Past Time
In attempting to capture the spirit of the Mexican people, Imagineers turned their attention to the origins of that spirit. The resulting pavilion is derived from, elements of each of the major pre-Colombian civilizations–the Mayan, the Toltec, and the Aztec–as well as from the Spanish influence that has shaped their architecture and design.
The pyramid you enter to visit Mexico is a composite of Mesoamerican motifs dating back to the 3rd century, emphasizing the Aztec style. Once inside, you find yourself in a gallery showcasing Mexican arts and crafts. The Sun Stone–or Aztec calendar–marks the way to the Plaza de los Amigas (Plaza of Friends), an open air marketplace brimming with activity. This market and the adjoining restaurant are placed in a nighttime setting in order to be more authentic to the operating hours of a typical Mexican market. The Spanish-tinged Cantina de San Angel is based on the San Angel Inn of 1692.
–p. 78, The Imagineers,The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World
http://www.imaginerding.com
Mexico is one of those pavilions that really was engrained in my memory from my trip in 1985 and 1995. The show building that looks like an Aztec Temple is just impressive.
After that, I remember the shopping store in Japan and the Maelstrom ride in Norway
Mexico is my favorite pavilion. I will always remember being chased by a street merchant through video screens.
Gotta get a churro for my boys…The oldest mentions it the minute he realizes we are approaching the pavilion.
Yeah, the Mexico Pavilion is one of my favorites.
The illusion of being in a market right after dusk is pretty convincing. But for me, I *love* it when typical outside architecture is brought indoors.
It is all about the churros and beaver tails.