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Tag Archives: Epcot

December 10

December 10, 1993 – The Greenhouse Tours Begin in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion

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“See, Do, Learn, Grow!”

On December 10, 1993, the guided Greenhouse Tours began in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion. Replacing the Tomorrow’s Harvest Tours, the Greenhouse Tours were led by agricultural graduate students through working greenhouses filled with various flora and fauna, explaining agricultural concepts used throughout the park such as hydroponics, aquaculture, and drip irrigation. The tour was renamed the Behind the Seeds Tour in September, 1996.

November 23

November 23, 1989 – The Sweets Shop Delizie Italiane Opens in Epcot

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On November 23, 1989, the specialty sweets shop Delizie Italiane opened in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion within the World Showcase. It features Italian favorites, such as world-famous Perugina chocolate bars and Baci chocolates with hazelnuts wrapped in love notes, along with other Italian chocolates and candies. The store is sponsored by Perugina, and took the place of Arcata d’Antigiani.

November 21

November 21, 1994 – The 3D Film Attraction Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Opens in Epcot

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“At the moment, he is only a little man, but believe me: he has big ideas.”

On November 21, 1994, the 3D film attraction Honey, I Shrunk the Audience opened in Epcot’s Future World area. Based on the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, guests are sent to Wayne Szalinski’s award ceremony at the Imagination Institute, and are shrunk by his infamous shrinking ray. Guests then explore the world in their diminutive state, including facing a dog and a child. The attraction was popular enough to be opened in Disneyland on May 22, 1998. A version of the attraction known as MicroAdventure was created for and opened in Tokyo Disneyland on April 15, 1997; another version known as Chérie, J’ai Rétréci le Public opened in Disneyland Paris on March 28, 1999. The Walt Disney World attraction closed on May 9, 2010.

November 9

November 9, 1993 – The Fountainview Espresso & Bakery Opens in Epcot

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“Indulge in an all-new view of this Future World favorite!”

On November 9, 1993, the Fountainview Espresso & Bakery opened in Epcot’s Innoventions West area. The quick service restaurant features a selection of coffee drinks, baked goods, and ice cream; when Starbucks products were introduced into the park, Fountainview was revamped to offer Starbucks coffee and bakery items.

October 23

October 23, 1985 – The Nine Dragons Restaurant Opens in Epcot’s China Pavilion

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“Savor contemporary Chinese cuisine amid ornate wood carvings, traditional lanterns, and exquisite glass artwork.”

On October 23, 1985, the Nine Dragons Restaurant opened in the China Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Opening three years after the Chinese pavilion opened, the restaurant is a sit-down gourmet dining experience. The restaurant spotlights several styles of Chinese cuisine from many provinces, including Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan, and Kiangche. Popular features on the menu include General Tso’s Dumplings, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Coconut Rice Pudding.

October 14

October 14, 2009 – The Attraction Sum of All Thrills Opens in Epcot’s Innoventions

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“The Sum of All Thrills is a highly turbulent simulator-type thrill ride that is capable of sharp drops, sudden turns, and upside-down maneuvers.”

On October 14, 2009, the thrill attraction the Sum of All Thrills opened in the Innoventions area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. It was one of the first attractions built within the park, and was sponsored by Raytheon. The attraction was a simulation roller coaster ride, where guests can create their own thrill ride via a touchscreen, then board a robotic simulator that brings their roller coaster to life. Guests can let their imaginations run wild with their creation, including a series of loops, curves, and drops. The attraction closed on September 14, 2016.

September 24

September 24, 1985 – The Lotus Blossom Café Opens in Epcot’s China Pavilion

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“Chow down on Chinese favorites – like pot stickers, egg rolls, orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, beef noodle soup, and more.”

On September 24, 1985, the quick service restaurant Lotus Blossom Café opened in World Showcase’s China pavilion within Epcot. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with appetizers and entrees available. It features quick-to-order Chinese fare, with entrees including Beef Rice Bowl and Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice. Desserts include two types of ice cream popular in China: caramel-ginger, and lychee. The restaurant also sits close to the Temple of Heaven, giving guests a view of the centerpiece of the pavilion.

September 21

September 21, 1996 – The IllumiNations 25 Evening Show Begins its Run

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“Join us now as the countries of the World Showcase welcome all of you to our world wide family.”

On September 21, 1996, the 25th anniversary edition of the IllumiNations evening fireworks show, titled IllumiNations 25, began its run near the World Showcase of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. This version of the show, sponsored by General Electric, featured new music, including the song “Remember the Magic,” which was used as a salute to the World Showcase. This version of the show ran until May 18, 1997; a second version of the 25th celebration show, featuring the classical music from the original show, began May 19, 1997, and ran until January 31, 1998.

August 26

August 26, 2008 – StormStruck Opens in Epcot’s Innoventions Area

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“Our participating in this exhibit at Epcot allows us to meet this objective in an exciting new way.” – RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. President and CEO Neill Currie

On August 26, 2008, in partnership with RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., and State Farm, the interactive attraction StormStruck opened in the Innoventions area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. The attraction gives guests, through the use of mini-exhibits, a chance to learn how to protect themselves and their homes in certain catastrophic weather events. The attraction is scheduled to close on September 13, 2016.

August 21

August 21, 2007 – The Muppet Mobile Labs Interactive Audio-Animatronic Premieres at Epcot

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“Now, before we continue this conversation, let me just activate the Hob Knob.”

On August 21, 2007, almost six months after its California debut, the interactive audio-animatronic Muppet Mobile Lab made its debut in Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. Featuring the characters Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and assistant Beaker, the audio-animatronic went around the park freely, interacting with guests as they entertained the crowd with their best Muppet jokes and puns. The new feature was part of a test-run by the Disney Imagineers to create more characters that could interact with the guests as they mill about the various parks.