Walt Disney Imagineers plan everything at Walt Disney World Resort–there’s a story behind practically every table setting and paint color. The Land Pavilion, located in the new World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT, was no exception.
The Land opened alongside EPCOT in 1982. It’s home to the Soarin’ and Living with the Land attractions, the Sunshine Seasons Quick Service restaurant, and the Garden Grill Character Dining location.
Although some Disney Park guests see The Land as nothing but a way to take in some air conditioning, the building holds rich storytelling elements for guests who know where to look. TikTok duo @themouselets recently dove into the “intricate” history of The Land Pavilion at EPCOT:
@themouselets tbh i will be so sad when Factmas ends but the facts will not stop!! #epcot #disneyworld #disneyfacts #disneysecrets #disneyfactmas
Firstly, the TikTokers explained that Walt Disney Imagineers modeled the shape of The Land building’s exterior after a volcano. The red concrete walkway leading up and down from the elevated building represents molten lava pouring down.
Inside The Land, there are countless hidden details that many EPCOT guests miss.
“Starting up top, there’s a blue sky painted onto the walls and yellow and orange drapery that represents the rays of the sun,” one of the TikTokers explained.
Four hot air balloons dangling from the ceiling represent the four seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Conveniently, they hang above the Sunshine Seasons Quick Service dining location. The Walt Disney World Resort restaurant’s four eating areas also represent different seasons, based on the angle of the sun coming into the building through its skylights.
“As we start to move down, these structural poles wrapped in green represent the grass,” the TikToker continued.
“These tall, funky-looking metal lights actually represent growing plants,” the other Disney Parks fan added.
On the ground floor of The Land, Imagineers painted the walls to represent the layers of the earth.
“Most guests don’t notice the intricate theming and think these are just random colors, but when you understand it, you have such a new appreciation for this Pavilion,” one of the TikTokers concluded.
What’s your favorite fun fact about Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share it with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
