People gobsmacked after learning what EPCOT stands for – and it's taken 42 years

21 June 2024 , 03:00

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EPCOT, Walt Disney World resort, in Bay Lake, Florida

It has more than 25,000 visitors per day - but many are only just learning what EPCOT actually stands for after 42 years.

The theme park at Walt Disney World resort, in Florida, US, celebrates human achievement, particularly technological innovation and international culture.

Often referred to as a "permanent world's fair", it opened in October 1982, as EPCOT Center, and was the second of four theme parks built at the resort. However, many people have no idea what EPCOT actually means, with one Reddit user admitting: "Today I learnt the Disney Park, EPCOT, is an acronym."

During its early development, Walt Disney wanted to create a city where people would work, live, and play, with the project named Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, creating the acronym EPCOT.

Describing his vision, Disney said in 1966: "EPCOT will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centres 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.

Woman falls to death from 60ft-high flat window putting up Christmas decorations

"And EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world of the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise." However, after his death in 1966, the company decided this vision was "impractical" and instead created a theme park encompassing the spirit of his vision.

Today, around 27,397 guests visit EPCOT every day for its rides, live entertainment, restaurants, and to meet Disney characters. Commenting on the revelation, one user said: "Every Person Comes Out Tired / Trashed."

Another user added: "Whatever it stands for, everyone calls it 'The place at Disney World where you can drink beer!'." A third user said: "My dad always said it stood for "Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday" when he worked for Disney World."

One more user added: "I was a teenager when EPCOT first opened. They were really big on that phrase back then because they felt the word 'EPCOT' needed to be explained, as well as the themes of progress and world togetherness. I still miss the Horizons pavilion."

Paige Freshwater