On October 1, 1979 ground broke for the second Theme Park at Walt Disney World. Three years and $1.4 billion later, on October 1, 1982, Epcot opened at Walt Disney World. The Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow is connected via monorail to the familiar Magic Kingdom theme park. Epcot is dedicated to international culture and technological innovations.
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It was once an idea of Walt Disney’s to build a model community that was home to twenty thousand residents. The community was to be built in the shape of a circle, with businesses and commercial areas in the center, schools and recreation complexes around it, and residential neighborhoods along the perimeter. Transportation was provided by monorails and automobile traffic would be kept underground leaving pedestrian to move safely above ground. Instead, the vision was not realized and the idea was turned into a theme park.
Epcot is twice the size of Magic Kingdom or Disneys Hollywood Studios, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Good walking shoes are a must at this park. It is hard to take in all the sites in one day; however this theme park was built to allow guests to customize their day depending on personal interests.
Epcot is made up of Future World and World Showcase. Future World is the first themed area as you enter the park. Here you can experience the past and future of technology advancements in the larger-than-life buildings. World Showcase highlights the history, architecture, culture and dining of the eleven countries that surround the 40 acres World Showcase Lagoon. Each individual pavilion is displayed around a two kilometer promenade. The pavilions replicate familiar landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Canadian Rockies.
Attractions at Future World
World Showcase Pavilions
Entertainment
Special Events
Tours
Attractions at Future World:
Test Track
The longest and fastest Walt Disney World attraction provides you a sneak peek inside the world of automobile testing. Passengers in each "test" vehicle experience how GM cars and trucks are tested before being brought to market.
Cranium Command
Get inside a 12 year old boy’s brain. Buzzy, the ‘brain pilot’ will try to take command of body parts played by some of your favorite comedy stars. This is a humorous look at adolescence.
The Making of Me
The comic hero of this movie, looks back as his parents meet, fall in love, and conceive him. See the birth process which will answer questions like: Where did I come from? What’s it like being born?
Body Wars
Enter a body probe for a ride through an artery, but expect the unexpected. It is a motion simulator ride that miniaturizes you for your journey through the human body.
Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Enjoy the energy filled ride starring Ellen DeGeneres. This ride will take you through the creation of the universe, between and under dinosaurs and along to experience the Big Bang.
Spaceship Earth
Learn about the history of communications from cavemen to future centuries. The voice of actor Jeremy Irons guides you through this gentle 16-minute ride. As you journey though the Audio-Animatronic scenes, your seats eventually rotate to reveal a glorious star-filled night sky. You continue your trip backwards passing through the future.
The Living Seas
This takes you below the sea where there is a magical world of water-filled wonder in the largest man-made ocean environments. Here you will find Nemo and all of his friends among the fish and other sea creatures. Interactive stations will provide fun and learning for everyone. Turtle Talk with Crush is one of the newest Living Seas attractions.
Circle of Life
A film that combines animation, live action and Lion King Characters. Pumbaa and Simba realize how important the different kinds of plants and animals are to the health of the planet. This will allow you to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Living with the Land
This is a 14-minute boat ride through very unique indoor plant growing areas. An introduction shows tropic, desert and prairie biomes that existed before humans arrived. Your guide will explain all about the four greenhouses and the aquaculture facility.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Hop in the clamobile and meet all your Nemo pals as they swim among the live marine life in a gigantic aquarium. Delve into the deepest parts of the ocean as part of this fun-filled story. Afterwards, chill out and spend some time with Turtle Talk with Crush. This is a first of its kind live animated show.
“Honey, I Shrunk the Audience”
It is one of the most creative 3D movies of the late 1990s. This is a 20-minute misadventure with Professor Wayne Szalinski. Professor Szalinski is about to accept the Inventor of the Year Award, however, he had a little mishap with the remote for his hoverpod and he's flying out of control around the Institute. As part of the award ceremony, Professor Szalinski will demonstrate his Dimensional Duplicator and Incredible Shrinking Machine. You too will be shrunk as part of the misdirected laser beam. There are some super special effects, including feeling the wind from the hoverpod when the Professor flies into the theatre.
Journey Into the Imagination with Figment
Take a ride thought the imagination institute, where a purple dragon named Figment will follow along and put you to the test using your senses.
Ice Station Cool
Club Cool is the place to go to cool down and sip a free beverage or two. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this exhibit situated near Innoventions West, offers free samples of soft drinks from around the world, as well as the opportunity to purchase Coca-Cola merchandise.
Mission : SPACE
The earth will rumble, white clouds of exhaust stir as the ascent toward the sky starts and you are rocketed into space. Guests hear from CapCom and are asked to perform vital tasks that will land their spacecraft safely on Mars. Each guest will assume the role of Commander, Pilot, Navigator or Engineer. But there is no mission without surprise as guests encounter unexpected twists, turns and other challenges that test every astronaut. Quick thinking and fast reactions are needed by each guest to successfully complete the mission. Depending on what type of ride you want to experience, you can opt to join the Green Team or the Orange Team. Both adventures are out of this world.
Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab
Play the Mission: Space Race where two teams compete against each other to see who can rocket back to the space station first. Dock at the Space Base and explore the interactive crawl space. Don’t forget to check out Expedition Mars where all you need is a joy stick and a jet pack to discover the surface of Mars.
