EPCOT

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    ABOUT

    The future began on October 1, 1982. When E.P.C.O.T. Center (now known as EPCOT) opened, Disney and the world did not know what to expect. It was a far cry from the original Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow proposed by Walt Disney himself close to two decades earlier. Instead it was dubbed as a permanent World’s Fair. It was a blending of cultures in World Showcase and a blending of ideas in Future World.

    Early guests appreciated this blending of technology, culture, innovation and community but over the years the attitudes changed. The park was deemed too educational by its detractors. A variety of proposals to change the park were underway but they all shared the common thread that Epcot needed thrill rides. From 1999-2006 EPCOT saw classic attractions replaced by three innovative thrill rides: Test Track, Mission: SPACE and Soarin‘.

    As guest perspectives change in the future, the park is well equipped to adapt further down the road. In 2019, a major overhaul to Future World was announced, but due to the Coronavirus closure some or all of the proposed changes may be modified or eliminated entirely. The park is also set to welcome new experiences in the coming years that include the family coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the trackless dark ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the new fireworks show, HarmonioUS.

    A favorite to many, EPCOT exists as an integral part to the Walt Disney World Resort.

    DEDICATION PLAQUE

    Epcot

    To all who come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

    Welcome

    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.

    May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.

    E. Cardon Walker
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Walt Disney Productions
    October 24, 1982

    HISTORICAL NOTES

    Estimated attendance courtesy of Themed Entertainment Association TEA-ERA/AECOM for 2006-Present. Prior years courtesy of WDWMagic.com user donsullivan.

    Year Attendance % Change Global Rank
    2018 12,444,000 2.0% 7
    2017 12,200,000 4.2% 7
    2016 11,712,000 -0.7% 6
    2015 11,798,000 3.0% 6
    2014 11,454,000 2.0% 6
    2013 11,229,000 1.5% 5
    2012 11,063,000 2.2% 6
    2011 10,825,000 0.0% 6
    2010 10,825,000 -1.5% 5
    2009 10,990,000 0.5% 6
    2008 10,935,000 0.0% 6
    2007 10,930,000 4.5% 6
    2006 10,460,000 5.7% 6
    Pre 2005 data courtesy of WDWMagic.com user donsullivan
    Year Attendance % Change Walt Disney World Rank
    2005 9,900,000 5.3% 2
    2004 9,400,000 9.3% 2
    2003 8,600,000 3.9% 2
    2002 8,280,000 -8.0% 2
    2001 9,000,000 -15.1% 2
    2000 10,600,000 5.0% 2
    1999 10,100,000 -4.7% 2
    1998 10,596,750 -10.2% 2
    1997 11,800,000 5.4% 2
    1996 11,200,000 4.7% 2
    1995 10,700,000 10.3% 2
    1994 9,700,000 2.1% 2
    1993 9,500,000 -5.0% 2
    1992 10,000,000 -3.6% 2
    1991 10,372,619 1.0% 2
    1990 10,273,810 -18.9% 2
    1989 12,675,000 0.8% 2
    1988 12,576,190 -5.3% 2
    1987 13,277,381 19.8% 2
    1986 11,078,571 27.6% 2
    1985 8,679,762 -10.3% 2
    1984 9,680,952 1.0% 2
    1983 9,582,143 209.1% 2
    1982 3,100,000 – 2

     

    GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

    Extinct Areas:
    Innoventions EastInnoventions West
    Extinct Attractions:
    Ellen's Energy AdventureMaelstromMission: SPACE Green - Less Intense Training 2006-2017O Canada!Soarin'
    Extinct Restaurants:
    Club CoolElectric Umbrella RestaurantFountain ViewFountain View Ice CreamJapan Alcoholic Beverage CartJapan Food and Wine Festival Temporary BoothLiberty InnMargaritas Stand
    Extinct Shops:
    Art of Disney - Future WorldClub CoolElectric Umbrella Area Pin CartHeritage Manor GiftsJewelry CartPin Central
    Extinct Entertainment:
    Animales FantasticosCanadian LumberjacksFountain of NationsLa Vida AntiguaMoroccan StyleNorsk KulturSbandieratori Di SansepolcroSpirited BeastsThe SpectacuLABTomb WarriorsVikings Conquerors of the SeasWorld Showcase Players: United Kingdom
    Extinct Meet and Greet:
    Epcot Character SpotMeet Duffy the Disney Bear near Showcase PlazaPrinsesse Plass
    Extinct Events:
    2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2013 Holidays Around the World2013 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2014 Holidays Around the World2014 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2015 Holidays Around the World2015 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2016 Holidays Around the World2016 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series2017 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden FestivalLimited Time Magic - EpcotMickey's America StreetbeatPerfect Petals BrunchThanksgiving CelebrationYear of the Ear

    SIGNIFICANT PERSONNEL

    • Vice President: Melissa Valiquette (July 2015 – Current)
    • Vice President (Former): Sam Lau (April 2014 – July 2015)
    • Vice President (Former): Erin Youngs (Through April 2014) – Erin.Youngs@disney.com
    • Vice President (Former): Rilous Carter
    • Vice President (Former): Dan Cockerell
    • Imagineering Creative Lead for Epcot: Tom Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President, Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering (April 2014 – Present)
    • Imagineering Creative Lead for Epcot (Former): Kathy Mangum, Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering (July 2013 – April 2014)
    • Imagineering Creative Lead for Epcot (Former): Eric Jacobson, Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering (through July 2013)