Walt Disney World
EPCOT'S
WORLD SHOWCASE
AFRICA
AMERICAN
ADVENTURE
CANADA
Off Kilter
CHINA
FRANCE
Living Statues
GERMANY
ITALY
Masked Dancers
JAPAN
MEXICO
Huitzilin Dancers
MILLENNUM
VILLAGE
MOROCCO
Ciricli Stilt Birds
The Aviators
NORWAY
UNITED KINGDOM
TAPESTRY OF
NATIONS
WORLD
SHOWCASE
FIREWORKS
_____________
LOFTIN
GENEALOGY
LINE
The
LOFTIN
Family
Tree
Philip
Daniel
Loftin
(1978 - 20??)
Curtis
Dean
Loftin
(1953 - 20??)
Sam
William
Loftin
(1918 - 1979)
Alonzo
Lester
Loftin
(1876 - 1937)
William Alexander
Loftin
(1851 - 1939)
James
Franklin
Loftin
(1827 - 1864)
Thomas
Loftin
(1798 - 185?)
James
Loftin
(1768 - 1836)
John
Loftin
(1740 - 1793)
Cornelius
Loftin III
(1714 - 1785)
Cornelius
Loftin II
(1675 - 1735)
Cornelius
Loftin I
(1648 - 1735)
Leonard
"Laughton"
Loftin
(1610 - 1678)
_______
FAMILY
NAMES
LOFTIN:
Beatty
Corzine
Cranford
Fisher
Givens
Harwell
Kaiser
Lanier
Lomax
McCorkle
Rudisill
Sherrill
Upright
Washington
Work
SETZER:
Aderholdt
Barringer
Bovey
Bushart
Deal
Heavner
Herman
Ikert
Miller
Motz
Rankin
Witherspoon
GOBLE:
Babst/Bobst
Douglas
Faber
Fink
Fulbright
Hefner
Meinhert
Miller
Muller
Pabst/Bobst
Robinson
JOHNSON:
Corzine
Fink
Hamilton
Kaiser
Leslie
Lewis
Moore
Sherrill
Upright
Wilkinson
Additional
Family
SURNAMES
Epcot's World Showcase 1996, 1997 & 2000
Epcot's World Showcase is an ongoing World’s Fair encircling a picturesque 40-acre lagoon. The cuisine, culture, history, and architecture of almost a dozen countries are permanently displayed in individual national pavilions spaced along a 1.2-mile promenade. Pavilions replicate familiar landmarks and present representative street scenes from the host countries.
Epcot was our favorite Disney World Theme Park and World Showcase was our favorite part of Epcot
Perhaps it was getting a glimpse of places we'd never actually get to see but we spent more time there than any other locationThis map of Epcot is the property of Disney and is used for educational purposes New to us during the 2000 trip to Disney World were the Africa Drummers and Singers. Located between the China and Germany Pavilions, the performers were enthusiastic and enjoyable as they interacted with the crowd and actually got some of the crowd involved in the act. Even though there was no actual pavilion, the performers mad the most of the space they had. The African Drummers (Left) African Drummers; (Right) African Singers The OUTPOST offered an opportunity to cool off with mists of cool water
and even a surprising spray of water from the Coke machine.When it came to creating THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE, the centerpiece of World Showcase, the Disney Imagineers were given virtually a free hand. So the 110,000 bricks of the imposing colonial-dtyle structure that houses the show, a restaurant, and a shop are real brick - made by hand from soft, pinkish-orange Georgia Clay. 
