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[[Image{{Template:Spaceship_EarthInfobox amusement park | image=Spaceship Earth.jpg|thumb|caption='''Spaceship Earth , the icon of Epcot].'''| theme=Technology, The Future, Internationality| opening_date=October 1, 1982| homepage=[http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/ Epcot Homepage]| custom_label_1= Previously Known As| custom_value_1= EPCOT, EPCOT Center, EPCOT 94, EPCOT 95| icon=Spaceship Earth}}Epcot is a theme park located in Walt Disney World.

The genesis of Epcot began in EPCOT was laid out to be the early 1960s with Walt Disney himselfperfect city. After having many grandchildrenIt took its design from Disneyland, Walt began in that there would be a central hub that roads and monorails would connect to worry about the world they other parts of the city. The center “hub” of EPCOT would grow up inhave been a large business area <ref name= "film"/>. He looked around The area would have been under a dome that would control the cities of America temperature and though he could do betterweather. The cities were full of crimebusiness area would also have included office buildings, disorganizedshopping, dirty and hectic. Disneyland was the opposite “crown jewel” of these things and Walt decided he could take EPCOT, the Disneyland philosophy and apply it to Cosmopolitan Hotel, which would be located at the real worldcenter of EPCOT and would be 30 stories tall<ref name= "film"/>. Disneyland The hotel would also proved that Walt and his company was very efficient house (in the art basement) the transportation lobby of building and designing buildingsthe city<ref name= "film"/>. With these began Underground, People Movers would transport passengers to study the various parts of town, and read about how cars and trucks would also have underground highways that they would be able to start use (although no gas vehicles would travel above land)<ref name= "film"/>. The hub would also feature offices, theaters, nightlife, restaurants, and a cityshopping center that would sell items from around the world<ref name= "film"/>.

The idea Outside of a utopia city got it's the business area was to be the high density apartment housing<ref name in 1966= "film"/>. Walt Disney narrated a video in witch he described his dream city.The city Citizens who lived here would be housed near Disney World, and would be called have the Experimental Community luxury of Tomorrow or EPCOT. Walt called EPCOT, “the most exciting, by far the most important” and the heart of what he planned being close to do in Disney World. The city would take its cues from the new ideas and technologies of American industry and would be a “community of tomorrow”business area. Walt wanted to plan and design every detail Outside of the city, in order to meet the public's needs. Industry apartment housing was also expected to partner with Disney to solve be the problems recreation area, which would have consisted of the society things such as pools, parks, churches and make EPCOT an utopiaschools<ref name= "film"/>. Walt said that EPOCT Beyond the recreation area would never be finishedhave been the residential neighborhood, it where a large number of families would always be improvinghave lived. He hoped that when it was built it This area would house about 20,000 peoplehave consisted of housing and small recreation areas such as playgrounds<ref name= "film"/>.

EPCOT was laid out to be the perfect city. It took it's design from Disneyland, in that their would be a central hub that roads and monorails would connect to the other parts of the city. The center “hub” final part of EPCOT would have been a large business areathe industrial center<ref name= "film"/>. The area would have been under a dome that would control This is where companies from around the temperature and weather. The busines area world would have also included office buildings, shopping, and the “crown jewel” of EPCOT, Cosmopolitan Hotelwork on various projects<ref name= "film"/>. The hotel would Walt wanted guests to be located at the center of EPCOT able to visit these companies, and would be 30 stories tallhopefully take some inspiration for industry home with them <ref name= "florida"/>. The Hotel would also house (in the basement) the transportation lobby Citizens of EPCOT. Underground, People Movers would transport people take a monorail to the various parts rest of EPCOT. Cars Walt Disney World and Trucks would also have underground highways that they would be able to use. No gas vehicles would travel above land. Also in the business area of EPCOT would be a shopping industrial center featuring items from around the world. Offices, theaters, nightlife The monorail and restaurants would all the [[People Mover]] were expected to be found in the business areamain methods of transportation in EPCOT thus eliminating traffic<ref name= "film"/>.

Outside ===From City to Theme Park===When Walt Disney died in 1966, the future of EPCOT was forever changed. In 1967 the business area would be the high density apartment housingReedy Creek Improvement District was signed into law giving Disney more liberties when it came to construction <ref name= "widen"> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/epcot.htm </ref>. Furthermore, Citizens who lived here would have the luxury state of being close to business areaFlorida created the cities of Bay Lake and Reedy Creek, but would live in apartment complexeswhich were essentially governed by the Walt Disney Company <ref> http://www. Outside bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2004/02/23/story1.html </ref>. Although this seemed like the first step towards the construction of EPCOT, Disney’s board of the apartment housing was directors decided that they did not want to be build the recreation areacity. The recreation area would have Despite Roy O. Disney’s desire to see EPCOT built, when Walt Disney World opened in 1971 it consisted of things such as poolsonly the [[Magic Kingdom]], parksthe Contemporary, church's the Polynesian and schools. Beyond the recreation area Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. [[Image:EpcotConcept.jpg|thumb|400px|EPCOT Center concept art.| alt= EPCOT Concept Art]]By 1975, Disney had determined that EPCOT as a day to day community was not a feasible idea. Instead, Disney announced that they would have been be taking the residential neighborhood. This is where ideals and goals of EPCOT and building it in the form of a large number theme park. In July of families 1975 Disney announced that their plans for EPCOT would have livedthree main components <ref name= "florida"/>. The area first component would be the EPCOT Institute, which would have consisted helped facilitate the flow of housing research and small recreation areas information from EPCOT’s other components to the park's sponsors and the general public<ref name= "florida"/>. The second component of EPCOT would be various “satellites” where research and development of future products and new systems in fields such as playgrounds: energy, communication, agriculture, and education would take place<ref name= "florida"/>. The EPCOT satellites would be located both on Walt Disney World property and off<ref name= "florida"/>. The third, and most perhaps most prominent component of the 1975 EPCOT plan, was the Future World Theme Center<ref name= "florida"/>. Here, guests would be able to visit various pavilions that showed the research that was being done at EPCOT. Fields including communication, science and technology would all be showcased in the Future World Theme Center<ref name= "florida"/>.

