We’re Matching Up Taylor Swift’s Eras with EPCOT Countries

There is no doubt that 2023 was the year of Taylor Swift (I do not want to hear the arguments against this, if you don’t like Taylor, go listen to folklore and get back to me). In honor of Tay and all she has accomplished this year, I thought I’d merge my two main interests — Taylor Swift and EPCOT.

So, calling all Swifties and Disney fans, it’s time to talk about which Taylor era every EPCOT country belongs in. Let’s go!

Oh, quickly before we get started — I’m listing the album eras in the order they were originally released, but I am including the Taylor’s Versions of those albums in the same era. It’s just easier to do it this way logistically, and I promise I only listen to Taylor’s Versions (duh).

Taylor Swift (2006) — The American Adventure

How could Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album be anything BUT the American Adventure? Nothing says American dream like a girl who moves to Nashville to try and become a big star (and was extremely successful, as we know).

Debut is filled with classic Americana themes like the dynamics of trying to fit in during high school, riding around in a pick-up truck, and growing old with your sweetheart. The album definitely fits in with the American South more than any other region, but it is a country album, after all.

It represents Taylor’s beginning, when she was just a newcomer trying to find a place in this world.

The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection EP (2007) — Germany

Okay, so this isn’t technically a full album, but there are only 10 official Taylor albums and 11 EPCOT countries, so I’m taking some creative liberties!

Either way, Germany and this holiday EP just go so well together. There is an entire Christmas store in this pavilion that stays festive all year long!

It also just seems like you’re in a cute German village, which feels Christmasy in itself.

And there’s even an actual miniature train village in this pavilion, like so many that you see around the holidays.

There is a ton of sweetness in the Germany pavilion, from all the caramel treats in Karamell-Küche to the Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur at the bar. And, Taylor’s holiday EP is probably the sweetest version of her out of all her albums, so this fits!

Fearless (2008) / Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2021) — Italy

This album’s most popular song, “Love Story,” is a twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story that takes place in Verona, Italy. And the Italy pavilion in EPCOT is made to look like you’re in the nearby city of Venice!

In addition to that similarity, this album has some fairytale and romance vibes, and if that isn’t Italy, I don’t know what is!

And the absolute DRAMA happening throughout this album — we go from being in love in “Fearless” and “Love Story” to feeling betrayed in “Tell Me Why” and “You’re Not Sorry.” Then we miss the chaos of the relationship in “The Way I Loved You” and are upset with them for promising to be there “Forever & Always.”

Oh, and we can’t forget about Taylor pining over a guy who is dating another girl when she knows he really belongs with her in “You Belong With Me.”

This album is full of passion and drama and the Italy pavilion is definitely giving me the same vibes. There are literally dramatic masks you can buy in the stores, and who is more passionate about their food than the Italians? No one.

Speak Now (2010) / Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (2023) — Morocco

She is not like other girls! As any Swiftie knows, Speak Now just kind of stands out a bit compared to the rest of Taylor’s discography. The album is completely self-written solely by Taylor, who wanted to prove her authenticity as an artist, and the Morocco pavilion stands out for similar reasons.

The king of Morocco literally sent his own artisans to work on the pavilion because the country wanted it done authentically.

Also, this pavilion just stands out compared to the rest! It’s the only country representing the continent of Africa, the food is the most unique, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

I just simply don’t believe you if you don’t find yourself enchanted by the artistry of the Morocco pavilion.

Red (2012) / Red (Taylor’s Version) (2021) — China

Almost the entire pavilion is comprised of red buildings, how could I not give it the album that matches it in name?

But besides the color, I think China is similar to Red. The China pavilion is a little all over the place — It has gorgeous architecture, but then they’re serving glorified Panda Express over at the quick service restaurant.

Red can relate, one part of the album has you screaming crying to “Sad Beautiful Tragic” and “All Too Well,” and the next minute you’re laughing and dancing to “22” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” It’s emotional whiplash!

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Red and it is extremely important in the Swiftie world. The album marks a bit of a turning point of Taylor moving into more serious themes as well as a forray into straight up pop music.

The China pavilion can also be viewed this way in a sense. If you’re drinking around the world starting in Mexico, China is your third stop and when you decide how serious you’re going to take this journey.

1989 (2014) / 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (2023) — Mexico

The Mexico pavilion is popular for a reason, just like 1989. What is that reason, you ask? Oh, because they’re both iconic and perfect.

