What better way to break in Page Three of this thread by starting our discussion of Mirror Walt Disney World's second theme park? I should point out that most of this introduction comes direct from @MANEATINGWREATH's introduction to his WestCOT, so credit to him on that.
Isn’t it fascinating -- the lives we live? Ours is a world full of discovery and innovation. As history has gone on, we’ve made so many new things that have helped our lives, and we have learned so much about the people who live the world over. The rich tapestry of the human race -- its inventions, its cultures, its food -- combined with the wonders of the natural world is something worth celebrating. And that is exactly what we shall do when we step inside Walt Disney World’s glorious second gate, EPCOT.
Walt Disney knew he would not see the completion of his “Florida Project” and that the job would be left to his brother Roy. Still, Walt would sit in his hospital bed at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, across from his beloved Studio, and there, despite his condition, would plot and map the design of his new Florida property among the ceiling tiles of his hospital room. Although this project would contain an East Coast Disneyland in the Magic Kingdom, Walt’s biggest priority was for a little something he called “EPCOT”.
EPCOT was to be the heart of the Florida Project. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the actual geographic center of the whole forty-three-square-mile destination was where the EPCOT Center park was placed. It would be known as E.P.C.O.T. -- the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It was to be an ever-changing laboratory where the greatest minds could come together and solve the problems of the world as well as a community of nations that would serve as a showcase of harmony and goodwill. However, there were many downsides to this plan -- for example, no one could retire, the behavior of teenagers would be heavily monitored, and living in general would take a backseat to showcasing the latest technologies. Some feared that it would turn into something out of a dystopian nightmare! Needless to say, when Walt died, the plans for EPCOT were instantly put on the kibosh. While Walt’s visualized “Progress City” was never built, a spectacular scale model was, and still is, presented to guests as the post-show of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.
In the late 1970s, then-CEO Card Walker wanted to revisit the EPCOT idea. Still, the executives were wary and agreed that Walt’s vision for EPCOT would not work in its initial design. Thus, a compromise was reached: The concept for EPCOT would be turned into a theme park called “EPCOT Center”, so named because they believed that if the park was a success, they could potentially build Walt’s city of the future around it -- thus, being the “Center” of EPCOT.
EPCOT is arguably the biggest and most lasting mark of the entire resort, an incredible celebration of our cultural diversity, humanity, future, and history. EPCOT, which opened on October 1, 1982, tells the story of Earth’s greatest resource - its people. People from the past, present and future, and across the globe, are showcased in this tribute to our beloved planet and mankind’s achievements.
The park is made up of two distinct areas, each highlighting a different aspect of human experience, and altogether, the park boasts 30 pavilions. The magnificent Spaceship Earth marks the entrance to Future World, highlighting the technological and natural wonders of our world. Surrounding Spaceship Earth are ten other pavilions, two -- namely, Innoventions and the EPCOT Festival Center -- in the plaza beyond Spaceship Earth and eight surrounding the plaza, four on each side. On the east side, we have Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Wonders of Life, Horizons and World of Motion. And on the west side, Journey Into Imagination, The Land, Mission: SPACE and The Living Seas.
Beyond this district, the path leads towards World Showcase, celebrating the many diverse cultures of our planet. World Showcase represents nineteen nations: Mexico, Jordan, Norway, China, Egypt, Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, United States of America, Japan, India, Morocco, Jamaica, France, South Africa, United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada. Through this park, we are able to see humanity at its best, and we are given new hope for the future.
The sun rises high over the Floridian skies. The monorail pulls into the station of the EPCOT Transportation Hub, unloading the day’s first group of guests, ready to explore EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The EPCOT Transportation Hub is inspired by the original concept Herb Ryman designed for Walt’s EPCOT city, and is an off-shoot of the Transportation Station at Disney Square. Here in this circular hub, decorated in shades of blue and chrome, monorails dart to and from various locations, and the WEDWay PeopleMover glides over our heads. Parking trams pull in down below, bringing guests in from EPCOT’s various parking lots. Techno versions of EPCOT favorites and Disney tunes fill the air. Fresh plants and trees add a splash of color to the area, and skylights provide natural light.
