I’ve been a Disney nut since my age could be counted on two hands, and I’ve had the good fortune of visiting Disneyland 13 times and Walt Disney World 11. During that time I’ve seen plenty of changes, particularly at Epcot Center, so Monday’s educational presentation by astronaut Barbara Morgan provided a refreshing trip down memory lane.
EPCOT used to be an acronym for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” Now it’s a non-capitalized theme park that’s cobbled together a slew of mildly entertaining attractions in 
front (Future World) and a fun international experience in back (World Showcase). Future World’s theme used to be education about current technology and aspiration about the future. Now, it’s “what can we do that will entertain the kids while mom and dad get a rush on Misson: Space?” So Morgan’s presentation in front of Mission: Space, which took place three weeks after her return to Earth, provided “one little spark” of a return to Epcot’s educational roots–and a very welcome return, at that.
Walt Disney himself was a dreamer, a visionary who wanted to achieve things that hadn’t yet even been conceived. Along the way, he wanted to teach people about what he was doing and how he was doing it. Morgan, and every astronaut, follows in those footsteps to a certain degree by exploring areas that the rest of us only dream about seeing. By sharing her experiences from space, Morgan — who’s also a teacher — delivered on the very reason Epcot Center’s Future World was created. And amazingly enough, people listened, learned and liked what they saw.
I wasn’t there for the presentation, and it pains me to not have been in attendance. The Associated Press account of Morgan’s presentation indicates that her message was both inspiring and motivating. Walt Disney World is associated with kids and families, and although kids generally visit WDW’s four theme parks on vacation, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t keep learning while they’re there. Morgan and her six shuttle crewmates fielded kids’ questions about space, UFOs and all things celestial. What’s that? An educational and fun experience? You’d better believe it. That’s why Epcot was founded, and Monday’s presentation shows just how relevant that foundation still is.
Epcot Center and Walt Disney World’s other three parks are bound to change, just as they have in years past. But if Morgan’s presentation taught Disney executives anything, I hope it was more than “NASA astronauts get people in the gates.” Instead, I hope the presentation reaffirmed their belief that Epcot Center can be instructional and fun, that Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT Center is still relevant, and that as much as things change, they really can stay the same — as long as the people making the changes stay true to the original plan.
— Jonas Allen