1989, just like the Mexico pavilion, is vibrant, vivacious, loud, and fun. They are both the stars of the show!

It’s always a colorful party in Mexico, which fits 1989 so well. We’re shaking it off to the music, living out our wildest dreams eating under a volcano, and they’re both never going out of style.

Also, I know places we won’t be found, and that’s inside La Cava del Tequila drinking a cucumber margarita. 

Reputation (2017) — Japan

Alright, before the Rep fanatics come for me, hear me out! Reputation’s whole aesthetic is dark, cool, and mysterious and Japan definitely fits that aesthetic aspect the best out of any of the EPCOT pavilions.

Also, Rep is known for being her baddie album, but it is FULL of love songs, y’all! Under that hard exterior was a woman falling in love and being all mushy gushy.

The Japan pavilion can relate — it looks all cool and imposing from the outside, but walk inside the Mitsukoshi store and you will be greeted with the cutest and sweetest souvenirs from Hello Kitty plushes to kitchen gadgets made to look like colorful little creatures.

They’re both tough and sleek on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside. Is it cool that I said all that?

Lover (2019) — United Kingdom

You might think I’m only placing Lover with the U.K. because of “London Boy,” and you’d be right! How can I NOT place an album with a major city name as a song in its respective country?

Okay but actually, I think Lover fits this pavilion for more reasons than just that one song. It’s upbeat, it’s cheeky, it’s reflective, it’s an album about trying to hold on to love.

And let’s be real, some of the best and most iconic love stories of all time come from the U.K. — Pride & Prejudice, About Time, Love Actually (controversial, but it IS iconic).

The ambiance in the pavilion is just comforting, all the Cast Members are lovely, and I could spend hours chilling in the back of the pavilion soaking up the great vibes.

And YES I know this album also features “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince,” but the vibes just do not matchup as well with America as they do with the U.K.

folklore (2020) — Norway

Norway and folklore are a perfect fit for each other. They’re both absolutely screaming cottage-core.

The folklore cabin has greenery on the roof just like the ones in the Norway pavilion! Can’t you just see Taylor sitting up on one of them singing “the 1?”

Norway is also filled with mythology and folktales, which fits right in with folklore. And the Norway pavilion is the perfect place to put on your cardigan, especially in that icy room selling all the Norwegian fragrances and skincare! They are all about that cold weather gear.

Also, hello, there’s a mystical water ride in this pavilion, which is reminding me of the “cardigan” music video.

And listen, even though Maelstrom has been exiled and my tears are still ricocheting over it, we have peace knowing there’s still an invisible string tying the old ride to the pavilion through Easter eggs. And you know how us Swifties feel about Easter eggs!

evermore (2020) — Canada

Just like the Canada pavilion, evermore is severely underrated and often not given as much attention as the other albums. And since evermore is the sister album to folklore, I also feel like the Canada and Norway pavilions have a lot in common.

They both incorporate nature into the pavilions. The gardens in Canada are also a great reminder of one of the best evermore lyrics about the gardens of Babylon from “cowboy like me.”

And, I’m pretty sure there’s literally willows in the garden! I have not consulted a tree expert or a Disney landscaper, but either way, these trees look like willows, which is what matters.

Also, the French influence on Canada is giving “champagne problems.”

Le Cellier is almost the perfect setting for a certain favorite bonus track. Find me in the steakhouse, I’ll be sitting here still at the restaurant, still sitting in a corner I haunt, cross-legged in the dim light.

The real Canada also had a substantial gold rush in the 1800s. And many people don’t need your closure after drinking around the world since they skip Canada.

Midnights (2022) — France

Like I said before, I have to give this album the country of the major city that a song is named after! In the 3AM version of Midnights, “Paris” talks all about being in love in the city of lights and even references the Eiffel Tower, of which there is a replica in the France pavilion.

Other than Paris, Midnights is just a very sparkly, starry, love-centric album, which I think fits perfectly in the France pavilion. It’s also a bit sassy with songs like “Karma” and “Vigilante…” the song name I can’t finish typing because it has a bad word in it!

Want to feel bejeweled? Check out the luxury stores in this pavilion. Ever feel like you’re on your own, kid? We’re sure Remy does too during Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! And we have definitely fought the great war to get those pastries at Les Halles.

These two just feel right together.

There ya have it! What do you think? Do you have other opinions on how these should be matched up? Let me know in the comments!

And, stay tuned for more Disney news, info, and updates.

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