Difference between pages "Japan" and "Morocco"

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Japan is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[The American Adventure]] and [[Morocco]].
 
 
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| caption='''The pagoda located within the Japan pavilion'''
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| caption='''The Morocco pavilion from across World Showcase Lagoon'''
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Morocco is a pavilion located within World Showcase in [[Epcot]]. It is located between the [[Japan]] and [[France]].
 +
==History==
 +
Morocco was one of the countries planned for World Showcase dating back to 1978 <ref> http://progresscityusa.com/2011/06/19/epcot-origins-a-model-future-1978/ </ref>. In fact, when Disney CEO Card Walker revealed the companies plans for EPCOT Center in the cast member Eyes and Ears magazine, he noted that Morocco was one of the first ten countries to sign a letter of intent to participate in World Showcase. Although the pavilion was not an opening day pavilion, Moroccan themed bathrooms were operational on EPCOT Center’s opening day <ref name= "potties"> http://progresscityusa.com/2010/02/16/the-mystical-potties-of-morocco/ </ref>. Construction on the rest of the pavilion then began in late 1982, with the official groundbreaking taking place in 1983 <ref name= "potties"/>. Finally, on September 7, 1984 the Morocco pavilion officially opened <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/430/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/World-Showcase--Morocco/ </ref>. Since the pavilion opened it has seen a relatively few number of changes. Besides the changing of many of the shops located in the marketplace, the only major changes in Morocco have been the addition of the Tangierine Café on September 30, 1999 <ref> http://www.intercot.com/discussion/archive/index.php?t-195363.html </ref> (which replaced the tourism bureau) and the addition of Spice Road Table in January 2014 <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/spice-road-table/news/11jan2014-review---spice-road-table-at-epcot's-morocco-pavilion.htm </ref>.
  
−
==Pavilion History and Layout==
+
==Layout <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_one.html </ref> <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_two.html </ref>==
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Although a Japan pavilion had always been planned for World Showcase, the pavilion went through many changes before its creation. Original WED building designs for the Japan pavilion were based on the traditional Pagoda, which had actually originated in China. Once this error was recognized, the whole pavilion had to be re-imagined. When the pavilion finally opened, it included three restaurants (Temoura Kiki, Matsu No Ma lounge, and the Teppanyaki Dining Room), a large store, and the Bijutsu-kan (a museum). The icon of the Japan pavilion is a five-story pagoda, a building that is most associated with Buddhism. The five tiers of the pagoda each represent an element which Buddhists believe the universe was created from. Guests can often see live entertainment near the pagoda.  
+
[[Image:Moroccopavilion.jpg|300px|thumb|The Koutoubia Minaret in the Morocco pavilion]]
 +
Unlike the other countries in World Showcase, the Morocco pavilion was directly sponsored by the country it represented. In fact, King Hassan II (the King of Morocco) sent craftsmen and artisans to help Disney design and create the pavilion. Since Islamic religion prohibits the artistic depiction of live objects, the decorations in the Morocco pavilion were all decorated with geometric patterns. Like many cities in Morocco, the pavilion is divided into ville nouvel (the “new city” which is located in the front of the pavilion) and medina (the “old city” which is located in the pavilion’s rear). The "Bab Boujouloud Gate", which was inspired by a similar structure found in Fez, separates the two areas.  
  
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There are two main buildings in the Japan pavilion; the first is large imposing building modeled after the Gosho Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Known as the Hall Of Ceremonies, this building holds the Mitshukishi department store on the first story as well as Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo on the second. The back of the pavilion is themed to look like a fortress and was modeled after the Himeju Castle. The fortress is surrounded by a moat, and it currently houses a Kidcot station, a museum and a portion of the Mitsukoshi department store. The pavilion also holds a garden which is centered around a koi pond.  
+
Located in the ville nouvel is the pavilion’s gardens, which includes a working waterwheel (located on the lagoon) that brings water to the gardens. The new city part of the pavilion is also home to the Koutoubia Minaret. The largest structure in the pavilion, the minaret is a replica of the Koutoubia Mosque Minaret found in the city of Marrakesh. At one time, guests could visit the Center of Tourism in the Moroccan pavilion where they could obtain vacation planning literature and even book flights on Royal Air Maroc. This area has since been replaced by the counter service restaurant [[Tangierine Café]].
  
