Epcot Attractions News and History

Last Updated on: March 26th, 2024

Epcot Attractions, News and HistoryEPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and often referred to as Epcot Center, is one of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Known for its celebration of human achievement, technological innovation, and global culture, EPCOT offers a unique and educational experience for guests of all ages.

EPCOT is divided into two main areas: World Celebration (formerly Future World) and World Showcase. Future World is dedicated to innovation and exploration, showcasing exhibits and attractions that highlight advancements in science, technology, and the environment. Guests can journey through the history of communication in Spaceship Earth, explore undersea ecosystems at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and experience thrilling attractions like Test Track and Soarin’.

World Showcase is a collection of pavilions representing different countries from around the world. Guests can immerse themselves in the culture, architecture, and cuisine of countries such as Mexico, China, Japan, France, and many more. Each pavilion offers unique dining options, entertainment, and shopping, allowing guests to experience a taste of global diversity.

Throughout the year, EPCOT hosts special events and festivals, including the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. These events showcase culinary delights, vibrant floral displays, live performances, and cultural showcases from around the world.

EPCOT is also home to iconic landmarks like the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth and the iconic World Showcase Lagoon, which serves as a stunning backdrop for nighttime spectaculars like IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot Forever, Harmonious and the newest Luminous: The Symphony of Us show.

With its blend of imagination, innovation, and cultural immersion, EPCOT offers guests a unique and educational experience that celebrates the best of human achievement and global unity.

Whether you’re exploring the possibilities of the future, sampling cuisines from around the world, or simply enjoying the beauty of the park’s surroundings, EPCOT invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.

Be sure to check out our Epcot History – Every Single Attraction Through the Years (1982 – Today)

Epcot Attractions, News and History

Epcot Park Areas:

Epcot is broken up into two very distinct sections and then a number of themed pavilions within each:

  • World Celebration (formerly Future World)
  • World Showcase countries:

Mexico Pavilion
Norway Pavilion
China Pavilion
Germany Pavilion
Italy Pavilion
American Adventure Pavilion
Japan Pavilion
Morocco Pavilion
France Pavilion
United Kingdom Pavilion
Canada Pavilion

Epcot Park Address:

200 Epcot Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821

Helpful Epcot Resources:

Hotels Near Epcot:

Epcot Facts:

Please note that some of these Epcot facts are easier to find than others, so some of these are based on news reports and not official company tallies. All stats are linked to their source unless it was sent to me directly from the company. No stat listed here should be considered in making any type of investment decision. In other words: This is the best I can find, but I don’t guarantee anything.

What does EPCOT stand for?

Epcot stood for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and was originally supposed to be an actual city.


When did Epcot open?

Epcot opened on October 1, 1982


Epcot was the second of the four major theme parks at Walt Disney World to be built.


Where is Epcot located?

Bay Lake, Florida


How old is Epcot?

41 years old


What was Epcot supposed to be?

Here is a very interesting film in which Walt Disney himself explains his original vision for EPCOT. Keep in mind that this was his vision for the Florida project as a whole. The theme park was originally just a small piece of it.


EPCOT Center officially became EPCOT in 1996.


Current World Showcase pavilions that didn’t exist when the park opened:

Morocco (Opened in 1984)  and Norway (1988)


World Showcase pavilions that were announced at open, but were never built:

Israel, Spain, Equatorial Africa


First appearance of Figment at Epcot:

1982 (He and the Dreamfinder where in the grand opening TV special, which aired in October 1982, but the Journey Into Imagination ride didn’t actually open until March 1983.)


Inaugural years for each of the Epcot festivals:

  • Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival: 1994
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: 1995
  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts: 2017
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: 2017

Epcot Statistics:

Epcot attendance total for 2019:
12.444 million visitors
Complete Epcot Attendance Figures Can be Found Here.


Epcot has the largest parking lot of any Disney theme park, featuring over 10,000 parking spaces.


Number of pizzas served at Epcot’s Via Napoli all time:
1 million
Last updated 5/24/16


More than 225 million food dishes are served during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival


Number of global marketplaces at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
35 marketplaces
Last updated 2017


Longest-running Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
2022 (129 days)

Number of years that Disney has been holding the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
27 years


Original length of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
30 days


Epcot’s Spaceship Earth (the Golf Ball) is made up of 11,324 triangle components.


Number of countries represented in the Epcot World Showcase:
11


Amount of fruits and vegetables grown annually at Epcot’s Land Pavilion:

30 tons

Last updated 2/6/13


Epcot’s Living Seas Aquarium was once the largest aquarium in the world.


Epcot’s Test Track is the fastest Disney theme park ride ever built (64.9 mph).

2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot Attractions, Articles and Features:

Here is your complete guide to Walt Disney World’s Epcot including attractions, restaurants, shows and rides past, present and future. As always, new pieces are added to this collection regularly.



Current Rides

Frozen Ever After | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Frozen Ever After ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!





