On December 15, 1966, Roy Disney addressed the employees of Walt Disney Productions: “Walt Disney's preparation for the future has a solid, creative foundation. All of the plans for the future that Walt had begun - new motion pictures, the expansion of Disneyland, television production and our Florida and Mineral King projects will continue to move ahead. That is the way Walt wanted it to be… Last October when he accepted the ‘showman of the World’ award in New York, Walt said, ‘The Disney organization now has more than four thousand employees. Many have been with us for over thirty years. They take great pride in the organization which they helped to build. Only through the talent, labor and dedication of this staff could any Disney project get off the ground. We all think alike in the ultimate pattern.’”

“Unlike a world's fair, EPCOT's World Showcase will be a permanent international exhibition. No nation's exhibit or restaurant or product displays will be ‘torn down’ after one year or less-the standard requirement at world's fairs. Instead the one-time construction costs will go on working for a country for many years at Walt Disney World. Here the nations of the world will stand side by side in two semicircular buildings. This semicircular design not only will offer equal exposure and public access for each nation...but will also function as an interrelated series of experiences for every guest. for the entire complex of attractions and exhibits will be tied together by a Disney people-moving system that will also offer visitors a ‘preview look’ into each country's pavilion.”

By 1975, “the need for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow… was[sic] even greater than when Walt Disney first began talking about it in 1965.” The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was to feature a living community where American Industry would always be introducing, testing and demonstrating new techniques and systems designed to enhance the quality of urban life. EPCOT was always to be a showcase to the world community. And so the author of one c.1975 prospectus stated: “Now, more than ever, our world needs a focal point a forum where creative men and women of science, industry, government and the arts from around the world can present new ideas and technologies... stimulating new concepts that will enable both the leaders of the world and the general citizenry to better understand the great challenges facing people around the world…and the possible solutions to these great challenges.”

Soon the second Phase of Walt Disney World was being planned - EPCOT Center. According to one EPCOT Center’s instructor’s orientation guide, one objective set out for EPCOT was “to be a ‘permanent international people-to-people exchange’. . . advancing the course of world understanding among its citizens. What we are doing now is creating a public focus. . . a ‘center’ for the communication of what is being done. . . made directly to the public in ways they will both understand and enjoy. Our goal through EPCOT Center is to inspire our guests who come here, so that they will be turned on to the positive potential of the future and will want to participate in making the choices that will shape it. In short, we believe that EPCOT Center will establish a new level of entertainment and equally important, education for families and people of all ages from all lands. . . and that EPCOT Center will give people hope that there are solutions to all the problems that exist in the world today. . . and that there truly can be understanding among nations.”

One Walt Disney World Showcase prospectus added: “Here the nations of the world will meet on a coequal basis to communicate on a ‘people to people’ exchange with the more than 12 million visitors to Walt Disney World. Here young people from all over the earth will come to operate the attractions of their native lands… to serve the distinctive foods and to demonstrate and sell the unique merchandise of their home countries. Unlike a world's fair, EPCOT's World Showcase will be a permanent international exhibition. No nation's exhibit or restaurant or product displays will be ’torn down’ after one year or less-the standard requirement at world's fairs. Instead the one-time construction costs will go on working for a country for many years at Walt Disney World.”

A prospectus (entitled “EPCOT Center… People Bring It To Life”) opens by describing how the World Showcase was one of two principle themes of EPCOT Center, as it “be a ‘Community of Nations,’ the only permanent international exposition of its kind anywhere, focusing on the cultures, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of people around the world.” Initial show master-planning and conceptual development resulted in EPCOT Center World Showcase presentations that were “80 per cent World Showcase and 20 per cent EPCOT. Since then, we’ve evolved to the place where there’s maybe 80 per cent EPCOT and 20 per cent World Showcase. I think now we feel we’re at a point where we know what EPCOT and World Showcase are going to be. The two projects will work together and compliment each other,” according to a statement by Jack Lindquist, in which he discussed EPCOT Center plans. Herb Ryman created c.1965 suggestions for Walt Disney’s Progress City and “enclosed shopping areas… representing countries of the world.” According to another prospectus, “The World Showcase comprises the southern half of EPCOT Center where at least ten participating countries will stand side-by-side in friendship along the banks of a broad lagoon… The participants in this first phase of World Showcase include United Mexican States, Japan, Federal Republic of Germany, United Kingdom, French Republic, United Arab Emirates, Italian Republic, Canada, State of Israel and Morocco. Disney Imagineers are now working with government or business interests from these countries to achieve a unique and meaningful showcase for each nation.” Surely any wanderlust was sure to be satiated through the Epcot Center World Showcase.