As everyone knows, any day at EPCOT begins in Future World. Upon entering the park from the Transportation Hub -- the ticket stations and security screenings are set up right inside -- you’ll find yourself in a natural oasis. As in the old days, the Entrance Plaza is full of beautiful trees and gardens. The large, geometrical sphere of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of all EPCOT, rises high over the numerous trees. Guests walk through and around the several mazes of trees and flowers, before arriving at a fountain, just at the entrance of Spaceship Earth. Atop the fountain is a tall, three-pronged sculpture, adorned with the EPCOT logo. Likewise, flags surrounding the gardens bear the EPCOT logo as well. To the left of the Spaceship Earth plaza is the Wheelchair and Stroller Rental shop. Built into the sides of this imposing sphere are two other shops. To the left is the Gateway Gifts store, which features a series of EPCOT and Spaceship Earth-based merchandise. Continuing to wrap in-front of Spaceship Earth and on the opposite side of the plaza is the Camera Center, which features specialty camera and picture products. And of course, right in the middle of it all, is an inclined ramp that takes guests inside the giant geometric sphere for a ride that sets the mood for our time here at EPCOT.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth takes you through the historical and cultural progression of the world, showing how the world has evolved through communication. The attraction begins at the earliest periods of the cavemen, who used cave drawings to communicate, and proceeds through many different eras and civilizations -- from the invention of papyrus paper and the creation of the alphabet, to the fall of Alexandria and the rise of the Renaissance, and to the early-century telephones to the later-century computer, before arriving in the current one in which we live today. Set to a powerful score by Edo Guidotti and featuring detailed animatronics, the excitement and majesty of Spaceship Earth is an excellent way to begin a day here at EPCOT.
At this point in our Mirror universe, Spaceship Earth has undergone a refurbishment not only for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, but for EPCOT’s forthcoming 40th. This Spaceship Earth is a fusion of the four versions that came before it. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this version weaves together elements from all four scripts, utilizes Edo Guidotti’s score from the Irons version, the screen technology of the Dench version (used to showcase a timeline and exact locations of the events depicted in the ride), as well as “Tomorrow’s Child” from the Cronkite version, underscoring a brand-new climax, a climax so beautiful and stirring, I shall wait until we get to the Spaceship Earth ride-through to describe it.
The experience exits out into the Global Neighborhood, a post-show featuring exhibits and demonstrations of the latest communications technology. The Global Neighborhood is marked by a giant tree made out of cables, with cameras hidden within holes, thus allowing guests to have their pictures taken and displayed on screens hanging from its branches.
Behind Spaceship Earth, we step into Stargate Plaza, its warm and inviting atmosphere is the perfect way to be led further into the wonders of EPCOT. Stargate Plaza is surrounded by ponds and canals, like the ones that surrounded the CommuniCore Plaza back in the early days of the park. In addition, you’ll also find new flowing streams and small rocky waterfalls adding motion beneath the swaying of the tall trees, which also provide much needed shade to the area. Vibrant flowers along the grassy banks of the water add color to the area, while the reflections of Spaceship Earth and the surrounding buildings add even more life and visual interest to the plaza. New paths lead directly from Spaceship Earth both east and west, allowing easy navigation and traffic flow to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and The Living Seas.
Exiting from Spaceship Earth, the first thing you’ll come across in Stargate Plaza is Dreamers’ Point, which offers sweeping views of World Showcase just across the way. Dreamers’ Point is anchored by a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a Wishing Tree in an enchanted forest and the Storyteller’s Fountain, celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling. Stargate Plaza is also the place to go if you want to meet up with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto.
EPCOT Festival Center
Further down the way -- connected to Spaceship Earth via a “light trail” -- is the EPCOT Festival Center, the premier place for specialty events for EPCOT’s four signature festivals -- the International Festival of the Arts, the International Flower and Garden Festival, the International Food and Wine Festival and the International Festival of the Holidays. The Festival Center provides a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. This beautiful three-level structure has one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
When the 2020s began at EPCOT, they began with the removal of Innoventions. Only one quadrant of the Innoventions complex remains -- specifically, the northeastern quadrant. Formerly the home of Electric Umbrella, this quadrant plays host to the Centorium. The Centorium is the largest shop in EPCOT, so large that it takes up two floors. The first floor of the Centorium features a large assortment of EPCOT and Disney character merchandise. Items include books, slider puzzles featuring the EPCOT pavilion logos, stuffed animals, buttons, patches, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts, and hats. The second floor of the Centorium can be accessed by a glassed-in elevator. From here, you can look down at the first floor. Items include various electronic gadgets, such as watches, model vehicles, and iPod/iPhone/iPad accessories. The Centorium building also plays host to Guest Relations, First Aid, the Baby Care Center and Locker Rentals.
From the very beginning, we have always sought to reach out to one another - to bridge the gaps between us - to communicate. Future World is an experience designed to connect us with the world and bridge those gaps, with wide pathways, sweeping green spaces and locales in homage to humanity, communication and innovation. Future World in itself is a voyage through time; a reflection on the power and storytelling used to unite the human experience.
Each section of Future World is a focus on the moments and ideas that define our story through science and nature. The central part of Future World celebrates progress and the endless resourcefulness the human body, mind and spirit. In Future World East, stories about technology and intergalactic adventure come to life. Future World West is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world, as well as its wealth in knowledge and events from yesterday, tomorrow and today.
