Epcot Entrance Area Music - Complete Loop (1982)

[@jeremyharris7245]

This loop is simply one of the finest main entrance loops in all of Disney history. It captures the thematic statement of the park. It addresses all that you will experience upon entering and does so in such a poetic way. For example, I love how somber and profound the Imagination theme is-it's as if it's saying that although the ride is fun, bouncy, and incredibly entertaining, the IDEAS presented in it are incredibly important. This Epcot was bold and fought a noble fight: that in the face of human adversity (the 80s was no utopia, whether you liked Reagan or not) it is still worth fighting for a better world for the sake of our existence. This place reminded us that we had a collective soul as the human race. It breaks my heart deeply to slowly see this park turned into just another Sci-Fi franchise adventure park. There is a great loss here. A great loss.

[@toastyplatters70]

This is amazing. In '84 when I was 14, I made my parents wait around at park closing as I sat next to one of the speakers at the entrance and recorded the entire loop. I used a General Electric boombox and a couple of vintage Sony microphones my Dad gave me. People in the park thought I was crazy. I knew it wasn't Hi-Fi, but I HAD to have the music. THIS is what I have been waiting for all this time. You're my hero!!

[@rickkinney2544]

Before KZbin and even before CD's, I would record the rides and music on a cassette player to listen to after we got back home from visiting Disney. This was way before you could even buy any music like it from Disney or anyone else.

[@horizons1366]

That’s so innovative! I felt the same way but wasn’t as resourceful. I never thought that in the future, I’d be able to work and drive to the very music and “feels” of old EPCOT. How I miss that magic.

[@tikitribe5715]

In the early eighties, I used to sneak in my Sony cassette recorder (to Disneyland) and record all the E ticket attraction audio and park ambience. Used to fall asleep to Pirates of the Caribbean.

[@zahnmanretired8572]

I’m grateful for this clip. I used a portable Panasonic stereo cassette recorder. I set it next to one of the landscape speakers. I can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to that tape. That was in the late ‘80’s.

[@zfoxfire]

I would have done the same thing. When I was around 10 I would record all my favorite theme songs from TV onto a tape recorder so I could enjoy them at any time. As an adult, I use my H1n Zoom device to record theme music from the speakers at MGM Studios and then look it up later. Yes, I could use my phone but the Zoom is a much better recording device.

[@gregscott4673]

I was one of the cast members brought over from MK to assist with opening day at EPCOT Center. Arrived at 2 a.m. on October 1 and was there for a good 12-15 hours that day. This wonderful loop you've posted brings back so many memories!!

[@davidkettelle1581]

Everything was better in the 80’s at WDW!

[@dwzobell]

This is incredible. Maybe the best entrance music ever created for a park - an actual honest-to-goodness overture, introducing all of the upcoming musical themes...Remarkable.

[@vinnyb1958]

Hearing this a week ago for the 40th was truly amazing. Hopefully someday we'll hear it again in all of its glory.

[@jimroberts2257]

Went to EPCOT opening day Oct. 1, 1982. Still have my ticket. The music's changed over the years but I remember it being major part of the experience.

[@Michelangelo0003]

You're so right! The music indeed did play a huge role in the whole wonderful experience one lived at EPCOT Center.

[@Angie2343]

Michael A I miss Epcot Center.

[@EPCOTFan82]

Jim Roberts Even though the songs on the rides are gone, I actually like alot of the area music that goes with the modern rides.

[@toastyplatters70]

+Jim Roberts My parents let me record the music. All I wanted was the one song for the America attraction, but in the process of waiting for it, I ended up with the entire catalog. Bless my parents SO much for sticking it out while their 14 year old son sat next to the little speaker in the shrubs with his two Sony microphones and GE cassette recorder. It's all they ever listen to these days, practically ;). On my recording, the passing of the monorail from time to time certainly enhances the listening experience, but to finally get to hear this in its original master is magnificent, and really bringing me back!

