This Trend Is Taking Over EPCOT Pavilions and Well...It's Complicated

Truly, is too much of a good thing at Disney World be a problem?

Once upon a time, EPCOT really was the most innovative and creative place in all the lands, and they had their own unique characters to boot! But nowadays, when you look around EPCOT (all of Disney World really) things are definitely different. That got us thinking about if Disney has too much of their own IP in EPCOT’s World Showcase, so we thought we’d reach out to you and get your takes. Well, we asked, and you delivered!

We reached out to our followers on Facebook and Instagram to ask: “How do you feel about Disney’s use of IP (Intellectual Property) in EPCOT’s World Showcase? Do you like seeing familiar Disney characters in the pavilions, or would you prefer for the characters to stay out of World Showcase?” We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments!

Now, let’s go over some of your top responses!

Team “All For It”

Some of you are ABSOLUTELY here for more Disney IP in EPCOT’s World Showcase. You were mentioning that it’s a chance to add a fresh dash of Disney magic to the international experience, and for you, that’s a good thing.

For example, our reader Elise shared her thoughts, saying, “I think World Showcase is a great spot to integrate the characters, though I do love the spirit of Original Epcot when it comes to the former Future World, where there were original characters created (like Figment and Buzzy) for those attractions.”

For Sue, it’s personal. She told us, “I love seeing the characters. I really wanted to meet Mary Poppins, as I was around when the film came out and saw it in the cinema as a child. It’s always been my favourite so I was really excited to be able to meet her in the UK pavilion where she belongs.” It’s characters like these that bring an emotional connection and make the experience special.

Nick agreed, but with a caveat. “I think IP can work well within the World Showcase when used correctly. Alice and Mary Poppins in the UK or Coco in Mexico, for example.” And we can’t wrong you for wanting to make sure that the IP is thoughtfully placed in culturally relevant pavilions.

Lastly, Kevin feels similarly, saying, “As long as the IP fits into the pavilion and isn’t forced, I have no issue with it.”

Team “Not About It”

For others of you, though, the original EPCOT experience is something sacred, and you’re worried that IPs are disrupting the park’s educational essence.

For example, Wendy shared her thoughts with us with, “I would rather the original attractions that were free of IP. I felt like they fit into the countries well, bringing entertainment while also leaning heavily on the learning and discovery that Epcot was known for. I feel like they’re getting away from that. If you want IP, do what Disneyland did and put Disney characters throughout It’s a Small World.”

We can understand the concern that the EPCOT experience of learning and cultural exchange could be getting watered down by an influx of Disney IP.

Team “How About This For an Idea?”

And lastly, some of you had alternative suggestions for how Disney could balance IPs in EPCOT without losing the park’s unique vibe.

Mags has a straightforward request: “I want Disney characters and Disney movie themes everywhere in the parks.” Which is an understandable feeling. It’s like the thought that if you’re in Disney, the characters should be everywhere.

Debbie offered another idea with, “I think the characters should be free to roam. Just like they do in Disneyland, and more characters should be out and about.”

So What’s the Verdict?

It’s pretty clear that we’ve got some mixed feelings when it comes to IPs in EPCOT. But, at the end of the day, EPCOT will keep evolving, and we’ll still be here to talk about every magical, controversial, and exciting change in store for us.

Well, those were just some of the thoughts you had on Disney using their IP in the World Showcase at EPCOT, and now we want to hear even more from you! In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news!