With 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world, EPCOT‘s World Showcase is an immersive celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture, and entertainment. However, even with its array of international representation, there are still some notable countries that have yet to be included.
As I look back on my early Disney memories, I recall taking my little World Showcase passport around each pavilion to have stamped and signed by a cultural representative — something they still sell and do to this day! I remember playing in the old Viking Ship playground area within the Norway pavilion, and later learning this was an “empty” lot for future World Showcase expansions. We still know this area as Norway today, as Elsa and Anna moved in a few years ago in 2016, taking over [our beloved] Maelstrom along with an expanded area including their custom-built meet & greet location. However, there is enough room in between most of the World Showcase pavilions for future expansion. Even before EPCOT’s opening day, there were plans for at least two more global locales to be represented.
All of this reminiscing got me thinking — which country or continent would I like to see represented today? Even though we have shining Africa and India representations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I still feel like they deserve a place within EPCOT’s walk around the world. However, I could easily dream up a pavilion devoted to Greece.
Greece is rich in cultural heritage that could be well represented at EPCOT. With its ancient ruins, beautiful islands, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, Greece offers a wealth of inspiration for a pavilion. Visitors could explore Greek mythology, the ancient ruins of Athens, and the country’s role in shaping Western civilization.
Greek food is renowned worldwide, so a pavilion could feature dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and baklava, as well as Greek wines and olives. The pavilion could also highlight Greece’s artistic traditions, from classical sculpture to modern architecture. As for an attraction? A boat ride is always a good idea. Perhaps transporting you to destinations like Santorini or Mykonos.
A Greece pavilion would add another layer of European culture to EPCOT, complementing the existing pavilions while offering new flavors and experiences.
Now that I’ve shared my brainstorming ideas with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you could add a brand new World Showcase pavilion to EPCOT, what would it be?
- Australia
- [Equatorial] Africa
- Brazil
- Greece
- India
- Spain
- Sweden
- Other?
Or, hear me out, instead of adding a new pavilion entirely, how about expanding an existing one with an all-new E-ticket attraction? *ahem* Rhine River Cruise for Germany, or Mount Fuji roller coaster for Japan *ahem*
Hey, if we can dream it, we can do it.
