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A new merchandise display inside the EPCOT World Showcase is turning heads not just for what it’s selling, but for what it’s paying tribute to.
A Nostalgic New Display at Disney Traders
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The display has appeared at Disney Traders, a merchandise location on the path between the World Celebration neighborhood and the Mexico Pavilion at the entrance to the World Showcase. The centerpiece is a 360-degree structure shaped like a large old-school blue double-decker bus, topped with a sign reading “World Showcase Transportation.” Mickey Mouse and Pluto statues — decked out in tourist gear, surrounded by luggage, and wearing Disney Pin Trading lanyards — stand on the upper deck.
The lower level holds the actual merchandise: Disney Trading Pins, World Showcase Passports, and small souvenirs. Postcard-style images of Disney characters decorate the display alongside logos for the various World Showcase Pavilions and the classic silver EPCOT World Showcase compass icon.
The History of EPCOT World Showcase Bus Transportation
Double-decker buses were part of the World Showcase from day one, debuting on October 1, 1982, when EPCOT opened its gates for the first time. Blue, green, and red buses looped the 1.3-mile path connecting Mexico, Germany, China, Italy, the American Adventure, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Norway and Morocco joined the World Showcase later.
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As popular as the buses were in concept, they had a practical problem: they had to travel so slowly through the pedestrian-heavy loop that they saved guests little time compared to simply walking. The far more efficient Friendship boats, which cut across the World Showcase Lagoon between pavilions, eventually became the preferred option for Disney Park guests looking to skip a stretch of the promenade.
The bus service was retired quietly sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s. The double-decker vehicles have reappeared periodically throughout the Walt Disney World Resort years for character greetings, entertainment offerings, and limited-time experiences.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Tips in the comments!