Walt’s people and company were now embarking on “imagineering” a new, grander “theme show” for Florida audiences. The latter expression (“theme show”) was once defined as: “A controlled, usually man-made environment where as many as possible elements pertain to a single fictional or non-fictional motif. Thus, an individual placed within that environment may consciously or subliminally experience it.” But even more (as one sanctioned statement elaborated): “We are talking about all the things a guest may experience and be entertained by - colors, sounds, lights, detail - timing, taste and texture. Through art and animation, our imagination, creativity and talent blend together to make our ’show.’”

Walt Disney once said: “The whole thing here is the organization. Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort.” In step with Walt’s philosophies, what was described as a “complex and highly diversified team” of individuals (among the Project Management and the Project Team) would coordinate and translate the concept of EPCOT Center into a reality. The Italy Pavilion would be Imagineered by the collaborative contributions of writers, designers, artists, film makers, engineers, sculptors, and builders. The WED Store Planning & Production Design Team was responsible for the shop layout, function, and overall design and theming. The WED Interior Design Team was responsible for the selection of store colors, materials, finishes, furniture, and floor and carpet design. In addition to these contributors were committees of foreign nationals, representatives of corporations and governments.

Harper Goff (who had many years before, worked on designs for Disneyland in secrecy), was now serving as World Showcase Project Director, alongside Walt Disney Imagineers like Bruce McCurdy. Marty Sklar recollected (in “One Little Spark! Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering”: “I had spent eight of my eventual fifty-four years at Disney leading the Imagineers in developing the concepts, playing a key role in convincing the major corporate sponsors to make Epcot a reality, and producing the myriad of shows and stories that attracted more than ten million visitors to visit Epcot in its first year.”

These were lead by Project Director Jim Nagy, EPCOT Center World Showcase Italy Project Manager Jeff Burton, Bill Tyson (Resident Engineer), Bruce MacDonald (BVCC Project Manager), Ron Stahlhut (Tishman Project Manager), Pete Rahill (Pico Coordinator), Don Golde (Project Business Administrator), and Dave Yanchar (Project Planner), with the help of General Contractors Inland Construction Company, Inc.

Walt Disney World Shops would employ disciplines found at MAPO, supporting MAPO with in construction manufacturing.

The Showcase Area Development Landscaping Team was comprised of Don Hughes (Project Manager), Bill Coan (Resident Engineer), Jim Franklin (BVCC Project Manager), John Payne (PICO Coordinator), Joanne Fernholz (Project Business Administrator), and Dave Yanchar (Project Planner). [“Epcot Center - People Bring it to Life,” prepared by WED/MAPO, c.1980]

“Jack Lindquist, Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World… [headed] up our team responsible for lining up participants for EPCOT and World Showcase,” according to Disneyland LINE Magazine. By 1978, at least one company had expressed an intention to participate in the Italy World Showcase - Alfredo de Roma.

"I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the park. I want them to feel they're in another world.” - Walt Disney. Nestled between a stretch (of more than 40 miles) of canal, a perimeter road, a service road, and the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade, is the EPCOT Center Italy World Showcase. Everything in the EPCOT Center Italy World Showcase would be to this theme and atmosphere from this particular time, place and subject. A themed motif would be incorporated into every aspect of operation (e.g., room décor, menus, attractions and costumes).

