pianojohn Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 I had been planning to go to Epcot on October 1, 2007 since it would be the 25th anniversary of opening day. Since that time, the powers that be decided to actually commemorate the event after guests complained that there was nothing special planned. I arrived at the park about 8:30am, and there was already a crowd forming. We were given a cool 25th anniversary button and the park guide. Once you opened the guide all the way, you discovered they reprinted the opening day guide inside. VERY cool! They were also playing all of the old theme music in the park from World of Motion, Horizons, Imagination, etc. I had heard about special 25th anniversary merchandise for sale, so I wanted to beat the crowd. I ended up getting into Mouse Gear about 9:50am and finding the limited edition shirts and Figment. (pics below of course!) My friend Tim and I then found the Epcot display next to the exit of Club Cool. It is a great collection of the original drawings and models for Epcot and lots of cool souvenirs on display as well. I asked a cast member how long it would stay open, and they told me that they hope to keep it open indefinitely. A must see for anyone into anything Disney! We then made it to the main fountains at 10am for the re-dedication ceremony. Quite a large crowd had gathered, and the ceremony was pretty brief. They had reps from all of the Future World pavilions as well as World Showcase. Then the reps from the different countries brought water from their countries to pour into the fountain, just as they had done back in 1982. Fireworks, glitter, streamers erupted and the crowd dispersed. We then made it to the Circle of Life theatre for a special presentation by Marty Sklar, executive VP of Disney Imagineering. It was a fascinating 1 hour talk with pictures and video from the early days of Epcot with lots of great info. We were not allowed to take any pictures or video inside, but it was well worth the wait. Tonight they are doing a special finale to Illuminations, but I will be playing piano at Comedy Warehouse. Enjoy the pics! And me and Figment! Thanks for reading! Where am I again? The original logo The ceremony The crowd for the re-dedication ceremony Opening day uniform Remember this guy from Horizons? More cool retro stuff Opening day VIP program Merchandise from the early years A cool model of Figment An overview of the room The museum display entrance And inside a replica of the opening day guide The guide for the day with original logo And the back with the 25th logo The front of the limited edition t-shirt (which sold out in about an hour) Me and my Figment Me and my button The cool 25th logo One of the many different home made t-shirts Ah, the unfettered Spaceship Earth!
Team Thriller Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 I will pay you 35 dollars for that parkmap. NO JOKE!! That is awesome looking day!
Homer Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 Wow, looks like Disney went all out for this event. The museum and the park map look totally awesome. Although Spaceship Earth still hasn't opened, at least its wandless! Thanks for posting this TR! Makes me want to go to EPCOT now.
mcjaco Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 Awesome John. Although I have most of that opening day merchandise, like the EPCOT record and the original stuffed animal Figment, I find myself jealous of your map. I think I still have mine around somewhere. I can't wait to see the EPCOT display. Did you happen to see any turtles?
Hattuchili Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 Great pictures, John. It is good to see all the new things. I am sure you had a good time and I am glad you have been there to take the pictures. I am sad that I left Epcot already, but it will be always my homepark! So, I hope my parkmap is already on the way... --Soren
Nrthwnd Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 OMG OMG OMG Couldn't believe it, when I saw there amongst all the retro and celebratory souvenirs of EPCOT's 25th Anny... Two of what I bought way back on our first visit to WDW in.... Spring, 1987? Wow. Cool. And thanks for sharing the Oct.01 celebration. Looked great! HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY EPCOT! Yes, I bought these in the spring of 1987. Who knew time would fly by.... grin.
treebeliever Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 Great pics! The museum looks amazing! There's already an uploaded video of the Rededication Ceremony if anyone's interested. It's pretty cool.
SharkTums Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 That's awesome! I love Epcot so much. Thanks!
coasterjunkie91350 Posted October 1, 2007 Posted October 1, 2007 Thats one trip my brothers and i are planning to do with our nieces so look out epcot the Kings are coming
America Sings Freak Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 Wow! This was awesome, but still does not compare to the 50th of Disneyland.
hemmy Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 Nice pics although Epcot is one of the worst parks I have ever been to.
Pufferfish Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 Aww, i had no idea that this was the 25th anniversary. Happy birthday EPCOT, you are the greatest theme park on Earth!
SharkTums Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^^You should probably just stop posting here.
BeemerBoy Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ Awesome job, John! As a card-carrying Epcot Center fanboy, I couldn't help but stop in with my opening day ticket and say....... HAPPY BIRTHDAY EPCOT!!
Nrthwnd Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ Do you have yours still in it's silvered cardboard envelope? I found mine, and it's still in it's mailed envelope, too! Been meaning to frame it - and what is your ticket #? Mine is # 008299 I received in on November 18, 1981.
BeemerBoy Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ Yeah, I've been meaning to frame mine as well. I wish I had the mailed envelope, etc., but mine's just as you see it there. Not complaining though, as it's one of my prized possessions. My ticket # is 018185
Nrthwnd Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ Am not sure on this from what I can see in your photo, but... Did you use the ticket after EPCOT opened? I still have the entire ticket - I never used it. So it still has the part that's torn off when you entered the park(s). Out of the envelopes. It's folded at the tear-away portion. But still attached, lol.
CoasterEricHP Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 That's so cool! I wish I was still down there and could have been a part of the celebration. Epcot is easily one of the best parks out there. I understand that some younger people may feel differently but I can't think of any place I'd rather just be at and relax.. and the rides are all very good.. and if you're over 21 you really can't beat it! I heard the fireworks finale was amazing too. Great TR. PS.. You piano players at the Comedy Warehouse are amazing..
BeemerBoy Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^^ Wow. Impressive. Most impressive. Yeah, we were there a couple days after the grand opening, so it definitely has the stub torn off. I understand that some younger people may feel differently but I can't think of any place I'd rather just be at and relax.. Well said.
mcjaco Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 EPCOT makes me joygasm. Multiple times. I can't wait to go back. T-minus 22 days.
Nrthwnd Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 Epcot is easily one of the best parks out there. I understand that some younger people may feel differently but I can't think of any place I'd rather just be at and relax.. and the rides are all very good.. and if you're over 21 you really can't beat it! I could use this quote verbatim about Tokyo Disney Sea over in Japan. Between the landscaping, the thematic placement, the shows (small and spectacular) AND the attractions too, TDS is just one of those parks, adults can and should appreciate a lot more than the younger thrill-ride obsessive crowd, lol. But EPCOT started it all, in that respect, and I am just so glad it hung around and maintained it's "world's fair sensibility" that I remember and enjoy.
Chrissie Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 Great TR!! Thanks for posting, although it makes me sad that im not at Disney for these sort of events However, I have to admit, Epcot is not one of my favourite parks. But im sure I will feel differently once I experience "Drinking around the world"
Hattuchili Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ haha... Chrissie, we should make it back next year as a group to enjoy that and make our way around the world. The f+w fetival is a great time for that! Aww, I miss the canadian cheese soup.
Homer Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^Soren, I think I found a link just for you. http://www.westcoaster.net/community/index.php?showtopic=15975&view=findpost&p=274192
Nrthwnd Posted October 2, 2007 Posted October 2, 2007 ^ Oh gawds I never got to try that, in all the visits I did to EPCOT. But now THANKYOU for the link! ^^ And hey - HI Soren!!! ^^ (Edit: Printed. )
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