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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Photo Memories: Epcot Center Pre-Opening Monorail Preview, JeffLangeDVD Travel and Production Updates.

Hello everyone and welcome back for another Photo Memories update. As we are about a month away from Epcot's 25th Anniversary, I have decided to feature some vintage pre-opening photos. On October 1, 1979 Epcot Center had it's official groundbreaking and begun construction. As the official Oct 1st 1982 Grand Opening approached, a free Epcot Center Monorail Preview was offered to Florida residents and Walt Disney World resort guests.

My family was staying at the Polynesian Village Resort and were notified upon check-in about this complimentary preview. We acquired our tickets at the Magic Kingdom (in the Epcot Center Preview Center located where the Walt Disney Story was usually shown). I remember boarding a monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center and circling World Showcase for the first time. I was amazed by what I saw next!

It was truly awesome to see the huge Epcot Center layout and the massive construction going on as we slowly glided to our destination, the Epcot Monorail Station. We were then able to disembark the train and view displays and concept art of this exciting and inspiring new type of theme park! Disney cast members where stationed on the platform answering questions and explaining what the park would be like when it opened! We were also allowed to take photos from the platform of the finishing touches being made to Future World.

 

The shot above shows Spaceship Earth before the installation of the mirrors on the base. Also note in the foreground the entrance fountain can be seen without the Epcot logo acrylic centerpiece.

My entire family was very excited by this sneak peek and we would return later that year soon after Epcot Center opened on October 1st, 1982! The Opening Day Dedication was as follows:

"To all who come to this place of joy, hope and friendship, welcome."

"Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney's creative genius. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all."

"May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."'

E. Cardon Walker

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Walt Disney Productions

Oct. 24, 1982

I look forward to being there again twenty five years later as part of ' The Epcot Thing' 25th Anniversary fan event! I will have much more information on this great event plus announce some special guests in the coming weeks!

JeffLangeDVD Travel Update: I am once again traveling to Walt Disney World this week to record video footage for future projects and assist in the final planning of the ' Epcot Thing' event. As always, while I am traveling you will still receive the same level of quality service and guaranteed 24 hr shipping you have come to expect from JeffLangeDVD.

JeffLangeDVD Production Update: I am currently working on my Epcot's 25th Anniversary series with 'Communicore & The Living Seas' , 'World Showcase' and 'Epcot's Millennium Celebration'. I will also be continuing my 'Class of' series with 'Walt Disney World: Class of 1971'. Check back soon for a 'Special Collectors Edition' of a very popular retired attraction that will include an actual piece of the ride and a vintage photo suitable for framing. For more details and release information please check JeffLangeDVD.com. I have included a subtle hint below.

Please remember, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.

Posted by Jeff at 1:24 AM
Edited on: Thursday, August 30, 2007 2:28 AM
Categories: Photo Memories, Whats Happening