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Author: Kendall Foreman

Walt Disney World Architecture in Real Life – Freiburg Kaufhaus

When designing the Germany Pavilion for EPCOT in Walt Disney World, Imagineers hoped to recreate the feeling of the German platz or plaza. As such, the facades of the shops and dining locations surrounding the central fountain depicting St. George and the Dragon, allude to architecture found in Frankfurt and Rothenburg, in addition to the obvious reference to the Freiburg Kaufhaus in the façade on the right side of the pavilion.

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Walt Disney World Architecture in Real Life: Chateau Laurier

As guests enter the World Showcase Promenade, it would be nearly impossible to miss the impressive “stone” structure with the high-pitched, copper-patinaed roof which towers over the first pavilion on the right side of the lagoon. Known to Epcot as the Hotel du Canada, it sits atop one of the park’s premier restaurants, Le Cellier.

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Picture of the Gasparilla Island Inn (WDW Radio logo and "Walt Disney World Architecture in Real Life: The Gasparilla Inn" superimposed on top

Walt Disney World Architecture in Real Life – The Gasparilla Inn

Upon learning the history of The Gasparilla Inn, it is plain to see how this hotel, and others like it, served as thematic source material for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. However, this oasis in Boca Grande served as more than just a nonmaterial inspiration. Its exterior appearance is actually represented on the grounds of Disney’s flagship resort.

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