[@kingofrapture]

Jim Roberts, Man you are so lucky! I was born in 86 and didn't get to EPCOT til the early 90s the first time, then I went in early 98 (I think it was around that time) when Test Track soft opened. I wish I was born a lot earlier so I could have been there opening day, I was a Science kid growing up and this was my favorite theme park as a kid. Horizons and Journey into Imagination were my top favorites, followed closely by The Living Seas and World of Motion.

[@carolmiller7633]

Oh my goodness; this is awesome. We were in DISNEY/EPCOT in November of 1982... thanks for the memories. Definitely playing this lots. Thanks for sharing.

[@alskndlaskndal]

I love this classic Epcot music. Brings me back to the past while also inspiring me to go into... the FUTURE!

[@fstanley2328]

Wow......this takes be back. I remember humming along to the "Universe of Energy" part of the song at the very end while in the EPCOT Center monorail station after the park had closed waiting for a ride back to the Contemporary Resort. EPCOT Center was so incredible. I especially remember walking around Future World at night and to my 10 year old eyes thinking it was the most advanced place civilization would ever see. It was beautiful and inspirational all in the same breath. Sadly the future caught up and now it's just a glorified adventure park instead of a truly breathtaking experience, but those visits will be with me always and if we're allowed to go anyplace, anytime when we die one of the first places I'm going to go to is EPCOT Center circa mid 1980's.

[@sillygoose635]

It was always a glorified adventure park

[@drx630]

I am with you, Horizons alone really made you want to look ahead what ti would be like, innovations was really cool too, then they stopped keeping it up and it got old, now most of the pavilions care about the rides and don't care to inspire you at all, and then in comes IP........ it sucks - maybe they will fix Journey into imagination one day but I wouldn't hold my breath, it will take someone with a VERY special mind to redo that ride to what it should be.... would love to take a stab at design/engineer it myself... most likely they will take some cookie cutter off the shelf ride tech and not do it justice - seriously this park inspired me to be the engineer I am today, and I always kind of wanted to be an imagineer because of it

[@citizenofcorona8783]

They brought this entrance music back today for the 35th anniversary

[@sydneylanier7689]

15:17 all the way to 24:28 always makes me cry for some reason. I wasn’t even born in the 80’s, but I loved discovering the history of what Epcot used to be. It’s just that whenever I hear those strings in both of the One Little Spark and Magic Journeys section, including the flute in the MJ section, I can’t help but get choked up every time I hear it. It’s so beautiful, yet it sounds so sad at the same time. I guess this is what you call “bittersweet” in my opinion.🥺

[@guinns.6424]

Sitting in my car at the McDonald’s near the All Star Resorts entrance listening to this and wishing Epcot was like it was “back when”. Thanks for the memories.

[@tikitribe5715]

My first visit to EPCOT was at age 19 (my first vacation without my parents, on a plane with my best friend, all the way from So Calif) just three months after the park opened. This music was so incredible. It was like they were scoring an adventure film instead merely a theme park visit. Still gives me goosebumps nearly four decades later.

[@jetraydude]

0:00 - Energy, You Make the World Go 'Round 3:18 - Golden Dream 7:12 - It's Fun to Be Free 10:47 - Listen to the Land 15:16 - One Little Spark 18:47 - Magic Journeys 24:28 - The Universe of Energy

[@rickk.3718]

+jetraydude Thanks for posting the times and titles. Much appreciated!

[@jetraydude]

+Rick K. No problem!

[@dlfendel2844]

The one you called "Feel the Flow" was simply "The Universe Of Energy" theme officially. And great of course. Remember the then-modern now-classic stick-figure-ish animation of astronauts etc. etc. in the finale?

[@jetraydude]

DL Fendel I, uh... have never been to Disney World. And I'm way too young to remember that. :P

[@WDI2008]

Universe of Energy,The American Adventure,World of Motion,The Land,Journey Into Imagination

[@emilystults7665]

Forever wishing I could've experienced Epcot Center! It would have been amazing to see and experience.

