Revision as of 01:58, 17 March 2020 editSundayclose (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers46,097 edits Reverted 1 edit by 207.190.22.65 (talk): Unsourced (TW)Tag: Undo← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 03:37, 16 December 2024 edit undoJedi94 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, File movers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers42,518 edits →1990s–2000s: Change in visionTag: Visual edit | ||
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{{Short description|Theme park at Walt Disney World}} | |||
{{redirect|EPCOT|the original concept upon which the theme park was planned|EPCOT (concept)}} | |||
{{redirect|EPCOT|the original concept upon which the theme park was planned from|EPCOT (concept)}} | |||
{{short description|Second of four theme parks built at Walt Disney World}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} | ||
{{use American English|date=February 2017}} | {{use American English|date=February 2017}} | ||
{{Infobox amusement park | {{Infobox amusement park | ||
| name = |
| name = EPCOT | ||
| logo = Epcot logo 2019.svg | | logo = Epcot logo 2019.svg | ||
| image = |
| image = Spaceship Earth, EPCOT.jpg | ||
| caption = ], the |
| caption = ], the landmark of EPCOT | ||
| slogan = The magic of possibility | |||
| resort = ] | |||
| location = ] | | location = ] | ||
| location2 = | | location2 = ] | ||
| location3 = |
| location3 = United States | ||
| coordinates = {{coord|28.371|-81.550|region:US-FL_type:landmark_dim:2000|format=dms|display=title,inline}} | | coordinates = {{coord|28.371|-81.550|region:US-FL_type:landmark_dim:2000|format=dms|display=title,inline}} | ||
| theme = |
| theme = {{Unbulleted list| | ||
* Human achievement | |||
| homepage = {{officialwebsite}} | |||
* ] | |||
| owner = ]<br><small>(])</small> | |||
* ] | |||
| operator = ] | |||
}} | |||
| opening_date = {{Start date and age|1982|10|1}}<ref name=wdw200603>{{cite web|url=http://wdwnews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2006/03/pdf/epcot-fact-sheet.pdf?t=1397752783|title=Epcot Fact Sheet|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065359/http://wdwnews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2006/03/pdf/epcot-fact-sheet.pdf?t=1397752783|archivedate=March 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
| homepage = {{URL|https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/epcot/ | EPCOT}} | |||
| previous_names = EPCOT Center (1982–1993)<br/>Epcot '94 (1994)<br/>Epcot '95 (1995) | |||
| owner = ]<br />(]) | |||
| operator = ]<br />'''Key people:'''<br />Kartika Rodriguez (VP)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Laurel |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Meet the Women Behind the Magic Leading and Protecting Walt Disney World Theme Parks |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/meet-the-women-behind-the-magic-leading-and-protecting-walt-disney-world-theme-parks/ |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201220927/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/meet-the-women-behind-the-magic-leading-and-protecting-walt-disney-world-theme-parks/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><br />Javier Rossy (GM, Operations)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Antoldi |first=Maryanna |date=October 14, 2021 |title=Creating a Positive and Inclusive Environment for All |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/10/creating-a-positive-and-inclusive-environment-for-all/ |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201141728/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/10/creating-a-positive-and-inclusive-environment-for-all/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| opening_date = {{Start date and age|1982|10|1|p=yes}} | |||
| season = Year-round | | season = Year-round | ||
| status = Operating | | status = Operating | ||
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{{DWR}} | {{DWR}} | ||
'''EPCOT''' is a ] at the ] Resort in ]. It is owned and operated by ] through its ] division. The park opened on October 1, 1982, as '''EPCOT Center'''—the second of four theme parks built at the resort. Often referred to as a "permanent ]", EPCOT is dedicated to the celebration of ], particularly technological ] and international ] and is known for its iconic landmark ], a ]. | |||
'''Epcot''' (stylized as '''EPCOT''') is a ] at the ] in ]. It is owned and operated by ] through its ] division. Inspired by ] developed by ], the park opened on October 1, 1982,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://d23.com/disney-history/|title=Disney History - D23|publisher=The Walt Disney Corporation|accessdate=December 21, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003643/https://d23.com/disney-history/|archivedate=March 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as '''EPCOT Center,''' and was the second of four ]s built at Walt Disney World, after the ]. Spanning {{convert|305<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wdwnews.com/fact-sheets/2016/07/01/epcot-fact-sheet/|title=Epcot Fact Sheet|author=|date=|website=wdwnews.com}}</ref>|acres|km2}}, more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom park,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/|title=Epcot Theme Park {{pipe}} Walt Disney World Resort|publisher=Walt Disney World Resort|accessdate=October 4, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123032515/http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/|archivedate=January 23, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Epcot is dedicated to the celebration of ], namely technological ] and international ], and is often referred to as a "permanent ]".<ref>{{cite news|title=Epcot Origins (The World Showcase)|url=http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/10/from-the-archives-epcot-origins-the-world-showcase/|accessdate=November 22, 2012|newspaper=D23|date=October 1, 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109021130/http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/10/from-the-archives-epcot-origins-the-world-showcase/|archivedate=November 9, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=News Update: EPCOT|url=http://techchannel.att.com/play-video.cfm/2012/2/3/AT&T-Archives-Epcot|publisher=AT&T Archives|accessdate=November 22, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304202409/http://techchannel.att.com/play-video.cfm/2012/2/3/AT%26T-Archives-Epcot|archivedate=March 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
During early development of the Florida property, ] wanted to build an ] showcasing modern innovation, known as "EPCOT", an acronym for '''Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow'''. After Disney's death in 1966, the company felt his grand vision was impractical. However, it laid the groundwork for EPCOT Center, a theme park that retained the core spirit of Disney's vision. The park was divided into two distinct areas: Future World reprises the idea of showcasing modern innovation through ] attractions within ] pavilions, while World Showcase highlights the diversity of human cultures from various nations. From the late 2010s to the early 2020s, the park underwent a major overhaul, adding new attractions and Future World was restructured into three areas: World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature. | |||
The park spans {{convert|305|acres|ha|abbr=off}}, more than twice the size of ]. In 2023, the park attracted 11.98 million guests, making it the eighth-most visited theme park in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:us:13691780-8574-4346-89a1-7841afe1c597?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover|title = TEA/AECOM 2023 Global Attractions Attendance Report |date = 2024 |access-date = August 16, 2024 }}</ref> | |||
In 2018, Epcot hosted 13.444 million guests, ranking it as the fourth-most-visited theme park in North America and the seventh-most-visited theme park in the world.<ref name="2018 Report"/> The park is represented by ], a ]. | |||
== |
== History == | ||
=== 1960s: Experimental concept === | |||
]The theme park opened on October 1, 1982.<ref name=wdw200603/> The dedication plaque near the entrance states: | |||
{{Main|EPCOT (concept)}} | |||
{{quote|To all who come to this place of joy, hope and friendship, welcome. | |||
] at Magic Kingdom in 2024]] | |||
The genesis for EPCOT was originally conceived as a ]n city of the future by ] in the 1960s. The concept was an acronym for ], often interchanging "city" and "community."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Patches |first1=Matt |title=Inside Walt Disney's Ambitious, Failed Plan to Build the City of Tomorrow |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a35104/walt-disney-epcot-history-city-of-tomorrow/ |website=esquire.com |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> In Walt Disney's words in 1966: "EPCOT will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry. It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed but will always be introducing and testing, and demonstrating new materials and new systems. And EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world of the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise." | |||
Walt Disney's original vision, sometimes called Progress City, would have been home to 20,000 residents and would be a living laboratory showcasing cutting-edge technology and ]. It was to be built in the shape of a circle with an urban city center in the center with community buildings, schools, and recreational complexes. It would be surrounded by rings of residential areas and industrial areas, all connected by ] and ] lines. Automobile traffic would be kept underground, leaving pedestrians safe above ground. This radial plan concept is strongly influenced by British planner ] and his ]. | |||
Epcot is inspired by Walt Disney's creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. | |||
Disney went as far as petitioning the ] for the creation of the ] (RCID), with the authority of a governmental body over the Walt Disney World land. The RCID was established in 1967. However, Walt Disney was not able to obtain funding and permission to start work on his Florida property until he agreed to first build the ] theme park. He died in 1966, nearly five years before Magic Kingdom opened.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2017 |title=35 incredible facts about Disney's EPCOT theme park |url=https://abc13.com/happy-birthday-epcot-disney-theme-park-turns-35/2475648/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=ABC13 Houston |language=en}}</ref> | |||
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. |], October 24, 1982<ref name=wdw200603/><ref>{{cite book|last1=Zibart|first1=Eve|title=Today in History: Disney|publisher=Clerisy Press|isbn=9781578602766|url=https://books.google.com/?id=QNRqNDnGGCcC&pg=RA7-PA13&dq=epcot+Center+is+inspired+by+Walt+Disney%27s+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.#v=onepage&q=epcot%20Center%20is%20inspired%20by%20Walt%20Disney's%20creative%20genius.%20Here%2C%20human%20achievements%20are%20celebrated%20through%20imagination%2C%20the%20wonders%20of%20enterprise%2C%20and%20concepts%20of%20a%20future%20that%20promises%20new%20and%20exciting%20benefits%20for%20all.&f=false|accessdate=3 April 2016|language=en|date=April 17, 2006}}</ref>}} | |||
=== 1970s: Concept evolves into park === | |||
==History== | |||
After Walt Disney's death, the company decided that it did not want to be in the business of running a city without Walt's guidance. The original plans for the park showed indecision over the park's purpose. Some ] wanted it to represent the cutting edge of ], while others wanted it to showcase international cultures and customs. At one point, a model of the futuristic park was pushed together against a model of a ] international theme, and the two were combined. | |||
===1960s: experimental concept=== | |||
{{main|EPCOT (concept)}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
The park's name, Epcot, was previously an acronym for ], a ] of the future planned by ], often interchanging "city" and "community." In Walt Disney's words: "EPCOT will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry. It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed but will always be introducing and testing, and demonstrating new materials and new systems. And EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world of the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9M3pKsrcc8|title= Walt Disney's plan for EPCOT|website= YouTube.com|url-status= live|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160622091943/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9M3pKsrcc8|archivedate= June 22, 2016|df= mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
The park was originally named EPCOT Center to reflect the ideals and values of the city. It was constructed for an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion and took three years to build, at the time the largest construction project on Earth.<ref name="Kurtti">{{cite book |title=Since the World Began: Walt Disney World, The First 25 Years |last=Kurtti |first=Jeff |year=1996 |publisher=] |location=New York, New York |isbn=0-7868-6248-3 |page=89 |ref=kur96}}</ref> The park spans {{convert|305|acres|ha|abbr=off}}, more than twice the size of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Epcot Fact Sheet |url=http://wdwnews.com/fact-sheets/2016/07/01/epcot-fact-sheet/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616203956/http://wdwnews.com/fact-sheets/2016/07/01/epcot-fact-sheet/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=January 8, 2018 |website=wdwnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Epcot Theme Park {{pipe}} Walt Disney World Resort |url=http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123032515/http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/ |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |publisher=Walt Disney World Resort}}</ref> The parking lot serving the park is {{convert|141|acres}} (including bus area) and can accommodate 11,211 vehicles. | |||
His original vision was for a model community which would have been home to twenty thousand residents and a test bed for ] as well as organization. It was to have been built in the shape of a circle with businesses and commercial areas at its center with community buildings, schools, and recreational complexes around it while residential neighborhoods would line the perimeter. This radial plan concept is strongly influenced by British planner ] and his ]. Transportation would have been provided by ] and ]s (like that in Magic Kingdom's ]). Automobile traffic would be kept underground, leaving pedestrians safe above ground. The original model of EPCOT can still be seen by passengers riding the ] attraction in the Magic Kingdom park; when the PeopleMover enters the showhouse for ], the remaining portion of the model is visible on the left (when facing forward) behind glass. Walt Disney was not able to obtain funding and permission to start work on his Florida property until he agreed to first build Magic Kingdom. He died nearly five years before Magic Kingdom opened.{{fact|date=March 2020}} | |||
=== |
=== 1980s: Opening and operation === | ||
The grand opening festivities for EPCOT took place over three weeks in October 1982—supervised and directed by Disney Legend ]. The park officially opened to the public on October 1, with a dedication ceremony in front of ] that served as both the kick-off ceremony as well as the dedication of the Spaceship Earth attraction itself. Presiding over the ceremony was Walt Disney Productions chairman and CEO ], Florida Governor ], and president of AT&T (the sponsor of Spaceship Earth at opening) ].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=October 1, 2022 |title=The Opening of EPCOT: Part One |url=https://sparkcatcherblog.wordpress.com/2022/10/01/the-opening-of-epcot-part-1/ |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=Sparkcatcher |language=en}}</ref> | |||
