September 7 - Morocco Pavilion

On this day, in 1984, the Morocco Pavilion opened in World Showcase at Epcot.

When EPCOT Center opened in October of 1982, there were nine countries represented with their own pavilions around the World Showcase Lagoon, although space existed for more to be added as time went on. Well, almost 36 years have gone by and only two more pavilions have opened. Two and a half if you include the African Outpost merchandise area, but I don't. And things started out so promising with those two pavilions coming within the first six years. Considering there is still room for nine more... but I digress.


Less than two years after the park opened, the empty area between Japan and France took on a decidedly north African look as a pavilion fit for a king sprang into being. Most Americans might be confused as to what country they were stepping into if it weren't for the movie Casablanca, and even then the first thing they want to see is Rick's. Hint: it's not here.

Sponsored by the Kingdom of Morocco, instead of the usual corporation, the new kid on the lagoon was a bit different from everyone else in other ways. For one, it's the only country in World Showcase that had its host government help design it. Second, since so many of it's buildings have a religious significance to them, Morocco isn't lit up during Epcot's night time show, Illuminations. Third, it's influenced attractions that have come after it. Since the top Hollywood Studio's Tower of Terror can be seen looming behind Morocco, it was designed to blend in with the architecture of the pavilion.

The focal point of the Morocco Pavilion is its minaret, the tall tower that sits front and center. Minarets are traditionally located next to mosques, although there isn't one here, and are used in the Islamic call to worship. Epcot's is a replica of the Koutoubia minaret in Marrakesh. Also prominent is a replica of the Chellah, or fortified cemetery, of Rabat. Wander further into the pavilion and you can see the Fes House, representing a traditional Moroccan home. Throughout the area, citrus trees, date palms and olive trees make it feel like the Sahara Desert could be just over the next rise. Or maybe that's just the central Floridian heat.

One of the things that shouldn't be missed about Morocco are the mosaics. King Hassan II sent artisans to design and create them and they are absolutely beautiful and absolutely everywhere. The other thing that shouldn't be missed is the food. I've only ever eaten at one of the three restaurants, the Tangierine Cafe. It's a basic counter service place, but the hummus and the chicken kabobs were both delicious. If shopping is your thing, you can find everything in Morocco's bazaar from decorative tiles to mirrors made from camel bones. If you must, you can meet Aladdin and Jasmine but you should also check out the musical act and, if you're there at Christmas time, listen to the Storyteller share the custom of Ramadan.