In 1991 the Walt Disney Company announced plans for a 470-acre expansion of its presence in California. This expansion was to include an “EPCOT West” or Westcot. The proposal is interesting if only for its ambition. Westcot was to be a “World’s fair-type attraction in Anaheim,” with the featured attraction being a 300-foot-tall Spacestation Earth, modeled after the 180-foot-tall Spaceship Earth in Florida’s Epcot Center.
According to a New York Times article from December 13, 1991:
“The heart of the new resort will be Westcot, with Spacestation Earth at its center and, fanning outward, pavilions named the Wonders of Living, the Wonders of Earth and the Wonders of Space, along with cultural exhibits. ‘Westcot is expected to draw 10 million visitors in its first year,’ said Kerry Hunnewell, vice president for the Anaheim Project.”
According to the New York Times, the head of the Westcot project resigned in December of 1993 without any reason given.
Many Disney-related blogs including Jim Hill Media, 2719 Hyperion, and Mickey News have covered this story if you’re looking for more information.
See also:
EPCOT’s Horizons 19 Feb 2007
The Simpson’s go to EPCOT 14 Feb 2007
Astuter Computer Revue 8 Feb 2007
