In a surprisingly long, 45-minute special presentation that narrowly avoided the rain, Walt Disney World celebrated the 30th anniversary of Epcot today with speeches and songs commemorating the milestone. Along with other history presentations scattered throughout the day, Disney paid tribute to three decades of Epcot history with performances by Mariachi Cobre and the Voices of Liberty, two musical acts that have entertained guests since the park first opened on October 1, 1982, with several of today’s talented performers having performed in the park since that opening day.
The presentation took place in the America Gardens Theatre and featured speeches from current Epcot vice president Erin Youngs, former Epcot vice president and current senior vice president at Walt Disney World Jim McPhee, and president of Disney theme park operations in the United States and Paris Meg Crofton. Concluding with a bang, Cast Members representing pavilions, attractions, stores, and restaurants throughout the park congregated on and around the stage as fireworks and confetti were shot off as the crowd shouted, “Happy anniversary Epcot!”
Video: Full Epcot 30th anniversary ceremony
Highlights from the presentation:
Video: Mariachi Cobre kicks off the Epcot 30th anniversary with a three-song performance
Video: Epcot VP Erin Youngs speaks about 30 years of Epcot
Video: Erin Youngs introduces Voices of Liberty 30th anniversary song
Video: Meg Crofton marks Epcot 30th anniversary moment and Voices of Liberty sing “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
Keep checking back here as more videos are added from the Epcot 30th anniversary celebration..
Guests entering and exiting the park today were given special commemorative maps and buttons:
D23 presentations for all who were in the park included two from Disney Legend Marty Sklar and another featuring Imagineers Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, and Alex Wright, who also presented at yesterday’s separately-ticketed D23 Epcot 30th anniversary celebration.
