Morocco, located between the Japan and France pavilions, was the first county added to the World Showcase expansion at Epcot, opening September 7, 1984.
This pavilion resembles a Moroccan city with a replica of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh (the prayer tower of a 12th century mosque.) Morocco is the only pavilion in the World Showcase where it’s home country aided in the design of it. The King of Morocco, Hassan II, sent craftspeople from Morocco to ensure authenticity in design of the mosaics.
(photos from Moroccopavilion.com)
Visitors can get a feel of what Morocco is about by visiting this attraction. There are three cities represented in this pavilion: Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh.
The gate to the Medina (representing the old city) is a replica of the Bab Boujouloud gate. In the “old city” guests can find the bustling bazzarr.
The Ville Nouvelle (representing the new city) has the Royal Gallery and the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment
(photos from AllEars)
This exhibit focuses on the clothing and jewelry of Morocco.
Fez House
(photo credit JamesB.com)
Meant to resemble a typical Moroccan home, guests can take a look a the beautiful tiles and carvings.
Restaurants
The Moroccan pavilion has three restaurants in the pavilion.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Here King Hassan’s craftsmen’s work is evident. Hand crafted tiles adorn the space.
At dinner the restaurant features Berber and Chaabi folk music and belly dancers. Disney offers a great description of Restaurant Marrakesh:
“Stained-glass chandeliers bathe diners in a warm, dim glow, all while intricate tile mosaics evoke timeless majesty. Select an à la carte favorite—or partake in a culinary adventure with a feast featuring hearty meats, Moroccan pastries and more. Children can also choose from kid-friendly fare like chicken tenders, pasta and hamburgers.”
Tangierine Cafe
This quick service restaurant is known for it’s shwarma and specialty coffees.
Spice Road Table
This Mediterranean inspired restaurant is described as:
“At Spice Road Table, you’re invited to stop in on your adventure around the World Showcase Lagoon to savor Mediterranean small plates and specialty entrées—spicy garlic shrimp, fried calamari, beef and chicken skewers, and coriander-crusted rack of lamb, to name a few—while absorbing the décor inspired by outdoor cafés from the Moroccan seaside.”
Shopping
The Morocco pavilion is set up like a street bazaar with several shops to chose from.
(photo Disney)
Tangier Trades
Brass Bazaar
Outdoor Bazaar (attached to the Brass Bazaar)
Medina Arts
Casablanca Carpets
Souk-Al-Magreb
**Fun Facts**
Due to the religious significance of many of structures in the Moroccan pavilion, the lights on the buildings don’t light up for the Illuminations show. If you look over at Norway, you will notice it doesn’t light up either, to help balance the presentation.
If you look closely you can see the back side of the Tower of Terror at the Moroccan pavilion. Look closely or you’ll miss it. Disney Imagineers deliberately decorated the back of the Tower to match the Moroccan aesthetic so it blends in.
If you like Henna art you can get one of these done at the Henna shop. The price is determined by the design.
Do you like to stop and visit Morocco? What’s your favorite part? Comment and let us know!
Sources: WDWinfo, Wikipedia, AllEars,
Image Sources: Disney, Travarela, WDW Secrets, Morocco Pavilion, JamesB.com,
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