BACKSTORY (Oct. 1, 1982–PRESENT): The name was coined by Walt, but the finished product was somewhat different from what he had envisioned. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This new theme park in Orlando was to be dedicated to technological innovation(Future World) and international culture (World Showcase). Located on more than 500 acres, EPCOT was opened with Disney Chairman and CEO E. Cardon Walker's (known as Card) speech that was patterned after Walt's Opening Day speech in Anaheim back in 1955:
“To all who come to this place of joy, hope, and friendship—wlecome…Here,human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exicting benefits for all.”
The icon of EPCOT is the geodesic Spaceship Earth.