The final part To go along with the scientific and futuristic components of EPCOT would have been the industrial center, Disney also announced related plans for World Showcase and International Village <ref name= "showcase"> https://sites. This is where companies from around google.com/site/theoriginalepcot/the -world would work on various projects-showcase </ref>. Walt wanted guests World Showcase was to be able an area that allowed guests to visit these companies and hopefully take some inspiration for industry home with themexperience the different cultures of the world. In order to get Each country would have its own exhibits space, in a vein similar to a World’s Fair<ref name= "showcase"/>. Furthermore, the rest of Walt Disney World showcase would show how technology and communication could promote the EPCOT industrial center, citizens betterment of EPCOT all nations. The International Village on the other hand, would take be a monorailplace where the international cast members that worked in World Showcase would live <ref> https://www. mouseplanet.com/8907/The_Other_Epcot </ref> The Monorail and the People Mover were expected World Showcase area was to be built separately from the main methods Future World Theme Center; however the two locations would be connected by monorail <ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/06/18/415.aspx </ref>. This new version of transportation in Walt’s original EPCOT thus eliminating traffic.idea was described in the 1975 annual report:

===From City {{Quotation| EPCOT will be to Theme Park===respond to the needs of people by providing a Disney-designed and Disney-managed forum where creative men and women of science, industry, universities, government and the arts - from around the world - can develop, demonstrate and communicate prototype concepts and new technologies, which can help mankind to achieve better ways of living. <ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2011/08/01/how-disney-s-dream-of-building-epcot-the-city-sank-in-lake-buena-vista.aspx#sthash.7aK1GHnl.dpuf </ref>}}

When Walt Disney died ====Development and Construction====[[Image:epcotconstruction.jpg|thumb|400px|The World of Motion (front), Universe of Energy (middle) and Spaceship Earth (back) under construction.| alt= Future World Under Construction]]Following Disney’s announcement of EPCOT, plans for their newest theme park remained in 1966 flux. By 1976, the future scope of the project had been narrowed, with one section of the park being the Future World Theme Center, and the other section being World Showcase. Imagineers Marty Sklar and John Hench literally had pushed models of the two areas together, creating the unified EPCOT was forever changedthat would eventually be built <ref> https://sites. 1967 google.com/site/theoriginalepcot/becoming-epcot-center </ref>. During the Reedy Creek Improvement District ongoing development, the name of the park was signed into law giving Disney more liberties when it came changed to construction. Although this seemed like EPCOT Center, and the first step towards parameters of what the construction park would include were more clearly defined. The Future World portion of EPCOTCenter would contain various pavilions including: [[Spaceship Earth]], [[CommuniCore]], the board of Life and Health Pavilion, the directors decided [[Transportation pavilion]], [[The Seas]], [[The Land]], the [[Space pavilion]], and the [[Energy pavilion]] <ref> http://www.mainstgazette.com/2010/04/master-plan-5.html </ref>. Like Future World, World Showcase had also changed dramatically since its initial incarnation. By 1977, World Showcase was designed so that they did not want all of the countries’ exhibits were now surrounding a central lagoon. Another change in the area had to build EPCOT. Although Roy Odo with the exterior architecture. Initially, Disney (and CEO Card Walker) had wanted the city builtexterior facades of each country’s pavilion to be identical and interconnected <ref name= "primer"> Crawford, when Michael. The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Walt Disney . N.p.: Progress City, L.L.C, 2015. Print. </ref>. Imagineer Harper Goff on the other hand, felt that the pavilions should be highly themed and unique, with landmarks from each country drawing guests towards the pavilion <ref name= "primer"/>. Although Goff’s idea was initially rejected, the Imagineer continued to press the issue. One day, when various international sponsors were touring the plans for World opened it consisted of only The Magic KingdomShowcase, Goff left paintings of the Contemporaryhighly themed and aesthetically pleasing pavilions on display<ref name= "primer"/>. Due to the enthusiastic response of the investors, Goff won out, and the Fort Wilderness campgroundsWorld Showcase pavilions were given unique exteriors<ref name= "primer"/>. Initially planned as a six year project, construction on EPCOT Center began in October 1979, with a projected opening date of October 1, 1982 <ref name= "korkis"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10081/Building_Epcot_Center_1982 </ref>. At this time, EPCOT Center was considered the largest construction project in the world<ref name= "korkis"/>.

