ƒI was diagnosed with a severe case of the travel bug back in 2006. Symptoms of this bug include slight anxiety attacks and mild twitching when having to stay put in the one spot for more than seven months at a time. I know I am not alone and am seeking help.
While interning at Disney World throughout 2009 – 2010, due to work constraints, I could not travel as much as I would have liked and so the twitching began; cue Epcot.
Epcot is one of Disney World’s four main theme parks – it is the place I happily frolicked about when in need of a quick travel pick-me-up; in short, it’s where I went to fulfil my travel kicks. Epcot isn’t your regular theme park with rides and candy – it is a world showcase experience where creativity is encouraged, imagination is celebrated and countries are united. To make it that little bit more awesome, Disney has cast members from right around the globe ready to welcome you and to help authenticate your Epcot cultural experience!
Epcot’s World Showcase is a collection of pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon. Each pavilion represents a different country and features shops, attractions, live performances, kid-centric entertainment and restaurants that represent the culture of the following 11 countries:
1. Mexico
2. Norway
3. China
4. Germany
5. Italy
6. United States
7. Japan
8. Morocco
9. France
10. United Kingdom
11. Canada
You’re probably thinking this sounds all a little lame, right? The first time I ever went there back in 2006, I thought the same thing too, but it wasn’t until I actually started travelling that I realised just how wonderfully Epcot perfectly encapsulates the above countries to share with Disney World guests all year round!
Here’s a look at how some of the Epcot World Showcase measures up to the real thing…
CHINA
The Paifang Gate that marks entry into Beijing’s Summer Palace.
Photo Credit: Flickr – donnaerickson
Epcot’s Paifang Gate replica at the China Pavilion.
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Photo Credit: Flickr – Ray Devlin
Epcot’s Temple of Heaven replica at the China Pavilion.
Photo Credit: Flickr – cheukiecfu
.
ITALY
St. Marks Square in Venice.
Photo Credit: Flickr – fredsphotoweb
Epcot’s scaled down replica of St. Marks Square at the Italy Pavilion, complete with the
famous bell tower (one-fifth scale).
Photo Credit: Flickr – Bertram Ernest
.
MOROCCO
The Koutoubia Minaret in Marrakech.
Photo Credit: Flickr – xeniazup
Epcot’s Koutoubia Minaret at the Morocco Pavilion. King Hassan II of Morocco was heavily involved in the construction and even dispatched native craftsmen to build this particular Epcot Pavilion.
A Moroccan Bazaar.
Photo Credit: Flickr – volcanous
The Moroccan Bazaar at Epcot.
.
CANADA
Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
Epcot’s Canada Pavilion features a 19th century chateau-style design, closely resembling that of Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
Photo Credit: Flickr – Scott Hanko
.
MEXICO
El Castillo – Temple of the Feathered Serpent in the city of the Gods, Teotihuacan.
Photo Credit: Flickr – PVCG
The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot is loosely modeled after the pre-Columbian pyramid in Teotihuacan
which dates back to 150-200CE.
Photo Credit: Flickr – johnny1968
.
Although not having yet been to all eleven countries featured in the Epcot World Showcase, I must say I was impressed with the pavilion resemblance of the six countries I had already visited. If you’re strapped for cash but still want to see the world, maybe Epcot is the way to go! You can call old car removal Sydney to take your car for some cash that you can use for travel.
.
Do you think Disney’s Epcot is a a great example of a cultural experience
for those that have never had the opportunity to travel much?
.
.
I’ve only been to Epcot once back in 04 and I didn’t really like it. I think because I had been to so many of the countries it just felt really silly and tacky going to these replicas. It is well done though as you say.
Hey Caz! You’re right, it is tacky but for the millions of people that visit there each year that don’t have the opportunity to travel as much as some of us do, I think it’s a little bit exciting for them and I can only hope it acts as an eye opener by encouraging them to pursue the whole new world that awaits them!
Great post. I grew up going to Disney and I never really appreciated Epcot when I was younger. I think it had something to do with the lack of rides, it seemed anti-climatic. I haven’t been to the park in awhile, but next time money is tight, and I feel the itch, I may make the drive and check it out again.
Thanks Elle! I went back in 2006 web I was a n00b to traveling and I didn’t appreciate Epcot then, like you, I think I was the lack of rides there, all I really remember was the giant ball! I’ve since matured (kinda) and love it there… Especially drinking around the world! Can’t wait to go back in 2 weeks!
Nice post, Great photos…