Today the park has veered slightly from its original intent. It’s not exactly an experimental community as much as a showcase – a showcase for innovation AND a showcase for cultural diversity. You can experience the former in the section of the park called Future Worlds. The giant sphere that symbolizes the park as a whole is actually Spaceship Earth where guests journey through the history of human communication from prehistoric times to the future. Another innovative ride here is Soarin’, on which you take a (simulated) flight over the Redwoods and other beautiful scenery in California. If you prefer your mode of transportation to stay on solid ground, you might like Test Track. This longest, fastest ride in the park shows off the world of automobiles from their humble beginnings through decades of fascinating improvement.

Inspiration abounds in the Future Worlds section of Epcot, but some of the most beloved aspects of the park are found on the other side in the exotic and intriguing World Showcase. You’ll soon find yourself in Mexico, France, Italy, China, the United Kingdom and beyond when the architecture, costumes, food, and shopping all take on the authenticity of various countries around the globe. The World Showcase is one of the more popular reasons to include Epcot Center in your Orlando student tours, because it literally opens your eyes to a world of possibility – something Epcot has been accomplishing since its beginning.

Photo Credit: Growl Roar on Flickr

Related posts:

1. Animal Kingdom – the Disney way
2. Disney’s Hollywood
3. Disney Y.E.S. Program