[@DisneyfanBeckers]

I have never wanted time travel more than when I look at the days of Disney parks past...

[@mickeynerd17]

Emily Stults SAME

[@Michelangelo0003]

+Emily Stults It was. It truly was.

[@jamesayers1048]

It was the most incredible place ever. I went over 50 times when I lived in Cocoa Beach.

[@biggameshowfreak95]

Disney should use this theme as a soundtrack for an Epcot commercial as well as the old logo for Epcot. Then they would have double the attendance. This theme would make anyone love the park.

[@MikeJehmszClassic]

It made _me_ love the park!

[@AnthonyFilms1]

JEHMSZ made me love the park from a longtime ago :(

[@henniebogan1966]

No doubt. Sometimes progress for the sake of progress is just another way to raise prices. And I believe that lots of us long for the past and how things were before. I would love to hear this entrance and exit music as well, back at Epcot. Along with the old parade, Tapestry of Nations!

[@breenotcheese746]

Congratulations, you predicted the future! The original Epcot emblem is being brought back, and a new logo that is very similar to the old one is on its way to the park in the coming years.

[@kyroravestar262]

NOT until they bring back the OG Journey into Imagination with Dreamfinder INCLUDED! But Cosmic Rewind is a pretty good reason

[@moviemogul1000]

I, too, was a guest at Epcot on opening day, October 1, 1982. Who could forget? This music was (and still is) absolutely thrilling. I saved all of the press from the Epcot opening, and I remember one of the reviewers referring to this music as an "intergalactic cotillion." What they play now at the Epcot entrance does not compare. I thought they might bring back this music for the 25th Anniversary, but it did not happen. Maybe someday.

[@rickk.3718]

+moviemogul1000 I envy you. I'm also a big fan of those early days at Epcot. I try to collect all the memorabilia I can from that special grand opening event and time.

[@laurentannen9416]

THEY PLAYED THE FIRST THREE MINUTES OF THIS AT OPENING LAST WEEK WHEN I WENT AND I WAS THE HAPPIEST FLORIDIAN. 😍

[@davidlees685]

Couldn’t agree with you more!!

[@nightisright1873]

Best ride wasnt even open yet Horizons :)

[@catladycc]

Music to the best days of life. Cried the entire time listening to this.

[@DarthBrtt]

The original and still the best! Hearing this music instantly takes me back to EPCOT Center from '82-'93, which IMO were definitely EPCOT's peak/prime years.

[@AnthonyFilms1]

absolutely thrilling, exciting, and inspirational music from the best place on earth.

[@taylorshelton3267]

Nice recordings WDW facts this music takes me back to my first and second trips to epcot and they were awesome. Sadly it is an epcot that my nephew and niece will never get to see.

[@PixelJD]

I love this theme so much! I wish they still used it in the future portion of Epcot.

[@christopherleefe7770]

Thank you KZbin for the upload of this old & original theme park soundtrack of the past

[@dougconley]

Had to come listen to this 😊 after listening to the new Epcot Entrance music in 2021. 😬

[@pjbutler5410]

Here after the new entrance loop was introduced. The '82 version is still the best, still the most EPCOT Center. Timeless

[@sbk123411]

Stirring and inspiring! I miss this music, just as I miss classic Epcot!

[@guinns.6424]

In 2024 this is still the BEST Disney theme park music. So many good memories attached to this. ❤️

[@voyagerfilms]

I love this music so much. I sometimes get to hear it in the outdoor queuing area at Space Mountain at Disneyland, oddly enough.

[@the.jenn.abides]

+Matt Fondacaro That happened to me, too! I guess they play it since Space Mountain is in futuristic Tomorrowland.

[@WDI2008]

That’s actually the soundtrack originally intended for Tomorrowland 2055.

[@henniebogan1966]

In my opinion, this is the best entrance music Disney has ever had for Epcot.

