Ukrainian pavilion idea advances at Disney World's EPCOT Center (05/12/96)

Ukrainian pavilion idea advances at Disney World's EPCOT Center

by Natalia Warren

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Jason Harper, president of the Ukrainian Project Fund recently met with George Kalogridis, executive vice-president of EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World, to further discuss plans for the proposed Ukrainian Pavilion.

As a result of the meeting, Mr. Kalogridis added Ukraine to a list that includes two other countries vying for the site between the Chinese and German pavilions. Mr. Kalogridis also gave Mr. Harper the go-ahead to discuss the pavilion project with other Walt Disney Company officials.

"He was very receptive," said Mr. Harper about Mr. Kalogridis' reaction to the idea of a Ukrainian pavilion. "He is very energetic and positive, and has a fresh perspective on what EPCOT is and what it will be," he added.

Although Mr. Harper was not at liberty to discuss details of the March 4 meeting, he did say that EPCOT will definitely have a new pavilion in the not too distant future.

The early morning meeting was arranged by Greg Emmer, former executive vice-president of EPCOT and current executive vice-president of The Magic Kingdom. In 1993 Mr. Emmer hosted then Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oleh Bilorus, when the idea of the Ukrainian pavilion was originally raised by the UPF.

According to Mr. Harper, Mr. Kalogridis "took the time at the meeting to become very familiar with the Ukrainian pavilion idea. He was impressed by the proposal and called it very complete."

Besides architectural sketches of Ukrainian-style buildings, a drawing for a roller coaster ride and photos of souvenirs, the proposal includes a videotape of Ukrainian dancing, provided by the Rusalka Dance Company of Winnipeg, which also has lent its name in part to the proposed sit-down restaurant, Club Rusalka.

In an earlier agreement, the Canadian dance ensemble had agreed to perform twice a year to raise funds for the UPF Ukrainian Pavilion project and to appear live for future corporate proposal events.

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