Step back into American history and discover our musical heritage with the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps Moving toward the American Adventure Show Pre-Show entertainment
(Left) Voices of Liberty: This dynamic vocal ensemble brought to life some of America's best love folk songs and patriotic music
(Right) Cast members in early American costumes pose for a photoTaking the excalators heading for the American Adventure Show The American Adventure takes guests on a trip through America's history. It is narrated by Audio-Animatronic figures of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain (who live amost 100 years apart). The show is presented in a theater-like auditorium, with sets and characters rising fout from the stage floor to represent scenes from different historical periods. The characters provide insight into American life of the past through conversations in which they discuss the current events of their time. Periods include the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 and the Great Depression. The presentation culminates with a musical film montage representing famous moments and people in American history from post-World War II to the present. Leaving the show Across from the pavilion is the American Gardens Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater. The American Gardens Theatre hosts concerts, singers and bands from around the world. In 2000 Disney characters came to life with songs and stories from around the world. Minnie & Mickey Mouse, Goofy with Chip & Dale The Canada Pavilion is a Canadian-themed pavilion that is part of World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, USA. Its located next to the United Kingdom pavilion. The Canadian Pavilion is designed to remind guests of Canada's outdoors. It included a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, a pool with fountains and totem poles. Further in to the pavilion, beyond the rustic log cabins, a small thoroughfare is designed to represent the British and French influences and heritage through its buildings; the Chateau Frontenac dominates the skyline to the right while English cottages adorn the left. An iconic Gilbert-Scott telephone box stands to the side, and often there is a direct connection on this phone to the boxes in the United Kingdom pavilion nearby. Curtis & Philip stop for a photo at the French-style chateau Beth, looking as beautiful as always - in 1996 The main attraction is "Canada: Far and Wide", a Circle-Vision 360° movie of Canada's cities, scenery and people. The pavilion also includes Le Cellier Steakhouse and the former home of the Celtic rock band Off Kilter. Curtis told the family that he was trying to call his friend Bernard Goh in Singapore Beth & Philip with Beast & Belle OFF KILTER "Off Kilter" was a Celtic rock band that was formed in 1997 and performed regularly at Epcot from their inception in 1997 through 17 Sep 2017. Their first album, Off Kilter, included some traditional songs like "Dirty Old Town" and "Fields of Athenry" as well as covers of popular rock songs generally from Canadian artists such as "Takin' Care of Business" and "Summer of '69". The band consists of Jamie Holton from Ormond Beach, FL, on bagpipes, penny whistle and vocals; Mark Weldon from Cork, IRELAND, on bass and vocals; Randy Holbrook from Richmond, KY, on guitar and vocals; Scott Zymowski from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on drums and vocals; and Tony Escapa from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on keyboards. We first saw "Off Kilter" when they were performing at the Canada Pavilion
We enjoyed the show so much that we went back to see them several timesIn 2000 "Off Kilter" was perming in the American Garden Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion The China Pavilion is a Chinese-themed paviliion that is part of the World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florisa, USA. It is located between the Norway and Germany pavilions. Visitors enter the China Pavilion through a large Chinese gate. The courtyard is dominated by a replica of the Temple of Heaven, which contains the entrance to "Reflections of China", a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China's history and scenery, as well as a museum containing several ancient Chinese artifacts. The courtyard is borddered by shops selling Chinese merchandise and two Chinese restaurants. The pavilion is decorated with ponds and bridges. Chinese acrobats also perform frequently in the pavilion. An early park entrance gave me an opportunity to do some photos with limited guests Chinese Gate of the Golden Sun entrance to the China Pavilion Curtis during the 2000 Disney World trip 
Disney uses artisans from the various countries to hel with the architecture and to be sure of its authenticity. Tranquil traditional gardens reflect the Chinese love of nature (Left) A spacious emporium devoted to Chinese souveniers; (Right) Philip with Staff at the emporium in 1996 The Street of Good Fortune beckons visitors to expore its shops and restaurants (Left) Carolyn & Philip 1996, (Right) Curtis 1996 (Left) Curtis in 1996 Beth & Philip pose at the Temple of Heaven in 1996 Curtis poses in front of the Temple of Heaven with its fishponds and beautiful gardens in March 2000 Photos of Curtis from 1st Digital Camera in 2000 - not as sharp as from a standard camera Pu Yang Acrobats: Everyone enjoyed the amazing talents
of the young students of the Pu Yang School during their frist trip to the USAA look at the China Pavilion from across the Showcase Lagoon The France Pavilion is a French-themed pavilion tht is part of the World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, USA. It is located between the Morocco and United Kingdom pavilions. The showcase is themed to look like a Parisienne neighborhood with a pool and fountains and with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Most of the shops on the strees are actual shops selling French goods such as Guerlain perfume. The attraction effects France's cities and historical structures. It also included two French restaurants, Monsieur Paul (formerly the Bistro de Paris) and Les Chefs de France; as well as the eateries Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie and L'artisan des Glace ice-cream parlour.