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Throughout its history the Japan pavilion has seen a relatively few number of changes. In 2007, the Japan’s Teppanyak Dining Room Restaurant was completely redesigned and expanded. The restaurant was divided into two restaurants, the Teppan Edo & Tokyo Dining. The two other restaurants in Japan Temoura Kiki, Matsu No Ma lounge also closed. Later that year, the refurbishment on the pavilion’s fortress was also complete. In 2011, the Katsura Grill, a new restaurant opened. Bijutsu-kan is currently displaying, "Spirited Beasts: From Ancient Stories to Anime Stars" which shows how mythological creatures are being Incorporated into Japanese pop-culture.
+
After passing through the Bab Boujouloud Gate, there is a noticeable change in the pavilion’s design. Instead of the broad streets and ordered building placement of the ville nouvel, the medina is more narrow and winding. The majority of the medina is taken up by the pavilion’s marketplace, where guests can purchase all sorts of authentic Moroccan merchandise. In the marketplace guests can also find the pavilion’s Kidcot station, where they can get their Epcot passports stamped. Although the marketplace is themed to look like it is outdoors, the entire area is covered by a well hidden roof. This was done to protect both guests and the merchandise from Florida’s elements.  
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===Meet the World===
+
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When the Japan pavilion was built, a massive show building was constructed behind the fortress. The building was going to be home an attraction known as "Meet the World"- a "carousel theater" type attraction which was being developed for EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland simultaneously. Unlike [[The Carousel of Progress]] which used stationary sets with a rotating theater, Meet the World was going to have a stationary theater with rotating sets.  The theater would feature six, 600 seat theaters, giving the ride an hourly capacity of 3,600 guests.  
+
  
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The Meet the World attraction would have followed a young boy, a young girl and a magical crane, as they led the audience through Japan’s history. The show would have consisted of four acts which would use in theater effects, projections, and Audio Animatronics, to tell the story. Act I of the show was going to show the origin of Japan’s islands and their volcanic beginnings. In this scene, the audience would have been introduced to their hosts, as they traveled back to island’s early history. Act II, would have then featured Japan reaching out to the world, and the world coming to it. This scene would have ended with the country in self-imposed isolationism.  Picking up here, Act III was going to show the battle between the proponents of isolationism and the proponents of expansionism.  Finally, Act IV would have shown Japan just after the 1940s, now a modern nation, and once again reaching out to the world. A final scene would then have featured the hosts saying goodbye.
+
Another point of interest in the Moroccan pavilion is the Fez house. Here, guests can tour an authentic Moroccan home. Nearby another minaret, which is a replica of a minaret found in Chellah (a historic site near the city of Rabat), can be seen. Also located in the old town section of the Moroccan pavilion are an ancient water clock (which is a replica of a clock found in Fez) and a replica of the Nejjarine Fountain.
  
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Although the show was designed and ready to go, Meet the World never made its debut in the Japan pavilion. The reason for this may have been that during construction errors were found in the show building. It was decided that a new show building would need to be created, and this put the future of the attraction in jeopardy. With EPCOT Center already over budget, the attraction was eventually pushed to Phase II of the park, with the expectation that the attraction would open in late 1983. Unfortunately, Phase II of Epcot never came to fruition. Funds that were originally earmarked for World Showcase were instead diverted to the construction of Horizons, [[The Living Seas]] and the [[Journey Into Imagination]] attraction. Another reason the attraction was not built may have been because the show glossed over Japan's involvement in World War II.  No matter the reason behind the decision, Meet the World was never installed in the pavilion. Since the attraction was never built, other ideas have been suggested for the empty show building. One idea, called for a Circlevision-360 film aboard a bullet train, while in the early 1990s, Imagineers pitched an indoor roller coaster, which was to be housed inside a replica of Mount Fuji. Adding the validity of this proposal Fuji Film offered to cover the coast of the coaster’s construction and operation in return for sponsorship. The deal stalled however, due to Kodak’s (who sponsored Journey Into Imagination among other things in Walt Disney World) unhappiness with Fuji Film moving into Disney World.  Eventually, plans for the coaster fell through and the show building still remains unused.
+
==Attractions==
 +
At this time, the Morocco pavilion does not feature any attractions.
  
−
On October 20, 2015 a new exhibit titled Kawaii - Japan's Cute Culture opened in the Japan pavilion. This gallery features various pieces that will give guests a taste of Japan's Kawaii culture. <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/japan/news/20oct2015-photos---epcots-japan-pavilion-gallery-updated-with-new-kawaii---japan's-cute-culture-exhibit.htm </ref>
+
==Shopping==
 +
The Moroccan pavilion features a wide variety of shops, most of which are located in the pavilion's marketplace.  
  
