EPCOT Center The Opening Celebration
Episode description
EPCOT Center, Walt Disney World’s second gate opened to the public on October 1, 1982. By all accounts, however, October 1st was really soft opening, with only Spaceship Earth being dedicated on that day. A grand opening week was held from October 15-27 for celebrates, Press, VIPs and top executives from corporate sponsors. The television special Epcot Center: The Opening Celebration aired on CBS October 23, 1982, the night before the official park dedication. You can still find the dedication plaque from then CEO E. Cardon Walker dated October 24th, 1982 at the entrance of the park.
To all who come to this place of Joy, Hope and Friendship – Welcome. EPCOT is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, 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.