Disney’s Epcot will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year on October 1. A schedule of special events was released this week, including two history presentations featuring Disney legend Marty Sklar. Throughout the day on October 1, guests can attend these events in the World Showplace courtesy of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. These presentations are included in park admission and are limited in seating.
•1-2 p.m. – Designing the Future – Past and Present: A panel of Disney Imagineers remembers 30 years of building tomorrow!
•4:30–6 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar
•6:30–8 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar
Guests can also attend an anniversary moment at the America Gardens Theatre at 3 p.m., which will feature appearances by Disney leaders and include performances by Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty.
That evening, the October 1 presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will feature a special 30th anniversary tag.
In honor of Epcot’s 30th, Disney will release special merchandise, available on September 28, at the Disney park. Items include t-shirts, hats, a special commemorative Duffy Bear, and pins, of course. There will be a second release of merchandise on the anniversary date itself, including three shirts that have “October 1, 2012” and the “Epcot 30” logo, as seen in the photos below.
October 1 will also see the release of a commemorative framed coin set and limited edition pin collection, including an “I Was There” pin. Artist John Henselmeier also designed three, 9-inch custom vinylmation figures and several 3-inch custom figures that will feature original Future World pavilion logos. All of these items will be released at MouseGear starting at park open on October 1.
