Welcome to our latest blog post where we will be exploring the iconic symbol of Epcot, the giant geodesic sphere known as “Spaceship Earth.” One of the most frequently asked questions about this attraction is whether or not there is a ride inside the Epcot ball.
In this post, we will delve into the history and design of Spaceship Earth, as well as take a closer look at at exactly what is inside. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor to Epcot or a seasoned Disney fan, read on to discover the secrets and wonders of this incredible attraction.
Can You Go Inside the Epcot Ball?
Yes, guests can go inside the Epcot ball, also known as Spaceship Earth, which serves as the park’s symbol. There is a ride inside Epcot’s ball, the Spaceship Earth ride. It is a dark ride that takes guests on a journey through time, exploring the history of communication and technology from the dawn of humanity to the present day.
‘Yes there is a ride inside the Epcot Ball.‘
The ride is one of the original attractions at Epcot and remains one of the most popular attractions to this day. Visitors can enter the sphere at the base of the structure and then board a ride vehicle to experience the ride.
Find Out More About Epcot:
- What Rides are at Epcot
- Epcot World Showcase Guide
- The Best Attractions at Epcot
- The Japan Store at Epcot
- Helpful Epcot Tips
- Best Breakfast Locations at Epcot
- Epcot Drinking Around the World
The History of the Spaceship Earth ride Inside the Epcot Ball
The Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot is a dark ride located inside the iconic geodesic sphere that serves as the park’s symbol. The ride takes guests on a journey through time, exploring the history of communication and technology from the dawn of humanity to the present day.
The ride was one of the original attractions when Epcot opened in 1982. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and was intended to be a showcase of the latest audio-animatronic technology. The ride was originally sponsored by Bell Systems, a telecommunications company, and the ride’s storyline focused on the history of communication.
In the years since its opening, the ride has undergone several updates and refurbishments. Back in 1994, the ride was re-themed to focus on the history of human innovation, and the sponsorship was changed to Siemens AG. In 2007, the ride was again updated, this time with new scenes and an updated narrative that emphasized the role of technology in shaping the future.
Today, the Spaceship Earth ride remains one of the most popular attractions at Epcot and continues to be a must-see for visitors to the park. The ride is not just an attraction but also an educational experience that teaches about the history of communication and technology through time, making it a perfect fit for the Epcot park’s educational and technological focus.
Spaceship Earth the Ride Experience
The Spaceship Earth ride is a slow-moving dark ride located inside the iconic geodesic sphere at Epcot. The ride takes guests on a journey through time, exploring the history of communication and technology from the dawn of humanity to the present day.
As you enter the ride, you board a ride vehicle that will take you on a journey through time, starting with the earliest forms of communication, such as cave paintings, and moving through the invention of the alphabet, the printing press, and the telephone. As you travel through time, you will see animatronics and special effects that depict different moments in history, such as the invention of the telegraph, the development of the computer, and the rise of the internet.
The ride also features a narrative voiceover that guides guests through the history of communication and technology, and provides context and information about the different scenes and animatronics that they are seeing.
Narrated by Dame Judi Dench, this is a long ride which can make for a nice break from the park (especially on a hot busy day).
Spaceship Earth Ride Vehicle
Inside the ride vehicle there is a touch screen that as the ride begins you will be asked questions about where you come from and your interests. Shortly after this as the ride ascends to the main part of the ride your photo will also be taken.
This will all come into play at the end of the ride. Each Spaceship Earth ride vehicle seats 2 people.
As the ride comes to an end, you will have ascended to the top of the Epcot Ball where you will see planet Earth in all its glory and your ride vehicle will now turn as you begin the descent to the end of the ride.
During the descent you will get to watch a short video on the ride vehicle screens that will show a short animated film of what your life might look like in the future. The funny element about this is that your faces will be superimposed onto the characters. This is why your photo was taken at the beginning of the ride.
After The Ride You Enter Project Tomorrow
After the Spaceship Earth ride, guests can enter “Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future.” This interactive exhibit allows guests to explore and learn about future technologies and innovations in areas such as energy, transportation, and medicine.
In Project Tomorrow, guests can participate in interactive games, exhibits and activities that showcase the latest advancements in technology and allow them to imagine and explore what the future might hold. The exhibits feature cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive displays.
You can also email a funny postcard to a friend or family member here using the photos of yourselves that were taken during the ride.
A Helpful Tip For Riding Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is the first attraction you come across when you enter Epcot from the main park entrance. This means at the beginning of the day the wait times for the ride can build up quite quickly. We always ride Spaceship Earth later on in the day (usually the evening) when the crowds are spread out a bit more and less people are coming into the park.
Spaceship Earth – A Disney Park Icon
Here are some interesting facts about Spaceship Earth – The Epcot Ball:
- The Spaceship Earth structure, also known as the Epcot ball, is a giant geodesic sphere that serves as the symbol of the Epcot theme park.
- The structure is 165 feet (50 m) in diameter and reaches a height of 180 feet (55 m).
- The sphere is made up of 11,324 aluminum and plastic triangle panels.
- The structure was designed by Buckminster Fuller, an architect and inventor who is known for his work on geodesic domes.
- The structure was inspired by the “Expo 67” pavilion in Montreal, Canada, which also featured a geodesic dome.
- The structure is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 110 miles per hour (177 km/h).
- The structure is illuminated at night by a system of fiber-optic lights, creating a spectacular light show that can be seen from all around the park.
- The Epcot ball is a popular spot for visitors to take photos, and is known as one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Disney World resort.
The Ride inside Epcot’s Ball
I love dark rides (especially Disney Dark Rides) and Spaceship Earth does a wonderful job of telling the story and taking you on a journey through time learning how the human race has communicated and shared information through the ages.
In conclusion, the Spaceship Earth ride and structure are both integral parts of the Epcot experience. The ride offers a unique and educational journey through the history of communication and technology, while the structure serves as a symbol of the park and a popular spot for visitors to take photos. The interactive exhibit Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future, provides an exciting opportunity for guests to experience and explore the future of technology and communication.
We hope that this post has provided you with a deeper understanding of the Spaceship Earth ride and structure and has given you a glimpse of what you can expect when you visit Epcot.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the park or a seasoned Disney fan, the Spaceship Earth ride and structure are sure to be highlights of your visit.
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