The hallmark of EPCOT’s World Showcase has always been the unique cultural representation of countries around the world.
Morocco Pavilion
This was especially notable in the Morocco Pavilion, where the Kingdom of Morocco funded, designed, and oversaw the creation of their country’s Pavilion. Ever since, the Pavilion’s restaurants, stores, and exhibits have been overseen by an independent operating participant, not Disney directly. Today we have exclusive news for you that this will be changing by the end of 2020.
A joint statement released by Jacquee Wahler, VP Communications Walt Disney World Resort, and Rashid Choufani and Rachid Lyazidi, Operating Participants Morocco Pavilion states the following:
“After many years of working together, we have a mutually agreed arrangement to begin the process of transitioning operations of the Morocco pavilion to Disney. By the end of the year, Disney will assume operations of this important part of EPCOT and under Disney’s operation, the pavilion will continue to honor the rich traditions and legacy it has since it opened.”
Morocco Pavilion
This is not a result of the current global pandemic, rather it was a mutual agreement made between both sides to transition ownership.
This means that Disney will assume all operational control over the Pavilion, including four food and beverage locations and all merchandise locations. The Moroccan Embassy and Morocco Tourism Board are still involved with the pavilion.
Morocco pavilion
The operating participant that oversaw the operations of the Morocco Pavilion also runs the henna cart in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Paradiso 37 in Disney Springs. They will continue to manage these locations after the transition of the Morocco Pavilion.
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let’s hope that they don’t Disneyfy it!!! I am so disappointed that Disney took over most of the merchandise from the various Shops in the parks, there used to be such a fascinating array if things from the different types of shops, now everything is “Disneyfied” At Disneyland one of my Favorites was the Perfumery, is it still there, how about the Magic shop where Steve Martin once worked? All the shop along main street in the Magic Kingdom are all Disneyfied and the same stuff can be bought throughout that parks.
I couldn’t agree more with what Beth said!! I hope Morocco stays as it is!! The beloved bakery on Mainstreet USA was converted into a Starbucks…WHY???
This has nightmare written all over it. I have to admit I am stunned that Morocco did this, especially given that the King sent over his own people to do the construction just right. Bad move on the part of the Moroccans.
I have always enjoyed Morocco. The narrow passageways and unique merchandise. The Moroccan cast members. The wonderful food. I hope that when Disney updates EPCOT they don’t throw away the magic each country brings.
The Morocco Pavilion has always been one of my wife and I‘S favorite, this sounds disappointing
I agree that I hope they continue to sell the merchandise unique to Morocco as well as the food choices….but I would LOVE to see an Aladdin themed ride!!!
The whole reason this happened is the company they chose to run operations ran out of money during the pandemic. The contract stated that Disney would assume control if the company selected left or went bankrupt.
I know Disney has a lot of haters, but in this instance I think this area will improve with Disney’s guidance.
I don’t think we are “haters” but rather express an opinion based on previous experience. Disney has modified many parts of the park, and not for the better. If you look at the America Land in Epcot it is a downright embarrassment. The changes in France are not for the better. They all but destroyed Norway. My excitement for Disney has been waning over the past few years for this very reason, same stuff, different location.
I hope the awsome restaruant survives and they keep the food as high quality as the Morrocans did. In my opinion, it was the best restaruant in EPCOT.