The main attraction in the France Pavilion is a panoramic film entitled "Impressions de France". The film, which has been plaing since the opening day of the Epcot park in 1982, offers a visual tour of the nation, set against a musical score written by Buddy Baker, encompassing the music of classical French composers. The film's visual tour includes some of the nation's most stunning and romanic landmarks such as the Cliffs of Etretat in the Haute-Normandie region, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, Chateau de Chambord in the loire Valle, Notre Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Beth & Philip pause for a pose in the France Pavilion Showcase ENTERTAINMENT Young people from all over the worlc come to Disney World to serve as hosts and hostesses in their country pavilion CHINA - AMERICA - FRANCE - FRANCE - GERMANY - NORWAY - AMERICA THE LIVING STATUES If you weren't careful, you'd turn around and your glasses or hat would be in the hands of this innocent looking statue Curtis takes an opportunity to get a photo in 1996 It good to see that the Living Statues were still at the France Pavilion in 2000
Changing poses gracefully was done is a way that they still looked like statues
(Right) Curtis: "I wonder if they've ever had a Living Statue with a beard?"Medieval castles, quaint villages, rollicking beer gardens, and enchanting Brothers Grimm fairy tales are captured in the Germany Pavilion Showcase. From its cobblestone Platz and gingerbread decorated shops, to its intricate clock tower and statue of St. George slaying the dragon, the Germany Showcase takes visitors straight into the heart of Bavaria Philip in the Germany Pavilion Showcase during our 1996 trip to Disney St. George slays the dragon and a clock that chimes on the hour are part of the Germany themed showcase (Left) Costumed hosts welcomed you to explore shops that offered
both classic & modern books, wines, chocolates, pasteries and exquisitely detailed porcelains
(Right) Oktoberfest Musikanten: This band played lively marches, polkas, waltzes and traditional folk instrumentalsA re-creation of the Venetian campanile of St. Mark's proclaims the presence of the Italian Pavilion Showcase. The pavilion also features an exact replica of the Doge's Palace. Its water front along the World Showcase Lagoon is dressed with playful gondolas and their festive barberstriped moorings. Beautiful architecture in the Italy Pavilion Showcase A statue of Neptune is the centerpiece of a fountain inspired by Bernini's Trevi Fountain in Rome This Masked Dancer was an addition to the Italy Pavilion in 2020 The Japan Pavilion is a Japanese-themed pavilion that is part of the World Showcase, within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, USA. It is located between The American Adventure and Morocco Pavilions. (Right) Curtis during the 2000 trip (Left) Matsuriza: The unique sights and sounds of traditional Japanese Taiko Drums
(Right) Costumes from Japan and Norway. They're always willing to pose for a photo.The Mexico Pavilion resembles a Mayan pyramid with steps leading to entrance doors. Visitors enter through a gallery display of Mexican artwork. The central indoor area of the pavilion is themed as an outdoor twilight-lit Mexican village and marketplace. At the edge of the plaza, a restaurant, San Ángel Inn Restaurant, overlooks an indoor lagoon with a themed backdrop of another pyramid and smoking volcanoes in the distance with themed lighting and smoke effects. To the side of the plaza, a boarding area leads to a boat ride.
The Mayan architecture of the Mexican Pavilion
brought back memories of visiting the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan
Carolyn takes a photo of Curtis shortly after World Showcase opened so there was no one else in either of these photos 
Inside the massive stone structure, guests can shop. relax at a restaurant, or enjoy a Mexican-themed boat ride Artists from Mexico share their crafts 
In 1997, Curtis poses iin front of a mural inside the pyramid. From 1982 to 2007, The River of Time carried passengers on a slow boat ride through various scenes from Mexico's history.
The scenes were filled with doll-sized Audio-Animatronic figures clad in authentic folk clothing, singing, dancing and playing music.(Left) The restaurant inside the Mexico Pavilion, (Right & Below) Audio-Animatronic figures sing and dance 
Curtis at the Mexico Pavilion in 2000 - on two different occasions 
We first saw Huitzilin - Mexican Folk Dancers - in 1997
Huitzilin explored the legends, customs and traditions of Aztec-era Mexico through colorful song and dance
When we returned in 2000, we were pleased to see that Huitzilin was still performing at the Mexico Pavilion
The new costumes were nicer than those in 1997 and they had added a female dancerConches were used as horns and were blown toward the four corners of the Earth in one of the dances 
Huitzilin performed 6 to 8 times a day 
Talking to the crowd and trying to get them involved in one of the dances 
Time for a snack or maybe a souvenir 
The Millennium Village was located in Epcot and was the centerpiece of Disney's Mellennium Celebration. The 60,000 square-foot pavilion opened up its doors to the public on 01 Oct 1999 and was closed down on 01 Jan 2001. Entrance to The Millennium Village which housed information about 8 new countries