[@dlfendel2844]

i SO REMEMEBER! in fact, I have a recording I made of this by putting a recording WalkMan in the bushes by one of the speakers in the flower beds outside the main entrance in the day. Oh was this INSPIRING music? Yes it was. EPCOT was about inspiration, and should still be.

[@drewwhite6865]

Well.. I waited 30 years to hear this! DL Fendel That is amazing to know. I did *exactly* the same - sat down next to the flower beds and got the whole half hour on a small recorder... but not in *this* quality! The highlight for me was 23:28, which still sends shivers. Now.. does anyone know who composed all this, and whether that part I mentioned had a specific use elsewhere in the park? (I hear Universe of Energy in the theme that followed it, so wonder if my fave part has a name too). WDWFacts I have the very start on CD, but much as I loved Tomorrow's Child & Space on that CD, I had always been disappointed to not get all of this. Was any more even released?

[@dlfendel2844]

As far as I know it was never released. This came from somebody "inside" I believe. As for the composers, lots of famous folks did the various pavilions. I think Al Kasha and Joel Hirschorn did Energy. And some of the DIsney "staff" composers, too.

[@VRTrader]

Drew White I believe it was Buddy Baker

[@toastyplatters70]

+DL Fendel I got to record this too! A GE boombox and two old fashioned Sony table mics. My parents were reluctant enablers, but they have never regretted it, and they listen to the CD I made from the cassette for them just about every day! :)

[@dlfendel2844]

Actually, the very FIRST cut--the "Energy You Make The World Go 'Round" from the great multi-panel pre-show was on the original EPCOT soundtrack album, but not the rest of the suite

[@TRON8882]

When I was a kid, I grew up around Disneyland. I then went to WDW when I was 9ish. To this day I still thnk EPCOT is my favorite them park. Now if Disney can bring back the original Journey into Imagination with the Dreamfinder!

[@wdwfacts]

I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the music!

[@mike407r]

This is the soundtrack to my childhood. Born in 79’. Grew up in Orlando. Raised on Disney and went many many times a year. Field trips etc. parents were DVC members in the 90’s. When I say raised I literally mean raised. I wish everyone could know and experience the Disney that I knew.

[@chrisleefe4606]

I wish there was a way to bring back this classical soundtrack to the park itself I miss it very much.Thanks for uploading this great theme song

[@hanonondricek411]

Oh my gosh, such memories. The orchestrations of these are incredible. I love how when you entered the park this is just exciting romantic strings with some futuristic synth flourish. Then during the inevitable walk back through Future World from the end of the fireworks in World Showcase, you hear this again and all the attraction themes would weave recognizably in and out of the music but in such different arrangments and remind you of the entire day. I remember sitting at the Atari fountain right in front of Spaceship Earth with the cool evening Florida breeze and 10:47 playing. I felt like I was on another planet. And then 23:20 felt like the closing credits.

[@DisneyfanBeckers]

Atari fountain?

[@hanonondricek411]

DisneyfanBeckers At opening, there was a fountain in front of Spaceship Earth that resembled the Atari Logo: bit.ly/2ee9ZPZ

[@DisneyfanBeckers]

Hanon Ondricek I've seen that fountain before. I guess in a 2-dimensional plane it does look like the Atari logo

[@hanonondricek411]

DisneyfanBeckers I was on a board long ago and we just called it the Atari fountain and everyone knew what we meant. :)

[@Michelangelo0003]

Like Captain Miller says in Saving Private Ryan: earn this! If you grew up with these wonders as I did; earn this! How privileged I was to have lived so close to Walt Disney World (lived 244 miles away) and have experienced all this in the 80s. What a gift!

[@TRON8882]

I love this area music way more then the new one. This brings back soo many memories...Thank you.

[@rickkinney2544]

I was just at the "new" Epcot entrance last night. They really need this music to bring back that feeling, the one that says, "This is Epcot."

[@mattbrewster8051]

I second the motion! This is the loop guests heard on Opening Day in 1982.

