EPCOT 25 - One Little Spark . . .

One little spark . . .

These were the three words that kept emerging very tangibly from the happy chaos that filled Epcot on October 1, 2007. Three words that ignite the anthem of Imagination and connect EPCOT Center past to Epcot present, it is a phrase that came to embody and represent so much of what transpired on the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World’s second gate.

One little spark of inspiration . . . that grew out of a forum thread and into Celebration 25. Adam Roth and Jenn Waitt began a grass roots effort to celebrate Epcot’s 25th that was recognized by mainstream media and ultimately encouraged and supported by Disney itself. That spark ignited fully over the course of Celebration 25’s two days of events. I was very proud and excited to be one of the sponsors for this incredible gathering of the EPCOT passionate. Strangers became friends, online friends were able to finally enjoy handshakes and embraces, and podcast voices suddenly had corresponding faces and smiles. Kudos to Adam and his team for all their hard work in putting together this very exciting and memorable experience.

Musical notes, what a delightful melody those will make . . . A fun and engaging cast member named Norm entertained my sons with jokes and card tricks while we all waited for the 9:00 AM rope drop. Inspired by the day, Norm encouraged them to sing an EPCOT song, and was pleasantly surprised when they launched into (you guessed it) the original “One Little Spark.” It was a few moments thereafter when we were invited to be the Epcot Family of the Day. As we waited for the countdown, numerous cast members came up to congratulate us, and their happiness and excitement about this very special day was every bit as joyful and tangible as that of the ever-growing crowd around them. We were then escorted via Test Track vehicle to that attraction. I will never forget the wide eyes and broad smiles on my sons’ faces.

. . . Is at the heart of all creation. The current stewards of Epcot clearly celebrated the park’s unique nature and rich history via the 10:01 Re-dedication ceremony, Marty Sklar’s presentations, the EPCOT Gallery and a 25th Anniversary finale that was added to the already spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. EPCOT Center’s original opening theme of “We’ve Just Begun to Dream” was reintroduced at the re-dedication, and later reinforced at the Illuminations finale. But it was still the spirit of Dreamfinder that would pop up unexpectedly. When Marty Sklar presented a medley of EPCOT music during the course of his presentation, an enthusiastic audience responded with applause and cheers when the strains of One Little Spark emerged from the speakers.

But it was the small things that truly demonstrated a passion on the part of Disney managers that easily equaled that of the many fans who poured through the gates that morning-- reproductions of original EPCOT Center guidebooks, restaurants in World Showcase featuring original opening day menus, and a very sentimental collection of original EPCOT music that followed Illuminations and provided an appropriate and emotional ending to a terrific day. And again, when One Little Spark played as part of the repertoire, a sudden and emotional sing-along spontaneously erupted.

In regards to the management of Epcot, I cannot say enough about Epcot VP Jim McPhee. Accessible, genuine and himself a passionate EPCOT veteran of twenty-five years, Jim went out of his way during what was clearly a hectic and busy time, to greet and interact with the many participants of Celebration 25--at the Sunday history walks, following the re-dedication ceremony, and finally at the conclusion of the Illuminations dessert party Monday night.

On a personal note, I was thrilled to finally meet folks with whom I have established online friendships but had yet to meet in person. John Frost of the Disney Blog has long been a friend and supporter of 2719 and it was great to finally be able to express my thanks and gratitude to him person.

I was also very thrilled to finally meet in person fellow blogger and crate-detective Jessica Levenson from If We Can Dream It . . . To say that Jessica and I are kindred spirits when it comes to park details would be a major understatement, and it was a real joy to be able to spend time with her as well her wonderful mom Mim Levenson. We had an especially fun conversation about the challenges of photographing the details of Restrauntosaurus in Animal Kingdom amidst the stares and glares of dining guests.

To the many, many other individuals who went out of their way to say hi and share kind words and compliments, your enthusiasm and support for my efforts here are appreciated more than you know. It is a joy and a privilege to share this passion with so many wonderful, sincere and like-minded folks. I would like to send thanks especially to Deb Wills of All Ears Net, Bryan Ripper from the All About the Mouse podcast and Scott Powers of the Orlando Sentinel for taking time out of their busy days to share conversations and extend support and encouragement.