In ===Opening===Despite the late 1970's Disney CEO Card Walker revisited the EPCOT idea to the board massive amount of directors. Once again howeverconstruction that was necessary, the idea EPCOT Center was scrapped. The company felt that people would no want to come live ready in a place where they would constantly be watched and analyzed. In time for its targeted opening day- October 1, 1982 it was decided that EPCOT would open as a theme park, not a city<ref name= "day"> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead. The theme park was named EPCOT Center to reflect the fact that com/epcotgrandopening.html </ref>. When the park would get opened it's inspiration from Walt's EPCOT cityfeatured nine pavilions in World Showcase and seven pavilions in Future World <ref name= "day"/>. The park took On October 1, the idea International Ceremony of promoting technology and incorporated it the Waters took place, where containers of water from 25 bodies of water, representing 29 countries were poured into attractions. The Imageneers at the company were divided over what the park should look likeFountain of Nations <ref> https://disneyparks. Some felt it should be a futuristic theme park that would help promote technologydisney. Others felt that an international themed park, one that celebrated different culturesgo. After much heated debatecom/blog/2013/10/vintage-walt-disney-world-fountain-of-nations-dedication-at-epcot/ </ref>. A Grand Opening Week was then held from October 17-October 27, two Imagineers literally pushed together during which many of the two models. EPCOT now resembled a worldpark's fairindividual pavilions were dedicated. On hand for the festivities were VIP Cast Members including Walt’s widow Lillian, key members of the press, celebrities (including Drew Barrymore and would later be called “a permanet world's fairMarie Osmond) and top executives from sponsor companies <ref name= "allears"> http://allears.”net/ae/issue678.htm </ref>. On October 24, Disney CEO Card Walker officially dedicated the new park:

===Construction Walker's dedication was followed by speeches from Florida Governor Bob Graham and LayoutAT&T president William Ellinghouse <ref name=== In 1978 Disney announced they would be constructing a new theme park, the EPCOT Center"allears"/>. Construction began Also on May 1hand for the opening were marching bands and dancers who performed, 1979 “We've Only Just Begun To Dream” and was completed September 27a new Sherman Brother’s song, 1982“World Showcase March” <ref name= "planet"> https://www. Epcot went under 19 mouseplanet.com/10072/EPCOT_Centers_First_October </ref>. Various musical acts from different design renovations before the final countries also performed in World Showcase/Future World design was accepted. Originally, the east side of Future World was supposed to have shallow lagoons. This idea was eventually scrapped and East Future World became the dry side, while West Future World became the wet one. 4,000 workers worked on phase festivities concluded with 1 of Epcot. 10,000 workers doves and 315,000 designers were used 00 balloons being released in total during celebration <ref name= "planet"/>. Also of note, CBS aired a television special, ''EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration'', which was hosted by Danny Kaye and actually aired the day before the creation of Epcotofficial dedication, October 23 <ref name= "planet"/>. This included moving an astonishing The opening day EPCOT Center pavilions were:

While {| class="infoList" |-| '''Future World (Sponsor)'''| '''World Showcase'''|-| [[CommuniCore East]] (Sponsor by attraction)| [[Canada]]|-| [[CommuniCore West]] (Sponsor by attraction)| [[China]]|- | [[Journey Into Imagination]] (Kodak)| [[France]]|- | [[The Land]] (Kraft)| [[Italy]]|-| [[Spaceship Earth]]/Earth Station (Bell System)| [[Japan]]|-| [[Universe of Energy]](Exxon)| [[Germany]]|- | [[World of Motion]] (General Motors)| [[Mexico]]|-| | [[The United Kingdom]]|-| | [[American Adventure]]|}  ====History Since Opening Day========EPCOT Center (1982-1994)====[[Image:horizonspavilion.jpg|thumb|400px|In 1983 Horizons became the basic plans for Epcot had now been decided, Imagineers decided that they needed an icon, something in the skyline first pavilion added to draw guests into EPCOT Center| alt= "Horizons"]]After the parkGrand Opening in October of 1982, EPCOT Center continued to expand rapidly. The Imagineers liked first expansion, known as Phase II, began on October 1, 1983 with the idea of addition the dome Horizons pavilion <ref name= "horizons"> http://www.lostepcot.com/horizons.html </ref>. Horizons, which was sponsored by General Electric <ref name= "horizons"/>, was a dark ride attraction that Montreal had built for took guests into the 1967 World's Fair21st century, but wanted something a little more dramaticto see what the future might be like. What they ended up building The attraction would be one of EPCOT Center's most popular rides in the 1980s. One year after the addition of Horizons, the [[Morocco]] pavilion opened in World Showcase <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/09/vintage-walt-disney-world-morocco-pavilion-opens-at-epcot/ </ref>. Although the pavilion didn's first geometric spheret feature any new attractions, Spaceship Earththe popular Restaurant Marrakesh opened at this time. Science fiction writer Raymond Bradbury helped Future World saw even more expansion in 1986 when [[The Living Seas]] opened on January 15th <ref name= "seas"> http://www.lostepcot.com/livingseas.html </ref>. Although a Seas pavilion had always been planned for EPCOT Center, changes in design and budget constraints delayed the spherepavilion’s construction. Sponsored by United Technologies, which The Living Seas focused on oceanic study, and housed the world’s largest aquarium (at the time of its construction) <ref name= "seas"/>.  