[@Michelangelo0003]

I'm very grateful for the information. I would pay anything for this music.

[@housey51]

I have tears in my eyes at this. Such great memories. Thank you.

[@MysticBlossom]

This is what I needed today. Something to keep me from falling asleep at work and inspire me!

[@AJ17_]

This still gives me chills all these years later.

[@Michelangelo0003]

I was one year old in 1982. I was born February of 1981, therefore nearly 2 years old. What a wonderful Disney I grew up with in the eighties and nineties. And in my personal opinion, the world seemed to once again be headed in the right direction back then; with leaders like Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and Margaret Thatcher; movies like ET, The Back to the Future Trilogy, and the original Star Wars Trilogy (ending in 1983); Iran hostages freed; a united Germany!

[@MYKroe]

I know, I know, Walt's vision was an ever changing adaptable environment in EPCOT, but damn, what a great soundtrack to those former pavilions: Horizons, The Land, Universe of Energy, Spaceship Earth... I still think of Tomorrow's Child when boarding Spaceship Earth. WDW would not be the same without the great music that greets you to the parks.

[@Michelangelo0003]

I miss that slower paced world with more depth and meaning.

[@lpar1967]

This music inspires me so much that I have it on in the background whenever I'm doing creative work or I just need to hear something uplifting. It's a shame that Disney always seeks to pander to the thrill-seeking crowd and changed this park to the point where its original intent and purpose has been diluted and now it's just one of those parks that doesn't know what it wants to be.

[@Michelangelo0003]

So grateful for my childhood!

[@davidlees685]

1960 - my first visit to Disneyland, CA. This experience opened my eyes and affected my entire life! Today my career is helping people rediscover their own magic. David Lees, Career Coach & Motivational Speaker, NYC.

[@jimroberts2257]

Lived in Orlando and had a pair of unlimited visit, one year passes to EPCOT in 1983. Cost $100 each and included parking. Would go to EPCOT for entertainment when we were broke. Still have the expired photo ID pass too.

[@davidkettelle403]

Hang on to that ticket, Jim! I’m sure it’s a great story attached to it!

[@Pifase]

40 years ago already? Dang.

[@TRON8882]

Disney took parts of this music for Tomorrowland in the 80's. I think you can still hear this music in the mens restroom in Tomorrowland. I love this area music way more then the new and current one where the only songs I can recognize are Magic Journey's and Horizons. I think this is more like Manheim Steamroller type of music.

[@syco579]

This just oozes with 80s cheese and I love it

[@gunpostell]

I've looked but have not found a single reference to Billy Idol playing to a small crowd at Epcot Center in 1982 - when it opened. I was 16 and my friend Terri Worful was with me. My parents had been taking me and a carefully selected friend every year since 3rd grade. The last time I was there I was 21. There must be some video out there somewhere of Billy Idol playing. I can't remember the name of the place - a restaurant. Very small crowd. I saw Idol and his band the next day, fell in love.

[@TutterMouse]

Thanks for the upload, had the first 3 minutes on loop in the car for the last week since I got a CD with it on, nice to hear the complete loop.

[@SonofMrPeanut]

This is basically the Days of Future Passed of theme park entrance music.

[@caroleeperry6655]

Love everything you post! You don't get enough recognition!

[@TRON8882]

I think that parts of this may still be played in the restroom of Tomorrowland next to the exit of Space Mountain in Disneyland.

[@CptCog]

Whole thing is still played in the new Epcot entrance music. They just added new stuff before this.

[@TheVillageCarolers]

If you ever needed any proof that music profoundly affects an experience, this is it.

[@17PianoAngelLily11]

This music is just so...inspiring. It makes me want to...i dont know, travel and invent and then go home and spend time with family all at once! Haha

[@christopherleefe7770]

I also wish that the original Spaceship Earth ride through soundtrack was on WDW cd

[@outatime2254]

Does anyone know what the music at 15:17 is? I looked so much online and I can’t figure it out.