The aforementioned “The Spirit of EPCOT Center” c.1982 instructor’s orientation guide introduces the Italy Pavilion the following way :

“A faithful reproduction of the Doges Palace in Venice, the Campanile from Saint Mark’s Square, and a Venetian-like ‘Isle of the Lake’ complete with gondolas set the scene for Italy.

The large restaurant here, L’Originale Alfredo Di Roma (Alfredo’s the Original of Rome), invites guests to sample Fettucine All’Alfredo- wide noodles tossed in a sauce made of butter and imported Parmesan cheese, and even of you decide not to dine here, it’s fun to stop and peer through the glassed-in kitchen windows to watch the cook making pasta from scratch. Ricasoli wines are served.

Three shops complete the Italian pavilion. A Crystal Shop stocks hand-carved wooden items, ornate gilt trays and jewelry boxes, lovely Venetian glass and more.

Beautiful jewelry and jewelry boxes , keeping company with the most elegant silks scarves - are sold in a Jewelry Shop.

The third shop offers pottery, glass, leather goods, baskets, and other hand-crafted Italian imports.”

It is notable to mention that during these early years, it was commonplace for merchandise locations to stock General Merchandise - non -character and/or decorative items, including film and sundries. There were Capidimonte - Figurines molded from a special clay and made only by craftsmen from the school of Capidimonte (dating back to 1743). There was Terra-cotta - ”baked earth” - pottery and sculpture utilizing special brown-red clay. There was Venetian Glass - Characterized by a delicate, lacy design. Venetian glassmakers were the first to introduce enameled glass, and clear, colorless glass during the 13th century.

When Epcot Center opened in 1982, there were 34 merchandise locations. Soon all the culture that is Italy would be consolidated into the microcosm that is the Italy World Showcase Pavilion. The “road to Rome” and its Italy Pavilion opened with the Arcata d’Antigian shop, the Il Bel Cristallo shop, and the singing waiters of L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante restaurant.

•The Craft Shop (D'Artigiani), featuring "i Santi" -hand-bags, tote bags, attaché cases, and other leather goods.

•Arcade - leathers, baskets, terra-cotta

•Better Gifts (I Bel Cristallo) - capidimonte, figurines, glass products, decorative gifts.

•jewelry Shop (La Gemma Elegante)-jewelry, accessories, small leather goods, silk scarves.

New shops would appear (the Arcata d’Antigiani would be renamed Delizie Italiane on November of 1983).

“EPCOT World Showcase Dining”

Epcot Center offered a sampling of delicious cuisine - a wide variety of dining experiences available for guests to savor in an international setting. Beer, wine and spirits were available at all table-service locations. Refreshing ice cream, beverages and snack carts could be found throughout Epcot Center.

L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante featured traditional pasta, veal, chicken and seafood dishes, including world-famous “Fettucine All’ Alfredo,” and wine and spirits over lunch or dinner.

Even the design of the Backstage sides of Italy wrap around “as far as the sightlines,” so that the “story doesn’t stop abruptly.”

The EPCOT Center World Showcase almost had a legacy in WESTCOT Center - “a West Coast version of EPCOT Center, with a Spacestation Earth as its centerpiece, and a World Showcase. It was initially announced in March 1991, to be built where Disney California Adventure was eventually situated.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016]

The Campanile (Clock-bell tower) is beginning to take form.

Soon, this hundred-foot-tall bell tower will be crowned by a beautiful Venetian angel, a product of “the Disney tradition of attention to detail in every design element, no matter how small or remote.” According to “A Dawn of a New Era” (a commemorative Pre-Opening Guide to Epcot Center), “the exquisite sculpted figure will probably go unnoticed, except by the angels themselves.”

During construction some 750,000 - 800,000 square feet of concrete were poured in EPCOT Center.

On September 16, 1981, Jack Lindquist firmly announced the official EPCOT Center Grand Opening date for EPCOT Center World Showcase Italy Pavilion - Thursday, October 14, 1982.

