RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Epcot

October 9

October 9, 2003 – The Dedication for the Epcot Attraction Mission: SPACE Takes Place

Mission Space

“…very much based in reality, it’s a mix of real science and thrill.”

On October 9, 2003, the dedication for the Epcot attraction Mission: SPACE took place with a special ceremony. The attraction, which had a soft opening in June of that year, was a collaboration between Disney and NASA five years in the making. The opening included appearances by astronauts from several notable missions, NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, and CEO Michael Eisner, among others.

September 16

September 16, 1984 – Restaurant el Marrakesh Opens in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

Marrakesh

“Stained-glass chandeliers bathe diners in a warm, dim glow, all while intricate tile mosaics evoke timeless majesty.”

On September 16, 1984, the Restaurant el Marrakesh opened in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. This table service restaurant gives guests a taste of Moroccan cuisine, including Chicken Bastilla, Couscous M’Rouzia Fassi, and the Marrakesh Delight, which is a fruit salad topped with mint ice cream, toasted almonds, and orange blossom water. Guests are entertained while they dine by lively music and spirited belly dancers.

July 5

Posted on

July 5, 1988 – The Film Norway – The Film Opens in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

Norway Pavilion

“Norway…it was born in challenge, in a thousand years of challenging the seas.”

On July 5, 1988, the seventy millimeter film Norway – The Film opened in the Norway Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Also known as The Spirit of Norway, the film was shown at the end of the Maelstrom attraction, where guests could sit and learn a bit more about the people and culture of Norway. The film closed alongside Maelstrom on October 5, 2014, to make way for a new attraction featuring the characters from the film Frozen.

June 9

Posted on

June 9, 1984 – The Laserphonic Fantasy Show Debuts at Epcot

Laserphonic

On June 9, the Laserphonic Fantasy light show debuted in Epcot. The show was a precursor to Illuminations, which opened in 1988. Laserphonic Fantasy was an elaborate laser and effects show, featuring the music of composer Don Dorsey, performed in full orchestral. The show took many cues from its predecessor, A New World Fantasy, and was one of the first shows to use lasers on a water-droplet screen. The show did not feature spotlights on specific countries; this addition was made for Illuminations.

June 3

Posted on

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

BDP

“Gourmet restaurant located at the 2nd floor”

On June 3, 1984, the restaurant Bistro de Paris opened in Epcot’s World Showcase, in the France Pavilion. The restaurant was created due to the success and demand for reservations for Les Chefs de France, and was located in the upstairs area of the restaurant. Like Les Chefs, Bistro de Paris specialized in gourmet French cuisine, featuring favorites such as filet mignon, duck breast, and crème brulee. The restaurant was closed on July 31, 2012; it was renovated and reopened in December, now named Monsieur Paul after famous French chef Paul Bocuse.

May 26

Posted on

May 26, 1983 – The Epcot Outreach Opens in Epcot’s CommuniCore West

EpcotOutreach

“Opening on May 26, in CommuniCore West, Epcot OutReach will be another innovation in computerized guest service.”

On May 26, 1983, the Epcot Outreach information area opened in the CommuniCore West area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. This, along with the Teacher’s Center, gave guests information about all the subjects already presented in Future World and the World Showcase, with information about Epcot itself being the most popular topic queried. The area closed down on July 1, 1994, when Innoventions opened; it then moved to the new Epcot Discovery Center.

May 8

Posted on

May 8, 2000 – The Millennium Dreamers Global Gathering Takes Place in Epcot

MDE

“The glare of the headlines sometimes blinds us to the incredibly selfless acts performed daily by young people everywhere to make our world a better place. Disney and McDonald’s are proud to celebrate the millennium by honoring these leaders of the next century and showcasing their stories.” – Former Chairman and CEO of Disney Michael Eisner

On May 8, 2000, as part of many festivities planned to celebrate the millennium, a global gathering of 2,000 youths was held in Epcot for three days. Known as the Millennium Dreamers Global Children’s Summit, the event was sponsored by McDonalds and UNESCO. The children were chosen through an essay contest about philanthropy, and were taken around Epcot to for special workshops, network events, and behind-the-scenes tours of Epcot facilities. Representatives ranged from age 8 to 15, coming from over 90 countries around the world. In this event, children were able to share their remarkable stories of making a difference while participating in a global symposium hosted by the Disney Institute. The event ended on May 10.

December 10

December 10, 1993 – The Living with the Land Boat Attraction Opens in EPCOT

living-with-the-land-gallery09

“Sail through the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion and behold 9-pound lemons, Mickey shaped pumpkins and more!”

On December 10, 1993, the Living with the Land boat attraction opened in EPCOT, replacing the Listen to the Land attraction. The attraction takes guests through the greenhouses within The Land Pavilion of EPCOT, teaching them about agriculture and displaying ideas for future green ways of growing produce. The produce grown in this attraction are served for guests at Sunshine Seasons and the Garden Grill Restaurant, making this one of the most self-sustaining parts of Walt Disney World. Guests are also able to see the park’s fish farm, containing live eels, catfish, and alligators.

October 19

October 19, 1989 – The Thrill Attraction Body Wars Opens in Epcot’s Future World

Body Wars

“A high speed thrill ride into the heart of adventure!”

On October 19, 1989, the thrill ride attraction Body Wars opened in the Wonders of Life Pavilion, then located in the Future World section of the Epcot park. Guests board a shuttle, and in an attempt to rescue Dr. Cynthia Lair from inside a human body, they will be “shrunk” and sent inside on an adventure through several systems in the body, including the cardiovascular and the respiratory systems. Tstarred Tim Matheson as Captain Braddock, Dakin Matthews as Mission Commander, and Elisabeth Shue as Dr. Cynthia Lair. The attraction used the same simulation technology was used on Star Tours. The ride, along with many other attractions in the Wonders of Life Pavilion, was closed on January 1, 2007.

September 7

September 7, 1984 – The Morocco Pavilion Opens in Epcot’s World Showcase

restaurant-marrakesh-gallery00

“Savory cuisine and sprightly belly dancing transport you to the heart of Morocco.”

On September 7, 1984, the Morocco Pavilion was added to Epcot’s World Showcase; it was the first country to be added since the showcase’s opening. It is also currently the only area to be sponsored by its home country, and includes an information center for the Moroccan National Tourist Office. Characters Aladdin and Jasmine are available to meet at certain times in the pavilion. The pavilion is home to Restaurant Marrakesh, which gives guests a taste of famous Moroccan delicacies such as roast lamb, couscous, and bastilla. Guests to the pavilion can also shop for clothing, jewelry, and rugs, as well as learn how to belly dance and how to make couscous.