Morocco
Epcot

INTRODUCTION

While the real Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara to the southeast,  Epcot's Morocco pavilion is located between France and Japan.   From across the World Showcase Lagoon, the Koutoubia Minaret (prayer tower) can be seen.  

The showcase re-creates the architecture and atmosphere of this famed northern African kingdom.  Three cities are represented:  Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh.  The landscape is dominated by plants of economic importance, a reflection of the integral role agriculture plays in this country. 

Morocco was added to World Showcase in 1984.

 

ATTRACTIONS

The Treasures of Morocco is a free tour available throughout the day for those interested in learning more about Morocco.  This 45-minute tour is extremely educational and well worth the time spent.  You will learn about the culture, history, and people of Morocco, as well as the basis for the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot, with visits to the food market and Fez House.  

Gallery of Arts and History - Often overlooked, this is a wonderful display of the science, music and technology of Morocco.  From the outside, the door looks like an ordinary heavy wood door.  However once you enter the Gallery and look back through the door to the outside, you will see the beautiful stained glass.  

Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment - (located in the first building on the left as you enter the country.) The exhibit features clothing and jewelry from this North African country. When you enter the museum, you are greeted by a large display of an ornately costumed gentleman and his steed.

Fez House - To the right of the Gallery is the Fez House which represents a typical Moroccan home.  There are beautiful mosaic tiles, carvings, and artifacts from daily life.  If you are quiet when you approach the fountain, you just might hear children playing in the distance.

Epcot Attractions At A Glance

DINING

Restaurant Marrakesh  offers traditional Moroccan cuisine and live entertainment,  including a belly dancer.  Lunch and dinner are served.

Tangierine Cafe is a small open air cafe offering sandwiches, humus, vegetarian platters and desserts.   

Epcot Restaurants At A Glance
Menus From Around the World
Vegetarian and Other Special Diets

ENTERTAINMENT

MoRockin -  Arabic and rock music performed on authentic Moroccan contemporary instruments. Characters from Aladdin can be found here sometimes too - Genie, Jasmine, Aladdin!

For more information on Epcot Live Entertainment, visit Steve Soares WDW Entertainment Website.

TOURING TIPS

Morocco and the United States have a very long relationship dating back to the 1700s.  Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as a separate nation.  In the lobby of Restaurant Marrakesh there are letters from George Washington and the Moroccan King.

If you have the time, take the 45-minute Treasures of Morocco tour!! (It's Free!)

Spend some time examining the intricate tile work throughout the pavilion.

Go into the back section of the Morocco pavilion.  You will forget you are standing in Epcot.   

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival - Fruits and Spices! The highlights in Morocco include a sea of golden marigolds, and the All Spice and Lemon All Spice trees. 

Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country.  In Morocco, Taarji explains the Feast of Ashoora.

KIDS AND CHARACTERS

Each of the World Showcase Countries has a special "KIDCOT" area which provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting.

Epcot Passports are great fun for kids as they have them stamped at each pavilion around World Showcase.

Jasmine and Aladdin appear daily in Morocco. Check your Daily Epcot Guide Map for times and locations.

Epcot Characters At A Glance 
Character Meet and Greet FAQ!

SHOPPING

Berber Oasis - Baskets, brass items, jewelry, leather. 
The Brass Bazaar - Handworked bowls, pitchers, planters. 
Casablanca Carpets - Handmade carpeting, textiles. 
Marketplace in The Medina - Baskets, wicker lamps, leather goods, furniture. 
Medina Arts - Woodcrafts, musical instruments, clothing. 
Tangier Traders - Clothing

INTERESTING FACTS

Morocco is the only country in World Showcase sponsored by the government and not a corporation.

The Islamic religion prohibits artistic depiction of live objects; therefore, Moslem artists have developed a unique style of abstract design.  Rather than plants, animals and people often found in Western art, Islamic decoration consists of detailed geometric patters represented in the tile walls and carved plaster of the buildings.

The prayer tower, at the entrance of the pavilion, is a detailed replica of the Katoubia Minaret that stands in Marrakesh.

The buildings have great religious significance and so lights from the IllumiNations celebration are not on the Moroccan pavilion buildings.
 

The Bab Boujouloud gate (see photo), which divides the ville nouvelle (new city) and Medina (old city) is modeled after a gateway in the city of Fez.

The King of Morocco sent his royal craftsmen to lay all the tile work, carvings and paintings in the pavilion.  

There is an ancient working waterwheel that irrigates the gardens of the pavilion.

Read more about the Morocco pavilion HERE.