Exploring Future World at EPCOT Center in 1984 (Photo Essay)

This gorgeous shot of Spaceship Earth in 1984 comes from my first visit to EPCOT Center. — Photo by Paul Heaton

My first visit to Walt Disney World that I remember occurred in 1980 when I was four, but those memories are hazy. The vacation that really sticks with me happened four years later. EPCOT Center was less than two years old in the summer of 1984. I was eight and knew almost nothing about the park before we stepped through the gates. My dad recently uncovered slides from this trip, and the quality is amazing. There was too much to fit into a single post, so I’ve just focused on Future World this time.

The photo above offers a familiar sight for anyone who has visited EPCOT. I love this view of Spaceship Earth with the Monorail track in front of it. You can also spot a crane in the background that may be part of The Living Seas construction. That pavilion opened in January 1986, so the timeline seems to fit. It’s so interesting to catch a glimpse at EPCOT Center in these photos. I hope you enjoy this trip back to a time when Future World was a glorious place!

Horizons remains my favorite all-time attraction at Walt Disney World. — Photo by Paul Heaton

I’m not going to bury the lead. When you have a picture this great of my favorite attraction, why wait? The blue lighting in this photo of Horizons fits perfectly with the pavilion’s sleek look. It’s cool to see so much activity in front. The lines decreased in the later years, but we definitely waited in the queue during the ’80s. Regardless, I love having this reminder of one of EPCOT Center’s classic attractions.

The Imagination Fountain looked incredible in its original 1984 incarnation. — Photo by Paul Heaton

Here’s another striking view of a beautiful icon in Future World West. The original Imagination Fountain set just the right tone of mystery, wonder, and scale for the remarkable pavilion. I’m amazed the water doesn’t look blurry given the time period; it’s a striking and clear image! It’s cool to see the show building housing the Magic Eye Theater peaking up from behind the fountain. Magic Journeys was still playing in 1984, though it wouldn’t last too long.

The Land Pavilion remains a top destination at EPCOT today. — Photo by Paul Heaton

This shot of The Land feels like it could be a postcard given the bright colors near the path in front. This was not my favorite Future World spot as a kid, but my opinion has grown as an adult. The design of the pavilion fits perfectly with the emphasis on nature inside. It’s great to have this view further away from the structure; I’m used to seeing just the larger part of the building up close as we approach the entrance.

The Land Pavilion in 1984 with The Good Turn restaurant and balloons floating inside it. — Photo by Paul Heaton

Let’s step inside The Land for a glimpse at the original hot air balloons upstairs in the pavilion. Rolly Crump was the project designer, and extra touches like the balloons add a real sense of whimsy. That fun tone continued in the animatronic Kitchen Kabaret downstairs. You can also catch a glimpse of The Good Turn, the original revolving restaurant that is now The Garden Grill. The Land was quite different in 1984 but still retains what made it awesome today.

An early look at the greenhouse in Listen to the Land at EPCOT Center. — Photo by Paul Heaton

I love this shot from inside the greenhouse for Listen to the Land. That’s a lot of lettuce! You can just spot the boat in the background with the live host describing each area. Living with the Land is one of my favorite attractions at EPCOT now, and it retains the core elements of the original ride. I do miss hearing the warm sounds of the title song in the end, however. This classic attraction has one of the strongest connections to the beginning in today’s EPCOT.

A night shot in 1984 of the Land pavilion in EPCOT Center. — Photo by Paul Heaton

This isn’t the clearest shot in the group, but I still like this view of Future World West at night. You can even glimpse the Imagination Fountain all lit up with the pavilion behind it. It’s cool to see The Land and Imagination in the same shot, and the trees and other barriers make it more interesting in a way. This picture has a mystery that’s definitely not present in the park during the day.

I hope you enjoyed this trip back to EPCOT Center during one of its best eras in 1984! This visit made a huge impact on me; my fandom for theme parks really started at that moment. Before we leave, here’s a striking photo of Spaceship Earth up close in the evening. I’ve seen the park’s icon many times, but it never ceases to amaze me.