Across the way from the Festival Center is a large, circular building, quite similar to the former Carousel of Progress building at Disneyland. It is very sleek, decorated with retro-age fins and ramps leading around its two levels. This is the home of the next pavilion of Future World:
Innoventions
In 1982, Spaceship Earth was flanked by the two buildings of CommuniCore, which offered various exhibits focusing on the latest technologies. In 1994, this was updated to become Innoventions, which followed the same basic principle. In 2019, it was announced that Innoventions would be completely destroyed, with only one quadrant remaining -- the quadrant playing host to Centorium. Innoventions, however, would be completely re-tooled in an all new setting.
“Innoventions” is a combination of the words “innovation” and “invention”. Therefore, the exhibits presented here are exactly that, a cutting edge glimpse into the various future technologies and ideas of our ever and always changing world. In this tribute to the human spirit of innovation, we discover an interactive “museum” bursting with games, activities and exhibitions that connect us with the latest in real-world advancements, as well as with friends, family and beloved Disney characters - both real and virtual - like never before. Innoventions is divided into one unique exhibit after the next, all in focus on the wonder and imagination that we might use to better our tomorrow.
Stepping into the building, the interior “show” of the pavilion is divided into a number of smaller exhibitions and larger attractions, all indoors, each built in focus and relation to an area of science, industry and discovery. This sweeping, two-level rotunda is beyond imagination and everyday reality - it is unbelievable in sight, scale and design. Whirring contraptions and peculiar sculptures fill the spacious interior of this inspired, breathtaking “museum”. Abstract designs and murals, bright neon fixtures, and oddball furnishings act together in a perfect theatrical production.
We are greeted at the door by the owner of this “museum”, one Tom Morrow. Tom is an Audio-Animatronics android voiced by Nathan Lane, who explains the concept of Innoventions in a comedic fashion, even performing an updated version of the Sherman Bros. classic “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” from the Carousel of Progress.
First, the House of the Future and Apple Exhibition, the former being an updated take on a Disneyland classic, and the latter hosted by the multinational Apple Inc., preview the up and coming best in personal living, consumer electronics, computer software, and online communication. The Tesla Showroom specializes in electric car displays and, through Tesla, Inc.’s Solar City subsidiary, solar panel manufacturing and use.
The “If We Can Dream It” Labs are an interactive design laboratory which enables guests to create new technology that will be useful into the 21st century and beyond. These laboratories will set guests up at specific design stations for a variety of technology of the 21st century. If you're interested in designing technology for outer space, you venture to the spaceport and with assistance from design guides, follow the “story” on each design studio to help build technology for the future. For instance, the spaceport story - a group of explorers are on the Moon and their communications are lost. You are given three options to see how you can restore the communication and you work together with friends and family to try and solve the mystery and get the communication back by creating new solutions to the problems. It's an interactive exhibit that actually requires critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning, making it a unique location in EPCOT and something that embodies the edutainment values of the original theme park.
Tucked away inside a special corner of Innoventions is an old friend from the early days of CommuniCore, SMRT-1. SMRT-1 is a purple and chrome robot set on a rotating pedestal surrounded by telephones, and he invites guests to play along in trivia and guessing games. When your turn comes up, SMRT-1 asks you (in its synthesized voice) to speak your answer loud and clear through the phone. It also spends some time ad-libbing and singing between games: “If I keep this up, I might graduate from Solid State.” Yes, this is a fully interactive animatronic, eager to carry on conversations with any passer-by.
SMRT-1’s headquarters are located steps away from the eating garden of the Venture Point Café. The Venture Point Café is EPCOT’s location for Starbucks Coffee and other casual dining entrees. We can also find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods. Dine outdoors under the cool shade of a metallic canopy, or indoors amid colorful ambiance and electronic marvels. The Venture Point Café can be found on the farthest right-hand side of Level One, but on the farthest left-hand side is the Digital Bazaar, represents an unexpected future for the modern department store. Imagine, for a moment, an incredible, seamless experience unifying the convenience and speed of online shopping with the fun and physicality of a day at the mall.
Twisting and twirling escalators and elevators serve as our passage into Level Two of Innoventions, bringing us mere inches away from those whirring gears and other contraptions. Once upstairs, the first exhibit we'll come across is perhaps, the kookiest of all the exhibits found here: Von Drake’s House of Genius. What technological expo wouldn't be complete without an appearance from Disney’s foremost genius on just about anything? Professor Ludwig Von Drake is, as described by Walt, “an eminent psychologist, renowned color expert, etymologist” and “the most sought after lecturer in the world.” This so-called “House of Genius” is an unexpected delight - a look at the future, a future that appeals more to the cartoon denizens of Disney. A quick tour through the Hall of Invention shows a number of utterly useless inventions and ideas - back-scratching robots, googly-eyed trash cans that chow down on garbage and even speak, with each one speaking in a different voice, dancing wind-up toys the size of automobiles, you name it, it's there. Von Drake Labs on the other hand is an interactive playground for scientists of all ages to explore. Various contraptions and whirligigs invite hands-on discovery and nonsense, often at the expense of an unwilling Donald caught as a stubborn participant in the wrong place at the right time.