After Walt Disney's death, ] decided that it did not want to be in the business of running a city without Walt's guidance. The model community of ] has been mentioned as a realization of Disney's original vision, but Celebration is based on concepts of ] which is radically different from Disney's ] and ] visions. However, the idea of EPCOT was instrumental in prompting the state of Florida to create the ] (RCID) and the cities of ] and ] (now ]), a legislative mechanism allowing Disney to exercise governmental powers over Walt Disney World. Control over the RCID is vested in the landowners of the district, and the promise of an actual city in the district would have meant that the powers of the RCID would have been distributed among the landowners in EPCOT. Because the idea of EPCOT was never implemented, Disney remained almost the sole landowner in the district allowing it to maintain control of the RCID and the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista; Disney further cemented this control by deannexing Celebration from the RCID. | |||
On opening day, Future World featured six pavilions: Spaceship Earth, ], ], ], ], and ]. World Showcase featured nine pavilions: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | |||
The original plans for the park showed indecision over the park's purpose. Some ] wanted it to represent the cutting edge of technology, while others wanted it to showcase international cultures and customs. At one point, a model of the futuristic park was pushed together against a model of a ] international theme, and the two were combined. The park was originally named EPCOT Center to reflect the ideals and values of the city. It was constructed for an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion and took three years to build, at the time the largest construction project on Earth.<ref name="Kurtti">{{cite book |title=Since the World Began: Walt Disney World, The First 25 Years |last=Kurtti |first=Jeff |year=1996 |publisher=] |location=New York, New York |isbn=0-7868-6248-3 |page=89 |ref=kur96}}</ref> The parking lot serving the park is {{convert|141|acres}} (including bus area) and can accommodate 11,211 vehicles (grass areas hold additional 500+ vehicles). Before it opened on October 1, 1982, Walt Disney World Ambassador Genie Field introduced ], Disney's chairman and CEO, who dedicated EPCOT Center. Walker also presented a family with lifetime passes for the two Walt Disney World theme parks. His remarks were followed by Florida Governor ] and William Ellinghaus, president of ]. | |||
Each pavilion had its own custom opening ceremony throughout the next three weeks—culminating in the three-day grand opening event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 1982 |title=Opening Ceremonies Set for October |url=https://www.epcotlegacy.com/newsbriefs/9-10-82 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=E82 {{!}} The Epcot Legacy |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 24, 1982, EPCOT was officially dedicated by Walt Disney Productions executive chairman Donn Tatum and Card Walker.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=October 29, 2022 |title=The Opening of EPCOT: Part Five |url=https://sparkcatcherblog.wordpress.com/2022/10/29/the-opening-of-epcot-part-five/ |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=Sparkcatcher |language=en}}</ref> A 450-piece marching band made up of players from college bands all over the country performed several songs including "We've Just Begun to Dream" and "The World Showcase March"—the latter written exclusively for the opening events by the Sherman Brothers.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Veness |first1=Susan |title=The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom |date=2015 |publisher=Adams Media |page=143 |isbn=978-1-4405-8781-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iUXsDQAAQBAJ&q=we%27ve+just+begun+to+dream+epcot+opening&pg=PA143 |access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=Official Grand Opening Ceremonies for EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World |url=https://d23.com/this-day/official-grand-opening-ceremonies-for-epcot-center-at-walt-disney-world/ |website=d23.com |date=October 22, 1982 |publisher=D23 |access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref> Water was gathered from major rivers, lakes, and seas from across the globe and emptied into the park's Fountain of Nations to mark the opening.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
=== 1980s: Opening and operation === | |||
] | |||
As part of the opening-day ceremony, dancers and band members performed ''We've Just Begun to Dream''. The ] wrote a song especially for the occasion entitled "]". During the finale, doves and many sets of balloons were released. Performing groups representing countries from all over the world performed in World Showcase. Water was gathered from major rivers across the globe and emptied into the park's fountain of nations ceremonial containers to mark the opening. Located at the front of the park is a plaque bearing Walker's opening-day dedication. | |||
During the 1980s, several additional pavilions opened: ] in 1983, ] in 1984, ] in 1986, ] in 1988, and ] in 1989. | |||
===1990s-2000s: Devalued reputation=== | |||
Despite its initial success, Epcot constantly met the challenges of evolving with worldwide progress, an issue that caused the park to lose relevance and become outdated in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-08-25/disney-theme-parks-marvel-star-wars-epcot|title=D23 Expo: Is Disney’s intellectual property squeezing the theme out of our theme parks?|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=August 25, 2019|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> To maintain attendance levels, Disney introduced seasonal events such as the ] and the ] in 1994 and 1995, respectively. In the mid-1990s, Disney also began to gradually phase out the park's ] attractions in favor of more modern and thrilling attractions.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/08/epcot-changes.html|title=Epcot's Midlife Crisis: Disney Reveals a Huge Makeover for the Park's 40th Birthday|last=Martin|first=Garrett|date=August 29, 2019|work=Paste Magazine|access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> As a result, many of the attractions within the Future World pavilions, were either rehauled or replaced entirely. ] was reconfigured as ] in 1996, ] was rethemed as ], and ] was demolished in 1999 and replaced with ]. Walt Disney World held the ] with the central focus of the event at Epcot. ] was closed in 2005, and rethemed with the introduction of characters from '']'', as ]. That same year, the ] attraction was added to ]. Wonders of Life closed in 2007, with the pavilon being occasionally used for the park's annual festivals. | |||
=== |
=== 1990s–2000s: Change in vision === | ||
] | |||
In November 2016, Disney revealed that Epcot would be receiving “a major transformation” that would help transition the park into being “more Disney, timeless, relevant, family-friendly”, while keeping the original vision alive. No further details were mentioned.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/11/22/disney-confirms-major-transformation-at-epcot-and-rumors-are-flying|title=Disney confirms major transformation at Epcot and rumors are flying|last1=Storey|first1=Ken|date=November 22, 2016|work=Orlando Weekly|accessdate=March 14, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314152525/http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/11/22/disney-confirms-major-transformation-at-epcot-and-rumors-are-flying|archivedate=March 14, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In July 2017, The Walt Disney Company formally announced that Epcot would undergo a multi-year, redesign and expansion plan that would introduce ] and '']'' attractions to Future World and World Showcase, respectively, as well as maintaining the original vision and spirit for the park.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/media/disney-epcot-theme-parks.html|title=Disney Vows to Give Epcot a Magical, Long-Overdue Makeover|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|date=July 15, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715181742/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/media/disney-epcot-theme-parks.html|archive-date=July 15, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As part of the announcement, ] closed the following month, and the interior of the show building was gutted to be reused for ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-s4-disney-epcot-construction-20180731-story.html|title=Disney World: Look at latest Epcot construction|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=August 1, 2018|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=March 21, 2019}}</ref> That same year, the park reported the first drop in overall attendance ranking among the four Walt Disney World Resort parks, dropping from second to third place, the first in its history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/08/24/disney-world-needs-to-fix-its-fading-theme-park.aspx|title=Disney World Needs to Fix Its Fading Theme Park|last=Munarriz|first=Rick|date=August 24, 2019|website=The Motley Fool|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> | |||
Despite its initial success, EPCOT was constantly faced with the challenges of evolving with worldwide progress, an issue that caused the park to lose relevance and become outdated in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-08-25/disney-theme-parks-marvel-star-wars-epcot|title=D23 Expo: Is Disney's intellectual property squeezing the theme out of our theme parks?|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=August 25, 2019|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> To maintain attendance levels, Disney introduced seasonal events such as the ] and the ] in 1994 and 1995, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Dezern |title=DISNEY FLOWER POWER |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1994-04-23-9404261039-story.html |access-date=May 12, 2020 |work=orlandosentinel.com |date=April 23, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Friend |first1=Samantha |title=Photos of People Getting Happily Drunk in Disney World |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ppa4vg/disneys-food-and-wine-fetival |website=vice.com |date=December 6, 2016 |publisher=Vice |access-date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> | |||
It was during this era that Disney sought to differentiate the EPCOT theme park from Walt Disney's EPCOT concept by making the park's name a word rather than a acronym—spelling it in lowercase as a proper noun: "Epcot". Walt Disney World then added the current year to the park's name, emulating the naming scheme for expos and world's fairs like ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-28 |title=A Look Back at the EPCOT '94 Guidemap |url=https://touringplans.com/blog/a-look-back-at-the-epcot-94-guidemap/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=TouringPlans.com Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> The park became Epcot '94 and Epcot '95 before Disney quietly abandoned the naming concept in 1996 and the park simply became Epcot.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Figueroa |first=Jessica |date=2020-02-20 |title=Walt Disney World Officially Confirms Epcot Name Change to EPCOT as Part of Park's Transformation |url=https://wdwnt.com/2020/02/walt-disney-world-officially-confirms-epcot-name-change-to-epcot-as-part-of-parks-transformation/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=WDW News Today |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
On August 25, 2019, at the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney expanded on the plans for the improvements to Epcot.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192">{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo|title=Major changes, new attractions coming to Epcot, Disney announces|date=August 25, 2019|work=fox13news.com|publisher=New World Communications of Tampa, Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827175619/http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the most significant changes announced was the creation of four distinct "neighborhoods", with the subdivision of Future World into three of the aforementioned areas and World Showcase remaining as the fourth one.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192" /> The park's name will change from "Epcot" to "EPCOT".<ref name=":02" /> | |||
In the mid-1990s, Disney also began to gradually phase out the park's ] attractions in favor of more modern and thrilling attractions.<ref name="Martin 2019">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/08/epcot-changes.html|title=Epcot's Midlife Crisis: Disney Reveals a Huge Makeover for the Park's 40th Birthday|last=Martin|first=Garrett|date=August 29, 2019|work=Paste Magazine|access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> As a result, many of the attractions within the Future World pavilions, were either overhauled or replaced entirely. ] pavilion saw its attractions replaced under new sponsor ] between late 1993 and January 1995, and Spaceship Earth was updated with music by Edo Guidotti and narration from ] in 1994. ] was reconfigured as ] in 1996. ] closed in 1998 and was replaced with ] the following year, ] was replaced with ], and ] was demolished in 1999 and replaced with ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Epcot's World of Motion Became Test Track |date=March 16, 2018 |url=https://thenewswheel.com/how-epcots-world-of-motion-became-test-track/ |website=The News Wheel |access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Horizons |url=https://www.extinctdisney.com/horizons/ |website=extinctdisney.com |date=January 6, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref> | |||
====World Celebration==== | |||
Disney officials described World Celebration as the home of "new experiences that connect us to one another and the world around us".<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/> It will include the park's revised main entrance, a reimagined ] and the removal of ] buildings. Just beyond Spaceship Earth will be Dreamer's Point, which will include a new statue of Walt Disney, and a three-story festival pavilion which includes a 360 degree viewing platform on the top level.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/disney-theme-park-attractioins-previewed-at-d23-1202703922/|title=New Disney Theme Park Attractions, Restaurants And Parade Outlined At D23|last=Haring|first=Bruce|date=August 25, 2019|work=Deadline.com|access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In 2000, Walt Disney World held the ] with the central focus of the event at EPCOT, and a 25-story "magic wand" structure was built next to Spaceship Earth. ] was closed on January 1, 2001, and was turned into the World Showplace festival center, which is frequently used for EPCOT festivals. | |||
====World Nature==== | |||
The western side of Future World will be renamed to World Nature, which will focus on "understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world".<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/> ] and ] will be incorporated into this area, along with a new attraction named "]", which draws its inspiration from the 2016 animated feature film '']''.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
