Mouse Extra

The World Showcase at Epcot has become one of the more stagnant areas of Walt Disney World. Sure, we now have an updated Mexico boat ride that features the three caballeros. Martin Short now hosts the Canadian films. Big deal. What the area really needs is a new pavillon or two.

During its infancy, there were many grand plans for the World Showcase. I still recall the signs indicating the future sites of pavillons dedicated to Spain and Israel. And how many of you recall the Danny Kaye CBS special that went into detail as to the Equitorial African pavillon. Other plans had Venezuela, Costa Rica, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates all located around the World Showcase. And let us not forget that Italy was to have a gondala ride, Germany was to have a rhine river cruise, and there have been all sorts of rumors about a Japan attraction.

I would like to add two nations to the hit parade. Theoretically, there is room for more than two, but I don’t want the lagoon to feel too crowded. I like the little green spaces between some of the nations. But 2 additions would help rejunevate this area of the park. The question is what countries should join. There are many nations that have a rich history and a well-known culture/mythology that could appeal to park-goers, such as Greece, Egypt, Russia and India. There are nations like Australia and Ireland that appeal to the tourist industry. Other possibilities include Spain, Argentina, Poland, Korea, the Netherlands, etc. etc.

However, the one thing that sticks out about the current line-up is the absence of any South American countries. Africa, at least, has Morocco as well as its own land in the Animal Kingdom. And yes, I know Autsralia is a continent, as well, but I believe that some day it too will be a land at the Animal Kingdom (at least it should be). Therefore, for one of the pavillons, I propose Brazil, the continent’s largest nation. Brazilan cuisine (I know Brazilan barbeque is becoming popular) and shopping venues can be fully developed. Music and dance are an important part of the Brazilan culture and would be represented in a show. A sort of Carnival without the nudity.

An attraction could be lifted from the old African pavillon. The visitor could walk through a dark rainforest at night with sounds of the jungle all around you including a somewhat frightening jaguar. I had an idea awhile back for an American area of the Animal Kingdom that would include both the North and South continents. In the southern part, I would have an Amazon Jungle Cruise. The idea was you slide down a short, dark flume into a large greenhouse filled with amazonian birds, monkeys, turtles and fish. Assuming Disney decides against a South American area of the Animal Kingdom, that idea could be transplanted here. Another option (and my preference so we can keep animals in the Animal Kingdom) would be a massive IMAX presentation detailing the richness of Brazilan architecture, history, and geography.

For the second nation, I would choose Russia. Why you ask? Because I have heard some of the plans for a Russian pavillon and they sound great. St Basil’s onion domed cathedral was the be the centerpiece. There was to be a mixed media (read: AAs, live actors and animation) theater presentation on the history of the country. There was also going to be a ride based on the legend of Ivan and the Magic Pike. Throw in a restaurant and some shops and we are in business.

Finally, I would also add one more attraction to an existing pavillon. During construction, nearly every nation had an attraction to accompany it. Unfortunately, as with many subsequent Disney projects, the budget was too small and things got cut. Of the old pavillons that don’t have any attraction (Germany, Italy, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom) the one that needs some new life the most is Germany. The original rhine river cruise was to take the guests through a tour of Germany in minature. I think I would scrap that idea. Instead, we will use the rhine as a cruise through time exploring the “barbaric” tribes (like the Franks and Saxons) who formed the backbone of europe, the crowning of Charlemagne, through the turbulence of the dark ages and Martin Luther. It could explore some of the famous landmarks, as well. Perhaps, it could even include some mythological scenes. All accompanied by the music of Beethoven and Brahms.

These additions would spice things up in the World Showcase. I for one do not like the rumors of a thrill ride coming to this more adult-oriented area. I feel a bullet train ride in Japan or a log flume ride in Canada would be misplaced. Add another coaster to the Magic Kingdom or a log flume to the Animal Kingdom, but keep the World Showcase a little more sedate and focused on the art, culture and cuisine of the world’s nations.