179. 40 Years of EPCOT - Tomorrow Society

The EPCOT fountain pays tribute to 40 years of the park's history.

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EPCOT remains one of my favorite places despite changes during the past 40 years. I still remember my first visit to EPCOT Center in 1984 when I was only eight years old. The park left a big impression on a kid obsessed with Star Wars and Star Trek. It’s difficult to explain just how original Disney’s second Florida park felt at that time.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of EPCOT Center’s opening, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the park and its history. On this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast, I dive into what has made EPCOT special. The overall vibe of optimism and hope for a better future remains with me. Disney has made a lot of updates during the past 40 years, but you can still find that spirit there today.

Horizons remains one of EPCOT's most popular all-time attractions. — Photo by Paul Heaton

This special episode celebrates why EPCOT has been important for so many of us. Attractions like Spaceship Earth, Horizons, World of Motion, and the American Adventure represent just a small part of its success. Along with some of my favorite parks music, I’ve included clips from interviews with guests like Peggie Fariss, Scott Hennesy, Bruce Broughton, and Steve Alcorn on specific aspects of EPCOT.

My goal is to remember how cool EPCOT Center was but also to enjoy parts that remain strong today. I hope you enjoy this tribute to a place that has brought me so many great memories during the past four decades!