The lighthearted House of Genius ends in Von Drake’s “Sing-Along Stadium”, a small viewing chamber for those fabulous, classic installments of Disney’s Sing-Along Songs, which the Professor co-hosted alongside his associates, Professor Owl and Jiminy Cricket. Throughout the day, all the episodes these three enigmatic figures hosted play on a loop, all of them remastered from their original VHS distribution. They are, in order of release date, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Heigh-Ho, The Bare Necessities, You Can Fly, Fun With Music, Under the Sea, Disneyland Fun, I Love to Laugh, Be Our Guest, Friend Like Me, Circle of Life and Colors of the Wind. Of course, during the Festival of the Holidays, the Jiminy-hosted Very Merry Christmas Songs joins the rotation as well. Of course, if you wish to meet the Professor in person, he, Donald and Daisy have their own meet-and-greet here.
Moving on, we come upon four more exhibits. First is City Builders. This exhibit allows its guests to sit at design stations and essentially build a city from the ground up. Starting in the current year and working your way up 100 years, you'll be able to create your own city using futuristic designs and your own customized layouts. Nearby that is a personal favorite of mine: Green Eyes. In a partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Ocean Conservancy, Green Eyes focuses on what we can do, as well as what the world can do, to better preserve our incredible planet and its natural resources and beauty. In other words, it's a look at what we can do if we see the world through green eyes. Eco-friendly transit and food production are among the possible advancements in protecting the environment. Pollution-reducing methods and the use of less plastics are demonstrated. Diagrams and video presentations portray how, if in affect, these methods and ideas might improve our world in a detailed timeline.
The upstairs portion of Innoventions is also home to the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Labs. A more “futuristic” take on DCA’s Blue Sky Cellar, it is in this place that guests can get in touch with their creative side and learn more about the art of Imagineering. Here now is a complete list of everything that you will be able to see and do here at the Blue Sky Labs:
Finally, by combining state-of-the-art virtual-reality technology, physical sets and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell, The VOID: Step Beyond Reality invites Innoventions visitors to become active participants in uniquely themed environments. Surrounded by 3D imagery and sound in an immersive story by ILMxLAB and The Void, brave heroes walk around freely without a tether as they explore an exciting new world. Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, Ralph Breaks VR!, and Black Panther: Wakanda Escape are among the three featured adventures. Interact with popular characters and each other in a virtual environment designed to capture the groundbreaking technology - and the magic of illusion
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Thus begins our journey through EPCOT! I must say that most of the Innoventions concept comes direct from @MANEATINGWREATH's Wonders of Science from his excellent Mirror Disneyland. I say "most of" because two concepts--specifically, the "If We Can Dream It" Labs and City Builders (and technically, the name "Green Eyes")--come from a concept for a "New Horizons Pavilion", created for the 2016 House Cup Competition by the following: @disneydf, @GrandCanyonConcourse, @Fox&Hound, @Brer Panther, @Adam Snider, @deere839, @Tony the Tigger, @Steel City Magic, @Mattyice16, @DarthMileZ and @spacemt354, so all credit goes out to all these fine people!
Tomorrow, we'll visit Future World East, in a journey that may or may not take more than two posts to get through, because there is a lot to discuss here...
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EPCOT
EPCOT
Isn’t it fascinating -- the lives we live? Ours is a world full of discovery and innovation. As history has gone on, we’ve made so many new things that have helped our lives, and we have learned so much about the people who live the world over. The rich tapestry of the human race -- its inventions, its cultures, its food -- combined with the wonders of the natural world is something worth celebrating. And that is exactly what we shall do when we step inside Walt Disney World’s glorious second gate, EPCOT.
Walt Disney knew he would not see the completion of his “Florida Project” and that the job would be left to his brother Roy. Still, Walt would sit in his hospital bed at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, across from his beloved Studio, and there, despite his condition, would plot and map the design of his new Florida property among the ceiling tiles of his hospital room. Although this project would contain an East Coast Disneyland in the Magic Kingdom, Walt’s biggest priority was for a little something he called “EPCOT”.
