RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Epcot

August 23

August 23, 2001 – The Power of Blast! Show Closes in Epcot

On August 23, 2001, the special show The Power of Blast! played its final performance at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway show Blast!, the abbreviated version of the show originally premiered on June 16, 2001. The show was a brass and percussion routine, playing a variety of genres and using surprise visual implements, such as flags and sabers. Guests could also purchase dinner packages where they could book dinner at a restaurant and have preferred seating for the show. The show was eventually moved to Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater and ran from November 22, 2001, September 2, 2002.

June 17

June 17, 2016 – The Merchandise Stop The Wandering Reindeer Opens in Epcot

“…Wandering Reindeer is a shopper’s delight that adds to the flurry of Frozen fun – and continues the theme of wintery good times with style!”

On June 17, 2016, the specialty merchandise stop The Wandering Reindeer opened in Epcot’s World Showcase in the Norway Pavilion. Coinciding with the addition of elements from the animated feature film Frozen, the store sells a variety of merchandise featuring the characters, including apparel and plush toys.

June 1

Posted on

June 1, 2002 – The Attraction Journey into Imagination with Figment Reopens

“A little imagination goes a long way.”

On June 1, 2002, the Future World attraction Journey into Imagination reopened in Epcot. It was the first change to the attraction since its total revision in October of 1999. The original attraction opened in 1983, and went through many changes throughout its run, including a replacement of lead character Dreamfinder to Dr. Nigel Channing. The attraction still features the character of Figment, a small purple dragon that helps lead guests through the wild world of imagination. While originally sponsored by Kodak, the sponsorship ended in 2010.

May 29

Posted on

May 29, 1986 – New Narration is Added to the Spaceship Earth Attraction

On May 29, 1986, a new script for the Spaceship Earth attraction was added, with narration performed by broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite. Cronkite’s narration would last until the attraction’s major rebuild in 1994. The attraction, at the time, took guests through a journey through how communication evolved, making Cronkite the perfect narrator for the subject matter. Jeremy Irons would supersede Cronkite in 1994, with Dame Just Dench following after another revamp in the attraction in 2007.

May 5

Posted on

May 5, 2005 – The Attraction Soarin’ Opens in Epcot

“An exhilarating international adventure”

On May 5, 2005, the film attraction Soarin’ opened in Epcot’s The Land pavilion. Similar to the original Soarin’ Over California attraction that opened in Disneyland in 2001, the attraction seats guests in a contraption that gives the illusion that they are “soaring” over majestic views of California that they view on an 80-foot IMAX projection screen. The attraction was changed in 2016 to show guests views of the world rather than just California, including views of the Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, or the Great Wall of China.

March 8

March 8, 2009 – The Inaugural Disney Princess Half Marathon Takes Place

“…the Inaugural 2009 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend will bring all women/princesses together to participate in a magical event designed to prove just how much princesses kick butt.”

On March 8, 2009, the inaugural Disney Princess Half Marathon took place in Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. The race itself is part of a weekend session, with a kids race, the Princess 5K, and the Enchanted 10K. The half marathon event had over 7,500 participants, with winner Liza Galvan winning with the time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 18 seconds.

February 20

February 20, 2013 – The IBM THINK Interactive Attraction Opens in Epcot

ibm-think

“The THINK exhibit features stories and engaging experiences that appeal to Epcot guests from around the world.”- Lee Green, VP Brand Experience and Strategic Design, IBM

On February 20, 2013, in conjunction with National Engineers Week, the new attraction IBM THINK was unveiled in Epcot’s Innoventions West area. The interactive attraction aims to teach guests about the way the world can work alongside technological innovations. To also celebrate National Engineers week, IBM was on hand to provide nearby high school teachers and students with free STEM lesson plans on iPads and Android tablets.

January 15

January 15, 1986 – The Living Seas Pavilion Opens in Epcot

tls_e_wdw

“Snorkel with over 6,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, angelfish, eagle rays and sharks in our massive aquarium.”

On January 15, 1986, the newest pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, The Living Seas, opened in Epcot. The area focused on the ocean and its mysteries, with guests able to watch a film about the importance of the ocean, view exhibits, and even take a chance to dive into the largest salt water take in the world. In 2006, more Finding Nemo elements were added to the area, including the attraction The Seas with Nemo & Friends. A special dining experience can also be found this pavilion at the Coral Reef Restaurant, where guests can dine right next to the salt water tank and spy a turtle as they eat.

January 3

January 3, 1994 – The Epcot Audio-Animatronic Show Kitchen Kabaret Closes

kitchen-kabaret

“That’s right, nuts to me! Another excellent source of protein.”

On January 3, 1994, the Audio-Animatronic show Kitchen Kabaret, located in Epcot’s The Land pavilion, closed, having run for a little over 11 years. The show presented nutrition through the use of Audio-Animatronic food groups, led by Bonnie Appetit, singing songs such as “Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit” and “Boogie Woogie Bakery Boy.” For most of the show’s run, it had a sponsorship by Kraft; company sponsorships were fairly commonplace within many Epcot attractions. The show was replaced by Food Rocks, which opened on March 26, 1994.

December 23

December 23, 2015 – The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival Premieres in Epcot

dpsff

“Join us in celebrating the rich imagination and innovation behind animated storytelling.”

On December 23, 2015, the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival premiered in Epcot’s Magic Eye Theater. The short film festival gives a new 4D experience to three short films: Get a Horse, For the Birds, and La Luna. The theater used to host the likes of Captain EO and Magic Journeys.