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Written by Louis A. Mongello
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- World Showcase, originally designed as two connected semicircles, was intended to be the main draw for what would become EPCOT Center . It would contain a "Courtyard of Nations," an Observation Tower that would rise high above the promenade, and 30 international pavilions. Future World, originally known as the "EPCOT Theme Center ," was proposed to be added later. The " Theme Center " portion of EPCOT was to contain three major pavilions, with smaller, satellite pavilions focusing on energy, agriculture, transportation, and other issues such as technology and the arts.
- After a lukewarm response from foreign nations with regard to sponsorship of pavilions for the flagship World Showcase project, the decision was made not only to build "Future World" at the same time as World Showcase, but to make it be the main entrance to the new theme park. Why the change of heart? Partly because it was relatively simple to obtain funding from major corporate sponsors to finance the construction of the pavilions.
- More than 26,000 feet of lights outline the World Showcase pavilions - a string long enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times.
- Mexico and Canada are the first nations you encounter as you enter World Showcase. Other than the United States, which is in the center, these were the only other two pavilions that were specifically placed in these locations. This is because each of these borders the United States - Mexico to the South and Canada to the North.
- The four official Walt Disney World colors are lagoon blue, mint green, pumpkin orange and lavender. NEW COLOR FIREWORKD
- The prominent Earth Globe featured in the "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" nighttime spectacular could hold approximately 20 million Ping-Pong balls. It is the world's first spherical video display system. The outer shell of the globe is wrapped in 15,000 LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes).
- "Laserphonic Fantasy", the park's first lagoon show, opened on June 9, 1984. It ran until January 29, 1998, when it was replaced by "Illuminations." "Laserphonic Fantasy" featured music by Don Dorsey called the "Festival of Festivals," which was originally used for the opening of EPCOT in 1982.
- Although it was the first lagoon show in Epcot, Laserphonic Fantasy" was the third version of World Showcase's nighttime shows. The first evening show was the "Carnival de Lumiere" which opened on October 23, 1982. "A New World Fantasy" followed in 1983 before "Laserphonic Fantasy" opened in June of the following year. On January 30, 1988, Epcot unveiled the first of many versions of "Illuminations." The nighttime water show continues today as "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" in and above the World Showcase Lagoon.
- At Epcot's Kidcot Fun Stops, young guests can create decorative masks within the nations of World Showcase. Children can interact with a Cast Member from the pavilion's native country who will help them create a mask decorated with symbolic artwork from the country, as well as the word "dream" written in that countries native language. Children also receive cardboard compasses which contain a punch-out "coin" in the center. Kids can take the coin from the compass, make a wish, and toss it into the "Dream Catcher" as it passes by during the "Tapestry of Dreams" parade. The Fun Stops are a great way to keep children occupied and interested while touring World Showcase, which doesn't have much in the way of entertainment for kids.
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