World Showcase was 160 feet the next area to expand, when in diameter1988 the [[Norway]] pavilion was completed <ref> https://disneyparks. Disney also enlisted disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/this-day-in-disney-history-norway-pavilion-debuts/ </ref>. Although not ready for the help of MIT pavilion’s opening, the popular [[Maelstrom]] attraction opened later in 1988 <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/July05.html </ref>. In 1989 the final pavilion was added to determine what kind Epcot, The Wonders of pressure Life. The pavilion was sponsored by MetLife and featured the sphere would create under itpopular motion simulator Body Wars, as well as Cranium Command and the Making of Me <ref> http://www. Disney feared that yesterland.com/erasing.html </ref>. The addition of the pressure would create a wind tunnel underneath Wonders of Life signaled the end of EPCOT Center’s expansion.  Beginning in the sphere1990s, but EPCOT Center (specifically Future World) went through a series of refurbishments and change. From 1993 through 1994 The Land pavilion was altered through a sequence of refurbishments. At this ended up being untruetime, Kraft assumed sponsorship of the pavilion and Food Rocks, [[Living with the Land]], and [[Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable]] replaced the pavilion's original attractions <ref> http://www. Another problem martinsvids.net/?p=654 </ref>. ====Epcot (1994-2017)====In 1994 the name of the park itself also changed to "EPCOT '94" as an illusion to the World’s Fair atmosphere that engineers facednow defined EPCOT <Ref name= "year"> http://www.disneydrawingboard.com/WDW/ECArea/EC%20Park/ECPark.html </ref>. Also in 1994, CommuniCore closed its doors for a lengthy renovation <ref name= "communicore"> http://www.lostepcot.com/communicore.html </ref>. In order to revive the dated CommuniCore’s popularity, new interactive exhibits featuring hands-on activities were added. On July 1, 1994, the pavilion reopened as [[Innoventions]] <ref name= "communicore"/>. Besides changing exhibits, Innoventions also featured darker and metallic looking aesthetics<ref name= "communicore"/>. Another change hit Epcot in 1994 was how General Electric ending its sponsorship of Horizons <ref name= "horizons"/>. Although the pavilion initially closed, it later reopened in 1995 due to hold the sphere uprenovations taking place in The World of Motion and [[Universe of Energy]] pavilions<ref name= "horizons"/>. There had been little information available into geometric spheres so Also in 1995, the name EPCOT '94 was updated to EPCOT '95, before Disney finally settled on simply “Epcot” in 1996 <ref name= "year"/>. Of note, is the fact that the new name was not capitalized as it had to look inward been in the past; which meant that the name was no longer an acronym. In January of 1996, The Universe of Energy closed for a solutionmajor refurbishment <ref name= "energy"> http://www. What they decided to do was put six large legs between 120 and 160 feet into martinsvids.net/?tag=the ground for support-universe-of-energy-pavilion</ref>. The legs were then reinforced at pavilion reopened in September of that year, as [[Ellen's Energy Adventure]] <ref name= "energy"/>. Although the top main focus and some of the legsattraction’s scenes remained intact, before with the sphere was builtaddition of Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy, the pavilion took on a more comedic tone <ref name= "energy"/>. Inside  More closures hit Epcot in 1996 when the sphere an elevator[[World of Motion]] closed <ref name= "motion"> http://www.lostepcot.com/worldofmotion.html </ref>. After a series of delays, trackthe pavilion reopened in 1999 as [[Test Track]] <ref name= "motion"/>. Still sponsored by General Motors, and show scenes Test Track took guests through the rigors of automobile testing procedures, including a speed test where guests reached a maximum speed of 65 mph<ref name= "motion"/>. [[Image:TestTrackPavilion.jpg|thumb|400px|Test Track replaced the World of Motion pavilion. Photo by HarshLight]] Change continued to be a constant at Epcot, as the park got ready for Spaceship Earth were builtits Millennium Celebration. There is actually two spheres located within Spaceship earth and outer In 1998, the popular [[Journey Into Imagination pavilion]] closed for refurbishment <ref name= "imagination"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=95 </ref>. During the renovation, the [[Journey Into Imagination attraction]] was replaced by the unpopular [[Journey Into Your Imagination]], and an innerthe upstairs [[ImageWorks]] was closed off to guests (a smaller ImageWorks reopened in the pavilion's first floor) <ref name= "imagination"/>. Following the renovation, the pavilion was renamed simply Imagination! <ref name= "imagination"/>.  The inside sphere is made following year, in January of steel1999, pyramid shaped pipesHorizons closed for good <ref name= "horizons"/>. The outside pavilion had remained unsponsored since GE ended its sponsorship in 1994, and it was then covered with Alucobond pyramidsbeginning to look dated<ref name= "horizons"/>. As opposed to repurposing the pavilion, Disney instead chose to demolish it, to create room for the previously announced [[Mission: Space]] pavilion<ref name= "horizons"/>. In 2000, Disney also decided to add a polyester plasticlarge mickey arm holding a wand to the top of Spaceship Earth <ref name= "wand"> http://www.yesterland.com/icontower.html </ref>. The large dedication “2000” was also added at the end of the wand, covered although this was subsequently changed to “Epcot” starting in two sheets of aluminum2001 <ref name= "wand"/>.

