Epcot | Walt Disney World Resort
The Disney World Resort theme park known as Epcot reflects Walt Disney's passion for imagining what a future world might look like. The creation of Epcot was based on his idea of a utopian city of the future, with the name Epcot actually being an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The theme park took three years to build and encompasses 141 acres. At the time it was built, it was the largest construction project in the world.
Today, Epcot is dedicated to technology, innovation, and world cultures. Two sections comprise the theme park, Future World and World Showcase. The creation of these areas was inspired by world fairs, and has been referred to as a permanent world's fair. Future World is comprised of pavilions where technological advances, inventions, and innovations are showcased, While World Showcase is comprised of pavilions representing 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, The United Kingdom, and Canada.
Epcot also features a nightly show at the World Showcase Lagoon directly before closing. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is a show featuring lasers, fireworks, fire, and water fountains. Music for the show is timed in rhythm with the visual aspects of the show, and large screens show images of people and places all over the world.
Several popular events are held every year at Epcot, including the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and Holidays Around the World. In keeping with Disney tradition, Epcot also features an area where guests can meet, greet, and get a photo taken with some of their favorite characters.
