History of Horizons at EPCOT Center
"If we can dream it, we can do it." That's the mantra of the classic Horizons attraction at the EPCOT Center of the 1980s and 1990s.
Opened in October 1983, the Horizons attraction was sponsored by GE and housed in a spaceship-like show building where Mission: SPACE sits today, at the east side of Future World.
The Omnimover ride was a bit of a cross between Spaceship Earth and the Carousel of Progress, dedicated to humanity's future in the 21st Century. Lots of animatronics, lots of funny banter, and a vision for the future characterized the ride.
GE's sponsorship of Horizons ended in September 1993, and the attraction was closed in late 1994. But it opened back up in December 1995 due to necessity -- neighboring attractions World of Motion and Universe of Energy were both closed for refurbishment. Jan. 9, 1999 marked the last day Horizons was open to park guests, and demolition began in March 2000.
According to horizons1.com, there were structural problems with the building, and possibly a sinkhole, that mandated that the building be completely demolished. Horizons1 reports that when the land was cleared, a large hole at the back left of the site was visible, into which was put metal girders.
Horizons remains a favorite attraction of those who have fond memories of EPCOT Center. Remember, "tomorrow's horizons are here, today!"
Check out the HD-quality videos below of the entire Horizons ride.
Did you ride Horizons during its heyday? Did you have a favorite scene? Leave a comment below!
About WDW For Grownups
We're a website dedicated to adults who visit Disney World because they love it, not just because their kids love it. Join in the discussion on our forums or find us here:
James wrote on Wed, 03/30/2011 - 18:39:
Awhile ago Progress City had a story with this link to Horizons: Resurrected. Something that should be fun to watch develop...
Mase wrote on Wed, 03/30/2011 - 23:56:
Wow.... talk about memory lane!
I would love to see more articles about rides that are gone on here. Helps to remember some of the good and bad. I just keep thinking what this ride could had been like if they would have updated it for today. Keeping it intact like Spaceship Earth did... but they enhanced theres enough to keep people still interested in the ride.
But yeah... would love to see more articles on rides that have either gone through change or just gone.
Kristen H wrote on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 01:28:
James -- I took a look at that blog, and it is utterly fascinating. Wow.
Mase -- Your wish is my command. I'm writing another article about another extinct attraction for next week. Should be a good series to tackle! Memory lane!
Erin wrote on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 13:07:
This brought back lots of memories. I went to Epcot within the first few weeks of its opening w. a friend and her mom. (Her mom insisted that there wasn't a ride in "Spaceship Earth" - "it's just a big silver ball!" she said. We knew better!) I took EPCOT's view of the future very seriously, and particularly remember the part in Horizons when the family talked to each other through their TV/computers. It seemed so far fetched to me as a small child, but here we are!
Love exploring the retro rides -- keep up the good work! Erin
Post new comment