Attraction changes continued into the new millennium. Journey into YOUR Imagination closed in 2001 due to strong negative reception and was replaced with ] in 2002. The Living Seas was closed in 2005, and rethemed with the introduction of characters from '']'', as ]. That same year, ], a flight simulator ride originally developed for ], was added to ] (replacing ]) following its massive popularity in California. The ] pavilion closed in 2007, with the pavilion being occasionally used for the park's annual festivals until permanent closure. The Mexico pavilion's ] attraction closed on January 2, and ] opened in its space a few months later. After the "magic wand" structure was removed from Spaceship Earth, the attraction's fourth version, narrated by ], soft-opened on December 8. ''Kim Possible'' World Showcase Adventure, an interactive scavenger hunt, opened at EPCOT in 2009. | |||
====World Discovery==== | |||
The eastern side of Future World will host several major thrill attractions as begin the "stories about spaces, science, technology and intergalactic adventure comes to life", including ], ], and the under-construction ]. Mission: Space will be expanded to include a new restaurant, Space 220, which will simulate dining aboard a space station located 220 miles above Earth.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/05/space-themed-restaurant-lands-in-future-world-at-epcot/|title=Space-Themed Restaurant Lands in Future World at Epcot|website=Disney Parks Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-24}}</ref> It will be operated by Patina Restaurant Group, which also operates the two restaurants in the Italy pavilion, ] and ].<ref name=":0" /> The dormant Wonders of Life pavilion will be renovated into ], an attraction where guests will interact with popular Disney characters in various activities.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/> | |||
=== 2010s–present: Transformation and redesign === | |||
====Changes to World Showcase==== | |||
] Pavilion being repurposed as Connections Cafe.]] | |||
Test Track was refurbished into a new version presented by ] in 2012, and Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure was rethemed to ]'s World Showcase Adventure the same year. The Norway pavilion's ] attraction closed in 2014 and replaced two years later by ]. Soarin' was also temporarily closed while a new film was added to the attraction. In 2017, Mission: SPACE was divided into a new green/Earth mission, and the original orange/Mars mission. | |||
In November 2016, Disney revealed that EPCOT would be receiving “a major transformation” that would help transition the park into being “more Disney, timeless, relevant, family-friendly”.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/11/22/disney-confirms-major-transformation-at-epcot-and-rumors-are-flying|title=Disney confirms major transformation at Epcot and rumors are flying|last1=Storey|first1=Ken|date=November 22, 2016|work=Orlando Weekly|access-date=March 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314152525/http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/11/22/disney-confirms-major-transformation-at-epcot-and-rumors-are-flying|archive-date=March 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2017, the formal announcement came that EPCOT would undergo a multi-year redesign and expansion plan that would introduce '']'' and '']'' attractions to Future World and World Showcase, respectively, as well as maintaining the original vision and spirit for the park.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/media/disney-epcot-theme-parks.html|title=Disney Vows to Give Epcot a Magical, Long-Overdue Makeover|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|date=July 15, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715181742/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/media/disney-epcot-theme-parks.html|archive-date=July 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the announcement, ] closed the following month, and the pavilion's show building was reused for ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-s4-disney-epcot-construction-20180731-story.html|title=Disney World: Look at latest Epcot construction|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=August 1, 2018|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=March 21, 2019}}</ref> while the EPCOT 35 Legacy Showcase exhibition opened in the Odyssey Pavilion. That same year, the park reported the first drop in overall attendance ranking among the four Walt Disney World Resort parks, dropping from second to third place, the first in its history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/08/24/disney-world-needs-to-fix-its-fading-theme-park.aspx|title=Disney World Needs to Fix Its Fading Theme Park|last=Munarriz|first=Rick|date=August 24, 2019|website=The Motley Fool|access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> | |||
The current World Showcase area will maintain its current theme, continuing to be "a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions – infused with new magic."<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/> The ] and ] pavilions will receive new attractions inspired by '']'' and '']'', respectively. A new nighttime spectacular, '']'', will honor Disney music interpreted by various global cultures. The show will replace '']'' and will feature similar elements including pyrotechnics, choreographed water fountains, searchlights, lasers, floating set pieces, and LED panels.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192"/> | |||
On August 25, 2019, at the 2019 ], Disney expanded on the plans for the improvements to EPCOT.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192">{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo|title=Major changes, new attractions coming to Epcot, Disney announces|date=August 25, 2019|work=fox13news.com|publisher=New World Communications of Tampa, Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827175619/http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the most significant changes announced was the creation of four distinct "neighborhoods"; the subdivision of Future World into three areas (World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature).<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192" /> ]'','' a walkthrough attraction, was also announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haller |first=Sonja |title=Disney World is getting a 'Moana' attraction and there's no telling how far we'll go to get there |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/parenting/2019/08/26/moana-journey-water-attraction-coming-disney-worlds-epcot-finally/2122470001/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> At the same expo, Disney also announced that ] would be composing a new ] for the park. Toprak's "EPCOT Anthem" was eventually used in various nighttime shows, such as '']'' and ''],'' as well as featured in ] within the entrance plaza and throughout World Celebration. | |||
==Areas== | |||
On October 1, 2019, it was announced that a new nighttime fireworks show, '']'', and The EPCOT Experience Center, a preview space for the park's expansion project, would replace '']'' and EPCOT 35 Legacy Showcase. In late 2019, EPCOT installed new directory signage in Seabase Alpha, restoring the former Living Seas logo, as the pavilion was renamed to The Seas Pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/10/photos-the-living-seas-pavilion-logo-returns-on-sleek-new-directional-signage-inside-the-seas-at-epcot/|title=PHOTOS: The Living Seas Pavilion Logo Returns on Sleek New...|last=Figueroa|first=Jessica|date=October 11, 2019|website=WDW News Today|language=en-US|access-date=October 24, 2019}}</ref> Agent P's World Showcase Adventure closed on February 23, 2020; it was slated to be replaced with ''DuckTales'' World Showcase Adventure, which did not open until 2022. | |||
In early 2020, Disney officially announced that the park's name would revert back to all-uppercase (from Epcot to EPCOT) as an homage to both the park's original name and Walt Disney's original concept—although the name is still not an acronym.<ref name=":1" /> <ref name="Martin 2019" /> | |||
EPCOT ] from March 16 to July 15, 2020, due to the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/12/media/disney-world-close-coronavirus/index.html|title=Walt Disney World closes, paralyzing the company's tourism empire|author=Frank Pallotta|work=CNN|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/05/27/live-blog-walt-disney-world-reopening-plans-presentation/|title=Live Blog: Walt Disney World Presents Reopening Plans to Orange County Economic Recovery Taskforce|author=Laughing Place Staff|work=Laughing Place|date=May 27, 2020|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref> Modified operations were established, including a pause on concerts and fireworks, in order to promote sufficient ]. '']'', the attraction's fifth update, the ''Wondrous China'' film, the PLAY! pavilion in World Discovery, and the United Kingdom pavilion's Cherry Tree Lane expansion were indefinitely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the CommuniCore Hall exhibit space and the CommuniCore Plaza festival stage was built instead of a three-level festival pavilion. | |||
On September 29, 2021, the nighttime spectacular '']'' replaced ''EPCOT Forever'' as part of the resort's 50th anniversary celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Harmonious' Will Tell a Story of Global Connection When it Debuts October 1 at EPCOT as Part of 'The World's Most Magical Celebration' |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/harmonious-will-tell-a-story-of-global-connection-when-it-debuts-october-1-at-epcot-as-part-of-the-worlds-most-magical-celebration/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909155748/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/harmonious-will-tell-a-story-of-global-connection-when-it-debuts-october-1-at-epcot-as-part-of-the-worlds-most-magical-celebration/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The show ended its run on March 31, 2023, in preparation for '']'' which debuted later that year; ''EPCOT Forever'' returned during the interim period. ] (duplicated from ]) opened in the France pavilion on October 1 as part of the same celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Just Announced! Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Grand Opening at EPCOT Set for Oct. 1, 2021, in Honor of Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/just-announced-remys-ratatouille-adventure-grand-opening-at-epcot-set-for-oct-1-2021-in-honor-of-walt-disney-world-resorts-50th-anniversary/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310235900/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/just-announced-remys-ratatouille-adventure-grand-opening-at-epcot-set-for-oct-1-2021-in-honor-of-walt-disney-world-resorts-50th-anniversary/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The EPCOT Experience Center closed in 2022, and ] opened on May 27.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Opens May 27 at EPCOT! |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/04/guardians-of-the-galaxy-cosmic-rewind-opens-may-27-at-epcot/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404193613/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/04/guardians-of-the-galaxy-cosmic-rewind-opens-may-27-at-epcot/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
] opened in World Nature opened on October 16, 2023, and World Celebration Gardens, divided into five sections (Inspiration Gardens, CommuniCore Gardens, Connections Gardens, Creations Gardens, and Dreamers Point) opened on December 5 of that year. CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, named after the former Future World pavilion, opened to the general public on June 10, 2024. Test Track closed for refurbishment on June 17 to make way for the attraction's third iteration, with the return of ] sponsor, which will be reopen in late Summer 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First look at EPCOT's new Test Track |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202404/10144/ |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> At D23 2024, it was announced that this lounge will take the place of the former Siemens lounge attached to Spaceship Earth and will open in late Spring 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2024 |title=New Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT - WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2024/08/new-spaceship-earth-lounge-coming-to-epcot/ |access-date=August 17, 2024 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |date=2024-12-03 |title=New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 |url=https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-details-about-whats-coming-to-walt-disney-world-in-2025/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
On November 21, 2024, it was announced that the second stage has been installed in the CommuniCore Plaza Stage, and the stage will be the home of '''JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season''', as a seasonal entertainment offering during the 2024 annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike |date=2024-11-21 |title=A Second Stage Has Arrived in CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT |url=https://blogmickey.com/2024/11/second-stage-communicore-plaza-epcot/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
== Park layout and attractions == | |||
{{See also|List of Epcot attractions}} | {{See also|List of Epcot attractions}} | ||
] passes through World Celebration—providing transport between the park, ], and the ].]] | |||
Epcot is divided into two main themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. The World Showcase usually opens two hours after park opening and remains open later than the Future World section of the park. Most major attractions in Future World remain open until the park's closing time. A secondary park gate is located between the France and United Kingdom pavilions of World Showcase and is known as the International Gateway. The International Gateway is directly accessible to guests arriving from the ] and the nearby ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/11/first-look-disney-skyliner-gondola-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|title=First Look: Disney Skyliner Gondola at Walt Disney World Resort|website=Disney Parks Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-24}}</ref> | |||
EPCOT is divided into four themed areas, known as "neighborhoods": World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. | |||
The park consists of a variety of ] ]s that explore innovative aspects and applications including technology and science, with each pavilion featuring self-contained attractions and distinct architecture in its design. Currently, the park features ten major pavilions: Galaxy, Imagination, Journey, Land, Motion, Odyssey, Seas, Space, Spaceship Earth, and World Showcase, which itself has eleven individual nation pavilions.<ref name="Besand 2023">{{Cite web |last=Besand |first=Catherine |date=September 15, 2023 |title=First Look: 11 Must-Have Items in New EPCOT Reimagined Merch Collection |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/first-look-11-must-have-items-in-new-epcot-reimagined-merch-collection/ |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=disneyparksblog.com |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208214643/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/first-look-11-must-have-items-in-new-epcot-reimagined-merch-collection/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