This is easily the most disjointed and rambling posts I’ve ever written. Those wonderful little sparks tend to fly off in many different directions, but hopefully you can still see that, at least for me, Epcot’s 25th Anniversary celebration represented yet another Disney dream come true.

It was a great day.

Epcot Family of the Day photo courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine

Imagineering 25 Cupcakes

At Walt Disney Imagineering yesterday, the occasion was celebrated with some very special cupcakes. Thanks to Jeff Kurtti for sharing the fun with us as well.

Souvenirs: EPCOT 25

Sure, there were shirts and pins and Figment plush, but the simple promotional giveaways were definitely the best souvenirs of the day.

An Amazing Day at EPCOT

What a day!

The EPCOT 25th Anniversary celebration was truly magical. A personal highlight was that my family was selected to be the Family of the Day at a very enthusiastic and high energy rope drop. Lots to talk about and I will hopefully have a more detailed account posted by Wednesday as we will be traveling tomorrow.

Stay tuned . . .

Celebrating the Legacy - October 1, 2007

To All Who Come to this Place of Joy, Hope and Friendship

Welcome

Epcot is inspired by Walt Disney's creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.



.

EPCOT 25 - Do You Remember . . .

. . . the original EPCOT Center icon?

Most folks still do. But do you know what it represents? From a 1994 EPCOT guidebook:

"The Epcot logo is a graphic representation of its philosophy. It symbolizes unity, fellowship, and harmony around the world. The five outer rings form the shape of a flower - a celebration of life.

The heart of the logo is earth embraced by a star, symbolizing hope - the hope that with imagination, commitment, and dedication we can create a new tomorrow."

EPCOT 25: Do You Remember . . .

. . . Surprise in the Skies?

From a 1992 EPCOT Center guidebook:

"A breathtaking airborne extravaganza over World Showcase Lagoon. High-flying aerobatics, colorful kites and majestic water-craft perform in an intricate production celebrating 20 Magical Years of Walt Disney World fun. Incredible giant-sized cold-air Disney Character balloons magically appear, along with Mickey himself, flying in the blue!"

EPCOT 25 - Do You Remember . . .

. . . Mickey and Friends in their Future World outfits?

Quintessentially 1980s in style and design, these pseudo-rainbow spacesuits defined the Fab Five when they finally arrived in EPCOT Center after an initial character moratorium when the park first opened.

EPCOT Bound!

Today, my family and I are heading south for our annual Walt Disney World fall vacation. Due to work and school scheduling, it is going to run a little shorter than our normal autumn excursions, but that is happily offset by the fact that we'll be there to join in the celebration of EPCOT's 25th Anniversary on Monday. I hope to update the blog as time and opportunity permits.

I am also one of the sponsors of Celebration 25, which has meets and activities taking place on both Sunday and Monday. We will be attending many of the planned events and will also be enjoying the Illuminations dessert party Monday evening. We will likely be decked out in either 2719 Hyperion or EPCOT 25 apparel, so if you see us be sure and say hi.

The Interstates await! If you are also World-bound this weekend, we hope to see you soon!

Souvenirs: The EPCOT Mint

Another fun category of Walt Disney World souvenirs is the commemorative coin. Roughly the size of a half dollar, they are typically themed to individual parks or special occasions and are often quite detailed in their sculpted surfaces.

In celebration of EPCOT Center's 25th Anniversary, here are three different coins, each from a different decade of EPCOT's operation.

The EPCOT Pre-Opening Postcards - World Showcase

As promised, here are the postcards featuring conceptual artwork from World Showcase pavilions. These cards were sold at the Magic Kingdom's EPCOT Preview Center prior to the park's opening in October of 1982. As noted in the prior post, these cards had a back-caption that read The Newest Wonder of the World Opens October 1, 1982. Missing from this specific series but later released were cards for Italy and Canada.

MEXICO IN THE WORLD SHOWCASE Within the Mayan pyramid of the Mexico pavilion, guests will sail along "Rivers of Time" from the pre-Columbian era to Modern Mexico.

WORLD SHOWCASE In the People's Republic of China pavilion, CircleVision 360 will surround guests with extraordinary images and sounds of that vast nation.

GERMANY IN THE WORLD SHOWCASE Fairy-tale charm and Oktoberfest revelry will be captured in the platz and biergarten of the Germany pavilion.

THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE More than 30 Audio-Animatronics figures, including "hosts" Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, will bring the triumphant story of America and its people to life.

JAPAN IN THE WORLD SHOWCASE The towers of an ancient fortress will rise above delicately sculpted gardens and colorful koi fish ponds in the Japan pavilion.

FRANCE IN THE WORLD SHOWCASE A new "Eiffel Tower" soars above the boulevard shops and guests wills thrill to a cinematic tour in the "Impressions de France" film at Palais du Cinema.
UNITED KINGDOM IN WORLD SHOWCASE In the "Rose & Crown" pub in the United Kingdom pavilion, guests will enjoy authentic British fare and toast Her Majesty with ale.

The EPCOT Pre-Opening Postcards - Future World

Among the souvenirs made available at the EPCOT Center Preview Center prior to the park's October 1982 opening was a series of postcards that featured concept art from nearly all of the attractions and pavilions. The now-famous aerial view painting featured above was distinct in that it carried no tag-line on the reverse side. The cards themed to Future World featured the line The Future Begins October 1, 1982 (pictured above), while the World Showcase cards stated The Newest Wonder of the World Opens October 1, 1982. Featured today are the Future World postcards with their corresponding back-of-card captions.

FUTURE WORLD THEME ATTRACTION Contained within a 17-story "geosphere," Spaceship Earth features a ride through the evolution of our communications networks.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE LAND Covering nearly six acres, The Land will offer guests some food for thought about nutrition, and a chance to set sail for "Tomorrow's Harvest."

WITH A SPARK OF INSPIRATION. . . Colorful realms of creativity will be explored when guests board ride-vehicles for a Journey Into Imagination.

"FREEDOM OF MOBILITY" In World of Motion, guests will ride through more than 30 Audio-Animatronics scenes about transportation's evolution, shown here in artwork and models.

UNDERSEA ADVENTURE The Living Seas, opening during Phase II of EPCOT CENTER in 1983, will reveal the wonders of our aquatic frontier at "Sea Base Alpha," a working research station.A LOOK A TOMORROW . . . TODAY In Horizons, guests will ride into three-dimensional future habitats, including a cityscape and space colony.

Universe of Energy was not represented in this The Future Begins October 1, 1982 series of cards. A card featuring concept art of the pavilion's exterior was subsequently released, but displayed the line Discover the Newest Wonder of the World.

Universe of Energy in Future World A gleaming array of 80,000 photovoltaic cells of the building's roof help guest to "ride on sunshine" through Universe of Energy, where they explore energy choices and challenges for tomorrow.

I was able to feature this particular card here with the much appreciated assistance of Brian Martsolf. Brian has the best online resource for Walt Disney World postcards. Check out his very extensive and comprehensive site. You won't be disappointed. Thanks, Brian!

Coming up: World Showcase!

Souvenirs: Adding a Little Character to World Showcase

Let's do a little more vintage souvenir shopping in honor of the 25th Anniversary of EPCOT Center. This series of character-themed decals predated the 1988 opening of the Norway pavilion. Mickey dominated the mix, appearing on seven of the ten selections. Donald was even then channeling his Three Caballeros persona for Mexico. The decals were part of a larger wave of character merchandise themed to World Showcase that appeared in the mid-to-late 1980s and included plush, novelties and apparrel.

A Guide to EPCOT Center

This was the EPCOT Center of close to twenty years ago. Norway was forthcoming but signs of the Wonders of Life pavilion had yet to make it into the park's guidebook. Disney Dollars were relatively new, Future World played host to the Epcot Daredevil Circus Spectacular, and Le Cellier was a buffeteria specializing in pork pies and rib roasts.

From the Guidebook's introduction:

WELCOME TO EPCOT CENTER
More than twice the size of the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center is really two unique worlds in one:

FUTURE WORLD
Innovations in communications, energy, transportation, the land, the sea and imagination are yours to explore.
WORLD SHOWCASE
Ten nations open their doors to you, sharing their accomplishments and cultures.

This Guidebook includes general information to help you make the most of your Epcot Center visit. For additional information, WORLDKEY INFORMATION SATELLITES, located in both Future World and World Showcase, put Epcot Center information "at your fingertips." The hosts and hostesses in Earth Station (adjacent to Spaceship Earth) will also be glad to help.