−
==Attractions==
+
'''Tangier Traders'''- Here guests can purchase traditional clothing and shoes among other authentic merchandise.
−
'''Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure'''- On this interactive adventure, guests use a "F.O.N.E." (Field Operative Notification Equipment) to help Agent P. stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz, by looking for clues throughout World Showcase. The adventure is based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.
+
  
−
'''Kawaii - Japan's Cute Culture'''- This gallery gives guests a taste of Japan's Kawii culture. The exhibit opened on October 20, 2014 replacing the Spirited Beasts exhibit.
+
'''Brass Bazaar'''- This shop sells artisan products including decorative plates and mirrors. The shop also features an outdoor bazaar where guests can purchase ceramic tiles and handmade baskets.
  
−
==Shopping==
+
'''Medina Arts'''- This shop offers traditional ceramic Tajine and ceramic plates.  
−
'''Mitsukoshi Department Store'''- This large store sells all kinds of authentic Japanese merchandise. Items sold here include, clothing, jewelry, books, and toys.  
+
  
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==Dining==
+
'''Casablanca Carpets'''- At this store guests can purchase hand knotted carpets and rugs.  
−
''' Kabuki Cafe''' - This quick service stand sells soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and the popular kakigori (shaved with flavored syrup and condensed milk).
+
  
−
'''Katsura Grill''' - designed to resemble an authentic tea house, this counter service restaurant specializes in sushi.  
+
'''Souk-Al-Magreb'''- This store offers a wide variety of Moroccan merchandise, including Fez hats, wind chimes and Henna Lamps.
 +
[[Image:MoroccoShop.jpg|400px|thumb|The inside of one of the many shops found in the Morocco pavilion]]
 +
===Former Shopping===
  
−
'''Garden House''' - Located across the courtyard from the Mitshukishi department store, this stand sells refreshments.  
+
Throughout its history the Morocco pavilion has housed many different shops. Stores that were once located within the pavilion included:
  
−
'''Tokyo Dining''' - This table service restaurant serves a traditional sushi meal. Tokyo Dining is located on the second floor of the Hall Of Ceremonies.
+
'''Berber Oasis'''
  
−
'''Teppan Edo'''-  Located next to Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo features chefs who prepare stir fry in front of guests. 
+
'''Fashions From Fez'''
  
−
==Live Entertainment==
+
'''Jewels of the Sahara'''
−
'''Matsuziza'''- This group of Japanese taiko drummers perform five days a week at the base of the pagoda.
+
−
+
−
===Former Entertainment===
+
−
'''Miyuki'''- Based near the Mitshukishi Department Store, Miyuki turned heated rice dough into different animals. Miyuki’s final performance at Epcot came in November of 2013.
+
  
−
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
+
'''Kasbash Woodcrafts'''
−
* The original name for planned Meet the World attraction was "Winds of Change". 
+
  
−
* The five elements represented on the Japan pavilions pagoda are: earth, wind, fire, water and sky.
+
'''Mekens Potters'''
  
−
* The Sherman Brothers wrote a complete score and lyrics for the unbuilt Meet the World attraction.  
+
==Restaurants==
 +
'''[[Tangierine Café]]-''' Located in the "new city" portion of the Moroccan pavilion, this counter service restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine. Guests can get sandwiches and wraps here, along with other Mediterranean specialties.
  
−
* The lanterns in the pavilion are illuminated two times each year- once during the Setsubun Mantoro Festival in February, and then again during the Obon Mantoro Festival in August.
+
'''[[Restaurant Marrakesh]]-''' This table service restaurant is located in the "old city" portion of the Moroccan pavilion. Here guests can get a traditional Moroccan meal, including a number of lamb and chicken dishes.  
  
−
* The exhibits in the Bijutsu-kan change every two to five years.
+
'''[[Morocco Coffee & Pastries]]-''' This bakery allows guests to purchase authentic Moroccan sweets.
  
−
==References==
+
'''[[Spice Road Table]]'''- Morocco’s newest dining establishment is a tapas restaurant located on the World Showcase promenade. Spice Road Table also offers various Mediterranean wines.
−
http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/wdw-restaurants/14644-epcot-restaurant-renovations.html
+
  
−
http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_jap.htm
+
==Entertainment==
 +
'''Musique Aramenco'''- This three piece band plays a fusion of modern and traditional Moroccan music.  
 +
===Former Entertainment===
  
−
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/02/epcots_japan_pavilion_part_one.html
+
'''Mo'Rockin'''- This five piece band combined rock and roll music with traditional Arabic rhythms. Mo'Rockin performed in the pavilion from 1999 until 2014.
  