Following the addition of the wand, Epcot stayed relativity stagnant until 2003 when [[Mission: Space]] finally opened <ref name= "space"> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/epfw-mission.htm </ref>. The two layer sphere solved two problems new attraction was a motion simulator thrill ride which was themed as an astronaut training program for Imagineersthe first flight to Mars <ref name= "space"/>. In 2005, another simulator was added to the park, this time to the Land pavilion, in the form of the new attraction [[Soarin' Over California]] <ref name= "soarin"> http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=208 </ref>. Initially created for Disney’s California Adventure, this motion simulator gave guests the feeling they were hang gliding over California <ref name= "soarin"/>.  In 2006, The Living Seas was rethemed to tie in with the Disney-Pixar movie Finding Nemo and subsequently renamed [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends]] <ref name= "seas"/>. The pavilion now housed a dark ride attraction (also called the Seas with Nemo & Friends), as well as Turtle Talk with Crush, and the interactive exhibits in Sea Base<ref name= "seas"/>. Overall, the pavilion took on more of a fantasy tone, as opposed to the previous scientific tone of the pavilion. The next major change to Epcot came in 2007, when the Wonders of Life Pavilion closed <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/erasing.html </ref>. The pavilion had not been sponsored since 2001 when MetLife dropped its sponsorship, and had seen a decrease in popularity <ref> http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2001/06/25/story7.html </ref>. The Wonders of Life pavilion remains closed to guests, except during special events like the Flower and Wine Festival. In March of 2015, Disney announced that all of the Innoventions West exhibits would be closing <ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-epcot-innoventions-west-closing-20150320-post.html </ref>. Despite these closures, the Chase Character Meet & Greet remained open <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/innoventions/news/24apr2015-epcot's-chase-meet-and-greet-to-continue-at-inventions-west.htm </ref>.====A Remimagined Epcot (2017-Present)====[[Image:Epcotneighborhoods.jpg|thumb|400px|Concept Art showing the "neighborhoods" of Epcot.]]  At the 2017 D23 Expo, Disney announced that a series of major changes would be coming to Epcot <ref name="expo"> https://insidethemagic.net/2017/07/d23-expo-2017-big-changes-announced-epcot-ratatouille-guardians-galaxy-rides-future-world-overhaul-much/ </ref>. As a part of the park-wide refurbishment, the company stated that the [[Universe of Energy]] would close for the addition of a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction<ref name="expo"/>. Furthermore, Epcot President Tom Fitzgerald announced that a new space themed restaurant would open next to [[Mission: Space]], which would also be receiving a new "Green Team" mission. At this time, Disney further revealed concept art for a redesigned entrance area for Epcot<ref name="expo"/>.  Like Future World, as part of the Epcot overhaul, a number of changes were also announced for World Showcase. Most significantly, Disney announced that the Ratatouille attraction from Disneyland Paris would be added to an expanded [[France]] pavilion<ref name="expo"/>. Additionally, Fitzgerald stated that the [[China]] pavilion would be receiving a new seamless CircleVision film. True to previous announcement, on August 13, 2017, the Universe of Energy pavilion closed. <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-ratatouille-attractions-coming-to-epcot/ </ref>. On February 21, 2019, Disney announced that a new "PLAY! pavilion" would be coming to the former Wonders of Life building <ref name="play"> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/02/first-of-its-kind-play-pavilion-new-park-entrance-part-of-epcots-historic-transformation/ </ref>. Imagineer Zach Riddley noted that the pavilion would be "Built on the power of play, (and) it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.<ref name="play"/>" Although an official opening date was not given, the need pavilion was expected to protect open in time for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021. As part of the ongoing transformation of Epcot, in July 2019, Disney gave updated information about the future of Innoventions <ref name="wdwmagicepcot> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/03jul2019-summary-of-all-the-closures-coming-to-epcots-future-world.htm </ref> . At this time, Disney announced that [[Innoventions East]] and the nearby Fountain of Nations would be permanently closing on September 8, 2019 <ref name= "wdwmagicepcot"/>. Furthermore, it was announced that the [[Electric Umbrella]] and [[Club Cool]] would be closing in the Winter of 2019. Also closing at this time is Innovention's other dining option, the [[FountainView]] and the Mouse Gear store, which subsequently reopened in a temporary location <ref name= "wdwmagicepcot"/>. On August 25, 2019, Disney announced that as part of Epcot's overhaul, "Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take you to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility. <ref name="newepcot"> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/new-details-revealed-for-the-historic-transformation-of-epcot-underway-at-walt-disney-world-resort/ </ref>" At this time, Disney stated that Epcot's new World Celebration neighborhood would incorporate an updated [[Spaceship Earth from fire ]], a new three story festival center, the park's redesigned entrance plaza, and weather damagea new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point <ref name="newepcot"/>. This neighborhood was also expected to feature a statue of Walt Disney. Although not mentioned by Disney, the [[Imagination!]] was incorporated into World Celebration <ref name="newepcot"/>. Furthermore, as part of the construction of World Celebration a version of EPCOT Center's original entrance fountain was re-installed in front of [[Spaceship Earth]]. The Alucobond protects new fountain debuted on December 22, 2020 <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/22dec2020-photos---construction-walls-down-at-epcot-reveal-new-main-entrance-fountain.htm M </ref>.  World Nature, the inside spherepark's second new neighborhood, was inititialy made up of [[The Land]] and [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends]] pavilions. As part of the new neighborhood announcement, Disney stated their plants to bring a brand new interactive experience titled Journey of Water, inspired by Disney's Moana<ref name="newepcot"/> to the area. On this lush exploration trail, guests will get to meet and play with magical water, while also looking pleasant learning about the importance of the natural water cycle.  