Epcot - Sightseers' Delight

The Epcot ball as seen in December 2020. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)

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.Card Walker, Oct. 24, 1982, during the official dedication of EPCOT Center

On Oct. 27, 1966, Walt Disney made a film detailing plans for the Florida Project (today Walt Disney World), including the Walt Disney World Resort and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). The idea was shelved following Disney’s death on Dec. 15, 1966.

In 1978, Disney President and CEO Card Walker announced plans for EPCOT at the International Chamber of Commerce and presented concepts to President Jimmy Carter. Construction on EPCOT Center began on Oct. 1, 1979, and Walt Disney World Resort opened EPCOT Center on Oct. 1, 1982.

The formal grand opening for the first-of-its-kind theme park, focused on showcasing ideas and new technologies, was held over three days, with the theme park’s official dedication taking place on Oct. 24, 1982.

A month-long celebration introduced the park’s five Future World pavilions and nine World Showcase pavilions to guests worldwide.

Now known as EPCOT, the park is home to four neighborhoods — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase. As Disney once said, EPCOT will “always be in a state of becoming.”