Souvenir Shopping at Centorium

Today we're going to jump in the old time machine and head back to EPCOT Center circa 1988 and do a little shopping in what was then my favorite shop in all of Walt Disney World-- Centorium. This Emporium of the 21st century was the place to find all of EPCOT Center's branded merchandise, including these popular items that have since become by and large extinct in the world of theme park souvenirs.

Pennants were a mainstay of resort stores during Disney World's first two decades, and this EPCOT Center edition (pictured above) is a personal favorite in my collection.

Bumper stickers have become scarcer as well, having been reborn in magnetic incarnations, which can be very cool, but are certainly not as plentiful as were their older and more traditional counterparts. I am a big admirer of the early Seabase Alpha designs and so this Living Seas bumper sticker was a natural purchase.

Previewing EPCOT Center

We visited the EPCOT Center Monorail Preview once before here at 2719, but as we approach October 1st, I thought it would be fun to take another look at what folks were doing 25 years ago just prior to the opening of Walt Disney World's second gate.

Advertised for Florida residents, the preview was in fact open to everyone. An EPCOT preview area had been set up at City Hall on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Brochures were given out (pictured above) detailing EPCOT Center and its many initial attractions. EPCOT merchandise was also available for purchase. A short film about the concept and construction of the park was shown in the theater that normally played host to the Walt Disney Story. But most importantly, it was where you picked up your tickets for the EPCOT Center Monorail Preview.

You presented your tickets at the Ticket and Transportation Center, and then boarded a monorail that took you to the EPCOT construction site. Much as it still does today, the monorail circled Future World and then allowed its passengers to disembark at the monorail station. There, guests were treated to a close-up view of Spaceship Earth and the entrance plaza, and a host or hostess was available to answer any questions.

Disney News - Fall 1982

As October 1st rapidly approaches, we're ramping up our efforts here at 2719 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of EPCOT Center. Today we revisit this very interesting and somewhat obscure piece of Disneyana, the Fall 1982 issue of Disney News.

Disney News at that time was still a subscription-only magazine that was distributed to members of the Magic Kingdom Club, an employee benefits program that Disney made available to employers. In an article introducing EPCOT Center to the magazine's readership, editor Stephen Birnbaum described the scope and significance of Walt Disney World's soon to be opened second gate:

Walt Disney's dream has become reality. It's impossible to say whether the Epcot Center that opens on October 1,1982, is consistent in every detail with what Walt himself might have wrought. but there's no doubt whatsoever that it embodies the spirit that its originator intended.

Epcot Center represents a unique combination of innovative imagination and technical virtuosity. Disney's "Imagineers" have created a new dimension of pleasure, excitement, amusement, and education. From Opening Day onward, Epcot Center will be the standard by which all such undertakings will be measured, and future phases will further expand even the current level of appeal. Until now, there's never been anything remotely like Epcot Center; and it's unlikely there ever will be again.

Even then, Disney was already working to extend the EPCOT brand beyond just its incarnation as a theme park. The same issue of Disney News featured an article previewing the Disney Channel which was set to debut in 1983. Among it's interesting revelations:

But there'll also be new faces, such as a wizard named Dreamfinder, who will personify the spirit of imagination and creativity, and his sidekick, Figment, a miniature dragon (both are characters from Epcot Center's Journey Into Imagination).

According to Jim Jimirro, president of Walt Disney Telecommunications, "There will, of course, be a large children's component in what we are doing, but we're not going to stop there. Our goal is to have the Disney Channel represent a force in the family that becomes important to its members not only because the channel presents pleasurable programs but because these programs can make a difference in people's lives.

"The most logical starting point will be Epcot Center pavilion-inspired ideas. But the programming will go far beyond the specifics of each pavilion —be it energy, transportation, or imagination— to the real underlying values of Epcot, such as the need for effective communication and the necessity for people to work together to achieve their goals."

EPCOT Center was featured quite prominently on the Disney Channel during its initial few years of operation, although Dreamfinder and Figment never quite materialized in the way that the article seemed to describe. The channel's most obvious EPCOT connection was EPCOT Magazine, a daily thirty-minute program that debuted in April 1983.

