As a huge fan and frequent guest at the Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida, I was quite broken hearted when the gates closed on March 15, 2020. The months following brought news of Cast Member layoffs and when they reopened in July that year, there remained unanswered questions about when all of the magic would return. Stage shows, parades, and night time extravaganzas were all indefinitely postponed or completely canceled. Since I was not able to visit the most Magical Place on Earth between March and September in 2020 (the first time I went after the reopening), I had to find new ways to enjoy the magic at home. Thankfully, just before the pandemic took over the world, Disney+ was introduced. So, one of the ways I could enjoy the magic at home was what I call the World Showcase Movie Series!
World Showcase Movie Series
On October 1, 1982, Epcot officially opened at the Walt Disney World Resort as the second park and first expansion of the resort. Although it was not quite what Walt Disney himself had envisioned for his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, one key aspect was implemented. As part of his vision, he wanted an international shopping center comprised of pavilions where the citizens of EPCOT could shop and enjoy culture from all of the world. When Epcot was finally designed and built after Walt's death, Imagineers created what is now known as the World Showcase. This multicultural marketplace surrounds World Showcase Lagoon and is the home to a permanent world's fair of 11 pavilions and 1 outpost.
I do not have many memories of enjoying the World Showcase from my childhood. However, as an adult, I have enjoyed visiting each pavilion, sampling the food, drinks, and culture, and interacting with the many Cast who are from each of the represented countries. And thanks to the many festivals Epcot has each season, the food and drinks vary throughout the year. So, regardless how many times I have visited each year, there is always something new. This has made Epcot one of my "must do's" on each trip. And now that I live in Florida, sometimes Epcot is the only reason I visit the resort!
Shortly after the resort temporarily closed in 2020, I had to quickly find ways of coping with not only the pandemic, but also the fact I had no idea when I would be able to visit the Walt Disney World Resort again. I really wanted to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival as I had in years past, but the closing took place right as that festival was beginning. I knew without any doubt it would not reopen in time for me to enjoy it that year. One of the first coping ideas I came up with was the result of that timing. The World Showcase Movie Series is the idea of watching one of the Disney movies based on stories from each of the countries represented in the World Showcase pavilions.
The following are the pavilions and the movies I chose to represent each.
Mexico
Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Norway
When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna's sister, Snow Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman, harsh conditions, and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter's cold grip.
China
This retelling of the old Chinese folktale is about the story of a young Chinese maiden who learns that her weakened and lame father is to be called up into the army in order to fight the invading Huns. Knowing that he would never survive the rigours of war in his state, she decides to disguise herself and join in his place. Unknown to her, her ancestors are aware of this and to prevent it, they order a tiny disgraced dragon, Mushu to join her in order to force her to abandon her plan. He agrees, but when he meets Mulan, he learns that she cannot be dissuaded and so decides to help her in the perilous times ahead.
Outpost (Africa)
This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba, the heir of his father, Mufasa. Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon and Pumbaa.
Germany
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - Disney
The beautiful and kindhearted princess Snow White charms every creature in the kingdom except one - her jealous stepmother, the Queen. When the Magic Mirror proclaims Snow White the fairest one of all, she must flee into the forest, where she befriends the lovable seven dwarfs - Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey. But when the Queen tricks Snow White with an enchanted apple and falling into a deep sleep, only the magic of true love's kiss can save her.
Italy
Toymaker Gepetto creates a wooden puppet toy named Pinocchio and wishes on a star that he would be a real boy. A kindly Blue Fairy appears and grants his wish thus making Pinocchio come alive. Pinocchio learns that he must prove himself worthy in order to make his father's wish come true. With help from tiny Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio comes across challenges of temptation such as a sly fox and his cat sidekick and a greedy puppeteer. His final challenge comes when he figures out his father goes missing by getting swallowed by the massive whale Monstro and must go find and save him.
USA
The Fox and the Hound (1981) - Disney
When an adopted fox and a to-be hunting hound become inseparable friends as pups, their friendship grows stronger every day in their "childhood." But as they grow older, they grow farther and farther apart, to the day when the two old comrades' bond is put to the ultimate test.
Japan
When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called "Big Hero 6."
Morocco
Aladdin is a poor street urchin who spends his time stealing food from the marketplace in the city of Agrabah. His adventures begin when he meets a young girl who happens to be Princess Jasmine, who is forced to be married by her wacky yet estranged father. Aladdin's luck suddenly changes when he retrieves a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders. What he unwittingly gets is a fun-loving genie who only wishes to have his freedom. Little do they know is that the Sultan's sinister advisor Jafar has his own plans for both Aladdin and the lamp.
France
Cinderella, the beautiful and kind-hearted daughter, sees her world turn upside down when her beloved mother dies, and her pained father remarries another woman, the wicked Lady Tremaine, who has two equally cruel daughters, the jealous Anastasia and Drizella. But, once more, things will go from bad to worse, When Cinderella's father, too, dies, leaving her all alone in the Lady's clutches to serve as her maid-of-all-work. Under those circumstances, a shabby and neglected Cinderella doesn't stand much of a chance of attending the King's royal ball--let alone, captivate the handsome Prince--unless she turns to her loving Fairy Godmother who has quite a few tricks up her sleeve. Nevertheless, will the wronged damsel ever find peace--and with it--her own Prince Charming?
UK
An imaginative Disney version of the Robin Hood legend. Fun and romance abound as the swashbuckling hero of Sherwood Forest and his valiant sidekick plot one daring adventure after another to outwit the greedy Prince John (Sir Peter Ustinov) and his partner as they put the tax squeeze on the poor.
Canada
Long ago, as the Earth was emerging from the Ice Age, there were three brothers. After a bear takes the life of the oldest brother, impulsive youngest brother Kenai kills the bear in revenge, only to be transformed into a bear himself. Denahi, the middle brother, comes upon this bear and, thinking it killed Kenai, vows revenge. Now brother hunts brother and Kenai's only hope for survival is to befriend his own worst enemy, a grizzly cub named Koda. Koda's main goal is to show Kenai the real meaning of brotherhood.
Conclusion
These are just the 12 movies I chose at the time. Many of the countries have additional movies based on their culture to choose from. I will be enjoying this concept many times for the rest of my life and will choose different movies each time; with the exception of countries which only have 1 or a few movies that represent their culture. Sometimes with cartoons and sometimes live action. This concept can also be applied to each of the 3 other parks from the Walt Disney World Resort or the various other resorts around the world. The Magic Kingdom has many attractions that have movie counterparts. Disney's Hollywood Studios has Star Wars, Toy Story, and Indiana Jones, to name a few. And Disney's Animal Kingdom has many areas such as Africa, Asia, and Dinosaur Land USA which all have movies that will fit them well. Not to mention those parks in China, Japan, and France.
This is one of many new habits and coping mechanisms I acquired during the events of 2020. And this is certainly one I want to share with others. Any Disney fan who loves the Disney Theme Parks as I do will definitely find this to be an entertaining way to enjoy the magic from home. I'm really looking forward to expand this idea to the other parks and would love to hear how others apply this. If you find this useful, and have other recommendations, feel free to connect with me on Twitter.