Living with the Land | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Living with the Land ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Mary Poppins Attraction | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the paused Mary Poppins attraction at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Mission SPACE | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Mission SPACE ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Ride at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Soarin’ Around the World | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Spaceship Earth | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Spaceship Earth ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Test Track | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Test Track ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


The Seas with Nemo & Friends | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Restaurants

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Akershus Royal Banquet Hall restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Biergarten Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Biergarten Restaurant restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Block & Hans | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Block & Hans restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Chefs de France | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Chefs de France restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Connections Café & Eatery | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Connections Café & Eatery at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Coral Reef Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Coral Reef Restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Fife & Drum Tavern | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Fife & Drum Tavern restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Funnel Cake | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Funnel Cake stand at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Gelati | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Gelati stand at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Joy of Tea | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Joy of Tea restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Kabuki Cafe | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Kabuki Cafe restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Katsura Grill | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Katsura Grill restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


L’Artisan des Glaces | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing L’Artisan des Glaces restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


La Cantina de San Angel | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing La Cantina de San Angel restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


La Cava del Tequila | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing La Cava del Tequila restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


La Creperie de Paris | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing La Creperie de Paris restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


La Hacienda de San Angel | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing La Hacienda de San Angel restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Le Cellier Steakhouse | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Le Cellier Steakhouse restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Lotus Blossom Café | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Lotus Blossom Café restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Monsieur Paul | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Monsieur Paul restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Nine Dragons Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Nine Dragons Restaurant restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Popcorn in Canada | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Popcorn in Canada stand at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Promenade Refreshments | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Promenade Refreshments restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Refreshment Cool Post | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Refreshment Cool Post restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Refreshment Port | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Refreshment Port restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Regal Eagle Smokehouse | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Regal Eagle Smokehouse restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Restaurant Marrakesh | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Restaurant Marrakesh restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Rose & Crown Dining Room | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Rose & Crown Dining Room restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Rose & Crown Pub | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Rose & Crown Pub restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


San Angel Inn Restaurante | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing San Angel Inn Restaurante restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Sommerfest | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Sommerfest restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Space 220 Restaurant | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Space 220 restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Spice Road Table | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Spice Road Table restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Sunshine Seasons | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Sunshine Seasons restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Takumi-Tei | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Takumi-Tei restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Tangierine Café | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Tangierine Café restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Taste Track | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Taste Track stand at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Teppan Edo | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Teppan Edo restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Test Track Cool Wash | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Test Track Cool Wash attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


The Garden Grill | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Garden Grill restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


The Land Cart | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing The Land Cart restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Tutto Italia Ristorante | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Tutto Italia Ristorante restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


UK Beer Cart | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing UK Beer Cart at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Via Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Via Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Yorkshire County Fish Shop | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Yorkshire County Fish Shop restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Shops

Creations Shop | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the Creations Shop at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Shows

Awesome Planet | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Awesome Planet show at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along show at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Canada Far and Wide | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Canada Far and Wide show at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Impressions de France | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Impressions de France attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Reflections of China | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Reflections of China show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


The American Adventure | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s The American Adventure show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Turtle Talk with Crush | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Turtle Talk with Crush show including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Wondrous China | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Wondrous China show at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Exhibits

Advanced Training Lab | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Advanced Training Lab attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


American Heritage Gallery | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s American Heritage Gallery attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Bijutsu-kan Gallery | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Bijutsu-kan Gallery attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


CommuniCore Hall | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the CommuniCore Hall at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Gallery of Arts and History | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Gallery of Arts and History attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


House of the Whispering Willows | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s House of the Whispering Willows attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


ImageWorks The What-If Labs | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s ImageWorks The What-If Labs attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Journey of Water | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Moana Journey of Water attraction at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


Mexico Folk Art Gallery | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Mexico Folk Art Gallery attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


SeaBase | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s SeaBase attraction including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Activities

Kidcot Fun Stops | Disney World

Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Epcot’s Kidcot Fun Stops activity including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




Current Nighttime Spectaculars

Luminous: The Symphony of Us

Here is everything you need to know about the new Epcot nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, at Walt Disney World including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!




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In the News

  • Mickey & Friends Meet and Greet Marquee and Lightning Lane Sign Installed on CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT, March 26, 2024
  • Cast Member Pin Trading Lanyards Returning to Walt Disney World Next Month, March 22, 2024
  • CommuniCore Hall & Plaza Opening Date at EPCOT Announced,
  • Disney Announces 4 New Summertime Activities Coming to Disney World, March 21, 2024
  • Disney launches Discover Disney Ticket starting at $59 per day for summer 2024, March 13, 2024
  • New and improved Multi-Day dining reservation finder debuts at Walt Disney World,
  • EPCOT Introduces Disney’s First-Ever Projection Mapped Topiary, March 8, 2024
  • New ‘Encanto’ Entertainment Offering Coming to Walt Disney World, Auditions Now Open, March 6, 2024
  • Soarin’ Over California Ends, Soarin’ Around the World Returns to EPCOT, February 29, 2024
  • Walt Disney World raises ticket prices for 2025, February 28, 2024