The Legacy Continues. The Dream is Alive

"At the very least, we can acknowledge the legacy. Maybe in some small way, it will help inspire the current or future stewards of Epcot to restore the dream."

I wrote those words back on February 2, hoping to inspire other members of the Disney online community to do what the Disney Company seemed to then be emphatically saying they would not do: publicly acknowledge, and in some way celebrate, the 25th Anniversary of EPCOT Center. As it has turned out, I was just a part of what became a grass roots movement that would ultimately embody the very idealism and "one little spark" mantra that EPCOT has come to represent.

For on October 1st, the anniversary of EPCOT Center's opening day in 1982, the Disney Company will, despite the words of then Epcot Vice President Brad Rex some seven months ago, celebrate this very special day with a re-dedication ceremony and related festivities.

They will Acknowledge the Legacy.

Beyond some type of comment or statement from a spokesperson or member of Disney management, there is really no way to gauge what impact the Disney fan community has had on this somewhat dramatic turnaround. But it would be hard to imagine that the very passionate responses and subsequent enthusiast-initiated celebrations and retrospectives did not play some significant part in influencing the planning of the events now scheduled for October 1st.

The efforts in particular of Jenn Waitt and Adam Roth represent a Cinderella story with the happiest of endings. What began back in February as a forum thread, through the hard work and grass roots efforts of Jenn and Adam, has evolved into Celebration 25, a fan-based gathering on October 1st that has received Disney's blessing and assistance. The event currently has registered well over one thousand attendees, myself and my family included.

So then, what is the state of the Dream, that I and so many others have advocated the restoration thereof?

Some of the indications are certainly good. It appears that the Spaceship Earth refurbishment will take on a more Horizons-based theme, restoring to some extent Future World's original mission of forward thinking idealism. Still-unconfirmed rumors of a Patrick Stewart narration and the return of the "Tomorrow's Child" song would definitely support that notion.

The wave of retro-inspired EPCOT Center merchandise that has emerged over the last few months indicates a willingness on Disney's part to revisit and pay homage to EPCOT's first decade of operation.

And more than anything, there seems to be a clear return to EPCOT's original design and aesthetic sensibilities, as demonstrated by the removal of the wand, and the subtle yet still distinct elimination of some of the architectural bling that has cluttered various parts of Future World. The termination of the Leave a Legacy promotion is a hopeful sign that those stark and uninspired monoliths will potentially be removed or relocated, and that the park's entrance plaza will be restored to a more open and welcoming environment.

There are no doubt still cynics who will bemoan these developments as insufficient or too-little, too-late. But like EPCOT itself, I would prefer to hold to a positive, hopeful view of future events and possibilities. There are clearly ideas and elements present in Epcot today that display degrees of incompatibility with the original concepts and themes established by the park's designers in 1982. But recent events and rumored future happenings, indicate at least to me that the original Dream of EPCOT Center still remains alive.

The 21st century begins October 1, 1982

With October 1st looming ever closer, I thought it was time to get back to our celebration of the 25th Anniversary of EPCOT Center. In doing so, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the pre-opening publicity materials provided throughout 1981 and 1982.

This particular brochure was sent out to members of the Magic Kingdom Club who had booked a vacation and were traveling to Walt Disney World prior to EPCOT's opening. It is an amazing encapsulation of what the Walt Disney Company's vision of EPCOT was, and showcases the park's overriding themes of forward-thinking idealism and international community. I have reprinted the text passages under each image for easier reading.

Travel to the frontiers of imagination and discover the EPCOT Adventure.

EPCOT Center: The newest Wonder of the World

A few miles from the Magic Kingdom — and beyond the boundaries of imagination — Walt Disney's greatest dream is becoming reality. EPCOT Center opens October 1, 1982. A showplace more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center represents the ultimate in Disney-imagineered entertainment. An entertainment experience that will thrill your most "thrillable" sense of all — imagination.

Come ... imagine yourself the EPCOT traveler, exploring the corridors of time and the countries of this world today. Discovering exhilarating new visions of the future and the family of man.


Future World

Travel the corridors of time and discover the future.
Standing 180 feet above the entrance, its reflective surface fired by the Florida sun, EPCOT Center's colossal globe is your gateway to Future World. It is the largest structure of its kind anywhere, a dazzling statement to the extraordinary wonders that await you. Wonders in energy. In communications. In transportation. In the limitless potential of the seas... the land ... and most of all, in the limitless potential of human imagination to chart the course for this, our Spaceship, Earth.

