World Showcase vs. The Real Country

[Mouseoholic]

I have yet to visit DCA but can say that the UK models in EPCOT do give you the UK flavor. The Rose & Crown does represent very well a true English pub down to the smashed peas (my personal favorite). I have also had the pleasure of visiting Kensington Palace in the UK. Disney has captured quite well the typical gardens and architecture you see when visiting these historic sites.

[ronatie]

There's a place in Balboa park in San Diego called "International Circle". The best way I can describe it is as a pared down, low budget version of World Shwocase. I think they do the event there on weekends. It's a circle of small cabins, with open doors circling a large grass courtyard. The entire thing is no bigger than 1 WS pavillion but it has a similar feel. Inside each bungalow, you will find information about the country that it represents: travel brochures, portraits of people from there, maps, folk art, history lessons and music from that country playing either on the speakers or by live musicians in the place. What really makes it though are the people inside. It's usually people from that country or more often, Americans who are descended from that country who give you free food (Peruvian potato dishes are great as are the Brittish sausage rolls) and chat with you about the country. There is music, dancing and fun for all visitors. I think the intimacy of that is what the Epcot planners wanted in the first place and may have lost along the way. It's still great and a good place to go if you've been to the real country and/or Epcot.

[MmeLeota]

We were in Balboa Park for a couple of hours about a year and a half ago, and I saw the cabins...right across from the large pipe organ! I really wanted to hear a concert, but we had to leave beforehand. Anyway, we weren't able to check them out since we were very short on time, but I would love to go back now that I know they are there.


As far as DCA goes, I really would have loved to have WestCOT...from the time I had first heard about it, I was so excited. Then I heard the plans had been scrapped and we were getting DCA. I had high hopes for it because I think the original idea was cool...especially when you consider it was a chance for out-of-towners/foreigners to get a taste of all CA has to offer and a chance for locals to show off their state (have a little pride...). However the execution of the park due to budget cuts and time constraints caused it to only be a tenth of what it could have been. That's why I am so excited for some of the changes being made. I am still a little torn about the idea of CA/Pixar mash-up of a park...not sure if I like it or not, but oh well...I'm excited for Carsland and World of Color though.

I never hated DCA, we rather liked it...we always loved the smaller crowds ( a lot easier for DH to maneuver) and the food used to be way better over there (it's all the same park food now...except for the wine!)

Ok, I've babbled enough now...someone else's turn
(sorry, I'm running on less than an hour's sleep and the fumes are fading fast)