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Sunday, October 24, 2010

This Day In History...A Look Back at Epcot

It's one of those historical days...today, in 1982, Epcot was dedicated.

I have to say that Epcot is ties with MK as my favorite park at Disney World.  I'm reminded so much of Walt Disney and his vision for tomorrow.  Most of us Disneyphiles know that EPCOT is short for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow.  I wonder how many visitors even comprehend that?

I think certain sections of the community don't get that "amusement parks" and "theme parks" are distinctly different. In certain circles, Epcot is snubbed for not having enough "rides" to make it "worth it" to buy a ticket to go there. Sure, Soarin', Test Track and, to some extent, Mission:Space, have their fans, but the people who are only looking for "rides" are missing the point of Epcot.

We'd do better to follow Walt's example:  look for and pursue innovation of all types.

One of my favorite non-fiction books that sits in my office is titled, "The Quotable Walt Disney."  Here's a couple direct quotes that I feel really apply to Epcot, even though Walt died before he could see it opened:

"I believe in being an innovator."

"I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."

If you spend any time in Future World, especially Innoventions, you'll find that while some exhibits could be considered mainstays, there always seems to be a new kid on the block.

If you've always breezed by these buildings and never taken the time to "take it in" because you are in a rush to hit the "rides", take a step back and check out all that Future World has to offer.

You might be surprised at what you find.

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