World Showcase at Walt Disney World’s Epcot is full of hidden details and treasures. One of the overlooked pavilions is the Morocco Pavilion.
It’s a great example of why World Showcase is one of the best places to slow down and appreciate all the beauty that was put into it.
Today, I will be breaking down why Morocco Pavilion is a gem that deserves some more appreciation.
I will be breaking the pavilion down as follows:
- History
- Story
- Dining
- Shopping
- Entertainment
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History of the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot
World Showcase began to come to fruition in 1974 and the idea was to pay for the venture with international sponsors.
It was originally scheduled to open in 1979 but was delayed due to the energy crisis of 1976 and structural issues on the site.
In the end, World Showcase opened with nine countries in 1982 but Morocco was not part of the original nine. Morocco Pavilion would not open until 1984.
Morocco Pavilion is special because it is the only country in World Showcase where its government was involved in its creation.
King Hassan II sent his personal artisans from the country to build the entire pavilion.
They took special care to create many gorgeous mosaics and buildings that are seen in the pavilion.
Everything you see in that pavilion was made by the people it represents which only helps build the true authenticity of it.
The Pavilion was the only one sponsored by its government and not a corporation like the others. It truly is a shame that it is one of the least visited.
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What to Expect in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot
This pavilion at Epcot was made to look like a true Moroccan city, featuring an old city and a new city.
The Morocco Pavilion has several replicas including:
- A Minaret: the same one from Marrakech, Chellah
- Necropolis in Rabat
- The Koutoubia
- Bab Boujeloud: the gateway to the Fez House that leads guests in the Bazaar area
The Old City is put on display as a busy marketplace (Aladdin, anyone?) This is also known as the Medina where the Bab Boujeloud replica is seen.
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Dining at Epcot: Restaurants in the Morocco Pavilion
There are many delicious dining locations available inside this gorgeous pavilion, one which include a stunning view of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Spice Road Table
The Spice Road Table is located right by the lagoon focuses on Mediterranean small plates and is the newer addition to the pavilion, opening in 2014.
You will obtain excellent views of Epcot’s nighttime spectacular here with scrumptious and authentic Moroccan dishes.
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Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
The Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina is one of my favorite quick service locations at Epcot, serves up shawarma platters that the Avengers would be sure to approve of.
You will also appreciate its pricing as well as the healthy options.
Oasis Sweets & Sips
Attached to Spice Road Table is Oasis Sweets & Sips.
This café serves yummy pastries, cocktails, wines, and the best Baklava you’ll probably ever have!
This is the place to be adventurous and try the Saragli, Ghriba-Kourabiedes and Pistachio Baklava.
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The Restaurant Marrakesh has a wonderful blend of Moroccan and Arabian dishes for lunch and dinner for guests to enjoy!
You can also appreciate that this was a place where the artisans that King Hassan II sent did hand tiling work on. It was made to feel like a Sultan’s palace.
Brass chandeliers and Bukhara carpets add to the culture of the restaurant and make it more authentic.
During dinner, Belly Dancing and the music of the culture can be enjoyed while dining.
You can dine on Roast lamb, couscous, shish kebab and a wide variety of delicious dishes.
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Shopping in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot
This is another overlooked aspect of the pavilion. If you search deep through this Epcot pavilion, you can find shops filled with amazing treasures!
Souk-Al-Magreb
Most guests love the Souk-Al-Magreb in the Morocco Pavilion.
Here they sell the belly dancing guides, attire, couscous and utensils to make the Fez hats, which were made popular by the 11th Doctor of the Doctor Who franchise, and sweet smelling rose water.
Tangier Trades
For some specific pieces to quench you taste, check out Tangier Trades, where jewelry, daggers, mirrors made from camel bones and Moroccan style clothing and shoes can be bought.
Casablanca Carpets
For Home décor, try Casablanca Carpets where Moroccan sconces, lanterns and rugs can be found. All of which would bring an interior decorating fan to tears with their beauty.
Brass Bazaar
The Brass Bazaar showcases the most gorgeous mosaic fountains along with brass and silver plates and mirrors that you will probably ever see!
This outdoor bazaar is an extension of the Casablanca Carpets shop with quality, handmade baskets, Moroccan instruments and decorative vases and ceramic tiles.
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Medina Arts
For more ceramic options, Medina Arts is available and I highly recommend at least peeking in some of these spectacularly beautiful shops.
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Entertainment in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot
Sadly, the pavilion’s downfall is its lack of entertainment. Princess Jasmine from the hit 1990’s Disney Animated film, “Aladdin”, can be met here.
Occasionally, Aladdin will be with her and on rare occasions, so will the genie.
It is important to note that characters are not doing meet and greets due to the global pandemic at this time.
They have a small stage set up that features a Moroccan Music and dance act. You can check disneyworld.com for times but this act is also temporarily unavailable as well.
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My Final Thoughts and Review of the Morocco Pavilion at Disney World
The pavilion’s deep history and story tends to be overlooked by guests but if you frequent the parks, I would highly recommend taking a few minutes to explore the pavilion.
This pavilion is the only one where its government is involved and where they brought the beauty of their country through their creativity, dining, music and more with the hands of its people.
Take a moment to bask in the smells and sounds.
Speak to the natives that work in the pavilion and ask questions.
Book an ADR and try the superb dishes.
Ultimately, appreciate the glorious wonder of the pavilion that King Hassan II and Disney has brought to us.
Have you ever explored this underrated location in Disney’s Epcot? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
(Original Article Date: August 30, 2020/Updated by Editor on January 15, 2024)