“Italy is Represented at the International Festival of Festivals”

Epcot Center World Showcase Festival Program Reception celebrated a unique Community of Nations on Saturday, October 23, 1982. The grand finale the evening's festivities, Le Carna-val de Lumière proudly proclaimed the Official Opening with the presentation of the world premiere of its International Festival of Festivals, a celebration of celebrations. Epcot Center's nighttime extravaganza of illuminations, water, sound, and fire was viewed from Showcase Plaza. This show, was to be an ongoing feature of World Showcase, using the new medium of computerized “magic-lantern” illumination to transport audiences to other times and cultures, inviting their imagination to engage in moments of festivity around the world.

Every society rejoices in what it feels most deeply about, inventing vivid rituals to celebrate important events in the cycle of life. Throughout the ages, the family of man has marked these joyous occasions with impressive public feasts and fêtes, dancing and music, parades and processions, pageants and exhibitions, spectacles and fireworks. These celebrations march from the past, through our lives today, and into the heritage of future generations. Through kaleidoscopic tapestries of light and sound, Le Carnaval de Lumière took audiences across the entire world and through twenty centuries to experience the rich diversity - and the commonality - of human celebration.

The roster of international entertainers is still impressive. The following groups were featured: All-American College Marching Band, West Point Glee Club, the Royal Irish Rangers (the last Irish infantry regiment in the British Army), Koleda (a highly professional group of dancers and musicians from Valenje, Yugoslavia), the Folkloric Dancers of Madrid (Spain), the Folklore Group Fribourg (Switzerland), Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company (Philippines), Areyto (The National Folkloric Ballet of Puerto Rico), Kelaa M'Gouna and Imintanout Folk Dancers and Musicians (Morocco), Ballet Folklórico Nacional de Mexico, The Boys Band of Meersburg (Germany), National Korean Folk Dance Company, Historic Standard Bearers of the District of Cori (Italy), "Lous Pastous Seignossais" Folk Ensemble (France), Finnish Folk Dance and Music Ensemble, "Katrilli" (Finland), Tivoli Boys Guard Band (Denmark), The National Folklore Troupe of Egypt, Universidad del Valle Folk Dance Group (Columbia), Lucnica (Czechoslovakia), The Shanghai City Song and Dance Ensemble (China), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, The Royal Barbados Police Band, The Hunting Horns of Hoffalize and The Hunting Horns of St. Hubert (Belgium), COSAAN African Dance Company, and Odori Festival of Japan.

The 1982 program introduced Historic Standard Bearers of the District of Cori:

“Harkening back to entertainments in the 16th century and preserving popular medieval ceremonies, this folk team presents a highly unique show. The group consists of an ensign, trumpeters, a drummer, and the standard bearers of the streets of Cori, an old city situated about 40 km. from Rome. The colorful costumes and banners, the provocative music, and the lightning-fast technique in twirling and throwing the banners evoke the startling pageantry of ancient times. The commanding movement of the banners swift, proud, and exact - excites and surprises audiences with its force, clever-ness, and skill. Although there are other locations in Italy where similar pageantry is prac-ticed, none is considered as expert and daring as the Historic Standard Bearers of the District of Cori.”

We’re looking at a replica of the 14th century Venetian Doges Palace, authentic down to the marble-like textures. The Doges were the titles of the chief magistrates of Venice from 697-1797.

This color “Vintage View” allows us to see the stark contrast of those pink hues against the wooded areas of the surrounding botanical gardens. Here, we find the native kumquat trees, cypress trees, olive trees, pine trees, and Mediterranean Citrus that are native to some parts of Italy, simulating the feel of the countryside!

“A Capital Project”

Note the columns - rigid upright supports with a capital and base, sometimes functional and sometimes decorative (as in this case). Each is topped with a capital.

The area utilized two separate types of lighting: Character lighting, and Functional Lighting. Character lighting such as a chandelier, or kerosene lamp, was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior. These added to the show, but didn’t necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Functional lighting on the other hand, offered substantial light without being obvious, or distracting from the show.

Neptune was the God of the Sea in Roman mythology, with power over the sea and seafaring. Neptune was also the God of earthquakes and horses.

