Your an Imagineer in charge of adding a New Country to Epcot

Post by **js3901** » Jan Thu 29, 2009 6:28 pm

Mr.ToadWildRider wrote:Russia: Has been an enemy yes, and Communist, yes, and has been hostile with us in the past. We've never actually engaged in open warfare with Russia though, unlike Italy, France (sort of), Japan, Germany, England/Great Britain, and Mexico. China is still Communist and has had as much threat to the USA in the Cold War as Russia (I seem to recall the Chinese playing roles in Korea and to a lesser extent Vietnam).

actually, we've never been in DIRECT open warfare with Russia. However, in the 80s, the US was supplying weapons to Afganistan to fight the Russian army. So, while not direct, we did have a hand in it.

now, as for new countries, I would have to agree with the majority -

-Greece is good, but I feel that Europe is already represented enough.
-India is a good choice (could do with some good Indian food while down there), but not quite sure how they'd work it out.
-Brazil is probably the best choice, as South America is about the only area not represented, out side of...
-Australia or New Zealand would be interesting, but could be considered too close to the UK. and pulling off some of the landscapes would be problematic.

Mr.ToadWildRider · Post by **Mr.ToadWildRider** » Jan Fri 30, 2009 1:51 pm

js3901 wrote:
Mr.ToadWildRider wrote:Russia: Has been an enemy yes, and Communist, yes, and has been hostile with us in the past. We've never actually engaged in open warfare with Russia though, unlike Italy, France (sort of), Japan, Germany, England/Great Britain, and Mexico. China is still Communist and has had as much threat to the USA in the Cold War as Russia (I seem to recall the Chinese playing roles in Korea and to a lesser extent Vietnam).
actually, we've never been in DIRECT open warfare with Russia. However, in the 80s, the US was supplying weapons to Afganistan to fight the Russian army. So, while not direct, we did have a hand in it.

Just to clarify, by open I just meant "overt," we've had covert dealings with the Soviets just about everywhere in the world and covert usually includes supplying arms to the enemy of an enemy (i.e. we were never in overt combat w/ the Soviets in Vietnam but that doesn't explain how there were MiGS in the air).

CapnHook · Post by **CapnHook** » Feb Tue 03, 2009 1:37 pm

Joe90 wrote:Millennia of rich and colourful history and culture. Every type of terrain from mountains through deserts and rainforests. Fantastic monuments. Some of the best foods available on the planet.

A small taster available in animal kingdom.

The largest democracy in the world

Home of mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera

India.

I think it would be a squash to fit any new country around the lagoon. Perhaps a journey down a river (The Ganges) to an area outside the current lagoon. Another 360 cinema would be excellent. As for food, where to begin, India has a cuisine so rich and varied the choices would be enormous.

Here Here!

Another thought is to look at what is there and what is missing.

I do love india and Nepal, but I don't see either with the cash to pony up...

Anyhow we have Europe well represented: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Norway.

North America is completely covered, Canada, US, Mexico.

Asia has two big representitves: China and Japan.

The African continent has Morocco.

So Lets look at what we don't have...

There are continents that really have no representation; South America, (Where Peru and the Inca are totally fascinating [plus you could use the emperor's new groove, characters, etc...]), Austrailia, (which derives much of it's culture from the Europeans, unless they focus on the aborigines, can't see Mad Max in there...) and Antartctica. (really nothing there to represent)

Plus Africa is really under-represented.

So in a way that doesn't help much either since the pavilion has to be sponsored by the country (and what country has the spare cash right now?)

So I guess as mentioned before, it would need to be a different and interesting culture, that doesn't invite vandalisim, and has cash that they are willing to invest in PR, plus I supose would want to be seen as good either as a tourist destination or just in general.

Jacca5660 · Post by **Jacca5660** » Feb Tue 03, 2009 3:11 pm

I see a few equating Australia and/or New Zealand with Great Britain. I don't see that way. These are countries that are very different from the UK. I also feel these two just may have the money to pony up for a joint pavilion.

Just to be the devils advocate: Venezuela has the money and lets face it ChÃ¡vez would love to do something like this just to stick in our faces.

LadyLallie · Post by **LadyLallie** » Feb Sat 14, 2009 9:48 pm

I think Greece could be really neat. Brazil would be interesting too.

kingjamesut · Post by **kingjamesut** » Feb Sun 15, 2009 8:33 am

LadyLallie wrote:I think Greece could be really neat. Brazil would be interesting too.

I agree, Greece would be amazing. Have the shops set up on a bit of a hill like those white houses. Maybe even do some of the ruins too.

jenjolt · Post by **jenjolt** » Feb Sun 15, 2009 9:14 am

Oh I really like the Greece idea that would be amazing to see especially if you incorporated all their rich history! I also really think a Russian pavilion would be amazing to see.

ronatie · Post by **ronatie** » Feb Fri 27, 2009 7:49 pm

Israel- I admit it's a controversial country...and the Saudi's own a lot of stock in Disney so it's not likely to happen any time soon but hear me out.

Conflict aside for the time being: Israel is a very ethnically and culturally diverse place. There is a very brief nod to the country in IASW in WDW but it doesn't do any justice to the diversity or cultural colorfulness of the country.

Going there is in many respects live a living world showcase or IASW. There are people of all races and colors form every corner of the world (most jewish some not but equally exotic and interesting).

