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Visiting Morocco
Arguably, Morocco boasts
one of the most authentic pavilions in World Showcase.
This display of Moroccan rugs invites guests to linger and
browse, as though you are a welcomed guest.
From Berber Oasis to Restaurant Marrakesh, the
Morocco showcase at Walt Disney World Epcot captures the
mystery and excitement of the exotic North African kingdom.
For World Showcase guests, the first glimpse
of Morocco will likely be the Koutoubia Minaret, the famous
prayer tower in Marrakesh which stands guard over the
entrance.
Located just across the promenade from the
tower is Berber Oasis. A sampling of the handicrafts for which
Morocco is famous is on display in this tent near World
Showcase Lagoon. 
Though it's difficult to
think of Walt Disney World as an educational
destination,
careful touring of many venues of the Resort reveals many
opportunities to learn.
In the same area, an ancient waterwheel lifts
water from the lagoon to a formal garden. It's a relaxing,
shady spot with colorful floral beds and the soothing sounds
of splashing water flowing down wooden troughs. The scene
re-creates a typical Moroccan desert garden. 
A traditional wedding
necklace from the late nineteenth century.
The Medina, or old city, portion of the
pavilion allows guests to experience the feeling of a bustling
Moroccan marketplace. Shoppers browsing among the thousands of
authentic Moroccan crafts will find straw baskets,
woodcarvings, custom jewelry, leather goods, brass pots and
much more.
A source of pride with designers of the
showcase is the architecture. King Hassan II took a personal
interest in the pavilion and, prior to actual construction,
studied a scale model for authenticity and artistic effect.
Moroccan art is featured throughout the
showcase and the Moroccan government helped arrange for master
artisans to create the detailed geometric patterns in the
buildings characteristic of Islamic style and color. These
artisans also supervised installation of the ornate
woodcarvings and roofing tiles created in Morocco especially
for the showcase. A traditional fountain,
inspired by the Najjarine Fountain in Fez, is a centerpiece in
the showcase courtyard. 
Along with the intricacy
of the pavilion's architectural design, the museum in Morocco
is engaging
--and a quiet escape from the Epcot crowds.
Morocco
showcase boasts one of Epcot's most interesting dining
experiences. The Tangierine Cafe, housed in the Koutoubia
Minaret, serves a variety of Moroccan sandwiches and specialty
pastries. Inside the arched columns, beamed
ceilings and massive carved wooden doors of Restaurant
Marrakesh, the guest dining experience is transformed into a
setting typical of an elaborate Southern Moroccan fortress.
Its rich tones and textures compliment the aroma and taste of
Moroccan foods such as couscous (a coarse wheat, steamed and
served with lamb or chicken), bastilla (a flaky meat pie) and
lemon chicken with garlic, green olives and preserved lemon.
Sweetened tea or a steaming cup of Moroccan coffee rounds out
the meal. Adding authentic charm to the
Restaurant Marrakesh experience, belly dancers accompanied by
a Moroccan musician perform daily.
In
Morocco, it's easy to find out-of-the-way areas of solitude
that are
architecturally pleasing as well as quiet.
Lately,
Morocco has been updating its shop window displays.
I found
myself being irresistibly lured into several shopping
experiences.
Though
yet another "weinie" to get you into a shop, this
display attracted lots of photographers.
The
fountain centerpiece in the pavilion welcomes guests with its
beautiful tilework.
Across a wide promenade, the Koutoubia Minaret (a detailed
replica of a famous prayer tower in Marrakesh) stands guard
over the entrance to this showcase. In the center of the
rectangular courtyard is an ornate fountain lined with
thousands of multi-colored tiles. Like most Moroccan cities,
the showcase is divided into two sections, the Ville
Nouvelle (new city) and the Medina (old city). The entrance
to the Medina, the thriving marketplace of Moroccan cities,
is usually through an arched gate. Guests pass beneath
pointed arches and the swirling blue patches of Bab
Boujouloud Gate, a replica of a gateway in the city of Fez.
Just inside the gateway is the Fez House, a replica of a
traditional Moroccan home.
In the Medina, a reproduction of the Chella Minaret in
the capital city of Rabat rises above the shops and
shoppers. There also stands a reproduction of the Nejjarine
Fountain in Fez, representing the traditional village
fountain.
Aronda says: "While
visiting Morocco, be sure to inquire about the free tour
that's available to guests. A cast member escorts you
through the intricately designed pavilion, providing much
information about Moroccan history, culture and customs.
You'll even discover some interesting US-Morocco
connections. The tour usually begins from the Travel Kiosk
located close to the Morocco Kidcot Fun Stop. Inquire at
Guest Relations or at the pavilion for times." NOTE:
This tour has been discontinued.
WORLD
SHOWCASE -- Across a wide promenade, the Koutoubia Minaret
(a detailed replica of a famous prayer tower in Marrakesh)
stands guard over the entrance to the Morocco pavilion in
World Showcase at Epcot. In the center of the rectangular
courtyard is an ornate fountain lined with thousands of
multi-colored tiles. Like most Moroccan cities, the showcase
is divided into two sections, the Ville Nouvelle (new city)
and the Medina (old city).
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