Dine as the Romans do - at L'Originale Alfredo Di Roma, where singing waiters serve such epicurean delights as the Maestro's own Fettucine Al'Alfredo.

The Disney concept of theming is evident throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Our shops complement the themed area and the merchandise. This is also carried over to Epcot Center World Showcase where we find souvenir shops that create tangible memories for Guests through Show and traditional merchandise of national origin.

It is notable to mention that during these early years, it was commonplace for merchandise locations to stock General Merchandise - non-character and/or decorative items, including film and sundries. In all, about 30% of merchandise had the Epcot Center logo, while the other 70% was general.

Walt Disney Entertainment department developed new shows and parades for all of Walt Disney World. Character and Equity groups performed in this area of World Showcase South, with Characters overseen by the WSC South Captain.

“EPCOT CENTER-Illumi-Nations”

EPCOT CENTER-Illumi-Nations, the most dazzling, high-tech spectacle ever produced by Disney opened January 30, 1981 at Epcot Center. IllumiNations took place every evening just before closing around World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations actually transformed World Showcase into a totally new sensory experience as it enveloped 8 international courtyards that surrounded World Showcase Lagoon. The electrifying display blended a lush orchestral score with spotlights, lasers, fountains, fireworks and projected images to create an event of unparalleled visual impact.

25 computer systems synchronized the following to create the special effects that made IllumiNations so electrifying:

• 13 special effects projectors

• 6 lasers

• 11 giant searchlights

• 12 wire mesh screens (each as big as the side of a warehouse!) on which light-designs are projected

• 108 dazzling fountains that create the lagoon's dancing waters

• 783 fireworks rockets—a 4th of July celebration every night!

• 550 theatrical and 680 strobe lights

• 5 miles of building-outlining rim lighting

• More than 50,000 lightbulbs!

IllumiNations' theme was international travel, and as the show began pictures were drawn in light over the lagoon, setting the stage for the journey that followed. The classical music selections-recorded by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra delighted the ear as much as the fantasy of lights delighted the eyes.

Then, one by one, the nations around World Showcase changed in appearance through the magic of Disney as the musical score changed with them. Some buildings even appeared to undergo architectural transformations before the audience’s eyes.

The Canadian chateau became a stand of giant fir trees. Germany's Bavarian castle turned into a whimsical gingerbread Gasthaus. France became a cabaret. Kites appeared over Japan, and a dragon travelled across China. The rousing finale combined all the global tour's elements of sight and sound. Even then the colorful lighting effects remained on to offer guests a totally new nighttime adventure at Epcot Center.

If you thought you’d seen it all, the amazing new light of IllumiNations was the experience of a lighttime, nightly at Epcot Center.

In 1978, Card Walker (at the World Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce) announced: “The World Showcase will be a community of nations, the only permanent international exposition of its kind anywhere, focusing on the culture, traditions, tourism and accomplishments of people around the world… a model for true people-to-people exchange, the World Showcase will offer participating nations an opportunity to send their outstanding young adults to operate the attractions, shops, restaurants and exhibits of their pavilions. And these young people who will work, play and learn together for a period of up to one year will help to generate greater international understanding.” The Epcot World Showcase would truly be “a showcase of the world…and a showcase to the world.” Here ”the nations of the world will stand side by side…” and “meet on a coequal basis to communicate on a ‘people to people’ exchange with the more than 12 million visitors.”