===Future World=== | |||
<gallery mode="packed" caption=""> | |||
Image:Drive-by (1525366097).jpg|The ] passes through Future World. | |||
Image:EpcotImagination.JPG|Glass pyramids of ''Imagination!'' with the jumping fountains in the foreground | |||
Image:The Land entrance.jpg|The ]-inspired architecture of ''The Land'' pavilion | |||
Image:MissionSpaceEpcot.JPG|Curvatures and planetary figures of ''Mission: Space'' | |||
</gallery> | |||
'''Future World''' consists of a variety of ] ]s that explore innovative aspects and applications including technology and science, with each pavilion featuring self-contained attractions and distinct architecture in its design. Future World also serves as the park's main entrance and features ], a large ] structure and the anchor pavilion, which also houses an eponymous ] attraction that depicts the history of ]. At the center of Future World is the former ] plaza. From this position, the remaining six pavilions surround the plaza in clockwise order: | |||
World Celebration, Discovery, and Nature were originally grouped as one area called Future World, which debuted with six pavilions: Spaceship Earth, ], Imagination!, The Land, ], and ]. The ] pavilion opened the following year, and ] and ] pavilions were added in 1986 and 1989, respectively, bringing the lineup to nine. CommuniCore, World of Motion, Horizons, Wonders of Life, Universe of Energy, and ] closed in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2007, 2017, and 2019, respectively. The ], a large circular ] which debuted with the park, was removed in 2019 as well. Each pavilion was initially sponsored by a corporation which helped fund its construction and maintenance in return for the corporation's logos and some marketing elements appearing throughout the pavilion. | |||
* ] is themed to imagination and creativity and features two attractions; ] and the Disney-Pixar Short Film Festival. | |||
* ] depicts ], focusing on ], ], and ]. The pavilion contains ], an attraction that simulates a ] flight over various regions of the world; ], a narrated boat tour through ] scenes, a ] and ] lab; and '']'', a ] about the ]'s biomes and the perils of ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-et-disney-epcot-new-films-beast-20200114-w6p7mdvllbadrpdfc335agdlvu-story.html|title=Epcot unwraps 3 new films, hopes visitors burst into song|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=January 14, 2020|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=January 16, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* ] is based on ] inspired by '']'' and features an Omnimover attraction, ], and an aquarium with animal exhibits. | |||
* ], centered on ], is a ] ] thrill ride that replicates a space flight experience to ] and a ] tour over the surface of Earth. | |||
* ] is a thrill ride inspired by the rigorous ] procedures that ] uses to evaluate concept cars. | |||
* The Odyssey Events Pavilion currently features a ] preview exhibit detailing the forthcoming redesign plans for Epcot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-et-disney-epcot-odyssey-remodeled-20190117-story.html|title=Disney: Epcot's Odyssey reopens with new look and purpose|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=January 21, 2019|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=September 6, 2019}}</ref> | |||
Additionally, each pavilion of Future World featured a unique circular logo designed by Norm Inouye (except for the Wonders of Life logo due to its later introduction), which was featured on ] and throughout the attractions themselves.<ref name="D23 Epcot symbols">{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Michael|title=The Symbolism Behind Epcot's Symbols|url=https://d23.com/the-symbolism-behind-epcots-symbols/|website=]|access-date=April 23, 2023|date=October 30, 2017}}</ref> The pavilion logos were gradually phased out in the early 2000s, as the pavilions instead were identified by name and recognized by the main attraction(s) housed inside. Several homages remained scattered throughout the park, including merchandising. However, in 2019, the circular pavilion logos were revived as part of the park's transformation, with both classic logos reprised and refreshed and newer logos introduced.<ref name="Epcot pavilion logos revival">{{cite web|last=Figueroa|first=Jessica|date=August 24, 2019|title=PHOTOS: New Epcot Pavilion Logos Revealed as Part of Exclusive Merchandise Line at D23 Expo 2019|url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/08/photos-new-epcot-pavilion-logos-revealed-as-part-of-exclusive-merchandise-line-at-d23-expo-2019/|access-date=October 5, 2019|website=WDW News Today}}</ref> | |||
Originally, Future World debuted with six pavilions: Spaceship Earth, ], Imagination!, The Land, ], and ]. The ] pavilion opened the following year, and ] and ] pavilions were added in 1986 and 1989, respectively, bringing the lineup to nine. CommuniCore, World of Motion, Horizons, Wonders of Life, Universe of Energy, and Innoventions closed in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2007, 2017, and 2019, respectively. The ], a large circular ], was closed in 2019 as well. Each pavilion was initially sponsored by a corporation which helped fund its construction and maintenance in return for the corporation's logos and some marketing elements appearing throughout the pavilion. | |||
=== World Celebration === | |||
Additionally, each pavilion of Future World featured a unique circular logo which was featured on ], and throughout the attractions themselves. The pavilion logos were gradually phased out in the early 2000s, as the pavilions instead were identified by name and recognized by the main attraction(s) housed inside. Several homages remain scattered throughout the park, including merchandising. However, at D23 Expo 2019, Disney revealed that the concept of the circular pavilion logos would be revived as part of Epcot's transformation, with both classic logos revived and new logos introduced.<ref name="Epcot pavilion logos revival">{{cite web|last=Figueroa|first=Jessica|title=PHOTOS: New Epcot Pavilion Logos Revealed as Part of Exclusive Merchandise Line at D23 Expo 2019|url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/08/photos-new-epcot-pavilion-logos-revealed-as-part-of-exclusive-merchandise-line-at-d23-expo-2019/|website=WDW News Today|accessdate=2019-10-05|date=2019-08-24|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
{{Gallery | |||
| align = center | |||
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| File:Spaceship Earth 2021 night lighting.jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:EpcotImagination.JPG | |||
| ] <br />(formerly Journey Into Imagination) | |||
| File:Odyssey Pavilion, EPCOT.jpg | |||
| Odyssey | |||
}} | |||
'''World Celebration''' serves as the park's main entrance and a central hub that honors global human interaction and connection, including communication, imagination, creativity, and ].<ref name="Epcot-D23-201922">{{cite web |date=August 25, 2019 |title=Major changes, new attractions coming to Epcot, Disney announces |url=http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827175619/http://www.fox13news.com/entertainment/epcot-to-undergo-multi-year-transformation-disney-announces-at-d23-expo |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |work=fox13news.com |publisher=New World Communications of Tampa, Inc.}}</ref> The neighborhood features four major pavilions—Spaceship Earth, Imagination, Odyssey, and CommuniCore—as well as additional attractions, shops, and restaurants.<ref name="Besand 2023" /> | |||
Guests enter through the main entrance and walk underneath ], an eighteen-story-tall ] structure and the anchor pavilion, which also houses an eponymous ] attraction that depicts the history of ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pedersen |first1=R. A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IFyUx8XEE78C&pg=PA16 |title=The Epcot Explorer's Encyclopedia |date=2011 |publisher=R. A. Pedersen |isbn=978-1-4565-8966-0 |page=16 |access-date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> Directly behind Spaceship Earth are the World Celebration Gardens and Dreamers Point, featuring lush interactive gardens, lighting fixtures and ''Walt the Dreamer—''a bronze statue commemorating ]. The ] pavilion celebrates the concept of ] and features ], a dark ride starring ] that explores ]. CommuniCore Hall and Plaza is a multi-use pavilion used for exhibitions, gallery space, a mixology bar, a ], and music performances, as well as meet-and-greets with Disney characters.<ref name="Haring 2019">{{Cite news |last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=August 25, 2019 |title=New Disney Theme Park Attractions, Restaurants And Parade Outlined At D23 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/disney-theme-park-attractioins-previewed-at-d23-1202703922/ |access-date=September 6, 2019 |work=]}}</ref> The Odyssey Pavilion is an exhibition space during the park's annual festivals. | |||
World Celebration is also home to Creations Shop, the park's main ]; Connections Eatery & Cafe, a quick-service restaurant and ] themed to ]; and ], an ]- themed attraction and shop featuring complimentary samples of Coca-Cola ]s from around the world. | |||
=== World Discovery === | |||
{{Gallery | |||
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| mode = packed | |||
| File:Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.jpg | |||
| ]<br />(formerly ]) | |||
| File:Mission Space Epcot.jpg | |||
| ]<br />(former site of ]) | |||
| File:Test Track, EPCOT (2024).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
}} | |||
'''World Discovery''' centers on space, science, technology and intergalactic exploration. Lying on the east side of World Celebration, the Discovery neighborhood currently features three major pavilions in clockwise layout.<ref name="Besand 2023" /> | |||
], an enclosed spinning ] based on the ]. The building originally opened as ]. | |||
] is a ] ] thrill ride that replicates a ] experience to ] and a ] tour over the surface of Earth. Next to it is ], a ] simulating dining aboard a space station located 220 miles above Earth.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Space-Themed Restaurant Lands in Future World at Epcot |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/05/space-themed-restaurant-lands-in-future-world-at-epcot/ |access-date=February 24, 2019 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515223842/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/05/space-themed-restaurant-lands-in-future-world-at-epcot/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The building is located on the original plot site of ]. | |||
] is a high-speed ] inspired by the ] procedures that ] uses to evaluate concept cars. The Motion Pavilion was one of the original pavilions of EPCOT and has always housed an attraction sponsored by ]. | |||
In between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE is one standing but ] that once housed ]. | |||
=== World Nature === | |||
{{Gallery | |||
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| File:The Seas at EPCOT 2024.jpg | |||
| ]<br />(former The Living Seas) | |||
| File:Journey of Water, EPCOT (2014).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:The Land entrance.jpg | |||
| ] | |||
}} | |||
'''World Nature''' focuses on understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world.<ref name="Epcot-D23-20192" /> Located on the west side of World Celebration, the Nature neighborhood features three major pavilions in counterclockwise layout—inspired by ], specifically themes of ], ], ], ], ], ], and travel.<ref name="Besand 2023" /> | |||
Based on ocean exploration and inspired by the '']'' series, ] pavilion features the ] with marine life exhibits; an ] attraction inspired by ''];'' and ], an interactive show hosted by ] from ''Finding Nemo''. Connected to the building is the ], a themed seafood restaurant that provides views into the aquarium. Nearby is ], an outdoor ] depicting the Earth's ], inspired by '']''.<ref name="Haring 2019" /> Finally, ] pavilion features three attractions; ], an attraction that simulates a ] flight over various regions of the world; ], a narrated boat tour through ] scenes, a greenhouse and ] lab; and '']'', a short documentary film presented in the pavilion's Harvest Theater about the Earth's biomes and the perils of ]. | |||
=== World Showcase === | |||
{{Gallery | |||
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| File:Canada Pavilion (43268891311).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| United Kingdom street at Epcot (cropped).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:France Pavilion (41459076110).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Morocco Pavilion (cropped).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Japanese pagoda at Epcot.jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:The American Adventure (23860705608).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Italy, Epcot en janvier 2022 (2).JPG | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Epcot-Deutschland (cropped).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:China pavilion at Epcot.jpg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Norway, Epcot en janvier 2022JPG.jpeg | |||
| ] | |||
| File:Mexico at EPCOT (cropped).jpg | |||
| ] | |||
}} | |||
] | |||
'''World Showcase''' is the park's largest neighborhood, dedicated to representing the culture, history, cuisine, architecture, and traditions of 11 nations from across four continents—], ], ], and ]. Each nation pavilion features attractions, shops, restaurants, and landscaping that celebrate or portray authentic settings from each country—several pavilions also contain recreations inspired by existing buildings and landmarks, such as the ], ], ], ], ], ], and the ]. Of the 11 pavilions, only ] and ] were not present at the park's opening, as they were added in 1984 and 1988 respectively.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion" /> | |||
The nation pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, a man-made lake located in the center of World Showcase with a perimeter of {{convert|1.2|mi|km}}, which is the site of the park's nighttime fireworks display, '']''. In counter-clockwise order, the 11 pavilions are: | |||
{{div col|colwidth=18em}} | |||
* {{flagicon|Canada}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|UK}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|France}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Morocco}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Japan}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|US}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Italy}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Germany}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|China}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Norway}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Mexico|1934}} ] | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
] is the host pavilion of World Showcase, sharing its name with its marquee attraction: a stage show detailing ] and hosted by ] versions of ] and ]. The pavilion also includes the American Heritage Gallery, a changing exhibition space. On the shores of the lagoon is the America Gardens Theatre, an outdoor ] that hosts the park's festival concerts. | |||
The France Pavilion hosts '']'' in Palais du Cinéma, an 18-minute ]-style film depicting the culture of France, and along with ''Beauty and the Beast: Sing-Along''. Tucked behind the lagoon-facing portion of the pavilion is ], a 3D dark ride inspired by ]’s '']''. | |||