The final new neighborhood to come to Epcot was World Discovery. This area is composed of [[Test Track]], [[Mission: Space]], [[Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind]] and the new Space 220 Restaurant<ref name="newepcot"/>. Due to these changes, the Future World label that had been a staple of Epcot since it opened was phased out of use. On September 30, 2019, ImmuniNations: Reflections of Earth was performed for the final time <ref> https://insidethemagic.net/2019/04/illuminations-closing-date-epcot/ </ref>. The following night, October 1, 2019, Epcot Forever made its debut. This new nighttime spectacular allowed gueststo "celebrate the past, present and future of Epcot through this dazzling fireworks and special-effects spectacular". Epcot Forever was initallly concived as a temporary show, which would be performed until Harmonious debuted on October 1, 2012. Also on October 1, 2019, the EPCOT Experience opened in the former Odyssey Restaurant location <ref> https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201910/7037/M/</ref>. Inside the EPCOT Experience, guests could see a stylized model of Epcot's future, as well as a 12 minute 360 degree film that celebrated the park's past, and gave guests a glimpse at its future. In addition to this look ahead, the Preview Center also featured artifacts from Epcot's history and merchandise locations. In July 2020, Disney gave an update on the future of World Celebration. At this time, the company revealed that the multi-tier festival center that it had originally envisioned. Following this announcment, the upcoming Dreams Point area was described by Disney as a place to "explore lush gardens, listen to stirring musical performances and delight in festival fun at Dreamers Point. Here, you’ll also discover a statue of Walt Disney—a reminder for us all to dream big." <ref> https://blogmickey.com/2023/01/world-celebration-dreamers-point-walkways-take-shape-in-the-pit-at-epcot/ </ref>. On October 1, 2021, EPCOT officially dropped the Future World name. Instead, the park was officially re-zoned into the four neighborhoods- World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase <ref>https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/27sep2021-epcot-will-officially-drop-the-future-world-name-from-october-1-as-the-park-become-comprised-of-four-neighborhoods.htm </ref>. On March 14, 2022, the EPCOT Experience closed in the Odyssey pavilion. At this time, the Odyssey returned to its former function as the park's festival center <ref> https://wdwnt.com/2022/03/epcot-experience-closing-permanently-on-march-14/ </ref>. ' The next major change to EPCOT came on May 27, 2022 when the [[Wonders of Xandar]] pavilion opened in World Discovery. EPCOT's first "other problem world" pavilion, Wonders of Xandar holds [[Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind]] and the [[Treasures of Xandar]] shop <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/05/guardians-of-the-galaxy-cosmic-rewind-opens-at-epcot/ </ref>. ==Current Pavilions==To see the current Epcot map [https://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/epcot.htm '''Click Here'''.] [[Image:EpcotGuidemap2022.jpg|thumb|400px|The 2021 Epcot map (click to enlarge).]] ===World Nature===Formally known as Future World West, World Nature is made up of The Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Imagination! and the future Journey of Water attraction. ====Imagination!====Main Article: [[Imagination!]] Formally known as Journey Into Imagination, the Imagination! pavilion opened in 1982 and is located in World Nature. Inside Imagination! guests can visit the dark ride [[Journey Into Imagination With Figment]], and the [[Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival]]. Also located within the pavilion is the interactive [[ImageWorks]], which houses individual exhibits that Alucobond solved allow guests to explore their imagination. ====The Land==== Main Article: [[The Land]] Perhaps the most popular pavilion in Epcot, The Land opened with the park in 1982 and is located in World Nature. Inside the pavilion guests will find [[Soarin' Around the World]], a motion simulator attraction that takes them hang gliding over various world landmarks, as well as the boat ride [[Living with the Land]]. The Land pavilion also houses a working greenhouse, which grows much of the food that is used in the pavilion's restaurants- the [[The Garden Grill Restaurant]] and the [[Sunshine Seasons]]. ====The Seas With Nemo & Friends====Main Article: [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends]][[Image:SeasWithnemo.jpg|thumb|400px|The Living Seas was renamed The Seas with Nemo and Friends in 2006. Photo by Josh Hallett]]Formally known as the issue Living Seas, this pavilion opened in 1986 in World Nature. Initially known for its large Caribbean Coral Reef aquarium, The Seas With Nemo & Friends now features a dark ride (also named The Seas with Nemo and Friends) that takes guests through the story of runthe Disney-off rainwaterPixar film Finding Nemo. Imagineers left Also located in the Seas pavilion is Turtle Talk With Crush, an interactive “digital puppetry” show that allows guests to interact with Crush the turtle from Finding Nemo. Finally, the Seas with Nemo & Friends also houses Sea Base, an underwater research facility with Finding Nemo themed exhibits. The only restaurant in the pavilion is the [[Coral Reef Restaurant]] which specializes in seafood. ===World Celebration===The central neighborhood in Epcot, World Celebration is made up of Spaceship Earth, the Creations Shop, [[Connections Cafe and Eatery]] and Club Cool. World Celebration will also be the future home of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, multipurpose indoor and outdoor event spaces. ====Spaceship Earth==== Main Article: [[Spaceship Earth]] The icon of the park, Spaceship Earth opened in 1982 and is located in World Celebration. The attraction is a gap between dark ride that takes guests through the history human communication. From 2005 until 2017 Spaceship Earth was sponsored by Siemens, who added and emphasis on new technology, and how it could impact the fuspaceture. ===World Discovery===Formally known as Future World East, World Discovery is made up of the Test Track and Mission: Space, as well as the future Play Pavilion and Wonders of Xandar pavilion. ====Mission Space====Main Article: [[Mission: Space]] Mission: Space opened in 2003 in what was then Future World East (now World Discovery), in the location originally occupied by the Horizons pavilion. Mission: Space is a motion simulator attraction that allows guests to experience astronaut training for the first manned trip to Mars. After riding Mission Space guests