Exploring World Showcase in EPCOT Center in 1984 (Photo Essay)

The Olde Globe players entertain the crowd at the United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT Center. — Photo by Paul Heaton

I can’t get enough of photos from our 1984 trip, which is the first Walt Disney World trip that I remember clearly. I was eight years old and was blown away by EPCOT Center, especially Future World. The shopping and dining in World Showcase didn’t interest me as much at the time, but that’s changed a lot. What I love today is how much the pavilions retain what made them great in the first place. My dad recently passed along some slides from that trip, and the quality is amazing. This article includes the shots from World Showcase from that collection.

The above photo gives a glimpse at the type of entertainment that was part of the park’s early years. I believe it’s a shot of the Olde Globe Players, who remained a part of the United Kingdom pavilion for a long time. What’s great about this picture is seeing the act in the foreground with onlookers in the background. It also provides a clear shot that places us right into the action for the show.

A recreation of the Temple of Heaven at the China pavilion in EPCOT Center in 1984. — Photo by Paul Heaton

Our next stop is the replica of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests from the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. This close-up shot highlights the intricate work on this pavilion that makes it so memorable. Beyond China, it also showcases how much went into World Showcase in general. The Circle-Vision film Wonders of China played there in 1984 and provided a view of China that guests rarely saw in that time. We entered through this beautiful structure and then strolled inside for the 19-minute film.

A view of the American Adventure and Japan pavilion in World Showcase in EPCOT Center in 1984. — Photo by Paul Heaton

Here’s something that would be rarer today; a clear shot of multiple World Showcase pavilions from across the lagoon. I like the way the pavilions seem to morph into each other when viewed from a distance. The American Adventure sits right behind the five-story pagoda in Japan, or at least it seems that way. You can also spot the torii gate, which is one of my favorite spots in World Showcase when viewed up close.

A photo from 1984 of the France pavilion at World Showcase in EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World. — Photo by Paul Heaton

The France pavilion remains one of my favorites in World Showcase. While the limited showings for Impressions de France are disappointing, I’m glad you can still see it. Beyond the attractions, I love the relaxing atmosphere in this space, especially late in the evening. The fountain in the middle, strong food and drink options, and overall design just works. This photo does a good job showing why this area succeeds. The backdrop is stunning and doesn’t seem like a cheap imitation; it’s a cool setting!

A view of Spaceship Earth and the construction crane above The Living Seas at Future World in EPCOT Center in 1984. — Photo by Paul Heaton

Let’s peek back at Future World from our spot across World Showcase lagoon. I love this clear view of Spaceship Earth and the other pavilions with the water craft in front. You can also spot a crane from the construction of The Living Seas, which would open in early 1986. It provides a cool glimpse of Future World near the start.

A nighttime shot of World Showcase in 1984, including The American Adventure and Japan pavilion at EPCOT Center. — Photo by Paul Heaton

We’ve reached the end of our brief trip back in time to World Showcase 37 years ago. Here’s a similar shot to the earlier picture of The American Adventure with the Japan pavilion in the foreground. I love seeing the park all lit up at night, and it sets just the right mood for the nighttime spectacular. Laserphonic Fantasy concluded our day on that trip, and the lasers were something to see for an eight-year-old. I hope you enjoyed this visit to World Showcase in 1984!