What Epcot Was Really Supposed to Be

When you think of Epcot — what do you think about? Is it hang-gliding around the world on Soarin‘? Is it enjoying a margarita in Mexico or a steak in Canada? How about strolling through one of Epcot’s world famous festivals?

Monorail Transportation
Epcot

Those things are all what modern-day Epcot is about, of course. But did you know that the original idea for Epcot was a place you could live and work? Let’s take a closer look at what Epcot was supposed to be, the way Walt Disney originally envisioned!

©d23.com

Epcot was originally an acronym that stood for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” and it was actually the initial reason for coming to Central Florida. Walt not only wanted to build a larger Disneyland with no space constraints, but he wanted to try to use some of the technology his team had developed in a city. He is quoted as saying,”I don’t believe there’s a challenge anywhere in the world that’s more important to people everywhere than finding solutions to the problems of our cities.”

Walt imagined about 20,000 residents in Epcot, and that companies (such as GE) could use it as a testing ground for their latest inventions and technologies.

Walt Disney with “The Florida Project” ©D23.com

Walt’s original idea for EPCOT featured a city center called “Progress City.” In progress city there would be pavilions where residents and visitors could learn about things such as technology, the oceans, communication, energy, space, and more. Additionally, there would be a world market, where you could travel around the globe in a day.

Also in the central hub would be the business and commerce districts, as well as high-rise city living. In the very center, a 30-story convention center and fancy hotel would reside.

Progress City Model ©Disney

Walt had the idea that surrounding the central hub would be the residential neighborhoods, shooting off like spokes from a wheel. Residents would travel to the city center via monorail or people mover — eliminating the need for cars within EPCOT. You’d only need them if you were travelling in or out of the city. In fact, the majority of deliveries and motor travel would take place on special roads under the city.

Walt even thought about trash in his city of the future. Residents would put it out on the street — but it would be sucked underground and rapidly carried away to be processed.

Additionally, the entire city would be under a climate controlled bubble. You can see this huge model of Progress City when you ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover in Magic Kingdom. 

Epcot Concept Art ©D23.com

Sadly, when Walt passed away in 1966 the idea for Epcot as a city went with him. No one else felt as though they could carry out his idea of an actual community without him. But the ideas and inspiration for Epcot stayed with the Imagineers, and were the basis for the theme park as we know it today.

The Living Seas Concept Art ©D23.com

Think about it — a lot of the ideas and concepts Walt wanted to teach in his original idea for Epcot can be found at the park. For example, we learn about communication at Spaceship Earth, the oceans at The Seas, and space at Mission: Space.

Plus the international market has absolutely come to life in World Showcase. There’s also a reason the monorail zooms through Epcot instead of just stopping outside the park — it’s a symbol of innovation.

And even the trash idea came true — at Magic Kingdom, trash is sucked through tubes under your feet at 35 mph! You can read more about the wonders of Disney trash here. 

Epcot on Opening Day ©Disney

Even though Epcot is much different than it was originally supposed to be, it’s still a hub for technology, innovation, and traveling the world. I think it’s safe to say, Walt would be proud.

What do you think would be the most interesting part of living in Epcot? What do you think of the ongoing transformation of this park as it heads to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary? Let us know in the comments!

 

Check out our YouTube Channel for reviews, news, information and more!

Click below to subscribe to the AllEars® newsletter so you don’t miss any of the latest Disney news!

Click here to subscribe

Trending Now

Molly is a lifelong Disney enthusiast, and former Walt Disney World Guest Relations Cast Member and tour guide. Her Walt Disney World favorites include Festival of the Lion King, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fantasmic!, Mickey-shaped pretzels and rice krispie treats, and anything with Buzz Lightyear! She lives in Orlando with her husband (who she met in Guest Relations) and their two rescue dogs, Kronk and Cruella de Vil (Ella for short!)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Replies to “What Epcot Was Really Supposed to Be”

  1. Walt was so intelligent. He had creativity, but he was so much more! Had he been able to do this and prove it works, maybe we’d all live in Epcot’s all over the world! Think of how much better the world would be if we just had trash sucked up instead of blowing and being thrown everywhere not just by humans, but the weather!
    Maybe we need to take another look at Walt’s brilliant ideas and actually start these cities before it’s too late.

  2. Actually, the plan was not for the entire city to be under a climate controlled bubble. The news mistakenly posted this after the announcement, due to some confusing narration and images. Only the city center was going to be in a bubble.

    1. EPCOT is the best park by a long shot . A little more walking – but well worth it !! Can’t wait to see what’s replacing illuminations .