Travel the realms of Future World and discover each of these wonders brought to life through the marvelous wizardry of Disney imagineering. Imagineering pushed to unprecedented heights for shows and adventures never before possible on such a grand scale. For you, an entertainment encounter of the ultimate kind.

Spaceship Earth
Spiral through the vast interior of the EPCOT Center globe aboard Spaceship Earth, presented by the Bell System. You're on a time journey from the dawn of recorded history to the sunrise of another future. Under the starry blackness of the world's largest projection dome, you'll see Earth as few have seen it before — a Spaceship adrift in the midnight sky.

Universe of Energy
The creation of fossil fuel out of the chaos of storms, volcanoes and earthquakes is part of the drama that surrounds you on your voyage through the Universe of Energy, presented by Exxon. Set within a solar-powered building the size of three football fields, this electrifying show will dazzle you with some of the most sophisticated special effects ever developed — putting you in the center of the action on your energy chase to the future.

Transportation
A kaleidoscope of lights from a futuristic city-scape sets in motion the grand finale of your travels through the Transportation Pavilion, presented by General Motors. The pavilion is large enough to cover all the Magic Kingdom's Main Street, U.S.A., and presents one of the most whimsical "road shows" ever — a tongue-in-cheek adventure past the milestones of man's ever-accelerating mobility.


The Land
In the six-acre Land Pavilion, presented by Kraft, you'll explore Nature in both her wildest and most cultivated states You'll see actual experiments in futuristic farming, like lettuce thriving in outer space, tomatoes growing from ceilings and melons from walls. Plus, you'll enjoy a zany cast of incredible edibles serving up some of the most palatable entertainment this side of the refrigerator.

EPCOT Computer Central
EPCOT Computer Central, presented by Sperry Univac, is one of the many exhibits in Communicore — Future World's global Main Street of ideas and inventions. Here, you'll have a first­hand look at the computer wizardry that helps make Disney imagineering possible.

Journey Into Imagination
Almost castle-like in grandeur, the Imagination Pavilion, presented by Kodak, is the fantasyland of Future World. From the Dreamport, you'll follow Dreamfinder and his delightful sidekick, Figment, into the wondrous worlds; of art, literature, science and technology. In lmageWorks, a fun-packed electronic factory, you'll try your own hand at creative experiments. Then enter the Magic Journeys Theatre for a multi-dimensional motion picture of almost unimaginable scope.

New Horizons
An underwater colony is one of the future habitats highlighting your journey through New Horizons, presented by General Electric, In the Omnimax Theatre, you'll spiral through eight-story-high projections of the macro and micro worlds that form the building blocks of our future. And you'll take a whimsical look backwards at the tomorrows imagined by visionaries of the past.

World Showcase

Travel the countries of the world and discover the family of man.
Imagine in one day... you've breakfasted on tea and biscuits in England... followed the roads leading to Rome. Lunched in a Bavarian Beer Garden during Oktoberfest. Explored the interior marvels of a Mayan pyramid. Crossed the vast expanse of Canada and the Great Wall of China. Relaxed by a clear blue pond in the formal gardens of a Japanese pagoda. Dined in gourmet splendor under a moonlit Eiffel Tower. And watched more than 350 years of American history come to life in one of the most inspiring theatrical experiences ever conceived.

In World Showcase, you will do all this and more. Here, amidst nations standing in friendship beside a broad lagoon, you'll live adventures that only weeks of world travel could surpass. You'll explore shops filled with unusual foreign goods. Dine in restaurants filled with the aroma of authentic foreign foods. And meet the young people of foreign lands, working together in a true family of man.

American Adventure
In the American Adventure, presented by American Express and Coca-Cola, you'll join Ben Franklin and Mark Twain for a soaring historical overview of America and her promising future. Perhaps the most breathtaking show ever presented about "the nation of many nations," the American Adventure is a theatrical production unparalleled in Disney annals — combining large-screen projection, inspiring music and special effects with performances by, the most lifelike AudioAnimatronic figures ever developed.