EPCOT was to be the heart of the Florida Project. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the actual geographic center of the whole forty-three-square-mile destination was where the EPCOT Center park was placed. It would be known as E.P.C.O.T. -- the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It was to be an ever-changing laboratory where the greatest minds could come together and solve the problems of the world as well as a community of nations that would serve as a showcase of harmony and goodwill. However, there were many downsides to this plan -- for example, no one could retire, the behavior of teenagers would be heavily monitored, and living in general would take a backseat to showcasing the latest technologies. Some feared that it would turn into something out of a dystopian nightmare! Needless to say, when Walt died, the plans for EPCOT were instantly put on the kibosh. While Walt’s visualized “Progress City” was never built, a spectacular scale model was, and still is, presented to guests as the post-show of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.
In the late 1970s, then-CEO Card Walker wanted to revisit the EPCOT idea. Still, the executives were wary and agreed that Walt’s vision for EPCOT would not work in its initial design. Thus, a compromise was reached: The concept for EPCOT would be turned into a theme park called “EPCOT Center”, so named because they believed that if the park was a success, they could potentially build Walt’s city of the future around it -- thus, being the “Center” of EPCOT.
EPCOT is arguably the biggest and most lasting mark of the entire resort, an incredible celebration of our cultural diversity, humanity, future, and history. EPCOT, which opened on October 1, 1982, tells the story of Earth’s greatest resource - its people. People from the past, present and future, and across the globe, are showcased in this tribute to our beloved planet and mankind’s achievements.
The park is made up of two distinct areas, each highlighting a different aspect of human experience, and altogether, the park boasts 30 pavilions. The magnificent Spaceship Earth marks the entrance to Future World, highlighting the technological and natural wonders of our world. Surrounding Spaceship Earth are ten other pavilions, two -- namely, Innoventions and the EPCOT Festival Center -- in the plaza beyond Spaceship Earth and eight surrounding the plaza, four on each side. On the east side, we have Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Wonders of Life, Horizons and World of Motion. And on the west side, Journey Into Imagination, The Land, Mission: SPACE and The Living Seas.
Beyond this district, the path leads towards World Showcase, celebrating the many diverse cultures of our planet. World Showcase represents nineteen nations: Mexico, Jordan, Norway, China, Egypt, Australia, Germany, Greece, Italy, United States of America, Japan, India, Morocco, Jamaica, France, South Africa, United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada. Through this park, we are able to see humanity at its best, and we are given new hope for the future.
Future World
The sun rises high over the Floridian skies. The monorail pulls into the station of the EPCOT Transportation Hub, unloading the day’s first group of guests, ready to explore EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The EPCOT Transportation Hub is inspired by the original concept Herb Ryman designed for Walt’s EPCOT city, and is an off-shoot of the Transportation Station at Disney Square. Here in this circular hub, decorated in shades of blue and chrome, monorails dart to and from various locations, and the WEDWay PeopleMover glides over our heads. Parking trams pull in down below, bringing guests in from EPCOT’s various parking lots. Techno versions of EPCOT favorites and Disney tunes fill the air. Fresh plants and trees add a splash of color to the area, and skylights provide natural light.
As everyone knows, any day at EPCOT begins in Future World. Upon entering the park from the Transportation Hub -- the ticket stations and security screenings are set up right inside -- you’ll find yourself in a natural oasis. As in the old days, the Entrance Plaza is full of beautiful trees and gardens. The large, geometrical sphere of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of all EPCOT, rises high over the numerous trees. Guests walk through and around the several mazes of trees and flowers, before arriving at a fountain, just at the entrance of Spaceship Earth. Atop the fountain is a tall, three-pronged sculpture, adorned with the EPCOT logo. Likewise, flags surrounding the gardens bear the EPCOT logo as well. To the left of the Spaceship Earth plaza is the Wheelchair and Stroller Rental shop. Built into the sides of this imposing sphere are two other shops. To the left is the Gateway Gifts store, which features a series of EPCOT and Spaceship Earth-based merchandise. Continuing to wrap in-front of Spaceship Earth and on the opposite side of the plaza is the Camera Center, which features specialty camera and picture products. And of course, right in the middle of it all, is an inclined ramp that takes guests inside the giant geometric sphere for a ride that sets the mood for our time here at EPCOT.
Spaceship Earth takes you through the historical and cultural progression of the world, showing how the world has evolved through communication. The attraction begins at the earliest periods of the cavemen, who used cave drawings to communicate, and proceeds through many different eras and civilizations -- from the invention of papyrus paper and the creation of the alphabet, to the fall of Alexandria and the rise of the Renaissance, and to the early-century telephones to the later-century computer, before arriving in the current one in which we live today. Set to a powerful score by Edo Guidotti and featuring detailed animatronics, the excitement and majesty of Spaceship Earth is an excellent way to begin a day here at EPCOT.
