 | | 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.
|
| | Innoventions opened in 1994. This ever-changing exposition of gadgets in |
| | the heart of Future World gives Epcot guests an opportunity to see, feel
and touch the latest inventions that may change the way they live their
lives.
|
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
SIZE:
* 305 acres
TWO WORLDS:
| | Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology;
|
| | 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
|
| | 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.
|
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 Seas with Nemo & Friends, 1986 (formerly The Living Seas)
|
| | 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 |
| | |
WDW AnswerGuide.com
Epcot Fun Facts
|
Epcot prior to opening '08
|
Epcot prior to opening '08
|
Epcot prior to opening '08
|
Maintenance is performed all night
long at Epcot. Here, crews are
wrapping up before the Guests arrive.
|
The former Horizons attraction once
stood here, where Mission Space is
today. Notice Horizon's logo cleverly
hidden by Imagineers.
|
Spaceship Earth's "Epcot" sign
was added in 2001
|
The "Epcot" sign is removed in 2007
|
Spaceship Earth Under
Construction Circa 1980
|
The Land Pavilion, since refurbished
|
Horizons Attraction Building
Courtesy: horizons1.com, now
Mission SPACE
|
World of Motion, now Test Track
|
Spaceship Earth AT&T Sponsorship
|
The Land Pavilion at present
|
