Future World was inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow – a showcase for new ideas and new innovations that would stand as a living tribute to human achievement. Since Epcot opened in October 1982, Future World has taken us from the depths of the sea to the outer reaches of space, and past the boundless frontiers of imagination.

But it didn’t happen overnight – it took many thousands of artists, craftsmen, engineers, construction workers, and others to make the dream a reality. In the process, Epcot became the world’s largest private construction project to that point.

For 35 years Future World has inspired and entertained generations of Guests, but the best part is that we’ve just begun to dream. Many exciting developments are underway for the years ahead that will make tomorrow’s horizons brighter than ever. Join us as we take a look at where Epcot has been, how its current attractions came to be, and where we’re going in the years ahead.

As you have seen, Epcot has experienced many new additions over the years. That tradition continues today, as the Universe of Energy pavilion recently closed its doors to make way for an all-new attraction based on Guardians of the Galaxy.

The original Universe of Energy showcased the creation of fossil fuels and highlighted alternative energy sources. Beginning in 1996, Ellen’s Energy Adventure presented a lighthearted take on the subject. And now an entirely new E-ticket adventure will bring to life the world of Guardians of the Galaxy.

As Walt Disney made his plans for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, his focus was always on people – the people around the world whose lives could be made better through innovation concepts for Epcot included a World Showcase, a permanent World’s Fair that would bring together the nations of the world.

World Showcase was intended as a “people-to-people” exchange, a place where people from around the world could bring their culture, history, and arts to share with others. It was thought that through better knowing one another, international understanding and fellowship would follow.

It took many long years of research and hard work to bring World Showcase to life, but we’re not done yet. In the years to come, new experiences and attractions would appear along the World Showcase lagoon as our community of nations continues to thrive. As they said when Epcot opening in 1982, there’s no place like World Showcase on the face of the whole wide world.

The Paris of La Belle Epoque – the beautiful age – inspired the look of the France pavilion. Above the sloped mansard roofs peeks the Eiffel Tower, with a design taken straight from the blueprints of the Parisian original.

Inside the Palais du Cinema, Guests will find Impressions de France, a cinematic feast for the senses. And soon another experience will await Epcot visitors – an entirely new attraction based on the Disney Pixar classic Ratatouille.