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When the World Showcase was initially conceived, it was not to be part of an EPCOT theme Park. It was to remain a separate area on Walt Disney World property, with dozens of pavilions representing countries throughout the world. As time passed and costs became an issue, the two concepts merged.
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The original concept included multiple countries that never were developed, and over time there have been plans to add additional countries into the World Showcase in subsequent phases of the theme Park.
Credit: Disney
Russia at Disney World
But once upon a time, Russia was slated to have its own pavilion. And as controversial as that would be today with Putin and the Ukraine invasion, it would have been just as surprising in the ’80s or ’90s with the Cold War between the United States and the U.S.S.R.
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Original artwork and models show what the pavilion would have looked like had it been developed by the Walt Disney Company.
Credit: Disney
It would have featured the domes and spires of St Basil’s Cathedral and the red brick walls of Moscow’s Kremlin. The plaza of the pavilion would have also contained statues and famous monuments celebrating Russian art and poetry. And like all of the EPCOT countries, it would have contained a restaurant with local dishes and shops selling merchandise and souvenirs from the country or celebrating its culture. It appears that it would have been located between the China Pavilion and Germany Pavilion.
The Russia Pavilion’s Attractions
The main attraction at the pavilion would have been a show entitled “Russia – The Bells of Change,” housed in an 800-seat theater. It would have told the nation’s history and celebrated its achievements – perhaps similar to how the American Adventure is handled at EPCOT. It would have included the coronation of Tsars, the Revolution of 1917, and the Soviet space program, told using audio-animatronics, film montage, and music.
Credit: Disney
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The Russian pavilion would have also included a ride based on the tale of Ivan and the Magic Pike, transporting Park Guests into the world of Slavic fairy tales.
Credit: Disney
What Happened?
Why was this pavilion never developed? The fall of the Soviet Union. The collapse of the Soviet Union brought about much economic turmoil in Russia and other Soviet nations. With that, there was no money or will to sponsor a pavilion at a Walt Disney World Resort theme Park. Given the current situation and controversies involving Russia and Putin, perhaps it’s best Disney World doesn’t have to defend such an exhibition at their theme Park.
