With 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world, EPCOT’s World Showcase is an immersive celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture, and entertainment. Even with its incredible international lineup, there are still several notable countries that have yet to be included.
Thinking back to my early Disney days, I can still picture carrying my little World Showcase passport from pavilion to pavilion, having it stamped and signed by Cultural Representatives. They still sell those passports at the park today! I also remember playing in the old Viking Ship playground tucked inside the Norway pavilion, long before Anna and Elsa moved in. Fun fact: that area was originally intended as expansion space. Norway eventually grew into it in 2016 when Frozen Ever After and their meet and greet location opened, but plenty of unused pockets still remain throughout the World Showcase promenade. Even before EPCOT opened in 1982, Imagineers had plans for at least three more global destinations:
All of that nostalgia got me thinking: which country or region would I personally love to see represented today?
Greece feels like the strongest contender. It has a rich cultural heritage perfect for EPCOT, from ancient history and mythology to stunning island landscapes. A pavilion could easily showcase Greek cuisine like moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, baklava, olives and wines. You could highlight Greek sculpture, architecture, and the country’s influence on Western civilization. And for an attraction, a scenic boat ride through Santorini, Mykonos, or the ruins of Athens practically designs itself. (I mean, a boat ride is always a good idea.) If Disney wanted to incorporate a film tie-in for the. pavilion, Hercules is a great fit.
Another idea that fits both EPCOT’s storytelling potential and original World Showcase plan? Spain. With its blend of historical architecture, vibrant festivals, Flamenco music, and globally loved cuisine like tapas, paella, and churros, Spain could be a powerhouse pavilion. It has long been rumored, tentatively conceptualized, and discussed by many theme park fans, so the idea already lives in that sweet spot between nostalgia and possibility. Plus, a coastal town of Spain would fit right into the World Showcase Lagoon landscape.
More pavilions means MORE attractions, dining and festival options, shopping, and cultural representation at EPCOT. If you could add a brand-new World Showcase pavilion to EPCOT, what would you choose?
- Australia
- [Equatorial] Africa
- Brazil
- Greece
- India
- Spain
- Sweden
- Other?
Or maybe you would prefer expanding an existing pavilion with an all-new E-ticket attraction… I’m looking at you, Rhine River Cruise for Germany or the long-dreamed Mount Fuji coaster for Japan.
While we already have a pretty good idea of everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, World Showcase still has room for growth to add more park capacity and entertainment options for visitors. Who knows what could be announced next! Hey, if we can dream it, we can do it.
