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EPCOT

Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

After three years of construction- at the time, the largest construction project in the world- EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982. It was named in reference to the original EPCOT idea- Walt Disney’s Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which was a self-sustained town under the Disney Company. The concept included people living in EPCOT and working there and in the surrounding parks. In 1994, the name was changed to Epcot ’94, and the next year, Epcot ’95. In 1996, it was left as Epcot, a non-acronym word.

Epcot’s signature sphere- Spaceship Earth- houses an attraction that follows human communication from the far caveman past to present-day communications. Designed with help from Ray Bradbury, a well-known science fiction writer who also helped to develop the storyline for the ride, the 18-story sphere took 26 months to complete. The ride has been remodeled three times and is currently running on its fourth version. For almost seven years, the sphere has Mickey’s hand holding a wand with “2000” written on it, then “Epcot.” In 2007 it was removed and the sphere was restored to its original, unadorned appearance.

There are two sides to Epcot because while creating the theme park, two teams came up with two very different ideas; at one point, both park models were pushed together, and thus a new concept was born. Epcot is formed of two separate ideals- one represents the cutting edge of technology, while the other half represents international cultures. Epcot is able to successfully represent both, making it an extremely unique theme park. Epcot consists of two main areas; Future World and World Showcase

Future World is filled with technology that is just beginning to be created; it features many new advances in computer, auto, and other fields.

World Showcase is just that; it features small rides, presentations, or pavilions based on those countries. Cast members are usually natives, and merchandise and foods are traditional [and delicious!]. This is where culture and magic collide at Walt Disney World.

Take your family to the Disney vacation they always wanted.

At Epcot®, Disney's unique park of discovery, high tech fun and imagination are combined with the wonder of diverse cultures in two distinct worlds: Future World, an area consisting of a variety of different pavilions that explore innovative aspects and applications of technology, and the World Showcase, an expansive exhibit that explores the cultures of eleven different countries from around the world including Mexico, Japan and France, to name just a few. Both "worlds" are bursting with thrills and excitement.

Rocket into outer space in an all-new, one-of-a-kind astronaut-like experience. Mission: SPACE, presented by HP, blasts guests into the most thrilling ride ever, from the pulse-pounding liftoff to the spectacular sensations of traveling though space. Then buckle up for Test Track, and find out just how fast fast really is! Travel down the “Road to Tomorrow” at Innoventions® to experience new technologies first-hand... even before the rest of the world! Take a turbulent ride through the human body in Body Wars. Descend fathoms to an incredible underwater world at the Living Seas. Jump to the beat with an edible twist at Food Rocks! And, join Dr. Nigel Channing and the lovable, irrepressible Figment on a journey that will spark your imagination...and your senses.

But, that's only half the fun. In World Showcase, you can travel around the world...and you don't even need a passport! Eleven great nations offer the best of their food, music, products and culture. Journey through the poetic mountains of China; soar in a balloon over France; encounter tricky trolls on a Viking expedition in Norway; sail down a River of Time in Mexico. And the food! Gourmet French cuisine...succulent steaks from the Great White North... bratwurst and beer from Germany... Mediterranean sandwiches from Morocco...the finest seafood, sushi and vegetables from Japan...fresh-baked Norwegian pastries and desserts... it's an international feast of delectable delights. Plus, you can shop ‘til you drop, indulging in tempting Guerlain fragrances, Goebel Hummel figurines, glass etchings, antiques, trinkets, jewelry, gifts, toys and more. You'll find something to amaze and excite everywhere you turn...from living “statues” in France to rock ‘n' roll bagpipers in Canada.

The grand finale? IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, an inspiration of music, fireworks, lasers and special effects split into three movements titled "Chaos", "Order" and "Meaning" celebrating the planet we call home.

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