can explore the Alucobond pyramids Advanced Training Lab which features a competition game and interactive exhibits. ====Test Track==== Main Article: [[Test Track (Pavilion)]] The fastest attraction in Disney World, Test Track opened on December 19, 1998 in what was then Future World East (now World Discovery). Test Track replaced the World of Motion attraction, which had been open from 1982 until 1996. The attraction allows water guests to run into design their own cars and then test them on the "SimTrack". The apex of the attraction is a gutter system 65 MPH speed test that concludes the attraction. General Motors has sponsored the pavilion in both its World of Motion and Test Track forms. ====Wonders of Xandar==== Main Article: [[Wonders of Xandar]] Opening in 2022, the inner sphere Wonders of Xandar pavilion houses the [[Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind]] attraction. Described as Epcot's first "other-world" showcase pavilion, Wonders of Xandar allows gusts to visit the Galaxarium, where the people of Xandar showcase their world, people, and advanced technologies. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, is a new innovative roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus rider's attention on specific action. ===World Showcase=== ====Mexico====Main Article: [[Mexico]] The Mexico pavilion opened in 1982, and is the first pavilion guests reach if they go left at the entrance to World Showcase. The pavilion itself is shaped like a large Mesoamerican pyramid and it houses the boat ride attraction, [[The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros]]. Also located within the pavilion is the San Angel Inn (a Mexican restaurant) as well as a Mexican shopping area. Outside of the pavilion guests can eat at either the [[Cantina de San Ángel]] or the [[La Hacienda de San Angel]] which are counter service restaurants located on World Showcase Lagoon. ====Norway====[[Image:Illuminations.jpg|thumb|400px|Illuminations taking place on World Showcase Lagoon. Photo by CL Photographs]]Main Article: [[Norway]] If guests continue to go around World Showcase clockwise, the next country they will find themselves in is Norway. Norway opened in 1988 and is themed to resemble a small Norwegian town. The Norway pavilion was formally home to [[Maelstrom]]- a boat ride that took guests through scenes depicting Norse and Viking mythology. Norway is also home to a detailed Stave church and a large shop, as well as two dining options- Kringla Bakeri og Kafe and Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. A new attraction, [[Frozen Ever After]], opened in 2016. ====China====Main Article: [[China]] The China pavilion is located next to Norway, and opened with the park in 1982. The pavilion is themed to look like an ancient Chinese town, and features the Circle Vision 360 film [[Reflections of China]]. Also in China is the table service restaurant [[Nine Dragons]] which features gourmet, traditional Chinese food. A quick services restaurant, the [[Lotus Blossom Cafe]] also sells Chinese cuisine. ====Germany====Main Article: [[Germany]] As guests pass through China the next pavilion they will come across is Germany. The Germany pavilion opened with the rest of World Showcase in 1982, and is themed to look like a small German town. The pavilion was supposed to have a boat attraction like Norway and Mexico, however due to lack of funding the attraction was never built. The Germany pavilion is home to [[Biergarten]] (a buffet style German restaurant) and [[Sommerfest]] (a quick service restaurant). ====Italy====Main Article: [[Italy]] The Italy pavilion is located next to Germany and is the farthest point from the World Showcase entrance. The pavilion opened in 1982 and is adorned with architecture from Venice, Florence, and Rome, along with recreations of Italian landmarks such as St. Mark's Campanile and Dodge's Palace. Although Italy does not have an attraction (a planned boat ride was never built), it does feature two table service restaurants, [[Tutto Italia Ristorante]] and [[Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria]]. ====The American Adventure====[[Image:AAPicture.jpg|400px|thumb|The American Adventure pavilion is the centerpiece of World Showcase]]Main Article: [[The American Adventure]] The next pavilion guests encounter after passing through Italy is The American Adventure. The American Adventure opened in 1982, and is themed to look like a colonial American town. The pavilion is located in the center of World Showcase due to the fact that America is the host pavilion of the showcase. Inside of the American Adventure pavilion, guests can see the Voices of Liberty perform before eventually draining experiencing the [[American Adventure attraction]], which uses film, images and Audio Animatronics to take guests through America’s history. The pavilion is also home to the [[Regal Eagle Smokehouse]]- a counter service restaurant that sells American cuisine, and the American Gardens Theater, which is an outdoor amphitheater. ====Japan====Main Article: [[Japan]] The Japan pavilion opened with the park in 1982, and is located next to the American Adventure. The Japan pavilion is themed with various Japanese buildings including tori gates and a Japanese castle. Although the pavilion does not have an attraction, it does have an exhibit called the Bijutsu-kan which displays Japanese art. The Japan pavilion is also home to three restaurants: [[Teppan Edo]] (a stir fry restaurant), [[Tokyo Dining]] (sushi), and finally the [[Katsura Grill]] (traditional counter service restaurant). ====Morocco====Main Article: [[Morocco]] After guests pass through Japan, the next country they enter is Morocco. Morocco is the only pavilion in World Showcaseto have been sponsored by a country, not a corporation. When it opened in 1984, Morocco was the first pavilion to be added to World Showcase, and it is themed to look like a realistic Moroccan town that even features a real minaret. Although the pavilion does not have an attraction, it does feature the Fes House, which shows guests what a typical Moroccan house looks like. The Morocco pavilion is also home to two restaurants, [[Restaurant Marrakesh]] and [[Tangierine Café]], which are table service restaurants that serve typical Moroccan cuisine. ====France====Main Article: [[France]] The France pavilion is located next to Morocco and opened with the park in 1982. The pavilion is themed to look like a Paris neighborhood, and even features a model Eiffel Tower. In total the France pavilion houses three restaurants- the table service [[Monsieur Paul]], the quick service [[Boulangerie Patisserie]], and finally the bakery [[Les Chefs de France]]. The France pavilion is also home to one attraction, [[Impressions de France]], which is a travelogue film set to classical