[@KansasKing99]

It's based off "One Little Spark" from Journey into Imagination.

[@Michelangelo0003]

Yes, we really are! Thank you so very much for uploading this music. Is there by any chance some place where I can purchase a CD with this music?

[@boston550]

this tune makes my eyes water, lol such a great classic.

[@davidlees685]

One of my favorite most inspiring pieces of music ever! - David Lees Career Coach & Motivational Speaker.

[@FANTA_FTW]

I wish they kept this theme. it is amazing!

[@cup_and_cone]

This old EPCOT entrance loop is the same as the old Disneyland Tomorrowland loop, yes?

[@TRON8882]

I totally agree. I talked to a former cast member that went to EPCOT when the original JII was being rehabbed and everything was gutted out. The cast member cried. I have not been to the new JII.

[@christopherleefe7770]

I wish that ther can be a way to put this on the official WDW cd soundtrack.

[@MichaelDiPrima03201994]

I like the symphonic sounds in the beginning of this piece, its like a smooth Beethoven

[@portercbl]

This is when Epcot was Epcot. Not this crap of today. I hate what the whole of the Disney organization has done with Walt Disney World. Poor Walt is rolling over in his grave from the GREED that has taken over. I have no desire to even visit there anymore. I will miss the Disney World of yesterday.

[@gdawg1585]

I wasn't alive in the 1980s but im fascinated watching old Epcot in the 80s during its golden age

[@gdawg1585]

I wasn't alive in the 1980s but im fascinated watching old Epcot in the 80s during its golden age

[@garrisonkozlowski9267]

I wish there was a guitar tab for this so I could play it!!

[@abrandnewmonarch]

Any way to get this in HQ?! I love it, brings to mind so many fond memories of vintage '80s EPCOT. I know the beginning of this is on the official soundtrack Lp.

[@captianbubble]

Ahh golden dream piece is so beautiful to hear!

[@NAJMrecords]

Would have liked to hear more of this piece in their new Epcot Forever fireworks show... at least the opening theme.

[@BR101motiondesign]

Do you guys believe this was used as News Theme in the second major Brazilian TV network for decades?

[@dhaveron]

And in a commercial announcing a Brazillian award for that same network…

[@disneyfan85]

Only the music at the start until 3:18 is heard on LP record and tape.

[@ronaldcamp3736]

Thanks Walt!

[@KansasKing99]

Part of the music sounds like something the classic rock band Kansas would compose.

[@Angie2343]

Even a cast member was upset? Wow! In addition, I even contacted WDW Guest Services about the Bimbettes (those three hot blonde babes from Beauty and the Beast) becoming meetable in the future, too. ALWAYS wanted to meet those ladies!

[@hennarhymer8744]

I remember every note.

[@abrandnewmonarch]

Thank you, by the way for uploading.

[@disneyscott98]

I'd love to know the source of this.. Sounds great!

[@caroleeperry6655]

LOVIN' this.

[@zelderatapatiachannel3650]

24:30 well arrival in the arieport international cancun mexico

[@TRON8882]

Thank you

[@disneyfan85]

Thanks.

[@ArAtEuC]

Anyone else remember 7:35 onward from the 25th Anniversary Vacation planning video?

[@MichaelDiPrima03201994]

Even having Golden Dream is great in the piece

[@TRON8882]

Same here, especially the beginning...

[@guilhermeruppel8026]

15:15 My Favorite

[@TRON8882]

Thank you very much ;')

[@EPCOTFan82]

EPCOT Center FTW!

[@AZ-74]

holy shit the intro slaps

[@DannyEastes]

Fun fact, the intro actually comes from a 1977 rock song by Trickster, called Let it Lie

[@TRON8882]

I totally agree with you

[@TRON8882]

It was???

[@1dgirl1221ify]

You go to IAAPA? I go to IAAPA!

[@Angie2343]

And The Living Seas and UofE!

[@Tnkrbellsdream]

I know, right! lol

[@TRON8882]

I hope its true .