Representing the fascinating and dynamic journey that man has made in communications, Spaceship Earth debuted in October 1.1982.
Guests who visited the geospheric attraction in the mid-1980s were entertained by the voice of legendary CBS journalist Walter Cronkite, who narrated the attraction for nearly a decade.
The attraction was renewed in 1994 with the narration of actor Jeremy Irons, along with a new theme from the history of the communication show that bridges the barriers between us; new musical score; show lighting updates; re-staging of some of the historical scenes; newly created scenes; high definition virtual classroom and future communication vignettes; and laser-driven special effects.
In July 2007, Walt Disney Imagineers began the third reinvention of Epcot’s visual and thematic centerpiece. Reopened this month, Spaceship Earth offers Visitors the opportunity to imagine their future and discover how each generation of humanity has shaped the future of the next generation and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos. The adventure finally leads to the top of the geodesic dome, where the Visitors come to the present.
The attraction has been transformed with new show scenes, lighting effects, costumes, set decoration and a new narrator, Oscar-winning English actress Dame Judi Dench. Additionally, a new musical score, conducted by Emmy Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton, features a 63-piece orchestra and 24-voice choir, and infuses each scene with time-appropriate musical styles and instruments.
This was no easy task, according to Bob Zalk, senior show producer at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). Having the music transition from the new scene smoothly as vehicles travel from period to period was extremely difficult, he said.
The first time we toured the attraction accompanied by the new music, we were in awe. Bob says he was especially excited to work on the Spaceship Earth project now because the attraction was one of his first projects in 1981.
Personally, I feel like I’ve come full circle as an Imagineer because I worked at Spaceship Earth as a sound engineer with WDI in 1981, he said. It’s like going back to an old friend. From a personal point of view, it feels great to take on the challenge of taking this classic iconic attraction and upgrading it without compromising the story and the elements that made it great to begin with. Jeff Woy, project manager for Facility Asset Management, said his group touched almost every part of the building during the project. We work both onstage and behind the scenes, partnering with WDI, he said.
We installed a new system of catwalks to facilitate the set-up of lighting, we made improvements in animation, show lighting, props, special effects and [added] New entry and landscape lighting package. Behind the scenes, we replaced all major components of the air conditioning system and upgraded various facility safety systems and driving components, including the control system.
The renovated attraction also features a new post show presented by Siemens. As Guests disembark in the time travel experience, they are invited to visit Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow, where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies that Siemens is developing to help make the world. a better place for the future. The space is filled with fun and interactive games and exhibits that showcase innovative technologies. Here, guests delve into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management around the world.
The revamped Spaceship Earth retains the rich elements that make this iconic attraction a classic experience that generations have enjoyed, said Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee. From the enhanced scenes and post-show game offerings to the interactive element that allows Guests to imagine their own visions of the future, Spaceship Earth helps Epcot enthusiasts discover how one generation can influence and inspire the next.
This upgrade is another exciting opportunity for us to make Epcot an even more dynamic and family-friendly park. Since Spaceship Earth opened more than 25 years ago, an estimated 300 million Visitors have experienced the attraction.
