Epcot Celebrates 30 Years

Epcot, the second theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, celebrates its 30^th anniversary today. Initially named Epcot Center, the park opened on October 1, 1982, and is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely international culture and technological innovation.

Guests and fans began celebrating the park’s 30^th milestone over the week-end, with D23 members attending a special Epcot 30^th Anniversary Celebration at World Showplace, which featured special presentations by Disney Legends and Imagineers.

Visitors to Epcot today will receive a commemorative button and a 30th anniversary theme park map, which takes a look back at how the park has evolved, a statement released from Walt Disney World Resort said. A series of presentations are planned throughout the day, with an anniversary moment at the America Gardens Theatre at 3:00 p.m., featuring Disney leaders and performances by Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty. Tonight’s presentation of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will feature a special 30^th anniversary tag.

Epcot, initially constructed at an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion, was in its early years described as a “permanent World’s Fair.” Covering an area of 300 acres, it is more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom.