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Peaceful Japanese Garden

Japan Pavilion
August 06, 2017 by Matt Spangard

This peaceful Japanese garden sits behind a replica of the coronation and ceremonial halls of Japan's Imperial Palace. The building is home to the Mitsukoshi Department Store. The entrance to the busy "shopping mall" of the Japan Pavilion is on the other side. This side, however, is reserved for a peaceful bonsai garden. The Disney Imagineers do such a great job of making the most of all of the structures in Epcot's World Showcase. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

August 06, 2017 /Matt Spangard
epcot, disney, world showcase, japan, gardens, architecture
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Winged Lion

Italy World Showcase, Epcot
July 26, 2017 by Matt Spangard

There are so many accurate details in the country pavilions around Epcot's World Showcase that it's easy to forget you're in central Florida. Even if just for a second, that transformative affect is what makes Epcot so special. This obelisk is, of course, from the Italian Pavilion. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

July 26, 2017 /Matt Spangard
epcot, italy, italia, statue, world showcase
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The Bard of Avon

United Kingdom World Showcase, Epcot
June 21, 2017 by Matt Spangard

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

June 21, 2017 /Matt Spangard
epcot, disney, art, sculpture, world showcase
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Lanterns of the Souk

Moroccan World Showcase
June 01, 2017 by Matt Spangard

Morocco remains my favorite country in Epcot's World Showcase. The degree of authenticity in design of the structures, food and crafts available is what really makes the difference. The lack of a single "showcase element" also makes everything seem more genuine. You just wander through the souk, enjoy a local snack or beverage and relax around the fountains. It's an oasis among all of the sensory overload that Disney is known for.

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

June 01, 2017 /Matt Spangard
epcot, disney, morocco, world showcase
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Restaurant Marrakesh II

Morocco World Showcase
May 28, 2017 by Matt Spangard

Sorry for the late post today... er, tonight. There was too much racing action today and we snuck off for a waterfall hike in the mountains this afternoon. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. 

May 28, 2017 /Matt Spangard
epcot, morocco, world showcase
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Perfectly Imperfect Fountain

Morocco World Showcase
May 24, 2017 by Matt Spangard

This tranquil fountain is found in the back corner of the souk in Epcot's Morocco World Showcase. Most people don't make it that far back into the souk so it's usually a nice place to relax. Note that there is a certain imperfection in the tiles that is very unlike Disney's usual meticulous approach to design elements.

The tiles were designed and laid by workers appointed by the King of Morocco so they were likely very talented craftsmen. It's a common Western belief that islamic tiles are imperfect by design as a way to show homage to Allah as only he could be perfect. However, this "intentionally imperfect" philosophy is not as widely-held in the Islamic World. There, it is said that it's more likely that the construction and design techniques simply create natural variations as patterns bend around corners or behind arches. Simply put, there's no need to intentionally make something imperfect that by design is likely to have a few natural variations in the first place. Perhaps the difference, then, is simply that those imperfections are more likely embraced by artists and patrons than they would be in other cultures. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

May 24, 2017 /Matt Spangard
morocco, world showcase, epcot, disney
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Happy Hump Day

Morocco World Showcase, Epcot
April 19, 2017 by Matt Spangard

This befezzed camel stands guard in the middle of the Souk in the Moroccan World Showcase in Epcot. I'd like to think that he comes to life on Wednesdays to wish everyone a happy hump day. It is Disney so you never know!

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

April 19, 2017 /Matt Spangard
disney, epcot, morocco, world showcase, animals
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China World Showcase

China World Showcase, Epcot
March 12, 2017 by Matt Spangard

Epcot may not have lived up to Walt Disney's original vision but it's still my favorite park. This is the China World Showcase. If I have any complaint about Epcot it's that there's still room to grow and several countries conspicuously missing. Did you know there are up to ten spaces available for other countries today? You can read more about it here. 

Here's my top five wishlist:

  • Australia

  • Spain

  • Russia

  • Brasil

  • Kenya or Tanzania

What are your top five?

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

March 12, 2017 /Matt Spangard
china, world showcase, epcot, disney
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Morocco World Showcase

Morocco World Showcase, Epcot
December 04, 2016 by Matt Spangard

Morocco is my favorite country at Epcot's world showcase. The Kingdom of Morocco insisted on sponsoring and doing construction on the pavilion, rather than relying on corporate sponsors. It brings an authenticity and humbleness that outshines some of the more traditionally popular countries. 

If you're interested in seeing more photographs from Epcot's Morocco, check out my Morocco gallery.

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

December 04, 2016 /Matt Spangard
epcot, disney, morocco, world showcase
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Grass Norwegian Roof

Norway World Showcase, Epcot
November 14, 2016 by Matt Spangard

Nobody does details like the Disney's Imagineers. This roof in the Norway World Showcase is easy to miss but it is a traditional grass roof. I wonder if they actually bring goats or sheep out to "mow" the roof or if they send up a cast member during off-hours. I prefer to imagine it's a sheep with a haircut that makes it look like Mickey Mouse. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

November 14, 2016 /Matt Spangard
norway, norwiegan, epcot, world showcase
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