Hi Lou...

I do have a question, who sponsors the "Epcot ball"? I think AT&T did not renew - is that true?

-Linda

Linda,

Currently, Spaceship Earth, the "Epcot ball" does not have a corporate sponsor.

When the pavilion opened in 1982, it was originally sponsored by Bell Systems, which spent more the $30 million dollars on this attraction. However, just nine months before the opening of EPCOT Center , "Bell System" broke up into AT&T and other smaller local and long distance companies known as "Baby Bells." However, "Bell System," although no longer in existence for all practical purposes, was still the sponsor of the attraction up until 1984, when the "Bell System" finally came to an end. Sponsorship of the attraction was taken over at that time by AT&T.

In 2003, AT&T announced that they were not going to renew their sponsorship of the attraction. Here is an excerpt from an AT&T internal employee Memo:

AT&T ENDS SPONSORSHIPS AT DISNEY PARKS - As part of a continuous evaluation of our sponsorship activities, AT&T has decided not to renew our sponsorships of Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World (Florida) and Innoventions at Disneyland (California). AT&T made this decision as part of its ongoing efforts to make the best possible use of our sponsorship dollars and ensure the best possible match with our business priorities. AT&T's sponsorship of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center began 20 years ago during the days of the Bell System. While we have evolved our partnership with the Walt Disney Company over the years, the Spaceship Earth and Innoventions sponsorships no longer meet the needs of the business. However, we look forward to continuing other marketing and promotional involvement with the Disney Company. Concurrent with the end of the sponsorships, effective Jan. 1, employees no longer have access to discounted Disney tickets or to the hospitality areas associated with these two attractions

In 2004, however, AT&T wavered for some time on their decision to pull their sponsorship. However, in April, 2004, all signs acknowledging AT&T as the sponsor were removed. Additionally, the "Global Neighborhood" was closed and walls were erected around it. (The Global Neighborhood opened on November 23, 1994, and was a Spaceship Earth post-show exhibit which demonsrated the power of communications technologies).

Currently, Spaceship Earth has no sponsor. Is this a sign of a growing trend? Considering that the Universe of Energy just lost its sponsor (Exxon), and the Living Seas also has no sponsor (losing United Technolgies some time ago), one wonders if Disney is moving away from these types of corporate sponsorships altogether.

You can discuss this article in the DisneyWorldTrivia.com forums HERE