Walt Disney World's Epcot

When Epcot opened in 1982 (then known as EPCOT Center), the then Chairman of the board for the Walt Disney Company, Card Walker proclaimed the following:

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.

Since that day in October, 1982, Epcot has been, and still is, unlike any theme park that has ever existed. In fact, Epcot could really be called two theme parks in one. And, at over 300 acres in size, Epcot is twice the size of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Epcot is divided into two distinct areas, Future World and World Showcase. Future World is dedicated to future technologies while World Showcase celebrates the culture and heritage of nations from around the world.

FUTURE WORLD

Future World is where you'll find Epcot's most famous and thrilling attractions. The symbol of Epcot, Spaceship Earth, is the first attraction you'll encounter after entering Epcot. This 18 story geospheric attraction hosts a ride through the history of human communications; from cavemen to today and a glimpse into what the future of communications holds. From there, you can explore Future World's other attractions such as The Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Test Track, and others.

Future World is the part of Epcot the kids and teens often find to be the best part as it offers family friendly rides mixed with high-speed thrills.

WORLD SHOWCASE

Epcot's World Showcase is where you'll find Epcot's celebration of eleven nations. Situated around World Showcase lagoon, eleven pavilions represent the cultures, heritages, and food of countries from around the world. Each of World Showcase's pavilions features shops and restaurants featuring authentic food and crafts from each host pavilion's country. And several of the pavilions feature rides and or shows themed to the host country.

And making World Showcase even more authentic, Disney brings in college students from each country to staff the World Showcase pavilions. This exchange program not only beings a sense of authenticity to each countries pavilion, but also offers a chance to interact with people from many different cultures during your day at Epcot.