Soarin’
This ride sends you on a flight above the Golden State Bridge for a birds-eye view from 40 feet into the air of the rich landscape and topography. Soarin' is the newest addition to The Land pavilion at Epcot, complementing the popular pavilion's agriculture and ecology theme. Feel the wind rush buy you as you go where you may only dreamed about.
ImageWorks – The Kodak “What If” Labs
Let your imagination free in this interactive playground. Create music by waving your arms, videotape your image and play it back in super slow motion. Other experiments include stepping stones that create sounds and a special mirror that distorts your body. Play with some of the experiments. Children enjoy this interactive section. You can also send email postcards home from here.
Innoventions: The Road to Tomorrow
Disney has partnered with a variety of vendors to present the latest in cutting edge technology at Innoventions. The area is divided into Innoventions West, which is designated with blue signs, and Innoventions East, signed in green. Designed to create the effect of traveling along a highway, each area is numbered with a sign similar to those seen along U.S. Interstates. The miniature robot Tom Morrow 2.0 is your technoguide to the future.
Kidcot Funstops
Children will get a chance to travel the world discovering activity-filled crafts such as drawing, writing and stamping. Found over fourteen pavilions, their visions will come to life.
World Showcase Pavilions:
Travel the world in a day. Sail to distant shores and nations and experience all the possibilities on the planet and in the future. Lands that you will travel to and learn about culture include: Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, United Kingdom and the USA.
Norway Pavilion
Go inside the Stave Church to explore the Norse artifacts, dine inside a castle, or explore the age of the Vikings. Here you can ride Maelstrom where Trolls are out to get you as you explore the heritage of Norway on this adventure filled boat ride. Watch for polar bears and pirates as you hold on tight as you plummet backwards into the stormy North Sea.
Mexico Pavilion
Visit this festive pavilion with an active marketplace, music and dining. Enjoy the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros boat ride which follows the adventures of Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito from the Disney film “The Three Caballeros.” Experience the sights and sounds of Mexico’s people, history and culture.
Italy Pavilion
Walk through the amazing architecture reminiscent of Venice, including a version of the Campanile of St. Mark’s Square, bridges and gondolas. Eat sweets or enjoy an Italian full course meal.
Morocco Pavilion
This pavilion is divided into two sections, the Ville Nouvelle (new city) and the Medina (old city). Discover the shops featuring remarkable Rabat carpets, woven belts, beautiful brass pots and planters, and leather sandals. Watch the bellydancers at Restaurant Marrakesh and enjoy the music of Mo’Rockin’.
Germany Pavilion
Centered on a cobblestone plaza, this fairy-tale inspired village is very charming. Visit the shops which houses an amazing toy store and crystal jewelry. Experience the one-and-only Oktoberfest Musikanten at the Biergarten, or catch a quick bite of schnitzel at the Sommerfest. Don’t miss the daily wine tastings.
France Pavilion
Ever wanted to go to Paris? Now is your chance. Travel the streets through France and enjoy the stunning shops and dine at the exquisite bakeries and restaurants. Impressions de France panoramic film will allow you to experience France’s magnificent country. Ride boats on the Seine, ski over rocky peaks, race cars in Cannes, or clime the Eiffel Tower.
Canada Pavilion
Canada waits for you to explore a canyon, watch the rushing waterfall, and be thrilled by the gardens and architecture. Have a meal at Le Cellier Steakhouse, shop for folk art and pewter, and enjoy Off Kilter, celtic style. O Canada! Gives you the chance to discover this great land during a Circle-Vision 360° filmed presentation. You will be in the centre to watch all the glory of this country. See the wide open spaces, abundant wildlife, amazing cities, and magnificent Mountains and coastlines.
China Pavilion
Stand before the China Pavilion to take in the wonders. Relax in the serene garden and temple, visit shops for authentic Chinese goods, and enough the excellent cuisine. Watch for the incredible Dragon Legend Acrobats and the performances on the Chinese harp, SI XIAN. Reflections of China allow you to discover China like never before in a Circle-Vision 360° film. Go from Beijing to Shanghai, from inner Mongolia to the Forbidden City. Take this opportunity to see the Great Wall and discover this amazing Country.
Japan Pavilion
Shop here for authentic Japanese apparel, toys and Bonsai trees. Walk through and view the serene rock gardens, koi-filled pools and streams, and an amazing torii gate. There plenty of action that takes place here as well with the Taiko drummers, Matsuriza; the incredible candy artistry of Miyuki and lively restaurants.
U.S.A. Pavilion
Walk inside the Colonial-style structure that celebrates America. Walk through the Hall of Flags and enjoy the entertainment of the Spirit of America Fife & Drums Corp. The American Adventure is a theatrical event with authentic historical characters, magnificent music and effects on stage and the screen. Take this opportunity to meet inspiring American heroes.
United Kingdom Pavilion
Travel to England where you can walk through the area featuring a 1500s-style thatched-roof cottage and canal or listen to the music of British Invasion. Discover the shops filled with British toys, clothing, perfumes and soaps. Enjoy the popular fish and chips at the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room.
