Epcot Opening Day (1982)

EPCOT Center Walt Disney Worlds second gate opened to the public on October 1 1982 By all accounts however it was a soft opening with only Spaceship Earth being dedicated on that day A grand opening week was held from October 1527 for celebrates key press VIPs and top executives from corporate sponsors The television special Epcot Center The Opening Celebration aired on CBS October 23 1982 the night before the official park dedication You can still find the dedication plaque from then CEO E Cardon Walker dated October 24th 1982 at the entrance of the park