The Outpost in the EPCOT World Showcase

14 September 2023 by Steve Bell and Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

The Outpost at Epcot was originally a placeholder for the Equatorial African Pavilion that was due to open in 1983.

Location and Atmosphere

📍EPCOT | World Showcase

The pavilion that would open 2 years after EPCOT’s grand opening was intended to represent the African continent, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse and rich cultures, history, and natural beauty of Equatorial Africa, specifically Kenya, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

However, this pavilion never quite came to fruition.

African Pavilion Concept

During the design and planning for the African Pavilion there were early concepts and ideas for attractions, exhibits, and dining experiences that would have showcased the uniqueness of African nations. These ideas included two films, Africa Rediscovered, which would be narrated by Alex Haley and would highlight the abundant wildlife and history of this region, and discuss modern-day Africa. The second film, “Heartbeat of Africa,” was to focus on African music and conclude with a laser show synchronized to the sounds of native instruments.

There was also to be a large tree house, where guests would look down on a jungle watering hole bathed in perpetual moonlight. A diorama of trees, boulders, rushing waters, and actual scents of nature would highlight a rear-projection movie of animals advancing to drink in the night. For entertainment a small amphitheater was planned to showcase African dance and music.

The Outpost was built on the curve of the World Showcase Promenade between China and Germany as a placeholder and teaser for the pavilion to come.

However the countries involved were unable to produce the needed funds or secure financing and the project was eventually scrapped.

A Change in Plans

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998, was a unique blend of a traditional theme park and a zoological park, offering guests the opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom while enjoying immersive attractions and experiences. The creation of this new park allowed Disney to incorporate many of the ideas and concepts that were originally intended for the African Pavilion at Epcot.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom became dedicated to not only focusing on showcasing the cultural aspects of Africa but also embracing the wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts associated with the continent. The park features attractions such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, which offers a simulated African safari experience, as well as exhibits like Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek that allow visitors to observe animals in naturalistic habitats.

Even though Disney’s dream of an African Pavilion morphed into something entirely different, The Outpost remains as a reminder of the pavilion that almost was.

The Outpost Today

The Outpost features a marketplace with African-inspired architecture and a variety of merchandise, crafts, and souvenirs from different African countries. While it is not as expansive as the original plans for the African Pavilion, it still provides a taste of the continent’s culture and traditions.

The Refreshment Outpost Quick Service food location is the largest part of The Outpost. Here you can grab a hotdog, soft serve, slushies as well as Coke products and a limited supply of adult beverages.

Outdoor vendors sell their wares, including traditional African artifacts, and artists offer face painting and hair braiding.

The kids will enjoy the African drums that they can expend a little energy banging on.

If you are craving the spices, smells, sights, and sounds of African culture and the small Outpost in the World Showcase isn’t doing it for you, be sure to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can find African artisans, musicians, dancers, singers, and replicated African villages.

Transportation

Get Your EPCOT Bearings (what’s next to what?):

China | The Outpost | Germany

 

Comments, Questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!

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EPCOT Overview Pages:

• World Celebration
• World Discovery
• World Nature
• World Showcase
  • Mexico Pavilion
  • Norway Pavilion
  • China Pavilion
  • The Outpost
  • Germany Pavilion
  • Italy Pavilion
  • American Adventure Pavilion
  • Japan Pavilion
  • Morocco Pavilion
  • France Pavilion
  • International Gateway
  • United Kingdom Pavilion
  • Canada Pavilion

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See all our Theme Park Pages:

• Disney World Theme Park Overview
• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom

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