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EPCOT Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Small Event, Talks

America Pavilion at EPCOT

EPCOT Center, the first Disney theme park to break the Magic Kingdom mold, turns thirty on October 1st. While the mission has shifted from the original vision for the future and the name is now just Epcot, it’s still spectacular in many ways. The 1st falls on a Monday this year, which makes it difficult for many fans to attend. I’ll be there, and I know there are some great Fan meet ups scheduled around the weekend (WDW Celebrations for one) and Kevin Yee’s last 30×30 will be held on Sunday.

As has been the recent tradition, Walt Disney World honors the 5 year anniversaries of its parks with a day long event. On October 1, Disney is offering guests two history presentations and a special moment honoring the park. These are included in park admission and are limited in seating.

  • 1-2 p.m. – Designing the Future – Past and Present: A panel of Disney Imagineers remembers 30 years of building tomorrow. (World Showplace)
  • 3 p.m. – Anniversary Show featuring Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty and appearances by Disney leaders. (American Gardens Theatre)
  • 4:30–6 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar (World Showplace)
  • 6:30–8 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar (World Showplace)

The day will wind up with a presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” that will feature a special 30th anniversary tag.

If you’re going on the 1st, be sure to say hi if you see me. I’d love to get your favorite memories of EPCOT in the comments below or in person or share your wishes for how Disney World should celebrate the major park anniversaries.