The History of EPCOT Park

EPCOT  is a park that originated from a dream of Walt Disney’s. Walt used to discuss an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or EPCOT for short. This community would have been the ideal community with a focus on sustainability and easy living. While this dream community never became a reality, it did act as the inspiration for Disney World’s second theme park. EPCOT opened in 1982 as a celebration of innovation, world culture, and the future. Throughout the years, EPCOT has seen some major changes. However it still remains the favorite park of many Disney guests. The history of EPCOT begins in 1960s and continues through to today.

Concept, Planning, and Construction

Walt Disney first dreamed of the concept of EPCOT in the 1960s. He imagined a city that was self-sufficient, and a living laboratory  for new concepts. He even designed a model of the EPCOT city. This model, later called Progress City, is now on display within Disney World’s People Mover attraction at Magic Kingdom. After Walt’s death, the idea of EPCOT was still tossed around, this time as a theme park. There was much dispute over whether or not EPCOT the theme park would be a showcase of technology or a permanent World’s Fair. Eventually, it was decided that the ideas would be combined and thus the EPCOT as we know it today was born. EPCOT ended up being roughly twice the size of Magic Kingdom, and the park opened on October 1st, 1982.

Opening Day and Original Attractions

EPCOT opened with the following attractions: The American Adventure, Impressions de France, Living with the Land, O, Canada! (now closed), and Spaceship Earth. Pavilions like Journey Into Imagination, The Land, and Universe of Energy were also open however they were not entirely complete. Later that year, more attractions and pavilion would open or become complete. 9 of the current 11 World Showcase pavilions were open on opening day for EPCOT. These were Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, and Mexico.

Major Changes and Additions

In the 1990’s EPCOT saw major changes including the addition of new thrill rides: Test Track, and in 2003 Mission Space. The Universe of Energy became Ellen’s Energy Adventure, and Journey Into Imagination became Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment. EPCOT began steering away from education, and started introducing more Disney characters and franchises into the parks. In 2020 EPCOT began a major renovation, changing the former “Future World” into three different segments: World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery.

The Park Today and The Future

Today EPCOT’s original mission of education and entertainment still remains true, however several Disney characters and films have been introduced into the park’s attractions as well. For example, attractions like Journey of Water-Inspired by Moana, educate guests on the water cycle and potential of water while still paying tribute to the Disney film it is inspired by. The same remains true for other attractions like The Sea with Nemo and Friends.

Do you have memories of EPCOT from the 80s or 90s? Which era of EPCOT’s was your favorite? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.