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Tag Archives: Epcot

August 15

Posted on August 15, 2014 by disneydetail

August 15, 2003 – The Epcot Attraction Mission: SPACE Opens

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“Fulfill your fantasy of being an astronaut as you dodge meteors, navigate nebulae, and slingshot around the moon.”

On August 15, 2003, the attraction Mission: SPACE opened in Epcot’s Future World area. Guests can choose one of two missions: the Orange Team (intense training), or the Green Team (easy training). After choosing a mission, guests become astronauts, and are placed as part of a 4-cadet crew to explore Mars. After being assigned to one of four roles – navigator, pilot, commander, or engineer – the crew will be given special instructions to initiate during the flight. The attraction itself uses centrifuge technology to create the effects of a shuttle launch. The training video features actor Gary Sinise as the head of the mission. After the mission is over, guests can head to the Simulation Lab to view a genuine NASA Lunar Roving Vehicle, or head to the Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab to play other interactive activities.

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July 28

Posted on July 28, 2014 by disneydetail

July 28, 2002 – The Princess Storybook Breakfast Begins in Norway’s Restaurant Akershus

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“Her Highness the Queen is holding a feast in honor of the world’s best-loved Storybook Princesses – and you’re invited!”

On July 28, 2002, the Princess Storybook Breakfast character dining experience began in the Norway Pavilion’s Restaurant Akershus. Guests make reservations for the dining experience, where they can meet a host of Disney characters, including Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Ariel, and Mary Poppins. After dining, guests can take pictures with the Disney princesses and take home to photos as complimentary keepsakes. The breakfast became so popular that it was expanded to include lunch and dinner in 2005.

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July 3

Posted on July 3, 2014 by disneydetail

July 3, 1984 – The Restaurant Bistro de Paris Opens in Epcot’s France Pavilion

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“Gourmet restaurant located at the 2nd floor.”

On July 3, 1984, the table-service restaurant Bistro de Paris opened in the France Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Thanks to the popularity of the pavilion’s first restaurant, Les Chefs de France, it was decided by executives to add another restaurant in the empty space in Les Chefs upstairs area. The restaurant was similar to Les Chefs in that it served fine French cuisine, with standard dishes including filet mignon and crème brulee. On July 31, 2012, the restaurant was closed; it reopened in December as Monsieur Paul.

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May 6

Posted on May 6, 2014 by disneydetail

May 6, 1988 – The Norway Pavilion Opens in Epcot’s World Showcase

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“Norway all the way!”

On May 6, 1988, the Norway Pavilion opened in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. This is the most recent country to be added to the showcase. The area features the Maelstrom attraction, a boat ride that explores the heritage of Norway, as well as the myth of the trolls; also featured is the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, a quick service bakery filled with Norwegian delicacies, including the famous “School Bread” – a sweet bun filled with vanilla crème custard and topped with toasted coconut. Norway is represented by the Stave Church Gallery, which features an exhibit of the culture and history of the country that inspired the animated film Frozen. Norway also houses the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, which features a special character dining experience of breakfast with the Disney Princesses.

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March 26

Posted on March 26, 2014 by disneydetail

March 26, 1994 – The Audio-Animatronic Show Food Rocks Opens in Epcot

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“We must conclude, you depend on food. So we just repeat, you are what you eat.”

On March 26, 1994, the audio-animatronic show Food Rocks opened in The Land pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. It was sponsored by Nestlé foods. It replaced the former show Kitchen Kabaret, and like its predecessor, taught guests about the importance of proper nutrition. The show featured several songs which were parodies of songs from popular culture, including Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” (becoming “Just a Little Bit” by the Get-the-Point Sisters) and Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” (becoming “High Fiber” by Pita Gabriel). The show was presented as a benefit concert, which was constantly interrupted by the junk food heavy metal band The Excess. The show became a cult favorite among guests, but eventually was closed on January 3, 2004 to be replaced by the popular attraction Soarin’.

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March 17

Posted on March 17, 2014 by disneydetail

March 17, 1999 – The Epcot Attraction Test Track has its Grand Opening

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“Design a virtual concept vehicle and then go for a high-octane spin at this attraction that’s thrilling and creative.”

