The goal of this blog series is to factually prove or disprove rumors and myths in the Disney-verse. Tonight on TMSM Mythbusters we are tackling some of the more “unique” myths and misconceptions we see frequently in Disney based forums.
EPCOT Has Huge Tracts of Land
“The World Showcase at Epcot may seem full, but there’s actually room for eight additional countries.” For a period of time now the following image has floated around the internet telling people EPCOT has “huge tracts of empty land” ready for new countries to spring up in the World Showcase.
The question becomes though IS there really that much free space and if so why would EPCOT NOT use it? Well this easy to tackle myth led me to use Google Maps Satellite image option. As I zoomed in on EPCOT on the map I started to notice a lot of this alleged “free space” wasn’t really so free. Starting on the UK side of the Showcase you notice sections 7 and 8 have buildings in the marked “free space” that guests don’t see when they walk through the park. This facility is used for private and special events including for the last few years the DVC Member Christmas gathering.
Sections 6, 5, 4,3, 2 and 1 have cast parking and back stage services. I want to believe the treeline that borders the American Adventure is there to help muffle the noise from the stage when concerts are being held, but I wasn’t able to confirm this with anyone familiar with the original construction of EPCOT. Section 2 also contains the barges used during Illuminations, these barges are reloaded with fireworks in that area backstage during the day I learned a few years ago when we had the privilege of watching Illuminations on the dock in Mexico. During this viewing the gentleman who runs Illuminations explained all the amazing in’s and out’s of this amazing display.
So while the space exists between the pavilions at EPCOT, based on the satellite images and the work that would need to be done to free up the space (as well as the amount of backstage services that would have to get moved and upended in the process) I would say this Disney myth is “best case scenario” plausible.
Images from TMSM Fan Nation post, Google Maps and TMSM Fan Nation Member Matt Darby who merged the two 🙂
Michele Atwood is the Owner/Editor of The Main Street Mouse and its subsidiaries. Co owner of the House of Mouse Expo & Lost Princess Apparel. Author of the books “Moving to Main Street U.S.A.” “How Many Sleeps Till Disney?” and “How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?” Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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