Five Things to Know About the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT
2025-05-01T15:00:30Z
As you make your way around the World Showcase Lagoon, you can visit Morocco (or at least, its pavilion!) between the Ja
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As you make your way around the World Showcase Lagoon, you can visit Morocco (or at least, its pavilion!) between the Japan and France Pavilions. It’s got an authentic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and perhaps best of all, a sense of calm and quiet. Want to learn more about what you’ll find? Keep reading!
1. Authentic architecture abounds.
The Morocco Pavilion may be the most detailed pavilion in the World Showcase. And it is the most immersive, in my opinion. This is the only pavilion in the World Showcase where the country’s government assisted with the design, materials, and craftsmen. King Hassan II sent Moroccan artists to design and lay the tiles in the mosaics.
The Pavilion’s layout suggests a Moroccan city. At the entrance is a reproduction of Marrakesh’s 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret. Out of respect for its religious significance, Disney agreed never to light it at night.
Other notable buildings are the Chellah, modeled after Rabat’s necropolis, and Bab Bou Jeloud Gate, leading to the Medina or “old city” Bazaar area. The Moroccan Bab Bou Jeloud Gate is in Fez, and once through it, there are many nods to Fez.
There are three fountains in the Pavilion. Water was precious in Morocco, where fountains symbolized life, hospitality and purification. Providing a fountain was both a charitable and a religiously significant act. The intricate tiling on the fountains (zellige) represents the infinite nature of creation. Tiles were hand-cut and assembled by Moroccan artisans; no two are identical. The sound of the fountains’ flowing water helps mask theme park noise, making the entire pavilion feel more immersive and secluded.
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The entrance fountain is modeled after those in Marrakesh’s public squares. It’s intended to welcome visitors, as it would in a real Moroccan city. Re-tiling on this fountain and nearby planters in 2024 lacks the intricacy of the original designs. The Marketplace fountain, a replica of the Nejjarine Fountain in Fez, sits in the middle of a courtyard of shops. Smaller and more intimate, it suggests the community fountains in Moroccan medinas. Its placement in the winding alleyway offers a pause from the hubbub; a place to sit, rest, and listen to the water.
Inside the Pavilion is the Fez House, designed to represent a typical Moroccan house and offering a quiet contrast to the busy public spaces. The third fountain is in the Fez House courtyard. Typical of domestic fountains, it represents peace, purity, and prosperity in the home.
2. The pavilion has a unique past.
The Morocco pavilion was the first expansion added to the World Showcase. It opened September 7, 1984, and we’ve already mentioned that it’s the only pavilion where the country’s government contributed to the design. It is also unique as the only pavilion sponsored by its country’s government.
Morocco’s sponsorship ended in October 2020, and Disney took over ownership. At that time, a transition statement confirmed that Disney would assume operations of the Pavilion. But, to this day, the Moroccan Embassy and Morocco Tourism Board continue to serve as consultants. Regular visitors to the pavilion have noted changes since Disney took over. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the fountain work mentioned earlier.
3. You can enjoy a Mediterranean diet.
There is one Table Service restaurant and three Quick Service locations in the Morocco Pavilion. Spice Road Table offers small plates for lunch and dinner, plus a wide selection of adult beverages. The offerings are authentic Moroccan dishes, including lamb kefta, calamari, and chicken bastille. A big plus of dining here is the terrific waterfront view.
The Quick Service Tangierine Café may only be open during EPCOT’s festivals. But this is the not-to-be-missed place for authentic kebabs, so if it’s open while you visit, be sure to give it a try. Seating in the courtyard makes Morocco a good place to establish a “home base” for a bit during Festivals, as you try the surrounding booths. (There are convenient restrooms in Morocco, too.)
Oasis Sweets & Sips offers a wide assortment of pastries. You’ll find familiar baklava and almond crescent cookies, and also more exotic (but tasty!) kataifi, ergolavos, and flogeres. The pomegranate slushie is pretty remarkable, too.
Finally, Sangria Sips is a snack and beverage cart in the Brass Bazaar. Here you’ll find shareable sangria (white or red) and other snacks. Tucked away, a lot of folks bypass it completely, making it a quiet spot for an afternoon refreshment.
4. Shopping in Morocco is a bit of a letdown right now.
Prior to 2020 and COVID, guests had the opportunity to shop in several locations. Sadly, at this writing, the Marketplace in the Medina, Tangier Traders, the Brass Bazaar, and Casablanca Carpets are not open. The sole remaining shop is the Souk-Al-Magreb.
Literally, “Souk” means “market” and “al Magreb” translates to “the West” or “the sunset” in Arabic, meaning the North African region west of Egypt, including Morocco. Here, Souk-Al-Magreb can be said to mean simply, “Moroccan Market”. Offering a variety of Moroccan souvenirs, including jewelry and clothing, you can also find Disney merch here. (Aladdin-related items, of course). As for the other shops, it’s always a good idea to check My Disney Experience for the latest information during your visit.
5. You shouldn’t miss the magnificent mini museum – and more.
Inside the Gallery of Arts and History is an exhibit entitled “Race Against the Sun: Ancient Technique to Modern Competition.” Displays give a fantastic look at how the Berbers survived in the Sahara, covering the topics of tea, tents, and clothing in this inhospitable region. Two current races that challenge participants are also highlighted: The Marathon of the Sands and The Rally of the Gazelles. There’s even a racing simulator that gives you a sense of what these races entail.
Live entertainment in the pavilion is provided by Atlas Fusion, a music and dance group. Performing on the stage in the pavilion’s front, their energetic music and belly dancing act even includes some audience participation. Check My Disney Experience for times.
Like the other pavilions in the World Showcase, the KIDCOT Fun Stop in Morocco offers the littles a chance to collect an activity card. They can learn more about the culture and traditions of the Moroccan people. Speaking of traditions, Henna artists in the Pavilion can create wearable works of art for you. Prices for these tattoos currently range from $25 to $45, and they take 5-20 minutes to create. Lastly, the Morocco pavilion is the place to meet Jasmine; as always check My Disney Experience for times.
The Bottom Line.
True, there is no ride or movie in the Morocco pavilion. But if you bypass it, you’re missing a pretty special opportunity. The detailed tile work, the fountains, and the immersive layout combine to create a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. More than offering a taste of the culture, if you take the time to wander, it may be as close to a spiritual experience as you’ll ever enjoy in a theme park.
Have you visited the Morocco Pavilion? What do you love about it? Let us know in the comments!
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