Epcot 35: Magical futuristic theme park or food festival delight?
This month, Epcot turned 35. Is the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” still a futuristic theme park or is it a food festival delight?
On Oct. 1, 1982, Epcot opened its doors. With the large ball of Spaceship Earth welcoming guests, the idea of a futuristic world seemed limitless. In 1982, the world was quite different. Technology was developing, but it was a different time. The CD player (if anyone knows what that is) was just released and cell phones weren’t attached to everyone’s hand. Now, Epcot at 35 begs the question: is it still a futuristic theme park?
While the ball of Spaceship Earth is one of the classic Epcot symbols, some of the Epcot attractions may not be the idyllic futuristic world. Walking around Future World, the theme park seems almost nostalgic. The “modern” looking buildings and exhibits aren’t as modern as people might have thought in 1982.
Granted technology has advanced quickly in the past 35 years. When Epcot opened, people imagined many large advancements. While the hoverboard and the flying car may not have materialized, other advancements have. Now, many of the exhibits seem a little simple.
Epcot at 35, photo by Cristine Struble
Over the years, Epcot has made changes and advancements to the theme park. Most recently, Mission: SPACE was updated to enhance guests’ experiences. Also, Universe of Energy is closed to make room for a new Guardians of the Galaxy experience. But, are guests really going to Epcot for the “futuristic” world or are they going to eat and drink?
If you’ve been to Epcot recently, the number of groups trying to eat and drink their way around the world can be surprising. With the myriad of food and drink options in the World Showcase, the idea of eating and/or drinking something at each country can be quite a task. Still, many people are up for the challenge.
Beyond the regular Epcot experiences, the special event festivals draw big crowds for the theme park. Epcot Food and Wine, Epcot International Flower and Garden and the new International Festival of the Arts are hugely popular. These event bring in guests looking for amazing food and wine experiences.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival, photo by Cristine Struble
The annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival is bigger than ever. With 35 marketplaces, there is no shortage of food and drink. For many people, this food festival is their way to try different foods and flavors. These guests may not regularly visit a theme park for the attractions, but they will visit for the food.
Even the International Flower and Garden Festival and the Festival of the Arts all have food and beverage components. People might want to see the lovely topiaries, but they want a craft beer or an exciting small bite to enjoy with their view.
If each of the Disney theme parks have a theme, Epcot’s theme has become less futuristic and more experience-centric. The crowds walking around the theme park are more likely to have a matching drinking shirt than Disney ears. Maybe the community of tomorrow is more about enjoying a global food experience.
Each Disney theme park seems to have an underlying theme or crowd. Magic Kingdom is about the iconic memories that families create for their children. Hollywood Studios is quickly becoming Star Wars Land. Animal Kingdom is about animals and conservation. Epcot is for the adults; the theme park respite where the parents can get a beer without anyone lifting an eyebrow in dismay. It is unclear how that works into the original idea of a futuristic theme park.
Next: Star Wars Galactic Nights at Hollywood Studios
Epcot at 35 may not be the technological theme park that was originally envisioned. But, for the older crowds and the food lover, it is on the must visit theme park list.
Time to take another trek around the world, escape from the typical and indulge in a delicious bite. To me, that’s not a bad vision for a community of the future.