Expanding the World (Showcase)

It's been far too long since my last "address".  For those of you new to the Fantasyland Boardroom, check out our Welcome Address.  That initial publication will help you understand our (yeah...you're in this too) mission here.  Yesterday, the Disney Company made a "major announcement".  It turned out to be the "big" reveal of their 2011 marketing campaign.  As Future WDW CEO, here's what what my "major announcement" would have been about.....


Like many Disney enthusiasts, one of my favorite places to spend time in The World is Epcot’s World Showcase. It just seems like every time I return home from a trip I end up saying to myself “man…I wish I would have had a chance to spend more time in World Showcase”. Between the food and beverage, the shops, the cast members, the music, the live entertainment, and the attractions, there is just so much to explore. You would no doubt have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to visit each and every country that is represented to try and improve on the experiences you can find right in Central Florida.

That doesn’t mean I am blind to the fact that some of the pavilions can lean “a little bit” towards stereotypes. And I fully grasp that each meal offered around World Showcase isn’t necessarily an authentic recreation of the cuisine that can be found in its land of origin. But I do believe each pavilion gives us a taste (both literally and figuratively) of what that country has to offer, hopefully leading us to continue learning about that nation’s culture long after we have left Disney World property.

So that brings us to today’s topic. We’ve been brought together as the project team that has been tasked with selecting the 12th and newest country to be represented on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon. We must weigh our options and make the case for the frontrunner. Here’s what I have come up with on my own. Let’s countdown the Top 5:

5) Spain – Spain is a country I almost find surprising isn’t already represented in the World Showcase. Spain has been up for consideration within the walls of Walt Disney Imagineering in the past, but hasn’t made it beyond the planning phase. So much of the history of North, South, and Central America is tied to Spain’s. In fact, Spain was one of the world’s leading powers throughout the 16th century, and well into the 17th century.

While many of the other “big” European countries have found a home in World Showcase, Spain has not. However, it is this reason it will fall short on my list as well. Europe is already VERY well represented in Epcot, with 5 pavilions. Adding another European country would mean that the continent would make up exactly 50% of the World Showcase. While that number may be good for the World Cup selection committee, it won’t fly here.

4) India – India is the 2nd most populous country (behind China) in the world, according to a 2009 UN estimate and makes up roughly 17% of the world population. It is also the only other country (besides China) in the world that is made up of over 1 billion people. Those are significant numbers that should certainly be considered.

Another criteria I like to consider in weighing each of these options is the potential icon (or “wienie” in the words of Walt Disney) that will draw guests toward the land. How great would the Taj Mahal be as that icon? And once you reached that destination, you would be able to dine on delicious Indian Cuisine.

The only reason it ranks “lower” on my list is that I believe Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is influenced partially by India (along with other nations such as Nepal, etc.). Could India benefit from a stronger, more direct representation in World Showcase? No doubt about it. But since other nations are ignored completely, we’ll give them some love first.

3) Russia – One could argue that no other country had as big of an influence on U.S. policy in the 2nd half of the 20th century. For so long Russia (or more accurately, the USSR) was viewed as an enemy of the United States and all that it held dear. These political showdowns tend to cloud our view of the people and the true culture of “opposing” side.

To me, this is exactly what World Showcase is all about…bringing together different cultures through an increased understanding of each other. And how amazing would St. Basil’s Cathedral be as a wienie? It would a true work of art. Plus I can already envision the shops selling beautiful, yet overpriced, Russian Nesting Dolls.

I could be very easily be compelled to have Russia as my top pick. The only reason I have it lower is because Europe and Asia (which, Russia is part of both) already make up over half of the World Showcase. However, as the largest nation (based on land size) in the world, I would be hard pressed not to take them into serious consideration.

2) Australia – Another pavilion that has been considered in the past by WDI, one of the main motivators for them making my list is to represent a yet unrepresented continent. That and the fact that I just think it would be a fun pavilion. The Sydney Opera House would make a grand addition to the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon, perhaps housing a restaurant that would serve as a new “it” place to view Illuminations. I’m sure Foster’s could even work in a little sponsorship action somewhere. A perfect fit all around.

So, as fun as I think this pavilion would be, it isn’t my top choice. The main reason is I personally believe Australia would make an even better addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One day, perhaps, Camp Minnie-Mickey can be converted to a wondrous land of Koala Bears and Kangaroos…and Foster’s beer.

1) Brazil – It’s still beyond belief to me that a whole continent such as South America is completely unrepresented. And Brazil, as the largest country in South America in both land area and population (not to mention the 5th most populous country on the planet), would be the logical choice to serve as the South American ambassador in the World Showcase.

So what could a Brazilian pavilion (I mean, come on…that’s just fun to say…) bring to the table? Well, I’m hungry right now so let’s start with a Brazilian steakhouse. That would be a great addition to the already vast dining options available within Epcot. Plus, imagine Samba music pumping throughout the pavilion. And perhaps a daily Carnival celebration through the streets?!?!

As far as a wienie, I would probably have to leave that one to the Imaginers. My personal preference would be a recreation of the massive Christ the Redeemer statue that can be found in Rio de Janerio. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that would fly with many of the guests due to the obviously religious implications.

So what do you think? As a member of the project team, what would you offer up as a suggestion? What country would you want to see and why? What would it bring to the party? Let your mind run wild with it.