Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, Morroco -- 8/22/02

Howdy Folks- today we visit the exotic African Country of Morroco!!

Located between France and Japan, Morroco is the only Pavilion sponsored by the government of the country it represents, rather than a business interest. The King of Morroco actually sent his own artisans to instruct and assist in the tiling and decoration of the pavilion, so it is as authentic as the real Morroco.

The architecture and the tile work here are the main features and they are amazing. There is a reproduction of the Koutoubia Minaret (a prayer tower) that cana be seen from across the World Showcase Lagoon. Everything is done in the thick brick and stone work that is typical of North African cities. It is probably at least 10 degrees cooler inside this place than out on the walkway- without entering a building. There are fountains and container gardens everywhere. There is a small open air market and a small museum, made to look like a typical home, hiding behind a huge wooden door. If you look at that door from the inside you will be amazed. There is actually a very intricate stained glass window there that cannot be seen from the outside. It is cool and quiet in here- very soothing. Near the fountain, if it is quiet enough, you can here sounds of a Morrocan courtyard, including children laughing.

The religion in Morroco forbids any representation of living things so it is all geometric patterns in the tile work. They are very intricate and beautiful. The pavilion extends pretty far back and if you go all the way back there, the walls act like baffles and you can barely hear the rest of Epcot. In fact, you could forget that you are in WDW and really feel like you are in Morroco back there.

There is a free 45 minute tour called The Treasures of Morroco that is well worth the time. Besides- how many things in WDW are actually free? ;-)

If you are a bit adventurous, dine here. There is a small cafe with middle eastern foods at reasonable prices- the Tangierine Cafe (after Tangiers, not little oranges). for a more traditionally served meal complete with belly dancer, try Restaurant Marrakesh.

Often, you will find Aladin and Jasmine here. We found Jafar once and he was properly mean and haughty.

At various times out in the courtyard will be a musical group that does Arab/rock. They are called MoRockin'. I like the name. There once was an acrobatic troupe there as well, but I believe they went the way of the budget cuts.

Some of the littles will get bored here as there is not a ride or movie and you must really be able to read or have someone read for you to truly experience the whole thing. For us big folks, though, it is truly an oasis. I love to sit here and relax a while with an iced tea and piece of baklava- mmmmm.

Next week we go to Japan-