This particular Tower's small size is the first thing distingushing it from the other two. However, it is the design of its surroundings that reveal the Disney-esque nature of this false France. Needless to say, the French Renaissance period this area represents was not exactly known for its peaceful atmosphere and bold pastels. Despite this, just glancing at the Eiffel Tower here, children could very easily believe it to be the real thing (assuming most adults know it is, in fact, much taller). Despite the colorful buildings and lively environment, the Eiffel Tower remains centralized and literally uplifted in this "country." This design contributes to the idea that "the organizing principle of the EPCOT landscape is control" (Wilson 121). In fact, Wilson explains how it disciplines and constructs certain experiences with its layout: "Direction is given to the gaze of the spectator: visual perspectives, aural terrains, the kinds of movement permitted - all reinforce and reinterpret the various themes of the Center" (Wilson 122).

Epcot's design for World Showcase in general, and France specifically, speaks with what Cass would call "the now familiar language of Disney attractions" (Cass 244).

"First...simultaneously educating and entertaining their audience...Second, Disney blurs the boundaries between authentic and inauthentic cultural experiences...Third, and perhaps most relevant, Disney succeeds at the construction of an efficient tourist experience Ð an environment constantly under surveillance, in which the tourist/consumer learns about cultural Others under safe and predictable conditions. Finally, depending upon the logic of the framed space, the management will also profit from either blurring the distinctions between historical reality and historical recreation or making such distinctions so exaggerated and glaring that they become campy entertainments" (Cass 245).

Alexander Wilson is in agreement, particularly with Cass' third point: "Epcot is a seamless environment: there is never a moment or space that is not visually, aurally, and olfactorily programmed by the Disney resort managers" (Wilson 122). More explicitly, you cannot refuse to see the Eiffel Tower once in France, and when you can see it, the sound French music and the smell of freshly baked pastries supplement it.

Like Vegas, Disney works hard to imitate a stereotypical French environment. However, unlike Vegas, the Disney approach is all about environment over experience. You cannot travel to the top of Epcot's Eiffel Tower. In fact, you can do nothing but ooo, ahh, and take pictures of it. Despite the inability of visitors to interact with it, the Tower's presence is important because it validates Epcot's representation of France. Although Epcot's Eiffel Tower is a feeble representation in terms of size, this suffices for Disney visitors. Disney's overarching and guiding philosophy does not demand perfection or reality. In fact, this utopian World Showcase has no room for reality. They will do whatever it takes to make visitors feel as if all their dreams come true once they enter the parks. Because visitors enter with this expectation, Epcot is meant to feel more cartoon-like than high-stimulation Vegas and uber-historical Paris. Consciously, visitors know they are not in France, or in any other World Showcase for that matter. However, Disney successfully uses the Eiffel Tower as a sign to create the sense of "being there" (as previously discussed from Crouch and Lubbren). Although we "might problematize this as 'being where,' geographically and subjectively, raising the significance of the construction and constitution of space in the experience," this is rarely a challenge Disney ever receives because of how smoothly it operates.

 

Regardless of whether or not it's authentic, the Eiffel Tower within Epcot is yet again inseparable from an association with France. Visitors do not see the Tower and think, oh look - it's Germany, or alright, Norway! This is "France's" defining feature, unless, of course you include the employees who come from the real country. Therefore, the Tower is necessary to Epcot's representation of France; it makes visitors believe the creators, designers, and employees present there. It validates their positions by using a common place-myth to affirm its authenticity. However, once again similar to Vegas, it is a visual object not easily recontextualized. Even outside of Epcot, the Eiffel Tower maintains the same meaning. In fact, the exact Tower from Epcot could easily be dropped off in the middle of my university campus, and still signify Paris.