===World Showcase=== | |||
].]] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] and a ].]] | |||
] | |||
'''World Showcase''' is a large area reminiscent of a permanent ] containing 11 pavilions, each themed and dedicated to represent a specific country. The pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, a large man-made lake located in the center of World Showcase with a perimeter of {{convert|1.2|mi|km}}. In counter-clockwise order, the 11 pavilions are: | |||
The Canada and China Pavilions each host ] ]s—'']'' and '']''—that depict the diverse cultures and countrysides of their respective countries. Two dark boat rides reside within the Norway and Mexico Pavilions—] and ], respectively—inspired by '']'' and '']''. | |||
* {{flagicon|Canada|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|UK|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|France|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Morocco|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Japan|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|US|size=25px}} ] (Under the name ''The American Adventure'') | |||
* {{flagicon|Italy|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Germany|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|China|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Norway|size=25px}} ] | |||
* {{flagicon|Mexico|size=25px}} ] | |||
A secondary park gate is located between the France and United Kingdom pavilions of World Showcase and is known as the International Gateway. The International Gateway is directly accessible to guests arriving from the ] and from ], and by walkways from the nearby ] and ].<ref name="Disney History">{{cite web |title=Disney History – D23 |url=https://d23.com/disney-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003643/https://d23.com/disney-history/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=December 21, 2015 |publisher=The Walt Disney Corporation}}</ref> | |||
There is a small pavilion between China and Germany called the African Outpost, not included as one of the official World Showcase pavilions. | |||
Each pavilion contains themed architecture, landscapes, streetscapes, attractions, shops and restaurants representing the respective country's culture and cuisine. In an effort to maintain the authenticity of the represented countries, the pavilions are primarily staffed by citizens of the respective countries as part of the ] through ] agreements. Some pavilions also contain themed ] representative of the respective country. The Morocco pavilion was directly sponsored by the Moroccan government until 2020, when Disney took ownership of the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2020 |title=BREAKING: Disney Officially Taking Ownership of All Morocco Pavilion Businesses at EPCOT – WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2020/10/breaking-disney-officially-taking-ownership-of-all-morocco-pavilion-businesses-at-epcot/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The remaining pavilions are primarily sponsored by private companies with affiliations to the represented countries. | |||
Originally, the showcase was to include partnerships with the governments of the different countries. According to Disney's 1975 Annual Report, the Showcase would: | Originally, the showcase was to include partnerships with the governments of the different countries. According to Disney's 1975 Annual Report, the Showcase would: | ||
{{ |
{{blockquote|...offer participating countries a permanent installation for such features as themed restaurants and shops, product exhibits, industrial displays, cultural presentations, a trade center, and even special facilities for business meetings. | ||
Major sponsorships for each participating nation will be asked to provide the capital to cover the cost of designing, developing and constructing its attraction and/or ride and all exhibits, as well as the Pavilion itself. It will also have the responsibility for funding the housing for its employees in the International Village. Its land lease will cover the cost of maintaining the attraction for a minimum of ten years. | Major sponsorships for each participating nation will be asked to provide the capital to cover the cost of designing, developing and constructing its attraction and/or ride and all exhibits, as well as the Pavilion itself. It will also have the responsibility for funding the housing for its employees in the International Village. Its land lease will cover the cost of maintaining the attraction for a minimum of ten years. | ||
Line 134: | Line 221: | ||
The Disney organization will be responsible for area development, including the construction of transportation systems and utilities. We will also build and operate the internal people moving system, the Courtyard of Nations and central theater facility.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion" />}} | The Disney organization will be responsible for area development, including the construction of transportation systems and utilities. We will also build and operate the internal people moving system, the Courtyard of Nations and central theater facility.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion" />}} | ||
====Proposed pavilions and unused locations==== | ==== Proposed pavilions and unused locations ==== | ||
There are currently seven undeveloped spots for countries around the World Showcase in between the locations of the current countries. Two sites are located on either side of the United Kingdom, one between France and Morocco, one between Morocco and Japan, one between Italy and Germany, and two between Germany and China.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion">{{cite web|last1=Weiss|first1=Werner|title=Two Myths about World Showcase at Epcot|url=http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html |website=Yesterland.com|publisher=Yesterland|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> | |||
Pavilions for ], the ], ],<ref name="Puerto Rico">{{cite web|last1=Bilbao |first1=Richard |title=Disney: Puerto Rico not Epcot’s next World Showcase pavilion |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/10/is-puerto-rico-epcot-s-next-world-showcase.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009042358/http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/10/is-puerto-rico-epcot-s-next-world-showcase.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |website=bizjournals.com |publisher=Orlando Business Journal |accessdate=November 4, 2014 }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aLZ4ONp-ps |title=Russia Pavilion EPCOT World Showcase Presentation (1992) |access-date=March 2, 2020 |last= |first= |date=March 6, 1992 |work= |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |location= |language= |quote= }}</ref> ], ],<ref name="Abandoned - Epcot" /> ], ], ],<ref name="Abandoned - Epcot" /> the ], and ] have occasionally been rumored as potential future pavilions but have never made it past the planning phases to date. However, Disney did go as far as announcing three of the pavilions in the 1980s with signage throughout the park. | |||
In 1982, Disney announced three pavilions were "coming soon": ], ] and ], blending elements of the cultures of countries such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alarcon |first=Daniel |date=January 20, 1982 |title=Disney to offer liquor at new EPCOT center |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/333800571/ |work=] |pages=11}}</ref> A model of the Equatorial Africa pavilions was also shown on the opening day telecast. However, the pavilions were never built. Instead, a small African themed refreshment shop known as the "Outpost" currently resides in the area between China and Germany, where the Equatorial Africa pavilion was to be located.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Kristin |title=The Outpost in Epcot |url=https://www.couponingtodisney.com/outpost-epcot/ |website=couponingtodisney.com |date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref> | |||
The Israeli, Spanish, and an Equatorial Africa pavilion (blending elements of the cultures of countries such as ] and ]) were even announced as coming soon in 1982, and a model of the latter was shown on the opening day telecast, but never took off.<ref name="Abandoned - Epcot">{{cite AV media |people= |date= December 15, 2017|title= Abandoned - Epcot's Never Built Attractions |trans-title= |medium= |language= |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_V-gIoXr4U|access-date= December 16, 2017|format= YouTube video|time= |location= |publisher= Bright Sun Films|id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |ref= }}</ref> Instead, a small African themed refreshment shop known as the Outpost currently resides where Equatorial Africa was to be.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion" /> More than 50 nations, among them ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and 5 African countries (], ], ], ], and ]), took part in the ], a project that took place in Epcot during ] (1999-2001) to pay homage to the cultural achievements of these nations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/millennium-village.htm |title=Millennium Village |access-date=March 2, 2020 |last= |first= |date= |work=WDWmagic.com |publisher= |location= |language= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
More than 50 nations, among them, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and five African countries (], ], ], ], and ]), took part in the ], a project that took place in EPCOT during ] from 1999 to 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/millennium-village.htm |title=Millennium Village |access-date=March 2, 2020 |work=WDWmagic.com}}</ref> The Millennium Village was located inside a temporary structure built behind the United Kingdom pavilions that remains in use as ]. | |||
There are currently eight undeveloped spots for countries around the World Showcase—including the space occupied by the Outpost—in between the locations of the current countries. Two of the potential locations, on either side of the United Kingdom, are currently occupied by ] (successor of Millenium Village). Two more lie on either side of the American Adventure, though this pavilion's use of reversed ] may preclude the construction of additional buildings as they would ruin the illusion.<ref name="World Showcase theoretical expansion">{{cite web|last1=Weiss|first1=Werner|title=Two Myths about World Showcase at Epcot|url=http://www.yesterland.com/worldshowcase.html|website=Yesterland.com|publisher=Yesterland|accessdate=October 3, 2014}}</ref> The new Ratatouille attraction is also taking up one of the undeveloped spots. | |||
====Alcohol policy==== | ==== Alcohol policy ==== | ||
Unlike Magic Kingdom, which up until 2012 did not serve alcohol |
Unlike Magic Kingdom, which up until 2012 did not serve alcohol,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Genevieve Shaw|title=Magic Kingdom Now Offers Beer|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/beer-wine-now-disneys-magic-kingdom/story?id=17236828|work=ABC News|access-date=January 21, 2017|date=September 14, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621233520/https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/beer-wine-now-disneys-magic-kingdom/story?id=17236828|archive-date=June 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nall|first1=McGee|title=Disney's Magic Kingdom Adds Alcohol to Menus|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/12/disneys-magic-kingdom-adds-alcohol-to-menus.html|access-date=January 21, 2017|work=pastemagazine.com|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002321/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/12/disneys-magic-kingdom-adds-alcohol-to-menus.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> most stores and restaurants at EPCOT, especially in the World Showcase, serve and sell a variety of alcoholic beverages including specialty drinks, craft beers, wines, and spirits reflective of the respective countries. The park also hosts the ], an annual event featuring food and drink samplings from all over the world, along with live entertainment and special exhibits. | ||
== Annual events == | |||
====The World Showcase Adventure==== | |||
] | |||
Originally based on the ] animated series '']'', the World Showcase Adventure is an interactive mobile attraction taking place in several pavilions throughout the World Showcase. The attraction is an electronic ] that has guests using special "Kimmunicators" (in actuality, customized cell phones) to help teenage crime-fighters Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable solve a "crime" or disrupt an evil-doer's "plans for global domination." The "Kimmunicator" is able to trigger specific events within the pavilion grounds that provide clues to completing the adventure. Launched in January 2009 and presented by ], the Adventure is included in park admission. It was succeeded by ]'s World Showcase Adventure, based on Disney's '']'', on June 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/coming-soon-to-epcot-agent-ps-world-showcase-adventure/ | title=Coming Soon To Epcot: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure | date=March 13, 2012 | accessdate=March 18, 2012 | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318064228/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/coming-soon-to-epcot-agent-ps-world-showcase-adventure/ | archivedate=March 18, 2012 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Agent P's World Showcase Adventure was later closed on February 17, 2020 and will be replaced by the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure based on the ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/12/disneys-ducktales-world-showcase-adventure-announced-for-play-disney-parks-mobile-app-at-epcot/ | title=Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure Announced for Play Disney Parks Mobile App at Epcot | date=December 3, 2019 | accessdate=December 3, 2019 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
EPCOT hosts a number of special events during the year: | |||
*The ], inaugurated in 1994, uses specially-themed floral displays throughout the park, including ] sculptures of Disney characters. Each event takes more than a full year to plan and more than 20,000 cast member hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseinfo.com/forums/wdw-news-info/93587-fun-facts-bloom-across-305-acres-2011-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival.html |title=Mouseinfo.com |access-date=October 4, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085815/http://www.mouseinfo.com/forums/wdw-news-info/93587-fun-facts-bloom-across-305-acres-2011-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival.html |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
*The ], inaugurated in 1995, draws amateur and professional gourmets to sample delicacies from all around the world, including nations that do not have a permanent presence in World Showcase. Celebrity chefs are often on-hand to host the events. In 2008, the festival featured the ], the American semifinal of the biennial ] cooking competition.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/07/pretigious-bocu.html |title=Prestigious [sic] Bocuse d'Or competition [sic] to be part of Epcot Food & Wine Festival |first=Scott |last=Joseph |work=] |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014033835/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/07/pretigious-bocu.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008 }}</ref> | |||
