Happy Birthday, Epcot

[lokheed]

Twenty five years ago today, EPCOT opened as the second theme park located on the Walt Disney World property. Although it differed greatly from Walt's original dream (he really and truly wanted to create a functioning "experimental prototype city of tomorrow", with actual permanent residents), it still most closely embodied his dreams and ideals. Much has changed in the past quarter century, but I think Walt would still be proud of the current park. It continues to be the third-most attended theme park in the world (after The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and of course Disneyland), and while it has added several thrill rides in recent years it is still the educational-but-fun experience he wanted to create. Over at the American pavilion in the World Showcase, I think that The American Dream is a show that perfectly encapsulates everything that Walt Disney was about. At once idealistic, patriotic, and yet aware of the historical weaknesses and failures of the "American experiment", the animatronics used in the show are quite simply stunning.

I wasn't there when it opened, and I can't be there today, but I do hope to stop by this weekend while a friend of mine is in town and maybe pick up one of those retro Epcot t-shirts they are selling.