Another controversial (to some) change has come to EPCOT.
Over the last several years, construction updates have dominated much of EPCOT. From large scale rides to a full reimagining of the area once called Future World, the park’s massive transformation has been visible everywhere. In fact, some projects have fallen a bit under the radar, like Imagineering’s recent work in the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase.
Part of the reason the work on the Moroccan pavilion hasn’t been as heavily covered is that it’s not nearly as large a project as others around the park, it’s more of a refresh, with everything from the buildings and the facades receiving facelifts. However, one aspect is facing a bit of a mixed reaction. As construction walls in the area came down, fans immediately noticed that the elaborate tile work around the area’s planters had been changed.
The new designs replaced the intricately detailed geometric rile work with a more basic tile pattern.
While some lauded the new tile, with it bright blues, whites, and yellows, as a nice change of pace adding a pop of color to the park. Others — as is admittedly prone to happen with almost any change at EPCOT — lamented the loss of the original design. Even Imagineering legend Eddie Soto expressed displeasure at the changes, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “Wow…FAIL. While it’s hard to match the precision and intricacy of what was done, they could have easily sourced Moroccan mosaic tile or just done plaster. Seems like a money issue.”
Wow…FAIL. While it's hard to match the precision and intricacy of what was done, they could have easily sourced Moroccan mosaic tile or just done plaster. Seems like a money issue. https://t.co/2BZCr0gzZf
— Eddie Sotto (@boss_angeles) May 28, 2024
Many of the complaints also called out the fact that the original tiles, like much of the Moroccan pavilion, had been designed and crafted by actual Moroccan artisans. These craftsmen had been sent over by Morocco’s then-king Hassan II, who had taken great interest in the pavilion. In fact, when it opened in 1984, Morocco was the only World Showcase pavilion that was sponsored by the government of the country it represented, as opposed to a corporation.
While it’s par for the course that any change at Disney World — and EPCOT in particular — will always bring out those who complain about said change, the loss of some of the the work Moroccan artisans and craftsmen did in the park 40 years ago is arguably lamentable. Stay tuned to AllEars for more EPCOT updates.
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What do you think about the changes to the tile in the Moroccan pavilion? Will you miss the old tile or do you prefer the new look? Let us know in the comments below.
This has been the Disney way since at least the mid-2000’s. It is the one place you can count on getting less for a higher price than you did a few years ago. This is just another cheapening they hoped would be overlooked. For me it is disappointing but I maintain an annual price only because I like the atmosphere and I cannot work when I’m there.
They’ve destroyed Epcot. It used to be a thinking kid’s amusement park. Fun and learning all in one. Morocco was THE best pavilion in the world showcase. I still have brass pieces I purchased with my hard saved allowance money in the early 80’s. The tile work was art. Now it’s just another bathroom tile job. I miss the street bazaar and the conversations with citizens of another part of the world.