* The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, inaugurated in 2017, is a festival showcasing visual, culinary, and performing arts. The first annual event took place on weekends from January 13 through February 20, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/all-new-epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-coming-to-walt-disney-world-in-january-2017/ |title=All-New Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in January 2017 |last=Lim |first=Victoria |date=November 21, 2016 |website=Walt Disney World Resort Blog |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201091306/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/all-new-epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-coming-to-walt-disney-world-in-january-2017/ |archive-date=December 1, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Disney: New Epcot arts show will start in January |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-epcot-art-show-20161121-story.html |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 30, 2016 }}</ref> | |||
*The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (previously known as Epcot Holidays Around the World from 1996 to 2016), inaugurated in 2017, is the park's annual holiday celebration. The World Showcase pavilions feature storytellers describing their nation's holiday traditions, and three nightly performances of the ] featuring an auditioned mass choir and a celebrity guest narrating the story of Christmas. Kiosks throughout the World Showcase feature holiday dishes. On ], the park offers a variety of additional entertainment including live DJ dance areas throughout the park. | |||
== |
== Attendance == | ||
The Walt Disney Company generally does not publish attendance figures for its theme parks,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.frommers.com/blogs/arthur-frommer-online/blog_posts/disney-world-attendance-is-way-down-but-don-t-blame-politics|title=Disney World Attendance Is Way Down, but Don't Blame Politics|author=Jason Cochran|publisher=FrommerMedia LLC|date=July 13, 2023|accessdate=March 19, 2024}}</ref> so industry groups such as the ] estimate these figures. | |||
] | |||
Epcot hosts a number of special events during the year: | |||
*The ], inaugurated in 1994, uses specially-themed floral displays throughout the park, including ] sculptures of Disney characters. Guests can meet gardening experts and learn new ideas they can use in their own home gardens. The 18th annual event was scheduled for March 2 – May 15. Each event takes more than a full year to plan and more than 20,000 cast member hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mouseinfo.com/forums/wdw-news-info/93587-fun-facts-bloom-across-305-acres-2011-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival.html|title=Mouseinfo.com|work=MouseInfo.com|accessdate=October 4, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085815/http://www.mouseinfo.com/forums/wdw-news-info/93587-fun-facts-bloom-across-305-acres-2011-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival.html|archivedate=October 6, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
*The ], inaugurated in 1995, draws amateur and professional gourmets to sample delicacies from all around the world, including nations that do not have a permanent presence in World Showcase. Celebrity chefs are often on-hand to host the events. In 2008, the festival featured the ], the American semifinal of the biennial ] cooking competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/07/pretigious-bocu.html|title=Prestigious [sic] Bocuse d'Or competition [sic] to be part of Epcot Food & Wine Festival|first=Scott|last=Joseph|work=]|date=July 17, 2008|accessdate=July 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014033835/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/07/pretigious-bocu.html|archive-date=October 14, 2008}}</ref> | |||
* The Epcot International Festival of the Arts inaugurated in 2017, is a festival showcasing visual, culinary, and performing arts. The first annual event took place on weekends from January 13 through February 20, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/all-new-epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-coming-to-walt-disney-world-in-january-2017/ |title=All-New Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in January 2017 |last=Lim |first=Victoria |date=November 21, 2016 |website=Walt Disney World Resort Blog |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201091306/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/all-new-epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-coming-to-walt-disney-world-in-january-2017/ |archivedate=December 1, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Disney: New Epcot arts show will start in January |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-epcot-art-show-20161121-story.html |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 30, 2016 }}</ref> The 3rd annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts took place January 18 - February 25, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts/|title=Epcot® International Festival of the Arts|website=Walt Disney World|language=en|access-date=2018-10-12}}</ref> | |||
*The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is Epcot's annual holiday celebration. The World Showcase pavilions feature storytellers describing their nation's holiday traditions, and three nightly performances of the "Candlelight Processional" featuring an auditioned mass choir and a celebrity guest narrating the story of Christmas. During the festival, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth features a special extended ending. | |||
*On ], the park offers a variety of additional entertainment including live DJ dance areas throughout the park and a special New Year's Eve countdown edition of ]. | |||
==Attendance== | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Year | |||
!2011 || 2012 || 2013 || 2014 || 2015 || 2016 || 2017 || 2018 || Worldwide rank | |||
! Attendance<br />(millions) | |||
! Ref | |||
|- | |- | ||
!2011 | |||
|10,826,000<ref name="2011 Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |publisher=Themed Entertainment Association |accessdate=November 20, 2012 |year=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018203544/http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |archivedate=October 18, 2015 |df=mdy }}</ref> || 11,063,000<ref name="2012 Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_27_147625_140617.pdf|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|accessdate=April 18, 2014|year=2012|title=TEA/AECOM 2012 Global Attractions Report|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224020854/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_27_147625_140617.pdf|archivedate=December 24, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> || 11,229,000<ref name="2013 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report |url=http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |publisher=] |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |year=2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220440/http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |archivedate=June 6, 2014 |df=mdy }}</ref> || 11,454,000<ref name="2014 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2014 Theme Index and Museum Index|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|publisher=]|accessdate=June 3, 2015|year=2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102318/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|archivedate=June 26, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> || 11,798,000<ref name="2015 attendance">{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report|last=|first=|date=|year=2017|website=|publisher=]|accessdate=June 17, 2018|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519000915/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 11,712,000<ref name="2016 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf|website=aecom.com|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|accessdate=July 26, 2017|date=June 1, 2017}}</ref> || 12,200,000<ref name="2017 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|website=teaconnect.org|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|accessdate=May 17, 2018|date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519000915/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 12,444,000<ref name="2018 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/328_572762_190522.pdf|website=teaconnect.org|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|accessdate=May 24, 2019|date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523131129/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/328_572762_190522.pdf|archive-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 7 | |||
|10.8 | |||
|<ref name="2011 Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |publisher=Themed Entertainment Association |access-date=November 20, 2012 |year=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018203544/http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf |archive-date=October 18, 2015 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2012 | |||
|11.0 | |||
|<ref name="2012 Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_27_147625_140617.pdf|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=April 18, 2014|year=2012|title=TEA/AECOM 2012 Global Attractions Report|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224020854/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_27_147625_140617.pdf|archive-date=December 24, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2013 | |||
|11.2 | |||
| <ref name="2013 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report |url=http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |publisher=] |access-date=June 6, 2014 |year=2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220440/http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf |archive-date=June 6, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2014 | |||
|11.4 | |||
|<ref name="2014 attendance">{{cite web|title=TEA/AECOM 2014 Theme Index and Museum Index|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|publisher=]|access-date=June 3, 2015|year=2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102318/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf|archive-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2015 | |||
|11.7 | |||
|<ref name="2015 attendance">{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report|year=2017|publisher=]|access-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519000915/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2016 | |||
|11.7 | |||
|<ref name="2016 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|website=aecom.com|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=July 26, 2017|date=June 1, 2017}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2017 | |||
|12.2 | |||
|<ref name="2017 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|website=teaconnect.org|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=May 17, 2018|date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519000915/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2018 | |||
|12.4 | |||
|<ref name="2018 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/328_572762_190522.pdf|website=teaconnect.org|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=May 24, 2019|date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523131129/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/328_572762_190522.pdf|archive-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2019 | |||
|12.4 | |||
|<ref name="2019 Report">{{cite web|last1=Au|first1=Tsz Yin (Gigi)|last2=Chang|first2=Bet|first3=Bryan|last3=Chen|first4=Linda|last4=Cheu|first5=Lucia|last5=Fischer|first6=Marina|last6=Hoffman|first7=Olga|last7=Kondaurova|first8=Kathleen|last8=LaClair|first9=Shaojin|last9=Li|first10=Sarah|last10=Linford|first11=George|last11=Marling|first12=Erik|last12=Miller|first13=Jennie|last13=Nevin|first14=Margreet|last14=Papamichael|first15=John|last15=Robinett|first16=Judith|last16=Rubin|first17=Brian|last17=Sands|first18=William|last18=Selby|first19=Matt|last19=Timmins|first20=Feliz|last20=Ventura|first21=Chris|last21=Yoshii|title=TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2019-Theme-Index-web.pdf|website=teaconnect.org|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=July 19, 2020|date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717045157/https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2019-Theme-Index-web.pdf|archive-date=July 17, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2020 | |||
|4.04 | |||
|<ref name="2021 Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.teaconnect.org/tea-theme--museum-index.html|title=TEA/AECOM 2021 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|accessdate=March 19, 2024}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2021 | |||
|7.75 | |||
|<ref name="2021 Report" /> | |||
|- | |||
!2022 | |||
|10.0 | |||
|<ref name="2022 Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.teaconnect.org/tea-theme--museum-index.html|title=TEA/AECOM 2022 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|date=June 13, 2023|accessdate=March 19, 2024}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
!2023 | |||
|11.98 | |||
|<ref name="2023 Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.teaconnect.org/tea-theme--museum-index.html|title=TEA/AECOM 2023 Theme Index & Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|date=June 13, 2023|accessdate=August 15, 2024}}</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
==''The Official Album of Walt Disney World EPCOT Center''== | |||
''The Official Album of Walt Disney World EPCOT Center''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-The-Official-Album-Of-Walt-Disney-World-Epcot-Center/release/2137409|title=Various - The Official Album Of Walt Disney World Epcot Center|website=Discogs|language=en|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref> was the official album for EPCOT Center in 1983. It was originally released on ] and ] and is no longer being produced. | |||
===Track listing=== | |||
:Side 1 | |||
#"Main Entrance Medley (Instrumental)" – 3:29 | |||
#"]" – ] in the ] – 3:27 | |||
#"Energy (You Make the World Go 'Round)" – ] – 1:48 | |||
#"]" – Epcot Computer Central – 2:32 | |||
#"]" – ] – 3:36 | |||
#"Canada (You're A Lifetime Journey)" – ] in the ] – 3:22 | |||
:Side 2 | |||
#"Universe of Energy" – ] – 2:14 | |||
#"Listen to the Land" – ] – 2:59 | |||
#"]" – ] – 3:40 | |||
#"It's Fun to Be Free" – ] – 2:14 | |||
#"]" – ] – 3:26 | |||
#"Kitchen Kabaret Medley" – ] – 2:20 | |||
#*Boogie Woogy Bakery Boy | |||
#*Meat Ditties | |||
#*Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
*] | *] | ||
*] | *] | ||
*] | *] | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==References== | == References == | ||
{{ |
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} | ||
==Further reading== | == Further reading == | ||
*] and David Green. ''Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot''. Themeperks Press, 2007, {{ISBN|0-9729777-3-2}}. | *] and David Green. ''Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot''. Themeperks Press, 2007, {{ISBN|0-9729777-3-2}}. | ||
*Mannheim, Steve (2002). |
*Mannheim, Steve (2002). ''Walt Disney and the Quest for Community''. Routledge. {{ISBN|0754619745}}. | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
* {{ |
* {{Official website}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 03:37, 16 December 2024
Theme park at Walt Disney World "EPCOT" redirects here. For the original concept upon which the theme park was planned from, see EPCOT (concept).