music and shown on a 200 degree screen, as well as the [[Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along]]. ====The United Kingdom====Main Article: [[The United Kingdom]] Neighboring France on the right is the United Kingdom pavilion. The United Kingdom opened with the park in 1982 and is themed to look like a typical English village. Although there is no attraction in the pavilion, there are two restaurants and six stores. The [[Rose & Crown]] is a table service restaurant that specializes in English food, while the [[Yorkshire County Fish Shop]] is a quick service restaurant that sells fish, chips and shortbread. ====Canada====Main Article: [[Canada]] The final pavilion located in World Showcase is the Canada pavilion. Canada is located between the United Kingdom and the entrance to World Showcase and opened with the park in 1982. The pavilion is themed to showcase the Canadian outdoors with features including a canyon, a waterfall, and fountain. The Canada pavilion also features the Circle Vision 360 Film, [[Canada Far and Wide]] as well as the [[Le Cellier Steakhouse]].===Former Pavilions=== [[Image:FormerEpcot.jpg|thumb|400px|Former Epcot pavilions: CommuniCore (top), Horizons (middle), and Wonders of Life (bottom)]]====Horizons====Main Article: [[Horizons]] Horizons was a dark ride attraction that opened in 1983 in Future World East. The attraction was considered to be a sequel to the [[Magic Kingdom]] attraction the [[Carousel of Progress]], however instead of showing progress that had already happened, Horizons focused on what life could be like in the 21st century. Unlike other pavilions which had a singular theme, Horizons tied together all the other themes of Future World including: communication, community, energy, transportation, anatomy, physiology, along with man's relationship to the sea, land, air, and outer space. Sponsored by General Electric from 1983 until 1993, Horizons was finally closed in 1999 and eventually demolished to make room for Mission: Space <ref name= "horizons"/>. ====Wonders of Life====Main Article: [[Wonders of Life]] Originally sponsored by MetLife, The Wonders of Life Pavilion opened in 1989 in Future World East. The pavilion housed three main attractions: Body Wars (a motion simulator), Cranium Command (an Audio Animatronic show) and the Making of Me (a humorous educational video). Following the end of MetLife's sponsorship in 2001, the pavilion began to see a decline in popularity, which led to it only operating seasonally beginning in 2004. In 2007 Wonders of Life was permanently closed. The pavilion has since been used as the main center for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.====CommuniCore====Main Article: [[CommuniCore]] CommuniCore opened with the park in 1982 and housed exhibits that featured new technology. The pavilion was divided into two parts: CommuniCore East and CommuniCore West, which each offered unique experiences. In 1994 CommuniCore was closed and redesigned, eventually reopening as Innoventions. When the pavilion reopened it still featured technology exhibits, but they now tended to be more interactive. ====Universe of Energy==== Main Article: [[Universe of Energy]] The Universe of Energy opened with the park in 1982 and was located in Future World East. The pavilion was home to the Universe of Energy attraction from 1982 until 1996, when the attraction was refurbished and renamed [[Ellen's Energy Adventure]]. The new attraction featured three films and a seven minute dark ride, which explored the history and future of energy and starred Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy. On August 13, 2017 Ellen's Energy Adventure closed to make way for a new attraction titled Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. On September 30, 2021, Disney announced that the former Universe of Energy pavilion would be rechristened the "Wonders of Xandar" when Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind opens. ====Innoventions====Main Article: [[Innoventions]] Innoventions opened in 1994 and housed exhibits that feature new technological advancements. Located in the center of Future World, Innoventions took over the buildings that formally housed CommuniCore from 1982-1994. Initially divided into Innoventions East and Innoventions West, by 2016 all of the exhibits in Innoventions West had closed. In addition to these exhibits, Innoventions was also home to the Coca Cola sponsored Club Cool,Mouse Gears and the Epcot Character Spot. All of Innoventions East closed on September 8, 2019 as part of Epcot's ongoing transformation. ==Disney Genie +=={| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| * [[Journey Into Imagination With Figment]]| * [[Living with the Land]]| * [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Attraction)]] ||-|* [[Soarin']]|* [[Spaceship Earth]]|* [[Mission: Space]]|-|* [[Test Track]]| * [[Turtle Talk with Crush]]|* [[Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival]]|-||}===Lightning Lane===The two Lightning Lane exclusive attractions at Epcot are: {| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| *[[Frozen Ever After]]|*[[Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure]]|} ==Fun Facts and Trivia==* Guests can see a model of Walt Disney's Experimental Community of Tomorrow when riding the [[Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover]] <ref> http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2010/7/22/a-look-at-the-progress-city-model-then-and-now.html </ref>. * Epcot cost nearly 1.4 billion dollars to create <ref> http://www.disneybythenumbers.com/wdw/page20.html </ref>.  *Every fifteen minutes throughout the day, the Innoventions Plaza Fountain, which is located between Innoventions East and West, presents a spectacular water ballet set to music <ref name= "trivia"> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/epcot-trivia-general/ </ref>. *As part of the Millennium Celebration, Disney installed 35 granite and steel “Leave A Legacy” sculptures in front of Spaceship Earth. Digitally etched onto these works of art are photos of guests who had their pictures taken at one of Epcot’s “Capture Stations” <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/legacy.html </ref>.  *The Fountain of Nations in Epcot can shoot water more than 150 feet into the air. If all of the water cannons were fired at the same time, 2,000 gallons of water would fill the air <ref name= "trivia"/>. *There is a marker in Epcot showing the exact center of the park. It is located just to the west of [[Innoventions West]] (on that path that leads straight to [[The Land]]) <ref name= "trivia"/>. Around the center, guests can see the names and inventions of history's greatest inventors <ref> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPo2mtUnf8 </ref>. ==References==