and sad. the idea is to show what is good about these counties, and .. it seems also to draw tourism to them.

22 days left!!

Exactly Tink, if that were the case why don't they add a holocaust section to Germany and maybe a few concentration camps. We'd learn a lot but damn it is not what I'd expect to see from a vacation to Disney, wouldn't you say:veryconfu

 

[raven]

Originally posted by Tramp


With the utmost of respect, I think you missed the point of this pavillion....many people in the United States don't know who Richard Cheney is, never mind Mark Twain, Ben Franklin and other statesmen and heroes of America.... the Pavillion is a replica of Philidelphia's Liberty Hall and is themed in the 18th century...I really don't think the women should be showing their belly buttons or the men grabbing their crotches simply cuz we live that way now...

...my daughter asks a TON of questions everytime we visit that Pavillion and she's gonna grow up understanding the brilliance of our forefathers and their weaknesses too...it's called an education, something of which I fear many of us don't get.

Wasn't trying to make a point about how poor the American Pavillion is, I was using it as an example to tell the other members in this forum from Mexico that they can be proud of their pavillion because it shows the history of the country. Many Mexicans have said they didn't like the Mexico Pavillion because it made them look greedy or stupid. I was telling them it is about their country's history and used the Amreican Pavillion as an example.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

if that were the case why don't they add a holocaust section to Germany and maybe a few concentration camps.

Thats not quite as warts n all as I was thinking. However Its youre country you have the right to say how you wish its history to be depicted. all I meant was there have been major political and social changes in the last 50 years and that they are ignored. all countries develop, those changes should be highlighted.
If youre not carefull youll end up like my country where Scottish history wasnt even taught (it may be now, but I doubt it). You ignore youre past at youre peril. (that sounds a bit preachy).
Having Visited Bergen Bellsen and Dachau I can agree with you its not entertaining but it is worthwhile.

 

[disney_nutter]

I was very negative before about doing ireland but as we have stated n.ireland is part of the uk so what about putting in something to do with the titanic after all it was belfast who bulit it. And before people start it was northern irish ship builders that bulit it i hate when people refer to ireland buliding the titanic when it was protestant ship buliders who did it, i have a letter from the red star line thanking my great grand dad for his help in buliding it. I just remember this as it was 90 years ago to the day that titaninc its dry dock here in belfast. We have a massive celebration on at the min with actors walking about the streets being such people as thomus andrews(the creator) robert ismay(the pwer on the company i hate this man) and such other people we also have tours around the dock. and we will soon have the biggest titaninc musem in the whole world.

 

[talfonso]

Do the Philippines - most of my family was born there!!!