Spaceship Earth, the landmark of EPCOT | |
Location | Walt Disney World, Bay Lake, Florida, United States |
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Coordinates | 28°22′16″N 81°33′00″W / 28.371°N 81.550°W / 28.371; -81.550 |
Status | Operating |
Opened | October 1, 1982 (42 years ago) (1982-10-01) |
Owner | Disney Experiences (The Walt Disney Company) |
Operated by | Walt Disney World Key people: Kartika Rodriguez (VP) Javier Rossy (GM, Operations) |
Theme |
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Slogan | The magic of possibility |
Operating season | Year-round |
Website | EPCOT |
Walt Disney World |
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Theme parks |
Water parks |
Other attractions and areas |
Resorts |
Affiliated services |
Transport |
EPCOT is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its Disney Experiences division. The park opened on October 1, 1982, as EPCOT Center—the second of four theme parks built at the resort. Often referred to as a "permanent world's fair", EPCOT is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, particularly technological innovation and international culture and is known for its iconic landmark Spaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere.
During early development of the Florida property, Walt Disney wanted to build an experimental planned community showcasing modern innovation, known as "EPCOT", an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. After Disney's death in 1966, the company felt his grand vision was impractical. However, it laid the groundwork for EPCOT Center, a theme park that retained the core spirit of Disney's vision. The park was divided into two distinct areas: Future World reprises the idea of showcasing modern innovation through educational entertainment attractions within avant-garde pavilions, while World Showcase highlights the diversity of human cultures from various nations. From the late 2010s to the early 2020s, the park underwent a major overhaul, adding new attractions and Future World was restructured into three areas: World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature.
The park spans 305 acres (123 hectares), more than twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park. In 2023, the park attracted 11.98 million guests, making it the eighth-most visited theme park in the world.
History
1960s: Experimental concept
Main article: EPCOT (concept)The genesis for EPCOT was originally conceived as a utopian city of the future by Walt Disney in the 1960s. The concept was an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, often interchanging "city" and "community." In Walt Disney's words in 1966: "EPCOT will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry. It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed but will always be introducing and testing, and demonstrating new materials and new systems. And EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world of the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise."
Walt Disney's original vision, sometimes called Progress City, would have been home to 20,000 residents and would be a living laboratory showcasing cutting-edge technology and urban planning. It was to be built in the shape of a circle with an urban city center in the center with community buildings, schools, and recreational complexes. It would be surrounded by rings of residential areas and industrial areas, all connected by monorail and PeopleMover lines. Automobile traffic would be kept underground, leaving pedestrians safe above ground. This radial plan concept is strongly influenced by British planner Ebenezer Howard and his Garden Cities of To-morrow.
Disney went as far as petitioning the Florida State Legislature for the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), with the authority of a governmental body over the Walt Disney World land. The RCID was established in 1967. However, Walt Disney was not able to obtain funding and permission to start work on his Florida property until he agreed to first build the Magic Kingdom theme park. He died in 1966, nearly five years before Magic Kingdom opened.
1970s: Concept evolves into park
After Walt Disney's death, the company decided that it did not want to be in the business of running a city without Walt's guidance. The original plans for the park showed indecision over the park's purpose. Some Imagineers wanted it to represent the cutting edge of emerging technologies, while others wanted it to showcase international cultures and customs. At one point, a model of the futuristic park was pushed together against a model of a World's Fair international theme, and the two were combined.
The park was originally named EPCOT Center to reflect the ideals and values of the city. It was constructed for an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion and took three years to build, at the time the largest construction project on Earth. The park spans 305 acres (123 hectares), more than twice the size of Magic Kingdom. The parking lot serving the park is 141 acres (57 ha) (including bus area) and can accommodate 11,211 vehicles.
1980s: Opening and operation
The grand opening festivities for EPCOT took place over three weeks in October 1982—supervised and directed by Disney Legend Bob Jani. The park officially opened to the public on October 1, with a dedication ceremony in front of Spaceship Earth that served as both the kick-off ceremony as well as the dedication of the Spaceship Earth attraction itself. Presiding over the ceremony was Walt Disney Productions chairman and CEO Card Walker, Florida Governor Bob Graham, and president of AT&T (the sponsor of Spaceship Earth at opening) William Ellinghaus.
On opening day, Future World featured six pavilions: Spaceship Earth, CommuniCore, Journey Into Imagination, The Land, Universe of Energy, and World of Motion. World Showcase featured nine pavilions: Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Each pavilion had its own custom opening ceremony throughout the next three weeks—culminating in the three-day grand opening event. On October 24, 1982, EPCOT was officially dedicated by Walt Disney Productions executive chairman Donn Tatum and Card Walker. A 450-piece marching band made up of players from college bands all over the country performed several songs including "We've Just Begun to Dream" and "The World Showcase March"—the latter written exclusively for the opening events by the Sherman Brothers. Water was gathered from major rivers, lakes, and seas from across the globe and emptied into the park's Fountain of Nations to mark the opening.
During the 1980s, several additional pavilions opened: Horizons in 1983, Morocco in 1984, The Living Seas in 1986, Norway in 1988, and Wonders of Life in 1989.
1990s–2000s: Change in vision
Despite its initial success, EPCOT was constantly faced with the challenges of evolving with worldwide progress, an issue that caused the park to lose relevance and become outdated in the 1990s. To maintain attendance levels, Disney introduced seasonal events such as the International Flower & Garden Festival and the International Food & Wine Festival in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
It was during this era that Disney sought to differentiate the EPCOT theme park from Walt Disney's EPCOT concept by making the park's name a word rather than a acronym—spelling it in lowercase as a proper noun: "Epcot". Walt Disney World then added the current year to the park's name, emulating the naming scheme for expos and world's fairs like Expo 67. The park became Epcot '94 and Epcot '95 before Disney quietly abandoned the naming concept in 1996 and the park simply became Epcot.
In the mid-1990s, Disney also began to gradually phase out the park's edutainment attractions in favor of more modern and thrilling attractions. As a result, many of the attractions within the Future World pavilions, were either overhauled or replaced entirely. The Land pavilion saw its attractions replaced under new sponsor Nestlé between late 1993 and January 1995, and Spaceship Earth was updated with music by Edo Guidotti and narration from Jeremy Irons in 1994. Universe of Energy was reconfigured as Ellen's Energy Adventure in 1996. Journey Into Imagination closed in 1998 and was replaced with Journey into YOUR Imagination the following year, World of Motion was replaced with Test Track, and Horizons was demolished in 1999 and replaced with Mission: SPACE in 2003.
In 2000, Walt Disney World held the Millennium Celebration with the central focus of the event at EPCOT, and a 25-story "magic wand" structure was built next to Spaceship Earth. Millennium Village was closed on January 1, 2001, and was turned into the World Showplace festival center, which is frequently used for EPCOT festivals.
Attraction changes continued into the new millennium. Journey into YOUR Imagination closed in 2001 due to strong negative reception and was replaced with Journey into Imagination with Figment in 2002. The Living Seas was closed in 2005, and rethemed with the introduction of characters from Finding Nemo, as The Seas with Nemo & Friends. That same year, Soarin', a flight simulator ride originally developed for Disney California Adventure Park, was added to The Land (replacing Food Rocks) following its massive popularity in California. The Wonders of Life pavilion closed in 2007, with the pavilion being occasionally used for the park's annual festivals until permanent closure. The Mexico pavilion's El Rio del Tiempo attraction closed on January 2, and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros opened in its space a few months later. After the "magic wand" structure was removed from Spaceship Earth, the attraction's fourth version, narrated by Judi Dench, soft-opened on December 8. Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive scavenger hunt, opened at EPCOT in 2009.
2010s–present: Transformation and redesign
Test Track was refurbished into a new version presented by Chevrolet in 2012, and Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure was rethemed to Agent P's World Showcase Adventure the same year. The Norway pavilion's Maelstrom attraction closed in 2014 and replaced two years later by Frozen Ever After. Soarin' was also temporarily closed while a new film was added to the attraction. In 2017, Mission: SPACE was divided into a new green/Earth mission, and the original orange/Mars mission.
In November 2016, Disney revealed that EPCOT would be receiving “a major transformation” that would help transition the park into being “more Disney, timeless, relevant, family-friendly”. In July 2017, the formal announcement came that EPCOT would undergo a multi-year redesign and expansion plan that would introduce Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille attractions to Future World and World Showcase, respectively, as well as maintaining the original vision and spirit for the park. As part of the announcement, Ellen's Energy Adventure closed the following month, and the pavilion's show building was reused for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, while the EPCOT 35 Legacy Showcase exhibition opened in the Odyssey Pavilion. That same year, the park reported the first drop in overall attendance ranking among the four Walt Disney World Resort parks, dropping from second to third place, the first in its history.
On August 25, 2019, at the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney expanded on the plans for the improvements to EPCOT. One of the most significant changes announced was the creation of four distinct "neighborhoods"; the subdivision of Future World into three areas (World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature). Journey of Water—Inspired by Moana, a walkthrough attraction, was also announced. At the same expo, Disney also announced that Pinar Toprak would be composing a new musical anthem for the park. Toprak's "EPCOT Anthem" was eventually used in various nighttime shows, such as Harmonious and Luminous, as well as featured in ambient music within the entrance plaza and throughout World Celebration.
On October 1, 2019, it was announced that a new nighttime fireworks show, EPCOT Forever, and The EPCOT Experience Center, a preview space for the park's expansion project, would replace IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and EPCOT 35 Legacy Showcase. In late 2019, EPCOT installed new directory signage in Seabase Alpha, restoring the former Living Seas logo, as the pavilion was renamed to The Seas Pavilion. Agent P's World Showcase Adventure closed on February 23, 2020; it was slated to be replaced with DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, which did not open until 2022.
In early 2020, Disney officially announced that the park's name would revert back to all-uppercase (from Epcot to EPCOT) as an homage to both the park's original name and Walt Disney's original concept—although the name is still not an acronym.
EPCOT was closed from March 16 to July 15, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. Modified operations were established, including a pause on concerts and fireworks, in order to promote sufficient physical distancing. Spaceship Earth: Our Shared Story, the attraction's fifth update, the Wondrous China film, the PLAY! pavilion in World Discovery, and the United Kingdom pavilion's Cherry Tree Lane expansion were indefinitely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the CommuniCore Hall exhibit space and the CommuniCore Plaza festival stage was built instead of a three-level festival pavilion.
On September 29, 2021, the nighttime spectacular Harmonious replaced EPCOT Forever as part of the resort's 50th anniversary celebration. The show ended its run on March 31, 2023, in preparation for Luminous: The Symphony of Us which debuted later that year; EPCOT Forever returned during the interim period. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (duplicated from Disneyland Paris) opened in the France pavilion on October 1 as part of the same celebrations. The EPCOT Experience Center closed in 2022, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened on May 27.
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana opened in World Nature opened on October 16, 2023, and World Celebration Gardens, divided into five sections (Inspiration Gardens, CommuniCore Gardens, Connections Gardens, Creations Gardens, and Dreamers Point) opened on December 5 of that year. CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, named after the former Future World pavilion, opened to the general public on June 10, 2024. Test Track closed for refurbishment on June 17 to make way for the attraction's third iteration, with the return of General Motors sponsor, which will be reopen in late Summer 2025. At D23 2024, it was announced that this lounge will take the place of the former Siemens lounge attached to Spaceship Earth and will open in late Spring 2025.
On November 21, 2024, it was announced that the second stage has been installed in the CommuniCore Plaza Stage, and the stage will be the home of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, as a seasonal entertainment offering during the 2024 annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Park layout and attractions
See also: List of Epcot attractionsEPCOT is divided into four themed areas, known as "neighborhoods": World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.
The park consists of a variety of avant-garde pavilions that explore innovative aspects and applications including technology and science, with each pavilion featuring self-contained attractions and distinct architecture in its design. Currently, the park features ten major pavilions: Galaxy, Imagination, Journey, Land, Motion, Odyssey, Seas, Space, Spaceship Earth, and World Showcase, which itself has eleven individual nation pavilions.