"Welcome to Millennium Village. To help us celebrate this moment in time, we've invited our friends from around the globe to join us. They have come to share with you stories of their accomplihments and dreams. These are their gifts to the world. Please join them now as we begin our celebration." ETHIOPIA: "We are here to celebrate the traditions of every nation. It is from tradition that we are building the rich tapestry of world cultures. These gifts are our legacy." INDIA: "We celebrate our differences. And as we share different cultures, we learn to respect the richness that diversity adds to the world. These gifts enrich us." KENYA: "We celebrate the children of the world. Their laughter is the music of life. Their gifts bring us joy." NEW ZEALAND: "We celebrate the explorers. These brave men and women who have courageously sought to expand our horizons and our knowledge. Their gifts challenge us." INDONESIA: "We celebrate the artists of the world. By sharing their great imagination and knowledge they add beauty and mystery to our lives. Their gifts inspire us." SOUTH AFRICA: "We celebrate the thinkers, the men and women who have shared their ides to hape nations, philosophies and beliefs. Their gifts unlighten us." ISRAEL: "We celebrate those who preserve our past. Through their efforts we fuild the foundation for our future. Their gifts guide us." NAMIBIA: "We celebrate each of you, your dreams, your efforts, and your accomplishments will become our destiny. Please help us Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand." "We invite you to cross the threshold to the future where you will discover many more gifts and meet new friends from around the globe." Carolyn & I met and talked with a young man named Achmed from Saudi Arabi,
who suggested that we call him Ahmed so that we didn't spit all over him trying to pronounce his name.Achmed wrote our names in Arabic Carolyn talked to a girl from Israel and told her hom much we enjoyed Israeli Folk Dance and told her that we did it in our church
She war really curious about us and wanted to know what type of church it wasThe Morocco Pavilion was filled with activity, shopping and eating. Morocco was favorite pavilion when we first visited Disney World in 1996 - both culturally and with the beautiful architecture . The Morocco Pavilion as seen from a boat cruising the lagoon
An ancient working waterwheel irrigates the gardens of the pavilion and the motifs
repeated throughout the buildings include carved plaster and wood, ceramic tile and brassKoutoubia Minaret, a detailed replica of the famous prayer tower in Marrakesh, North Africa, stands guard at the entrance 
Between the traditional alleyways and the more modern sections are the pointed arches
and swirling blue patterns of the Bab Boujouloud Gate, a replica of the one that stands in the city of Fez.
1997 - The Houzali Acrobat Troupe perform in the Morocco Showcase Courtyard
The group were amazing acrobats and contortionists
It was good to see the Houzali Troupe still performing in the Morocco Pavilion in 2000
They were entertaining and funny
I would definitely call that a close-up 
Aladdin greets a young fan Moroccan artisans were brought from Morocco to construct the elaborate architecture - including the tile work 
Beth and Philip get their photo taken with Aladdin and Jasmine 
The "Cirikli Stilt-Birds" was my favorite act at the Morocco Pavilion in 1997
The Shepherd, the three birds and their riders always entered the theme park via the gate at MoroccoTo see the rest of the photos of "The Cirikli Stilt-Birds": Click Here When we went back to Walt Disney World in 2000, the first thing we looked for was "Cirikli"
Unfortunately, the were no longer performing at Epcot and had been replaced by a group called "The Aviators"
To see the rest of the photos of the "The Aviators": Click Here A boat provides transportation from one side of World Showcase Lagoon to the other The cobblestone town square at the Norway Pavilion was an architectural showcase in the styles of such Norwegian towns as Bergen Oslo and Setesdal. There's a Norwegian castle fashioned after Akershus, a 14th Century fortress still standing in Oslo's harbor. Shops in the castle stock authentic Norwegian handicrafts and folk items: hand-knit woolens, wood carvings, as well as glass and metal artworks.
The Norwegian Church had wood clabbered sides and a wood shingled roof. Photos from our first trip to Disney World. Each building represents a different area of Norway and a different era of its history 
A replica of the famed 14th Century fortress, the Akershus Castle, stands guard over a picturesque town square. In 2000, there was a Viking boat that had been added to the Norway Pavillion Curtis with some friendly Norwegians from 1997. All staff at the various pavilions come from the country they represent. The United Kingdom Pavilion is a British-themed pavilion that is part of the World Showcase, within Epcot at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, USA. The pavilion represents the four countries of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is located in betweet the France and Canana Pavilions. Curtis poses for a few photos in 1996 The UK Pavilion, designed to look like a stereotypical British village, has English gardens, including a hedge maze and a band stand. The shops sell British items such as tea, biscuits, toys, clothing, sports apparel and Beatles merchandise. Beth, Carolyn & Philip stroll down an authentic-looking English street The British architecture was truly breathtaking Lagoon Buses travel World Showcase
In the upper deck, representatives from around the world share their customs and traditions
in the world's first permanent international expositionTapestry of Nations was a parade at the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World, in Orlando, FL, that ran around the World Showcase Lagoon from 1999 to 2001, after which it was rethemed as Tapestry of Dreams. The parade had a unity and world peace theme and featured a variety of larg puppets and massive rotating drum units. Unlike other puppets, these were desigened to be operated beneath the puppets. Curtis poses for a few photos in 1996 We loved the night time show and even purchased the Disney 2000 Celebration CD WORLD SHOWCASE FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Every night guests would gather around the World Showcase Lagoon for the fireworks display that started at 9:00 p.m. SOURCES Photos from our various trips to Disney World - including 1996 and 2000.