−
http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id207.htm
+
''' B'net Al Houwariyate'''- This group played traditional music including "rural Berber chants and Chaabi festival rhythms".  B'net Al Houwariyate performed from October 2014 until November 2015. <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/bnet-al-houwariyate/news/21oct2015-moroccos-bnet-al-houwariyate-leaves-epcot.htm </ref>
 +
 
 +
'''Ribab Fusion'''- This funky band showcased Morocco's Amazigh (Berber) culture.
 +
 
 +
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 +
* Since guests can see the Tower of Terror behind the Morocco pavilion, the top of the Tower was designed to blend in with the architecture of Morocco <ref> http://towersecrets.com/see-the-tower-of-terror-from-inside-epcot/ </ref>.
 +
 
 +
* Morocco is the only country in World Showcase which the government of the host country actually helped design and construct <ref>  The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park </ref>.
 +
 
 +
* Morocco is the only country besides [[Germany]] to have a Friendship Boat dock located within its pavilion <ref> https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/friendship-boats </ref>.
 +
 +
* For a while, guests could take "The Treasures of Morocco" tour around the pavilion. The tour was free and lasted 45 minutes <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue095.htm </ref>.
 +
 
 +
* If guests pay close attention, they may notice that Imagineers produced the smell of incense and the sound of rural animals in the marketplace. This was done to make the area seem as authentic as possible <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_two.html </ref>.
 +
 
 +
==References==

Latest revision as of 10:34, 15 February 2020

Morocco
Moroccopavilion2.jpg
The Morocco pavilion from across World Showcase Lagoon
Epcot
Land World Showcase
Opening date October 1, 1982
Number of Attractions 0
Number of Restaurants 4

Morocco is a pavilion located within World Showcase in Epcot. It is located between the Japan and France.

History

Morocco was one of the countries planned for World Showcase dating back to 1978 [1]. In fact, when Disney CEO Card Walker revealed the companies plans for EPCOT Center in the cast member Eyes and Ears magazine, he noted that Morocco was one of the first ten countries to sign a letter of intent to participate in World Showcase. Although the pavilion was not an opening day pavilion, Moroccan themed bathrooms were operational on EPCOT Center’s opening day [2]. Construction on the rest of the pavilion then began in late 1982, with the official groundbreaking taking place in 1983 [2]. Finally, on September 7, 1984 the Morocco pavilion officially opened [3]. Since the pavilion opened it has seen a relatively few number of changes. Besides the changing of many of the shops located in the marketplace, the only major changes in Morocco have been the addition of the Tangierine Café on September 30, 1999 [4] (which replaced the tourism bureau) and the addition of Spice Road Table in January 2014 [5].

Layout [6] [7]

The Koutoubia Minaret in the Morocco pavilion

Unlike the other countries in World Showcase, the Morocco pavilion was directly sponsored by the country it represented. In fact, King Hassan II (the King of Morocco) sent craftsmen and artisans to help Disney design and create the pavilion. Since Islamic religion prohibits the artistic depiction of live objects, the decorations in the Morocco pavilion were all decorated with geometric patterns. Like many cities in Morocco, the pavilion is divided into ville nouvel (the “new city” which is located in the front of the pavilion) and medina (the “old city” which is located in the pavilion’s rear). The "Bab Boujouloud Gate", which was inspired by a similar structure found in Fez, separates the two areas.

Located in the ville nouvel is the pavilion’s gardens, which includes a working waterwheel (located on the lagoon) that brings water to the gardens. The new city part of the pavilion is also home to the Koutoubia Minaret. The largest structure in the pavilion, the minaret is a replica of the Koutoubia Mosque Minaret found in the city of Marrakesh. At one time, guests could visit the Center of Tourism in the Moroccan pavilion where they could obtain vacation planning literature and even book flights on Royal Air Maroc. This area has since been replaced by the counter service restaurant Tangierine Café.

After passing through the Bab Boujouloud Gate, there is a noticeable change in the pavilion’s design. Instead of the broad streets and ordered building placement of the ville nouvel, the medina is more narrow and winding. The majority of the medina is taken up by the pavilion’s marketplace, where guests can purchase all sorts of authentic Moroccan merchandise. In the marketplace guests can also find the pavilion’s Kidcot station, where they can get their Epcot passports stamped. Although the marketplace is themed to look like it is outdoors, the entire area is covered by a well hidden roof. This was done to protect both guests and the merchandise from Florida’s elements.