At this point in our Mirror universe, Spaceship Earth has undergone a refurbishment not only for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, but for EPCOT’s forthcoming 40th. This Spaceship Earth is a fusion of the four versions that came before it. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this version weaves together elements from all four scripts, utilizes Edo Guidotti’s score from the Irons version, the screen technology of the Dench version (used to showcase a timeline and exact locations of the events depicted in the ride), as well as “Tomorrow’s Child” from the Cronkite version, underscoring a brand-new climax, a climax so beautiful and stirring, I shall wait until we get to the Spaceship Earth ride-through to describe it.
The experience exits out into the Global Neighborhood, a post-show featuring exhibits and demonstrations of the latest communications technology. The Global Neighborhood is marked by a giant tree made out of cables, with cameras hidden within holes, thus allowing guests to have their pictures taken and displayed on screens hanging from its branches.
Behind Spaceship Earth, we step into Stargate Plaza, its warm and inviting atmosphere is the perfect way to be led further into the wonders of EPCOT. Stargate Plaza is surrounded by ponds and canals, like the ones that surrounded the CommuniCore Plaza back in the early days of the park. In addition, you’ll also find new flowing streams and small rocky waterfalls adding motion beneath the swaying of the tall trees, which also provide much needed shade to the area. Vibrant flowers along the grassy banks of the water add color to the area, while the reflections of Spaceship Earth and the surrounding buildings add even more life and visual interest to the plaza. New paths lead directly from Spaceship Earth both east and west, allowing easy navigation and traffic flow to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and The Living Seas.
Exiting from Spaceship Earth, the first thing you’ll come across in Stargate Plaza is Dreamers’ Point, which offers sweeping views of World Showcase just across the way. Dreamers’ Point is anchored by a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a Wishing Tree in an enchanted forest and the Storyteller’s Fountain, celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling. Stargate Plaza is also the place to go if you want to meet up with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto.
Further down the way -- connected to Spaceship Earth via a “light trail” -- is the EPCOT Festival Center, the premier place for specialty events for EPCOT’s four signature festivals -- the International Festival of the Arts, the International Flower and Garden Festival, the International Food and Wine Festival and the International Festival of the Holidays. The Festival Center provides a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. This beautiful three-level structure has one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
When the 2020s began at EPCOT, they began with the removal of Innoventions. Only one quadrant of the Innoventions complex remains -- specifically, the northeastern quadrant. Formerly the home of Electric Umbrella, this quadrant plays host to the Centorium. The Centorium is the largest shop in EPCOT, so large that it takes up two floors. The first floor of the Centorium features a large assortment of EPCOT and Disney character merchandise. Items include books, slider puzzles featuring the EPCOT pavilion logos, stuffed animals, buttons, patches, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts, and hats. The second floor of the Centorium can be accessed by a glassed-in elevator. From here, you can look down at the first floor. Items include various electronic gadgets, such as watches, model vehicles, and iPod/iPhone/iPad accessories. The Centorium building also plays host to Guest Relations, First Aid, the Baby Care Center and Locker Rentals.
From the very beginning, we have always sought to reach out to one another - to bridge the gaps between us - to communicate. Future World is an experience designed to connect us with the world and bridge those gaps, with wide pathways, sweeping green spaces and locales in homage to humanity, communication and innovation. Future World in itself is a voyage through time; a reflection on the power and storytelling used to unite the human experience.
Each section of Future World is a focus on the moments and ideas that define our story through science and nature. The central part of Future World celebrates progress and the endless resourcefulness the human body, mind and spirit. In Future World East, stories about technology and intergalactic adventure come to life. Future World West is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world, as well as its wealth in knowledge and events from yesterday, tomorrow and today.
Across the way from the Festival Center is a large, circular building, quite similar to the former Carousel of Progress building at Disneyland. It is very sleek, decorated with retro-age fins and ramps leading around its two levels. This is the home of the next pavilion of Future World:
In 1982, Spaceship Earth was flanked by the two buildings of CommuniCore, which offered various exhibits focusing on the latest technologies. In 1994, this was updated to become Innoventions, which followed the same basic principle. In 2019, it was announced that Innoventions would be completely destroyed, with only one quadrant remaining -- the quadrant playing host to Centorium. Innoventions, however, would be completely re-tooled in an all new setting.
“Innoventions” is a combination of the words “innovation” and “invention”. Therefore, the exhibits presented here are exactly that, a cutting edge glimpse into the various future technologies and ideas of our ever and always changing world. In this tribute to the human spirit of innovation, we discover an interactive “museum” bursting with games, activities and exhibitions that connect us with the latest in real-world advancements, as well as with friends, family and beloved Disney characters - both real and virtual - like never before. Innoventions is divided into one unique exhibit after the next, all in focus on the wonder and imagination that we might use to better our tomorrow.
