As we continue our countdown to Walt Disney World’s 50th, Walt Disney Imagineering Site Portfolio Executive Zach Riddley is at it again, this time sharing some details on the paving materials considered for World Celebration.
(Zach Riddley)
What’s Happening:
- Zach Riddley has shared a look at the paving materials considered for World Celebration as construction continues on the reimagining of EPCOT.
- Every detail is evaluated at Imagineering, even the pavement Guests will be walking on while enjoying the theme parks.
(Zach Riddley)
- For the new materials, they wanted to find something that complemented Spaceship Earth and the new World Celebration facades Guests will soon be able to see for themselves.
- The World Celebration neighborhood for the reimagined EPCOT includes the entrance, Spaceship Earth, and new areas like Dreamer’s Point featuring a statue of Walt Disney, Journey of Water, the Creations Shop, and Club Cool.
(Zach Riddley)
- It’s been fascinating seeing Zach’s posts as construction continues, seeing all the details that need to be considered when designing new environments that Guests may never notice, but still add to the impact and feel of a land and theme park.
Full Message from Zach Riddley:
“Continuing to look at the inspiration and design details of EPCOT, today I’m sharing a story about paving. It’s a surface you don’t often pay direct attention to, but the color and texture of the ground under your feet are a primary surface for storytelling. Cobblestones, brick, curbing, scored concrete, patterned terrazzo (like the new flooring coming to Club Cool and Creations Shop that I’ve shared previously) all work to immerse you in a believable place.
But we actually prefer you don’t notice the ground too much! It’s all part of the bigger composition of placemaking that makes each of our parks and neighborhoods special.
For EPCOT we set out to find new paving materials to define this texture for World Celebration. We wanted warm grays in a range of hues to complement the silvers and off-whites of Spaceship Earth and many of our new World Celebration facades. Here you can see some of the material and samples the team evaluates when thinking about scale tone, reflectivity and overall colors.
Funny how something as simple as pavement can be so important to achieving an environment that just ‘feels right.’”
More on Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary:
- All four parks will be decked out with special celebratory decorations, including new lighting packages on the four park icons. These “Beacons of Magic” will transform the icons every night.
- Over at Magic Kingdom, a new fireworks show, “Disney Enchantment,” will light up the sky while “Harmonious” takes place as EPCOT.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom will get into the celebration with the new show “Disney KiteTails.”
- 50 golden character sculptures will debut at all four theme parks, along with “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade” at Magic Kingdom.
- Walt Disney World Resort announced new nametags coming for Cast Members to celebrate the 50th anniversary including those who were honored with the Walt Disney Legacy Award.
“The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” starts on October 1, 2021 at the Walt Disney World Resort and will continue to be celebrated for 18 months.