Another point of interest in the Moroccan pavilion is the Fez house. Here, guests can tour an authentic Moroccan home. Nearby another minaret, which is a replica of a minaret found in Chellah (a historic site near the city of Rabat), can be seen. Also located in the old town section of the Moroccan pavilion are an ancient water clock (which is a replica of a clock found in Fez) and a replica of the Nejjarine Fountain.

Attractions

At this time, the Morocco pavilion does not feature any attractions.

Shopping

The Moroccan pavilion features a wide variety of shops, most of which are located in the pavilion's marketplace.

Tangier Traders- Here guests can purchase traditional clothing and shoes among other authentic merchandise.

Brass Bazaar- This shop sells artisan products including decorative plates and mirrors. The shop also features an outdoor bazaar where guests can purchase ceramic tiles and handmade baskets.

Medina Arts- This shop offers traditional ceramic Tajine and ceramic plates.

Casablanca Carpets- At this store guests can purchase hand knotted carpets and rugs.

Souk-Al-Magreb- This store offers a wide variety of Moroccan merchandise, including Fez hats, wind chimes and Henna Lamps.

The inside of one of the many shops found in the Morocco pavilion

Former Shopping

Throughout its history the Morocco pavilion has housed many different shops. Stores that were once located within the pavilion included:

Berber Oasis

Fashions From Fez

Jewels of the Sahara

Kasbash Woodcrafts

Mekens Potters

Restaurants

Tangierine Café- Located in the "new city" portion of the Moroccan pavilion, this counter service restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine. Guests can get sandwiches and wraps here, along with other Mediterranean specialties.

Restaurant Marrakesh- This table service restaurant is located in the "old city" portion of the Moroccan pavilion. Here guests can get a traditional Moroccan meal, including a number of lamb and chicken dishes.

Morocco Coffee & Pastries- This bakery allows guests to purchase authentic Moroccan sweets.

Spice Road Table- Morocco’s newest dining establishment is a tapas restaurant located on the World Showcase promenade. Spice Road Table also offers various Mediterranean wines.

Entertainment

Musique Aramenco- This three piece band plays a fusion of modern and traditional Moroccan music.

Former Entertainment

Mo'Rockin- This five piece band combined rock and roll music with traditional Arabic rhythms. Mo'Rockin performed in the pavilion from 1999 until 2014.

B'net Al Houwariyate- This group played traditional music including "rural Berber chants and Chaabi festival rhythms". B'net Al Houwariyate performed from October 2014 until November 2015. [8]

Ribab Fusion- This funky band showcased Morocco's Amazigh (Berber) culture.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Since guests can see the Tower of Terror behind the Morocco pavilion, the top of the Tower was designed to blend in with the architecture of Morocco [9].
  • Morocco is the only country in World Showcase which the government of the host country actually helped design and construct [10].
  • Morocco is the only country besides Germany to have a Friendship Boat dock located within its pavilion [11].
  • For a while, guests could take "The Treasures of Morocco" tour around the pavilion. The tour was free and lasted 45 minutes [12].
  • If guests pay close attention, they may notice that Imagineers produced the smell of incense and the sound of rural animals in the marketplace. This was done to make the area seem as authentic as possible [13].

References

  1. ↑ http://progresscityusa.com/2011/06/19/epcot-origins-a-model-future-1978/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://progresscityusa.com/2010/02/16/the-mystical-potties-of-morocco/
  3. ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/430/Walt-Disney-World/Epcot/World-Showcase--Morocco/
  4. ↑ http://www.intercot.com/discussion/archive/index.php?t-195363.html
  5. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/spice-road-table/news/11jan2014-review---spice-road-table-at-epcot's-morocco-pavilion.htm
  6. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_one.html
  7. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_two.html
  8. ↑ http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/bnet-al-houwariyate/news/21oct2015-moroccos-bnet-al-houwariyate-leaves-epcot.htm
  9. ↑ http://towersecrets.com/see-the-tower-of-terror-from-inside-epcot/
  10. ↑ The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia: A Guide to Walt Disney World's Greatest Theme Park
  11. ↑ https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/friendship-boats
  12. ↑ http://allears.net/ae/issue095.htm
  13. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/10/morocco_pavilion_part_two.html
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