Epcot is a park dedicated to humankinds’ achievements and fellowship. It is also a far cry away from Walt’s initial vision. This post is dedicated to Walt’s E.P.C.O.T and the incredible model made from the immensely talented WED teams.
Walt was described as having one foot in the past, as he loved the nostalgia of yesteryear, and one foot in the future, for he loved technology and change. From this and the information that WED (Walter Elias Disney) Enterprises learned about people, space, and transportation, Walt developed an urban experiment- a living and changing community. In a televised introduction of “The Florida Project”, Walt stated, “Epcot will take it’s cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American Industry. It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed but will always be introducing and testing and demonstrating new materials and new systems.”
E.P.C.O.T was an innovated idea that was beyond what the world was ready for at the time. Sadly, Walt’s E.P.C.O.T was lost when he passed away December 15, 1966. Unsure how to continue the project without their visionary, Imagineers completed the E.P.C.O.T models that Walt requested to promote his community. The model was an astonishing 115 feet wide and 60 feet deep! The 3-dimensional model contained 4,500 structures, 20,000 trees & shrubs, 2, 500 moving vehicles, and 1,400 lit street lamps. As per Walt’s request, Imagineers ensured each home interior was furnished and lit. Guests visiting the model may never notice the intricate details put into it, but Walt would not have it any other way!
The video below highlights the model city of the future.
Progress City
Walt’s “Progress City” (Epcot’s nickname after Walt’s death) would be in a constant state of becoming, with a central complex at the center and a suburban area radiating outwards. The central complex was to contain a towering hotel and enclosed urban center that housed shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. As well as an industrial park (with a nuclear power plant), amusement park, lake, residential area, and an airport! The community would grow most of their own crops, aiming to be a self-sustaining city.
Public transportation would include Walt Disney’s World famous Monorail system and PeopleMovers (TTA-Tomorrowland Transit Authority) found in the Magic Kingdom. Automobiles would still be used; however, near the Urban Center, they would be driven beneath the enclosed complex, allowing pedestrians an open and safe place to walk around.
The Urban Center would also be the transportation hub connecting Monorails and PeopleMovers not only throughout E.P.C.O.T but the rest of Walt Disney World.
Urban Center
The main focal point is the towering Cosmopolitan Hotel with a large recreation deck.
The “Greenway” below contains office buildings, two heliports, running paths, tennis courts, and domes to bring in natural light to the international shopping center below.
The international shopping center would house shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. The urban center would also have large domed skylights throughout, allowing people to walk around in a climate controlled area regardless of the weather outside. Interestingly enough, when Walt pitched this idea to the public, the dome was misinterpreted as a large glass dome that would cover the entire community!
Residential Area
The residential area began right outside the Urban Center. It included high-density housing, the green belt with public services, the amusement park, and single family homes.
High-Density Housing
The super fancy word for apartments, high-density housing would be located right outside the Urban Center, with easy accessibility to the PeopleMover.
Imagineers designed around 14 buildings, each 4 to 5 floors in height.
Greenbelt
Radiating outwards from the Urban Center and High-Density Housing, were local services- a church, school complex, stadium, recreation center, beach, and amusement park!
Amusement Park
E.P.C.O.T would have it’s own amusement park, and no, it would not be like anything found at Walt Disney World. This amusement park is a tribute to the early day carnivals.
Single Family Homes
The single family homes were surrounded by plenty of green space. Throughout the area a church, synagogue, a fire station, and PeopleMover stations could be found.
Industrial Area
Located off, and a bit behind, the Urban Center, the industrial area contained a nuclear plant and other industrial services needed to run a city. This part of the model was not moved from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and was destroyed. Few photographs of the industrial area exists today.
From Disneyland to Magic Kingdom
The completed model was then displayed on the second floor of the Carousel of Progress in Disneyland from 1967 to 1973.
In 1972, Imagineer Marvin Davis attempted to get Walt’s idea moving again. It was decided that the model would be moved to a new home at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The thought was a new audience would bring excitement for the project. The only problem, the model was HUGE and the space at Magic Kingdom limited.
Today, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World can see part of the model on the TTA (Tomorrowland Transit Authority or PeopleMover) in Tomorrowland. Due to the models 6,900 square foot size, it had to be disassembled before it could be moved. Tragically, most of the model was tossed while other parts were damaged. As a result, the small portion see while riding the TTA is truly just a fraction of the original size!
Concept art shows what life would have been like in Progress City.
After seeing the Progress City model in detail, I know that I will never look today’s Epcot the same. To say it is a far cry from Walt’s vision is an understatement. I can’t help but think how things would have turned out if Walt did not suddenly pass away. Would his E.P.C.O.T be built? Would he go mad, never settling for less of his vision? We will never know. At least his Progress City model is partially preserved, his dream forever apart of history.
I want to thank The Original E.P.C.O.T Project for their amazing comprehensive history of Walt’s last dream. All pictures posted (unless otherwise noted) is courtesy of them with photo credits to Jeff Williams, Disney©. Visit their site for more in depth information on the model, pictures, videos, and interview with Jeff Williams, the project manager for the model’s restoration.