World Celebration, Discovery, and Nature were originally grouped as one area called Future World, which debuted with six pavilions: Spaceship Earth, CommuniCore, Imagination!, The Land, Universe of Energy, and World of Motion. The Horizons pavilion opened the following year, and The Living Seas and Wonders of Life pavilions were added in 1986 and 1989, respectively, bringing the lineup to nine. CommuniCore, World of Motion, Horizons, Wonders of Life, Universe of Energy, and Innoventions closed in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2007, 2017, and 2019, respectively. The Fountain of Nations, a large circular musical fountain which debuted with the park, was removed in 2019 as well. Each pavilion was initially sponsored by a corporation which helped fund its construction and maintenance in return for the corporation's logos and some marketing elements appearing throughout the pavilion.
Additionally, each pavilion of Future World featured a unique circular logo designed by Norm Inouye (except for the Wonders of Life logo due to its later introduction), which was featured on park signage and throughout the attractions themselves. The pavilion logos were gradually phased out in the early 2000s, as the pavilions instead were identified by name and recognized by the main attraction(s) housed inside. Several homages remained scattered throughout the park, including merchandising. However, in 2019, the circular pavilion logos were revived as part of the park's transformation, with both classic logos reprised and refreshed and newer logos introduced.
World Celebration
- Spaceship Earth
-
Imagination!
(formerly Journey Into Imagination) - Odyssey
World Celebration serves as the park's main entrance and a central hub that honors global human interaction and connection, including communication, imagination, creativity, and the visual and culinary arts. The neighborhood features four major pavilions—Spaceship Earth, Imagination, Odyssey, and CommuniCore—as well as additional attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Guests enter through the main entrance and walk underneath Spaceship Earth, an eighteen-story-tall geodesic sphere structure and the anchor pavilion, which also houses an eponymous dark ride attraction that depicts the history of communication. Directly behind Spaceship Earth are the World Celebration Gardens and Dreamers Point, featuring lush interactive gardens, lighting fixtures and Walt the Dreamer—a bronze statue commemorating Walt Disney. The Imagination! pavilion celebrates the concept of imagination and features Journey into Imagination with Figment, a dark ride starring Figment that explores the senses. CommuniCore Hall and Plaza is a multi-use pavilion used for exhibitions, gallery space, a mixology bar, a demonstration kitchen, and music performances, as well as meet-and-greets with Disney characters. The Odyssey Pavilion is an exhibition space during the park's annual festivals.
World Celebration is also home to Creations Shop, the park's main gift shop; Connections Eatery & Cafe, a quick-service restaurant and Starbucks themed to global food history; and Club Cool, an Coca-Cola- themed attraction and shop featuring complimentary samples of Coca-Cola soft drinks from around the world.
World Discovery
-
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
(formerly Universe of Energy) -
Mission: SPACE
(former site of Horizons) - Test Track
World Discovery centers on space, science, technology and intergalactic exploration. Lying on the east side of World Celebration, the Discovery neighborhood currently features three major pavilions in clockwise layout.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, an enclosed spinning roller coaster based on the superhero team of the same name. The building originally opened as Universe of Energy.
Mission: SPACE is a centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride that replicates a space flight experience to Mars and a low orbit tour over the surface of Earth. Next to it is Space 220, a themed restaurant simulating dining aboard a space station located 220 miles above Earth. The building is located on the original plot site of Horizons.
Test Track is a high-speed slot car ride inspired by the automobile testing procedures that Chevrolet uses to evaluate concept cars. The Motion Pavilion was one of the original pavilions of EPCOT and has always housed an attraction sponsored by General Motors.
In between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE is one standing but unused pavilion that once housed Wonders of Life.
World Nature
-
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
(former The Living Seas) - Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana
- The Land
World Nature focuses on understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. Located on the west side of World Celebration, the Nature neighborhood features three major pavilions in counterclockwise layout—inspired by human interaction with the Earth, specifically themes of ocean exploration, hydrology, agriculture, horticulture, ecology, ecotourism, and travel.
Based on ocean exploration and inspired by the Finding Nemo series, The Seas pavilion features the sixth-largest aquarium in the world with marine life exhibits; an Omnimover attraction inspired by Finding Nemo; and Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive show hosted by Crush from Finding Nemo. Connected to the building is the Coral Reef Restaurant, a themed seafood restaurant that provides views into the aquarium. Nearby is Journey of Water, an outdoor walkthrough water attraction depicting the Earth's water cycle, inspired by Moana. Finally, the Land pavilion features three attractions; Soarin' Around the World, an attraction that simulates a hang gliding flight over various regions of the world; Living with the Land, a narrated boat tour through Audio-Animatronics scenes, a greenhouse and hydroponics lab; and Awesome Planet, a short documentary film presented in the pavilion's Harvest Theater about the Earth's biomes and the perils of climate change.
World Showcase
World Showcase is the park's largest neighborhood, dedicated to representing the culture, history, cuisine, architecture, and traditions of 11 nations from across four continents—North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Each nation pavilion features attractions, shops, restaurants, and landscaping that celebrate or portray authentic settings from each country—several pavilions also contain recreations inspired by existing buildings and landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Itsukushima Shrine, Hampton Court Palace, Château Laurier, Gol Stave Church, St Mark's Campanile, and the Kutubiyya Mosque. Of the 11 pavilions, only Morocco and Norway were not present at the park's opening, as they were added in 1984 and 1988 respectively.
The nation pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, a man-made lake located in the center of World Showcase with a perimeter of 1.2 miles (1.9 km), which is the site of the park's nighttime fireworks display, Luminous: The Symphony of Us. In counter-clockwise order, the 11 pavilions are:
The American Adventure is the host pavilion of World Showcase, sharing its name with its marquee attraction: a stage show detailing American history and hosted by Audio-Animatronics versions of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. The pavilion also includes the American Heritage Gallery, a changing exhibition space. On the shores of the lagoon is the America Gardens Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts the park's festival concerts.
The France Pavilion hosts Impressions de France in Palais du Cinéma, an 18-minute Cinerama-style film depicting the culture of France, and along with Beauty and the Beast: Sing-Along. Tucked behind the lagoon-facing portion of the pavilion is Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, a 3D dark ride inspired by Pixar’s Ratatouille.
The Canada and China Pavilions each host Circle-Vision 360° films—Canada Far and Wide and Reflections of China—that depict the diverse cultures and countrysides of their respective countries. Two dark boat rides reside within the Norway and Mexico Pavilions—Frozen Ever After and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, respectively—inspired by Frozen and The Three Caballeros.
A secondary park gate is located between the France and United Kingdom pavilions of World Showcase and is known as the International Gateway. The International Gateway is directly accessible to guests arriving from the Disney Skyliner and from watercraft transport, and by walkways from the nearby EPCOT Area Resorts and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Each pavilion contains themed architecture, landscapes, streetscapes, attractions, shops and restaurants representing the respective country's culture and cuisine. In an effort to maintain the authenticity of the represented countries, the pavilions are primarily staffed by citizens of the respective countries as part of the Cultural Representative Program through Q1 visa agreements. Some pavilions also contain themed rides, shows, and live entertainment representative of the respective country. The Morocco pavilion was directly sponsored by the Moroccan government until 2020, when Disney took ownership of the pavilion. The remaining pavilions are primarily sponsored by private companies with affiliations to the represented countries.
Originally, the showcase was to include partnerships with the governments of the different countries. According to Disney's 1975 Annual Report, the Showcase would:
...offer participating countries a permanent installation for such features as themed restaurants and shops, product exhibits, industrial displays, cultural presentations, a trade center, and even special facilities for business meetings.
Major sponsorships for each participating nation will be asked to provide the capital to cover the cost of designing, developing and constructing its attraction and/or ride and all exhibits, as well as the Pavilion itself. It will also have the responsibility for funding the housing for its employees in the International Village. Its land lease will cover the cost of maintaining the attraction for a minimum of ten years.
The Disney organization will be responsible for area development, including the construction of transportation systems and utilities. We will also build and operate the internal people moving system, the Courtyard of Nations and central theater facility.
Proposed pavilions and unused locations
There are currently seven undeveloped spots for countries around the World Showcase in between the locations of the current countries. Two sites are located on either side of the United Kingdom, one between France and Morocco, one between Morocco and Japan, one between Italy and Germany, and two between Germany and China.
In 1982, Disney announced three pavilions were "coming soon": Israel, Spain and Equatorial Africa, blending elements of the cultures of countries such as Kenya and Zaire. A model of the Equatorial Africa pavilions was also shown on the opening day telecast. However, the pavilions were never built. Instead, a small African themed refreshment shop known as the "Outpost" currently resides in the area between China and Germany, where the Equatorial Africa pavilion was to be located.
More than 50 nations, among them, Brazil, Chile, India, Indonesia, Israel, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and five African countries (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa), took part in the Millennium Village, a project that took place in EPCOT during Millennium Celebration from 1999 to 2001. The Millennium Village was located inside a temporary structure built behind the United Kingdom pavilions that remains in use as World ShowPlace.
Alcohol policy
Unlike Magic Kingdom, which up until 2012 did not serve alcohol, most stores and restaurants at EPCOT, especially in the World Showcase, serve and sell a variety of alcoholic beverages including specialty drinks, craft beers, wines, and spirits reflective of the respective countries. The park also hosts the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, an annual event featuring food and drink samplings from all over the world, along with live entertainment and special exhibits.
Annual events
EPCOT hosts a number of special events during the year:
- The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, inaugurated in 1994, uses specially-themed floral displays throughout the park, including topiary sculptures of Disney characters. Each event takes more than a full year to plan and more than 20,000 cast member hours.
- The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, inaugurated in 1995, draws amateur and professional gourmets to sample delicacies from all around the world, including nations that do not have a permanent presence in World Showcase. Celebrity chefs are often on-hand to host the events. In 2008, the festival featured the Bocuse d'Or USA, the American semifinal of the biennial Bocuse d'Or cooking competition.
- The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, inaugurated in 2017, is a festival showcasing visual, culinary, and performing arts. The first annual event took place on weekends from January 13 through February 20, 2017.
- The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (previously known as Epcot Holidays Around the World from 1996 to 2016), inaugurated in 2017, is the park's annual holiday celebration. The World Showcase pavilions feature storytellers describing their nation's holiday traditions, and three nightly performances of the Candlelight Processional featuring an auditioned mass choir and a celebrity guest narrating the story of Christmas. Kiosks throughout the World Showcase feature holiday dishes. On New Year's Eve, the park offers a variety of additional entertainment including live DJ dance areas throughout the park.
Attendance
The Walt Disney Company generally does not publish attendance figures for its theme parks, so industry groups such as the Themed Entertainment Association estimate these figures.
Year | Attendance (millions) |
Ref |
---|---|---|
2011 | 10.8 | |
2012 | 11.0 | |
2013 | 11.2 | |
2014 | 11.4 | |
2015 | 11.7 | |
2016 | 11.7 | |
2017 | 12.2 | |
2018 | 12.4 | |
2019 | 12.4 | |
2020 | 4.04 | |
2021 | 7.75 | |
2022 | 10.0 | |
2023 | 11.98 |
See also
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Further reading
- Alcorn, Steve and David Green. Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot. Themeperks Press, 2007, ISBN 0-9729777-3-2.
- Mannheim, Steve (2002). Walt Disney and the Quest for Community. Routledge. ISBN 0754619745.
External links
Preceding station | Walt Disney World Monorail | Following station | ||
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Transportation and Ticket CenterTerminus | Epcot Line | Terminus |
Preceded byNashua, NH | Host of FIRST Robotics World Championship 1995–2002 |
Succeeded byReliant Park |
Epcot | ||
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World Celebration | ||
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- Media from Commons
- Travel guides from Wikivoyage
- Data from Wikidata