Stepping into the building, the interior “show” of the pavilion is divided into a number of smaller exhibitions and larger attractions, all indoors, each built in focus and relation to an area of science, industry and discovery. This sweeping, two-level rotunda is beyond imagination and everyday reality - it is unbelievable in sight, scale and design. Whirring contraptions and peculiar sculptures fill the spacious interior of this inspired, breathtaking “museum”. Abstract designs and murals, bright neon fixtures, and oddball furnishings act together in a perfect theatrical production.
We are greeted at the door by the owner of this “museum”, one Tom Morrow. Tom is an Audio-Animatronics android voiced by Nathan Lane, who explains the concept of Innoventions in a comedic fashion, even performing an updated version of the Sherman Bros. classic “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” from the Carousel of Progress.
~ Level One ~
First, the House of the Future and Apple Exhibition, the former being an updated take on a Disneyland classic, and the latter hosted by the multinational Apple Inc., preview the up and coming best in personal living, consumer electronics, computer software, and online communication. The Tesla Showroom specializes in electric car displays and, through Tesla, Inc.’s Solar City subsidiary, solar panel manufacturing and use.
The “If We Can Dream It” Labs are an interactive design laboratory which enables guests to create new technology that will be useful into the 21st century and beyond. These laboratories will set guests up at specific design stations for a variety of technology of the 21st century. If you're interested in designing technology for outer space, you venture to the spaceport and with assistance from design guides, follow the “story” on each design studio to help build technology for the future. For instance, the spaceport story - a group of explorers are on the Moon and their communications are lost. You are given three options to see how you can restore the communication and you work together with friends and family to try and solve the mystery and get the communication back by creating new solutions to the problems. It's an interactive exhibit that actually requires critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning, making it a unique location in EPCOT and something that embodies the edutainment values of the original theme park.
Tucked away inside a special corner of Innoventions is an old friend from the early days of CommuniCore, SMRT-1. SMRT-1 is a purple and chrome robot set on a rotating pedestal surrounded by telephones, and he invites guests to play along in trivia and guessing games. When your turn comes up, SMRT-1 asks you (in its synthesized voice) to speak your answer loud and clear through the phone. It also spends some time ad-libbing and singing between games: “If I keep this up, I might graduate from Solid State.” Yes, this is a fully interactive animatronic, eager to carry on conversations with any passer-by.
SMRT-1’s headquarters are located steps away from the eating garden of the Venture Point Café. The Venture Point Café is EPCOT’s location for Starbucks Coffee and other casual dining entrees. We can also find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods. Dine outdoors under the cool shade of a metallic canopy, or indoors amid colorful ambiance and electronic marvels. The Venture Point Café can be found on the farthest right-hand side of Level One, but on the farthest left-hand side is the Digital Bazaar, represents an unexpected future for the modern department store. Imagine, for a moment, an incredible, seamless experience unifying the convenience and speed of online shopping with the fun and physicality of a day at the mall.
~ Level Two ~
Twisting and twirling escalators and elevators serve as our passage into Level Two of Innoventions, bringing us mere inches away from those whirring gears and other contraptions. Once upstairs, the first exhibit we'll come across is perhaps, the kookiest of all the exhibits found here: Von Drake’s House of Genius. What technological expo wouldn't be complete without an appearance from Disney’s foremost genius on just about anything? Professor Ludwig Von Drake is, as described by Walt, “an eminent psychologist, renowned color expert, etymologist” and “the most sought after lecturer in the world.” This so-called “House of Genius” is an unexpected delight - a look at the future, a future that appeals more to the cartoon denizens of Disney. A quick tour through the Hall of Invention shows a number of utterly useless inventions and ideas - back-scratching robots, googly-eyed trash cans that chow down on garbage and even speak, with each one speaking in a different voice, dancing wind-up toys the size of automobiles, you name it, it's there. Von Drake Labs on the other hand is an interactive playground for scientists of all ages to explore. Various contraptions and whirligigs invite hands-on discovery and nonsense, often at the expense of an unwilling Donald caught as a stubborn participant in the wrong place at the right time.
The lighthearted House of Genius ends in Von Drake’s “Sing-Along Stadium”, a small viewing chamber for those fabulous, classic installments of Disney’s Sing-Along Songs, which the Professor co-hosted alongside his associates, Professor Owl and Jiminy Cricket. Throughout the day, all the episodes these three enigmatic figures hosted play on a loop, all of them remastered from their original VHS distribution. They are, in order of release date, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Heigh-Ho, The Bare Necessities, You Can Fly, Fun With Music, Under the Sea, Disneyland Fun, I Love to Laugh, Be Our Guest, Friend Like Me, Circle of Life and Colors of the Wind. Of course, during the Festival of the Holidays, the Jiminy-hosted Very Merry Christmas Songs joins the rotation as well. Of course, if you wish to meet the Professor in person, he, Donald and Daisy have their own meet-and-greet here.
