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Tag Archives: Epcot

October 5

Posted on October 13, 2019 by disneydetail

October 5, 2014 – The Maelstrom Boat Ride Closes in Epcot’s Norway

“Exploring Norway’s heritage isn’t going to be smooth sailing, so buck up like a Viking would!”

On October 5, 2014, the Maelstrom boat ride attraction officially closed in the Norway Pavilion within Epcot’s World Showcase. Guests explored Norway from past to present, riding in Viking-inspired longboats through scenery that changes from fjords to swamps, meeting trolls, polar bears, and pirates. The middle of the ride featured the boats plummeting backwards down rapids and narrowly missing a waterfall. After dodging all the obstacles, guests were treated to a five-minute film about the beauty of present-day Norway. The attraction was closed to make way for the Frozen Ever After attraction, which featured several of the Maelstrom’s ride elements, including the boats traveling backwards.

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October 4

Posted on October 13, 2019 by disneydetail

October 4, 1982 – Epcot Appears on Fortune Magazine

“The success of Epcot is critical to Dis­ney’s future prosperity, for the fabled ­entertainment company has recently suf­fered unaccustomed reverses.”

On October 4, 1982, the issue Fortune came out, with a cover story about the upcoming EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World called “Disney Gambles of Tomorrow.” The cover featured an image of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of the park. EPCOT was a risk for the Walt Disney Company; at this time in the company’s history, the future of Disney did not look bright, and the animated features were not able to reach the same heights as they had in their heyday. EPCOT, which stood for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was one of the final projects Walt had worked on before his passing, and the company was placing heavy expectations on its success, as seen in the Fortune article.

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October 3

Posted on October 6, 2019 by disneydetail

October 3, 1998 – The Epcot Discovery Center Closes

“Information for Learners of All Ages”

On October 3, 1998, the Epcot Discovery Center (formally known as Epcot Outreach and Epcot Teacher’s Center) was officially closed. Opening on July 1, 1994, the area was another educational outpost where guests could ask questions about some of the subjects on display in the Epcot centers, or even questions about Walt Disney World in general. Guests were also able to take home a variety of informational resources.

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September 7

Posted on September 7, 2019 by disneydetail

September 7, 1984 – Tangier Traders Opens in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

On September 7, 1984, the clothing store Tangier Traders opened in the Morocco Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. It features traditional Moroccan clothing, including tunics, dresses, and shoes; it also features a variety of trinkets and Moroccan treats.

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September 2

Posted on September 2, 2019 by disneydetail

September 2, 2004 – The Art Exhibit “Echoes of Africa” Opens in Epcot’s American Heritage Gallery

On September 2, 2004, the new art exhibit “Echoes of Africa” opened in the new art gallery in the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Featuring important pieces from the Disney-Tishman African Art collection, this collection has been studied extensively and brought about some anthropological breakthroughs. Dr. Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins served as the guest curator for the collection, having curated several important exhibitions for the American Federation of the Arts in New York and the California African-American Museum in Los Angeles. The collection originally belonged to Paul and Ruth Tishman, with Disney acquiring the collection in 1984.

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August 13

Posted on August 13, 2019 by disneydetail

August 13, 2017 – The Attraction Ellen’s Energy Adventure Closes

“Let me get this straight: you brought me back billions of years so you could show me…nothing?”

On August 13, 2017, the Epcot attraction Ellen’s Energy Adventure officially closed. Opening on September 15, 1996, the attraction was located in the Universe of Energy and featured a mix of a film and audio-animatronics, hosted by comedienne Ellen DeGeneres. Originally replacing the Universe of Energy attraction, this updated attraction also featured Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” Jamie Lee Curtis, Alex Trebek, and Johnny Gilbert, teaching guests about how energy is produced, the current sources of energy, and the search for new, renewable sources of energy. Guests sit in a special seating area and watch a series of films, as well as an audio-animatronic diorama featuring a primeval world; the seating sections split apart at this point to move through the diorama before reassembling for the final two films. The attraction was closed to make way for a new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster attraction.

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July 31

Posted on July 31, 2019 by disneydetail

July 31, 2012 – The Restaurant Bistro de Paris Closes in Epcot’s France Pavilion

“Gourmet restaurant located at the 2nd floor.”

On July 31, 2012, after almost 30 years of operations, the restaurant Bistro de Paris closed. Open on June 3, 1984 in the France Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase, it was originally created due to the success and demand for reservations for Les Chefs de France, and was located in the upstairs area of the restaurant. It specialized in gourmet French cuisine, featuring such dishes as filet mignon and crème brulee. After it closed, it was renovated and reopened in December of 2012 as Monsieur Paul.

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July 2

Posted on July 2, 2019 by disneydetail

July 2, 2010 – The Film Captain EO Returns to Epcot

“We are here to change the world.”

On July 2, 2010, in remembrance of pop star Michael Jackson, the 3D musical film Captain EO returned to Epcot for a limited engagement, running until December 6, 2015. This was the film’s first return to Epcot after closing on July 6, 1994. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Rusty Lemorande, and executively produced by George Lucas. It starred Michael Jackson as Captain EO, Anjelica Huston as the Supreme Leader, and Dick Shawn as Commander Bog.

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June 21

Posted on June 21, 2019 by disneydetail

June 21, 2016 – The Frozen Ever After Attraction Opens in Epcot

“Voyage to Arendelle aboard an ancient Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the wintery world of Frozen.”

On June 21, 2016, the attraction Frozen Ever After opened in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase. Replacing the Maelstrom attraction, the ride has guests boarding a boat and sailing through the story of Frozen and Frozen Fever, complete with appearances from Elsa, Anna, and Marshmellow. The ride also features music from the hit animated feature film.

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March 26

Posted on March 26, 2019 by disneydetail

March 26, 2003 – The Circle-Vision 360° Film Wonders of China Ends its Run

“I’ve come to show you modern China.”

On March 26, 2003, the Circle-Vision 360° film Wonders of China officially ended its run in Epcot’s China Pavilion. Having run since October 1, 1982, the film gave guests panoramic views of China, ranging from its landmarks to its culture. The film would also be used in alternation with the film American Journeys in the Circle-Vision Theater in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland from 1984 to 1996. In Epcot, the film was replaced with Reflections of China, which was an updated version of the original film with additions of new areas Hong Kong and Macau, as well as updated looks at several popular cities.

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