Fans are once again dreaming of a new country coming to World Showcase at Epcot. This latest excitement has nothing to do with Disney. It stems from concept art for a pavilion that was never built.
The Long Wait for a New Country
It has been over 35 years since World Showcase last expanded. The Norway Pavilion was added in 1988. Since then, the conversation about a new country has remained a persistent topic of fan speculation.
Concept Art Ignites Fan Excitement
The current discussion was sparked when former Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto shared concept art he designed in the mid-1990s. The artwork depicts a majestic Switzerland Pavilion nestled in the Swiss Alps. It includes a Matterhorn bobsled-style ride, an ice-skating rink, and a new restaurant as you can see below:
Fun concept sketch I did for a Swiss Pavilion at EPCOT with moonlight Ice skating, dining, and Matterhorn ride that leaves the mountain, runs out to the entrance, then "splashes down" in the village lake. Fun departure! pic.twitter.com/pYlPv7BQPn
— Eddie Sotto (@boss_angeles) August 11, 2025
A day after sharing the initial sketch, Sotto added more context to the story. He clarified that the idea for an Epcot Swiss Pavilion had been explored previously, and he was invited to submit his take on it in the mid-90s, but he was not involved further. He also noted that he wanted the bobsleds to be a kinetic element weaving throughout the area.
The idea for the EPCOT Swiss Pavilion had been explored before. I was invited to submit my take on it in the mid 90's amid renewed interest, but was not involved any further. I wanted the Bobsleds to be a kinetic element throughout the area, weaving it all together with a skate… pic.twitter.com/nt0NrGYJoA
— Eddie Sotto (@boss_angeles) August 12, 2025
The Broader Epcot Landscape
The concept art for a Swiss pavilion is not the only idea that never came to fruition. Throughout the years, Imagineers designed pavilions for countries such as Spain, Israel, and even Equatorial Africa. None of these were ever built. They failed to secure funding from their respective governments.
Despite the long history of unbuilt concepts, fans continue to hope for a new country. The most popular rumors include a Brazil pavilion and a Greece pavilion. Many fans believe a Greece pavilion would feature a Hercules attraction. These ideas are not official, but they are a constant source of discussion and fan art online.
While there are no signs of a new country being added in the near future, the constant fan speculation shows a strong desire for World Showcase to keep growing. Disney’s recent focus has been on reimagining the park’s other areas. For example, a Test Track overhaul and a new CommuniCore Hall are in development. For now, fans will just have to imagine what could have been and what might be.
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