Visions of the Past: A Comprehensive Epcot Timeline
". . . EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world for the ingenuity and imagination
of American free enterprise." - Walt Disney
Epcot, which originally stood for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow," opened on October 1, 1982, as Walt Disney World Resort’s second theme park. Learn all about the fascinating history of Epcot by reading the Epcot Timeline below:
Carnival de Lumiere debuts as Epcot's first nightly fireworks show.
Epcot is officially dedicated on October 24 by Disney Chairman E. Cardon Walker: "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 in the world."
Disney World completes a four-mile stretch of the Walt Disney World Monorail System from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot.
1983
The Horizons attraction makes its debut in Future World at Epcot.
A New World Fantasy debuts as Epcot's new nightly fireworks show.
1984
The Morocco Pavilion, which features the Restaurant Marrakesh, opens in the World Showcase at Epcot between the Japan and France pavilions.
The France Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase opens its signature restaurant, Bistro de Paris.
Laserphonic Fantasy debuts as the Epcot's new nightly fireworks show.
1985
Both the Nine Dragons Restaurant and Lotus Blossom Cafe open in the China Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.
1986
Sponsored by United Technologies, the Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World at Epcot.
The Captain EO 3-D film premieres at the Magic Eye Theater in Epcot’s Future World.
1988
The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot with specialty shops, restaurants, live shows and the Maelstrom thrill ride.
IllumiNations premieres as Epcot's new nightly fireworks show.
1989
Wonders of Life opens at Epcot.
1994
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, a lively interactive 3-D adventure, opens in Epcot’s Future World, replacing Captain EO.
Innoventions East and West pavilions open in the former Communicore buildings at Epcot.
The first annual International Flower & Garden Festival takes place at Epcot.
Holiday IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
The Kitchen Kabaret closes at Epcot’s Land Pavilion.
1995
The first annual International Food & Wine Festival makes its debut at Epcot.
1996
Epcot hosts the first annual ABC Super Soap Weekend.
The Circle of Life and Ellen’s Energy Adventure attractions both open at Epcot’s Future World.
World of Motion closes at Epcot.
1998
Sponsored by General Motors, Test Track makes its debut at the former site of World of Motion in Future World at Epcot.
2000
Journey into Your Imagination opens at Epcot.
2002
Journey into Imagination with Figment opens at Epcot.
2003
Mission: SPACE, a state-of-the-art thrill ride, opens at the site of the former Horizons attraction at Epcot.
2004
Turtle Talk with Crush! opens in The Living Seas at Epcot.
Food Rocks closes at Epcot's Land Pavilion.
2005
Soarin’, a “high-flying adventure,” opens in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.
2006
The Living Seas Pavilion becomes The Seas With Nemo and Friends Pavilion.
2007
El Rio Del Tiempo at the Mexico Pavilion reopens as Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.
The Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future exhibit opens at Spaceship Earth.
Disney World celebrates Epcot's 25th anniversary on October 1.
2008
Spaceship Earth relaunches at Epcot.
2009
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure opens at Epcot.
Westgate Resorts offers spacious, comfortable and affordable accommodations that provide convenient access to Epcot. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
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