Moving on, we come upon four more exhibits. First is City Builders. This exhibit allows its guests to sit at design stations and essentially build a city from the ground up. Starting in the current year and working your way up 100 years, you'll be able to create your own city using futuristic designs and your own customized layouts. Nearby that is a personal favorite of mine: Green Eyes. In a partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Ocean Conservancy, Green Eyes focuses on what we can do, as well as what the world can do, to better preserve our incredible planet and its natural resources and beauty. In other words, it's a look at what we can do if we see the world through green eyes. Eco-friendly transit and food production are among the possible advancements in protecting the environment. Pollution-reducing methods and the use of less plastics are demonstrated. Diagrams and video presentations portray how, if in affect, these methods and ideas might improve our world in a detailed timeline.
The upstairs portion of Innoventions is also home to the Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Labs. A more “futuristic” take on DCA’s Blue Sky Cellar, it is in this place that guests can get in touch with their creative side and learn more about the art of Imagineering. Here now is a complete list of everything that you will be able to see and do here at the Blue Sky Labs:
- Imagineering Exhibit Center: View concept art, models and blueprints for new and upcoming developments at Disney parks worldwide. The Exhibit Center also features a preview film that features Imagineers talking about the upcoming attractions, which is updated routinely as construction progresses.
- Animation Academy: In just 30 minutes, you'll be able to draw one of your favorite Disney characters. This is a similar set-up to the Animation Academy over at Hollywoodland at Mirror Disneyland Park.
- Living Easels: Use a giant digital easel to create your own artistic masterpieces.
- Disney’s Song Studio: The long-lost art of WDW Forever CDs is back! At the Song Studio, you can make your very own personalized musical souvenir. For just $20, you can pick ten tracks of any Walt Disney World park audio -- background music, ride themes, ride narrations, etc. -- and put them together to make your own CD.
- The Amazing Destini: The Amazing Destini a figure that entertained guests at the 2011 D23 Expo. This is a full-fledged real-time AA figure. And to be honest, you gotta see him to believe him!
- CyberSpace Mountain: In this beloved part of the Blue Sky Labs, reborn for a new generation, you can personally design your very own roller-coaster. You can pick out layouts, settings and themes, and completely customize what the cars will go along--loops, corkscrews, hills, the works. Whether you’re more “chill” or more “thrill”, you can make it as tame or as white-knuckle as you want! Even better, you can step inside a simulator and take your creation for a test-run! The cylindrical simulator is able to capture the exact movement and direction of the entire coaster, as designed by the armchair Imagineers themselves!
- Imagineering the Future: At Imagineering the Future, you can achieve a dream that I’m sure many Disney fans have dreamed of: designing your very own Disney park! You can pick and choose elements from Disney parks worldwide, even those attractions that aren't with us anymore. In order to get the most out of anything, the restaurants and shops can be filled in automatically, and the foliage can be added in automatically, too. In addition, if you don't want to pick and choose, you can use pre-made sets (like MK’s Main Street, DLP’s Fantasyland and all that other stuff). You can even adjust the exteriors to your liking, too! And the best part? After you're done, you can step into a simulator and explore the park yourself! But if you don't want the fun to end, no sweat. Once you're done creating, as you're inside the simulator, a special thumbdrive of your park is made, and it can be hooked up to one of your gaming systems or your computer so you can continue to explore your park!
Finally, by combining state-of-the-art virtual-reality technology, physical sets and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell, The VOID: Step Beyond Reality invites Innoventions visitors to become active participants in uniquely themed environments. Surrounded by 3D imagery and sound in an immersive story by ILMxLAB and The Void, brave heroes walk around freely without a tether as they explore an exciting new world. Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, Ralph Breaks VR!, and Black Panther: Wakanda Escape are among the three featured adventures. Interact with popular characters and each other in a virtual environment designed to capture the groundbreaking technology - and the magic of illusion
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Thus begins our journey through EPCOT! I must say that most of the Innoventions concept comes direct from @MANEATINGWREATH's Wonders of Science from his excellent Mirror Disneyland. I say "most of" because two concepts--specifically, the "If We Can Dream It" Labs and City Builders (and technically, the name "Green Eyes")--come from a concept for a "New Horizons Pavilion", created for the 2016 House Cup Competition by the following: @disneydf, @GrandCanyonConcourse, @Fox&Hound, @Brer Panther, @Adam Snider, @deere839, @Tony the Tigger, @Steel City Magic, @Mattyice16, @DarthMileZ and @spacemt354, so all credit goes out to all these fine people!
Tomorrow, we'll visit Future World East, in a journey that may or may not take more than two posts to get through, because there is a lot to discuss here...
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