On March 17, 1999, the Epcot attraction Test Track had its grand opening, a year and a half after it had been operating with soft openings. Originally hosted by General Motors, guests enter a test vehicle that takes them through the Test Track circuit, a winding track that involves several obstacles and areas of tough terrain, with guests reaching speeds of up to 65 miles an hour. The track overall is a mile long, and loops guests through the pavilion, with hills up to three stories high and 50 degree angled curves. The attraction was closed in April of 2012 for a major remodel, and was reopened in December of 2012. The attraction is currently sponsored by Chevrolet.

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February 13

Posted on February 13, 2014 by disneydetail

February 13, 1988 – The Expo Robotics Demonstration Opens in Epcot

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“The intricate movements of the robotic arms amazingly performed various programmed tricks.”

On February 13, 1988, the Expo Robotics demonstration opened in Epcot’s Communicore West area. Expo Robotics was an expansion of the already popular Bird and the Robot exhibit in World of Motion’s Transcenter. The demonstration featured several large robotic arms that performed a variety of programmed tricks, including drawing faces of guests and airbrushing Disney characters on t-shirts that were eventually sold. The demonstration also featured lively circus music to create the jolly atmosphere. The attraction eventually closed on October 3, 1993.

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February 4

Posted on February 4, 2014 by disneydetail

February 4, 1984 – The Exhibit Backstage Magic Opens in Epcot

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“Join your hostess Julie and her electronic sidekick I/O for a tour through Epcot’s Computer Central, the computer hub of Epcot Center.”

On February 4, 1984, the Epcot exhibit Backstage Magic opened in Epcot’s Communicore East. It replaced the Astuter Computer Review (1982 – 1984), and ran until October 1, 1993. It was hosted by a woman named Julie and her sidekick I/O, which stands for Input/Output. The attraction explained to guests how the Audio-Animatronic characters in the park work through the use of computers. Its closing was part of a major closing of Communicore, which reopened again in 1994 as Innoventions.

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January 30

Posted on January 30, 2014 by disneydetail

January 30, 1988 – The Nighttime Fireworks Show IllumiNations Begins in Epcot’s World Showcase

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“Behold the past, present, and future of Earth at this stunning fireworks show that celebrates the spirit of humanity.”

On January 30, 1988, the nighttime fireworks show IllumiNations began its run in Epcot’s World Showcase area, replacing the Laserphonic Fantasy. This show, featuring fireworks, lasers, fountains, and music, was originally sponsored by General Electric, although General Electric ended its sponsorship in December of 2002. Each area of the World Showcase was individually showcased with music highlighting the country, along with a spectacular laser show. The show ended with a fireworks show and symphonic music before the Epcot park closed for the night. Variations of the show have been created: IllumiNations 25 celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, and IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth was introduced to celebrate the millennium. IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth has continued since its introduction in 1999, although it has dropped “2000” from its title.

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January 29

Posted on January 29, 2014 by disneydetail

January 29, 2010 – IBM Reveals the SmarterPlanet Exhibit at Epcot’s Innoventions Area

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“SmarterPlanet presented by IBM offers visitors to the park a ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse of how technology is helping solve the world’s most complex problems – from reducing road traffic and city crime to improving food safety and local water supplies.”

On January 29, 2010, the new Epcot Innoventions exhibit SmarterPlanet, sponsored by IBM, was revealed with a special grand opening event. The exhibit itself has several hands-on kiosks where guests play several match games to reveal societal and technological methods of changing the world into a “smarter planet,” from unplugging appliances not in use, to food systems that track food temperature during the process of shipping. In partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering, IBM also features an exhibit called Runtime: guests are turned into avatars through smart technology and make their way through a game based on IBM’s timeline of achievements. Guests are also able to email a version of the game to their personal computers, continuing their adventure after they’ve left the park. The exhibit was introduced at the grand opening by IBM General Manager Gary Cohen, who explained that the objective of SmarterPlanet’s creation was “for guests to walk away understanding how forward-thinking solutions can solve our greatest societal problems, and the increasing role technology will play in improving the quality of life for people across the world.”

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