Japan
A giant red Torii proclaims good luck as you pass the massive gateway to the Japan pavilion. Beyond it, an ornate pagoda invites you to explore beautiful Japanese gardens. The towers of an impressive feudal castle loom in the background. And in a large department store presenting the best in Japanese art and industry, you'll enjoy an exciting adventure in Oriental dining prepared at your table by Japanese master chefs.

Canada
From a northwest Indian village to a 19th century French chateau and the winding, narrow streets of Quebec City, the remarkable diversity of Canadian cultures and the awesome majesty of the wilderness are captured in Canada pavilion.

United Kingdom
Green lawns, gabled rooftops, shops along cobblestone streets and a charming waterside pub provide a typically "British" setting for the United Kingdom pavilion.

China
In the China pavilion, you'll be surrounded by Circle Vision 360 presenting spectacular — never before filmed — footage of the dramatic landscapes, architecture and culture of the People's Republic.

Germany
Surrounded by picturesque medieval shops filleg with porcelain dolls, cuckoo clocks and hand- carved music boxes, a Bavarian Beer Garden; in the midst of a continuous Oktoberfest celebration is the centerpiece of the Germany pavilion.

Mexico
Beyond the tall Mayan pyramid of the Mexico pavilion, you'll enter a lakeside pueblo village complete with shops, a restaurant and a grumbling volcano spewing lava in the background. You'll then embark on a boat ride through Mexico's colorful past, discovering along the way the festival and dance of the great Mayan, Toltec and Aztec civilizations.

France
The flavor and romance of Paris at the turn of the last century come to life in the France pavilion, where your discoveries include the marketplace des Holies, small Parisian shops and a bistro and sidewalk cafe presenting the classic cuisines of three internationally famous French chefs.

Italy
A Venetian canal takes you to St. Mark's Square at the Italy pavilion. Handcrafted leather goods, pottery and glass figurines fill the shops. In an exquisite facsimile of the world famous Doge's Palace, you'll find a treasure-trove of fine art, jewelry and crystal, plus a splendid Italian restaurant operated by Alfredo's The Original of Rome.

The Original EPCOT Character Connections

Ah, characters in Epcot; the debate rages on . . .

Despite being initially and intentionally void of traditional Disney personalities when it opened in 1982, EPCOT Center was in fact never without characters. While most folks are quick to associate Figment (pictured above with pal Dreamfinder in an early postcard illustration) with Disney World’s second gate, there have certainly been a number of other animated characters, both traditional and animatronic (and sometimes even both) who over the years have called Epcot home.

Just for fun, a quick roll call of some of Epcot’s other animated denizens, both past and present:

The cast of Kitchen Kaberet, the Land pavilion’s audio-animatronic floor show that debuted with the park in 1982. It evolved into Food Rocks in 1994, but was then removed completely to make room for Soarin’ in 2005. It’s stars included host Bonnie Appetit who was joined by fellow performers Mr. Dairy Good and the Stars of the Milky Way, the Boogie Woogie Bak’ry Boy, the Cereal Sisters (Mairzy Oats, Rennie Rice, and Connie Corn), the Fiesta Fruit, and Mr. Hamm and Mr. Eggz. Among the Food Rocks incarnations were Fud Rapper, the Peach Boys, Neil Moussaka, Chubby Cheddar and the Get-the-Point Sisters.

Not quite gone and certainly not forgotten are the characters featured in Cranium Command. The Wonders of Life pavilion currently sits sadly without activity behind a row of potted plants, denying access to the broad and colorful characters of General Knowledge and Buzzy. Like Figment, Buzzy was also brought to life in both cartoon and animatronic representations.

While not as readily apparent as other early Future World characters, there were a few animated characters that resided in the Seas pavilion long before Nemo and friends swam in and took up residence. The talking submersible Jason existed in animatronic form, while mythological character Atlas starred in the 7 ½ minute cartoon The Animated Atlas of the World. In another cartoon film, Suited for the Sea, two unnamed fish explained the history of the diving suit.

Scattered across other Future World post-shows and exhibits were the likes of Bird and Robot at World of Motion’s Transcenter, SMRT-1 at Communicore, I/O from Backstage Magic and mini-robot Tom Morrow at Innoventions.

And please folks, this post was not meant to re-engage the Epcot character debate. My intention was solely to revisit some earlier EPCOT nostalgia and continue our celebration of EPCOT's 25th.