During my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1987 there were only 2 of the four parks open; Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center. The Magic Kingdom had a lot of excitement for me at 8 years old, but my first love was EPCOT. It boils down to several reasons that were as true for me in '87 as they are now:
1. Wide Open Spaces
Epcot, in comparison to the other parks at WDW, has open air spaces throughout the park. The fountain at the center of FutureWorld is a prime example, as is the International Gateway bridge.
As a young child I had difficulty navigating the crowds of people at the parks. On more than one occasion I would lose sight of my family or get bumped away by fast moving (and sometimes rude) guests. When you are eight most of the people you encounter are taller and bigger than you, and that can make things feel claustrophobic. That feeling stayed with me since youth. While I enjoy the Magic Kingdom and enjoying going there on every visit; I always have to fight the feeling of being closed in. Epcot has never had that feeling of crowds for me. In most areas of the park I feel the opposite--open and free. With that freedom I feel like I can totally relax.
2. History, Science and Imagination
I have always been into History. It was my favorite subject in school and later my college major. Spaceship Earth quickly became one of my favorite rides at WDW (the other being Carousel of Progress, which is also history based). I still remember Ricardo Montalban's (now Dame Judy Dench) voice as he narrated our way through history. I remember my first visit was full of images and scenes from history I didn't fully understand. Each time I would return, as I aged, I would understand more and more of the ride. I thought it was so cool as a college student studying world history to see the Phoneicians (the traders that sailed the Mediterranean Sea several thousand years ago (and yes I am a history Nerd). It made it so real. Even today as I ride Spaceship Earth, which has changed very little since the early days (except for a little interactive computer program they added about 5 years ago). The end of the ride brings it full circle for me. The future is unknown and all things are possible.
3. World Showcase
As a lover of Social studies the World Showcase of Countries was a dream come true. We were not able to travel much when I was young. In a very small way I was able to experience different cultures while still here in the US. It seems silly, but to a young child this was a great experience. Each country has different smells, sounds and music to fit you right into the culture. When I was young we didn't have a lot of money. Disney was a huge treat and we were certainly traveling on a budget. I don't remember sampling any food or buying any souvenirs. I recall walking from country to country to see all the sights. When I came back as a teenager I had some of my own money to spend. My mother and I picked out a lion tee shirt at the outpost (near Mexico). I wore that shirt until it nearly fell off my body. As I have traveled back I have been able to experience more and more of what Epcot has to offer.
4. Dancing Water and the best Fountain on Earth
When I was young I was mystified by the dancing water across the Epcot hedgerows. I remember coming out of Imagination and taking a break in the shade as a family. As kids we were totally entertained for 30 minutes trying to catch the dancing water.
The other thing that still gets me to this day is the FutureWorld Fountain. I can't really explain my fascination with it, but on every visit I just enjoy sitting and watching the water dance along to a recognize classical music piece. I just love it! It held so much wonder for me as a child.
5. Illuminations
As you might imagine this had a profound impact on me as a youngster. It was the first laser show I had seen, and it left quite an impression. Illuminations used the whole lagoon to showcase lights, fireworks, laser lights and fire effects. The real selling point for me was the music. Illuminations had a whole new music score than I had heard before. It was inspiration, compelling and downright enjoyable. Since its conception they have edited and improved Illuminations several times; even composing new music to go with the new technology. Each and every time I am inspired by Illuminations. It summarizes the International Showcase to a tee. It is every nation. It is people all over the world existing as one. For a young kid from New England it was the greatest thing I had ever seen.
My love of Epcot does not take away from my fondness for the other parks. Each of the parks has several attractions and experiences that I just love. Epcot has always stood above the rest for me. In some ways I think Epcot encompasses Walt Disney's true spirit. He was known for innovation and imagination. Mr. Disney wanted to express himself with animation in ways that had never been done, so he invented new ways. He revolutionized the world of the possible, and in doing so the world of imagination. Without his steps in science and robotics the Magic Kingdom would not be the same. Epcot is Walt--through and through.
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