According to one Pre-Opening Day c.1982 orientation instructor’s guide : “The familiar faces of the Disney Characters won’t be there.” Instead, EPCOT Center Cast Members would be referred to as the ambassadors of “the spirit of EPCOT Center,” since that very namesake orientation class. Without them, EPCOT Center would just be one magnificent stage. This ambassadorial Cast (in understanding the Epcot dream) would become “the link between the shows and the guest.” According to a souvenir guide, the EPCOT Center Hosts and Hostesses were ambassadors “of happiness, hope, optimism and goodwill.” According to one prospectus: “In this true people-to-people concept, sponsoring nations will be invited to send their outstanding young adults to operate the attractions, shops, restaurants and exhibits of their pavilion.” Proving this were the authentic farcical players of the Comedia Dell’Arte and the Historic Standard Bearers of the District of Cori who helped open the World Showcase on October 1, 1982. Through the World Showcase Festival Program, Epcot Center guests were entertained by performers from all over the world. These “cultural ambassadors” included entertainers representing Greece, Africa, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Yugoslavia, Israel and Norway. From Italy, the farcical players of the Comedia Dell'Arte.

The international guests would soon find that the Italy World Showcase Cast Members were knowledgeable and prepared to answer questions about the pavilion and the country itself, and would even provide foreign language assistance, and guest literature in many languages. As early as June of 1980, it was divulged: “Young people will be brought over from their native country on a combination work and education program. Courses with college credit will be conducted at Walt Disney World University.” [“Orlando-Land!” published for June of 1980]

In addition to these, the Streetmosphere program began in the Italy Pavilion with some 60 SAK Theater actors (including C. McNair Wilson, Terry Olson, Herb Hansen). Eventually shows were added to Future World and the United Kingdom World Showcase Pavilion, at a rate of 45 shows a day performed from four areas.

All of these would contribute to a community of nations standing side by side. As Ken Anderson once noted, “I see people getting to know one another better on a scale, and in an environment that makes our similarities more important than our differences… a tremendous way of shrinking the world even further.”

By c.2007, Guests May recall “Disney Characters on Holiday” (DCOH), a group of Characters that performed in several locations in Epcot, entering and exiting on a European double-decker bus. One of their Set Locations was in the Italy pavilion.

“It Looks Like We Started Something - Epcot Center Legacy”

The EPCOT Center World Showcase nearly helped inspire a legacy in WESTCOT Center - “a West Coast version of EPCOT Center, with a Spacestation Earth as its centerpiece, and a World Showcase. It was initially announced in March 1991, to be built where Disney California Adventure was eventually situated.” [Disney Facts Revealed by Dave Smith, 2016] WESTCOT was to include a whole new World Showcase of culture, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of participating nations. Like EPCOT Center, these would be experienced through a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions, restaurants, and shopping streets unique to the individual nations.

World Showcase nearly had a legacy in WESTCOT Center. Guests would have been transported to the Wonders of WESTCOT themed pavilions. At World Showcase, located around the island, visitors would have explored every corner of the globe at dramatic pavilions of foreign lands. WESTCOT was to include a whole new World Showcase of culture, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of participating nations. Like EPCOT Center, these would be experienced through a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions, restaurants, and shopping streets unique to the individual nations.

Obviously, the fastest way to move people over the extended areas of a Park is with moving vehicles. "FriendShip" launches crossed the World Showcase Lagoon and readily accommodated guests in wheelchairs and strollers. Buses regularly circled the World Showcase promenade. By 1982, getting around the World Showcase area was made easier with additional transportation, in the form of seven more busses and two new boats with a third under construction.

At the Walt Disney Company, Show Documentation is a “collection of photographic and physical information that captures the creative intent of Disney Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Ships and provides support to Disney teams around the world. Opening day documentation, working drawings, fur and feather swatches, paint draw downs, and many other items are included in this.”

By September 30, 1982, construction was in progress, and WED & MAPO opened jobs DFMA-12 and DFMA-13 (at a cost of $30,558.91) for a “Matterhorn Prototype Vehicle” for Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. We are not sure if this is related to the “Swiss Pavilion” in any way.

By August of 1975, the Feasibility Analysis Economic Study was completed for (what was first billed as “Oriental Disneyland”), an area called “International Land” was mentioned. It seems that (much like the original concept for EPCOT Center), Guests of International Land would also have “an opportunity to experience the endless variety of today's community of nations… discover the culture, traditions, tourism, and accomplishments of the participating countries through a wide variety of exciting shows and attractions, restaurants, and shopping streets unique to the individual nations.”