I would do an IASW light-hearted homage to the kibbutz movement with characters in their folk outfits of cargo shorts and "tembel" hats (dunce caps) and explore ancient history and modern showing how so many people from all over the world came to live there. You could show the people who came from Poland, Greece, North Africa, China, Ethiopia etc. and the ties that bind them all together. It could be done very tastefully. Not to mention there would be a tasteful way to address the ongoing conflict with the palestinians. You wouldn't have to brush it under the rug but focus on the positive...show how peace has been achieved in small pockets and how people are still striving for it today. You could also do this in a more serious way with a 360 film in the round like they have in the China pavillion.

If I'm not mistaken Israel was one of the countries they were planning on including originally before EPCOT was built but for some reason they scrapped it. They did however mention Israeli efforts in pioneering agricultural techniques and hydroponics in "the land" but I think that has been scrapped as well. Too bad.

As for Disney characters that could be incorporated in to this ride, I can't think of any that would fit off the top of my head...but I'm sure there are some. Any ideas?

On another note, I agree that Ireland would be a great idea. Walt was of Irish extraction after all so it would be appropriate.

Soarin08 · Post by **Soarin08** » Feb Fri 27, 2009 9:40 pm

My top five choices for a new country are-

1. Australia
2. Egypt
3. Russia
4. India
5. Kenya (or any other African country)

The food for India would be fantastic.... think about it!!!!!

agingerbugg · Post by **agingerbugg** » Mar Mon 02, 2009 9:13 am

Soarin08 wrote:My top five choices for a new country are-

The food for India would be fantastic.... think about it!!!!!

I love Indian food, I have to drive an hour to eat truly authentic Indian food; I wouldn't mind driving an extra hour to enjoy it in a World Showcase setting.

figmentaholic · Post by **figmentaholic** » Mar Mon 02, 2009 7:52 pm

I would like to do one in an area that is not represented at all.

The land of December summers

The land of platypus, kangaroos, and the biggest crocs and sharks in the world.

There is an Australian pavilion in the Food and Wine Festival, every year, so a restaurant that served that food would work.

I know there is already a few river rides, but I could see a river ride through the various climates of Austailia and New Zeland, kind of like "Living with the Land" would be nice.

I unfortunatly do not know where there is land available, but I would suggest closer to the France/England side, since there are less rides on that side.

What do you guys think?

Jacca5660 · Post by **Jacca5660** » Mar Mon 02, 2009 8:21 pm

ronatie wrote:Israel- I admit it's a controversial country...and the Saudi's own a lot of stock in Disney so it's not likely to happen any time soon but hear me out.

Conflict aside for the time being: Israel is a very ethnically and culturally diverse place. There is a very brief nod to the country in IASW in WDW but it doesn't do any justice to the diversity or cultural colorfulness of the country.

Going there is in many respects live a living world showcase or IASW. There are people of all races and colors form every corner of the world (most jewish some not but equally exotic and interesting).

I would do an IASW light-hearted homage to the kibbutz movement with characters in their folk outfits of cargo shorts and "tembel" hats (dunce caps) and explore ancient history and modern showing how so many people from all over the world came to live there. You could show the people who came from Poland, Greece, North Africa, China, Ethiopia etc. and the ties that bind them all together. It could be done very tastefully. Not to mention there would be a tasteful way to address the ongoing conflict with the palestinians. You wouldn't have to brush it under the rug but focus on the positive...show how peace has been achieved in small pockets and how people are still striving for it today. You could also do this in a more serious way with a 360 film in the round like they have in the China pavillion.

If I'm not mistaken Israel was one of the countries they were planning on including originally before EPCOT was built but for some reason they scrapped it. They did however mention Israeli efforts in pioneering agricultural techniques and hydroponics in "the land" but I think that has been scrapped as well. Too bad.

As for Disney characters that could be incorporated in to this ride, I can't think of any that would fit off the top of my head...but I'm sure there are some. Any ideas?

On another note, I agree that Ireland would be a great idea. Walt was of Irish extraction after all so it would be appropriate.

If you did Israel would you just do the country since 45 or would you do it as a history of the land. I mean do a history that goes back 2000 to 3000 years? It would be like an Israel of all people.

Peerless83 · Post by **Peerless83** » Mar Tue 03, 2009 12:50 pm

The question of all questions. I think this is a great question because it is time that Disney added a country (or two) to world showcase. You have to be careful with this because you need to choose a country that offers a little something to everyone, i.e. unique shopping, food, etc. etc. I think India and/or Russia make the most sense. I think it would be great to have Australia join worldshow case, but I am not sure if it would offer as much uniqueness as you would want in a country. If you don't go with Russia or India, then Chile, Argentina, or Brazil would be a nice addition as well.

Or how about this, while adding a new country, how about they go ahead and add a better food choice for the U.S. pavilion as well. There are so many unique food options they could have chosen besides burgers and chicken nuggets. How about putting in a cajan restaurant or some good ol fashion BBQ options?

Discomick · Post by **Discomick** » Mar Fri 27, 2009 9:02 pm

Jacca, I think you've made valid opinions in all of your posts. But, I'm not sure we would have China in the showcase right now if we followed some of your rules. And that would absolutely be horrific...

MagicKingdom Fairy89 · Post by **MagicKingdom Fairy89** » Mar Sat 28, 2009 10:11 am

Australia!!!

There could be a surfing ride, and BBQ's.

I believe it should have its place within the world showcase as there is nothing to represent it anywhere is disney world really