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Epcot
Epcot was to be
Walt Disney's dream of the Experimental Prototype Community Of
Tomorrow, and the centerpiece of "The Florida Project." In some ways, the forward thinking of Epcot's Future
World and the diversity of cultures at World Showcase keep a part of
Walt's dream alive. Disney, in this case, turned the idea of Epcot into a
fantastic theme
park and it could be argued, moved the spirit of Epcot to the Disney
built town of Celebration, Florida, only miles from the Magic of Walt
Disney World.
Epcot is by far the most
"adult" of all the theme parks, but don't be fooled. There is plenty to see and do here and fun for all ages!
Click here for an Epcot Map
(this is a large .pdf download)
Excitement of discovery:
Walt Disney envisioned a showcase for innovation. A place
where people could experience the cutting edge of technology. A place
celebrating human achievement. The embryo of an idea grew to become Epcot,
the Disney discovery park -- 300 acres of attractions, shows, interactive
presentations, dining, shopping and architectural wonders where guests are
immersed in a celebration of both technological accomplishments and
international cultural achievements.
Planning the dream:
On Oct. 1, 1978, Card Walker, then president of Walt Disney
Productions, revealed plans for Epcot, a theme park inspired by Walt’s
philosophies. A groundbreaking ceremony was held one year later.
Epcot was designed with two “lands” of discovery: Future World and World
Showcase. Future World showcases the land, the seas, communication,
imagination, energy and technology. World Showcase is a kaleidoscope of
nations from throughout the world brought together to celebrate their
cultural heritage, arts and entertainment.
Celebrating human
achievement:
The opening of Innoventions in 1994 marked an exciting
addition to the Epcot experience. This ever-changing exposition of gadgets
and gizmos in the heart of Future World gives Epcot guests an opportunity to
see, feel and touch the latest inventions and innovations that may change
the way they live their lives.
Opening Day:
On Oct. 1, 1982, Epcot opened. The dedication plaque still
reads:
“To all who come to this place of joy, hope and friendship, welcome.
“Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative genius. Here, human
achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise,
and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.
“May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all, may it
instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world
that offers hope to people everywhere.”
…E. Cardon Walker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Walt Disney
Productions, Oct. 24, 1982
The lay of the Land:
SIZE:
300 acres
TWO WORLDS:
Two distinct areas: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology;
and World Showcase, villages celebrating 11 nations situated along a
1.3-mile promenade that encircles the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon.
ENTRANCES:
 Epcot has two entrances. The original entrance is convenient
to Epcot’s 162-acre parking area and the Epcot monorail station (the
monorail runs between Epcot and the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket
Center three miles to the north).
The International Gateway entrance opened in 1990 near the France pavilion
in World Showcase, providing park access to guests staying in Epcot resort
area hotels -- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort,
Disney’s BoardWalk, Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin.
GROUNDBREAKING:
Oct. 1, 1979
OPENING DAY:
Oct. 1, 1982
PAVILIONS:
Future World pavilions:
• Spaceship Earth, 1982
• The Land (presented by Nestlé USA), 1982
• Imagination! (presented by Kodak), 1982
• Universe of Energy, 1982
• The Living Seas, 1986
• Wonders of Life, 1989
• Innoventions, 1994
• Test Track (presented by General Motors), 1999
• Mission: SPACE (presented by HP), 2003
World Showcase pavilions:
• Mexico, 1982
• China, 1982
• The American Adventure, 1982
• Germany, 1982
• Italy, 1982
• Japan, 1982
• France, 1982
• Canada, 1982
• United Kingdom, 1982
• Morocco, 1984
• Norway, 1986
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