7 Amazing Things You Never Knew About Epcot

Opened in 1982, EPCOT Center (as it was called back then) in Walt Disney World promised the "Dawn of a new Disney Era." And indeed it it, EPCOT Center showcases technology and innovation as well as cultures of the world. Over the past 25 years, Epcot has welcomed millions of visitors, but few of those visitors know some of the secrets that Epcot holds.

Mickey Mouse was big in the Middle Ages, too

When riding Spaceship Earth, riders pass a scene with monks; one of whom is sleeping. Just behind the monks there's a book on a pedestal. Written in that book are the names of Disney Imagineers, Walt Disney, and Mickey Mouse.

SCUBA dive with Neno and his friends

The Seas with Neno and his Friends is a popular pavilion at Epcot in which you can ride in a "seashell" past huge aquariums (large enough to hold Spaceship Earth) filled with real fish, sharks, and other creatures of the deep. However, if you're SCUBA certified you can dive into the aquariums. Disney provides all the equipment and you might even bump into Mickey Mouse who has been seen SCUBA diving in the aquarium, too (really!). However, you won't see Nemo and his friends from inside the aquarium; they're projected so riders in the seashells can see the computer generated images of Nemo.

Cars of the future have 22 wheels?

Test Track at Epcot houses the fastest ride at Walt Disney World. The Test Track cars can reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour. And whats even more amazing, although each car looks like it only has four wheels, there are actually 22 wheels on each car and they are controlled with on board computers with as much processing power as the space shuttle!

Mission Space's hidden Mission to Mars tribute

Mission to Mars was a popular attraction in the Magic Kingdom that opened in the 1970's. Long since closed, Epcot's Mission Space ride pays tribute to this classic Disney attraction. In the control room of Mission Space there's a monitor that plays clips from the Mission to Mars ride.

To see the "real" Epcot, head over the the Magic Kingdom

When Epcot opened in 1982, it wasn't quite as Walt Disney had imagined. Walt Disney envisioned an entire city of the future with people living and working in it. While the Epcot that was built is still a lot of fun and a great place to visit, you can see the "real" Epcot as Walt Disneydreamed it on display in the Magic Kingdom. Just ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (formerly the WEDWay People Mover) and in one of the tunnels is a model of a futuristic city. The model is the original Epcot model.

Watch the waters of 22 nations dance at Epcot

The Fountain of Nations in Epcot's Future World is comprised of several fountains that shoot water into the air synchronised to music. However, the water that's used isn't just local tap water. During Epcot's opening day ceremonies, representatives of 22 nations poured water from their homelands into the fountain to create a true fountain of nations.

Can you get into the VIP at Epcot? Probably not.

Sure, we all know about the velvet ropes outside today's hottest nightclubs and lounges. But did you know that there are VIP only areas at Epcot (although there's no velvet rope, there are secret doors and hidden entryways)? Most of the Future World attractions have VIP lounges that offer plush surroundings, free food and drink, and are a great place to cool off and grab a bite to eat. And you can even go directly from the VIP lounge to the front of the attraction's line (no waiting!). The catch? Well, you have to work for the company that sponsors the attraction that the VIP lounge in housed in (or be a guest of the sponsoring company).