10 Things You Didn't Know About Epcot

2. Norway And Morocco Remain Dark During IllumiNations

Epcot World Showcase Illuminations
Wikimedia

As the night time spectacular IllumiNations reflections of Earth begins, the pavilions turn on their lights and the show begins. But there are some areas of World Showcase that remain dark even during the display.

Both Norway and Morocco do not light up like the rest of the pavilions.

In Morocco you will find a replica of the Koutoubia Minaret, a mosque dating back to the 12th century. As it would would be disrespectful to decorate a religious building it was decided not to light the pavilion.

There are similar stories with regards to why the Norway pavilion remains dark as it too has a religious building with the Stave Church.

Other rumours suggest the reason why these pavilions remain dark is because they were added later and Disney never added the lights required.

Whatever the truth is, next time you stay to watch Illuminations keep an eye on Norway and Morocco.

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Jen has been a writer and video editor at WhatCulture for over 10 years. She has a BA Hons in History from Newcastle University and in a past life worked at Beamish Open Air Museum and was a corporate trainer (BTC Award in Education and Training). Jen joined WhatCulture to discuss all things Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, as well as her love of all things movies. She has worked closely with Universal and Disney, giving WhatCulture readers breaking news and exclusives. Her knowledge of Disney parks has lead her to be published by The Sun. If you've ever completed a Disney movies or Friends quiz on WhatCulture it was probably written by Jen. Jen's love of all things Universal's Halloween Horror Nights brought her to WhatCulture's Horror Channel as a video editor. Her video edits can be found across WhatCulture's Film & TV and Horror channels, along with WhatCulture's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.