Old "Horizons" Attraction - Epcot Future World

BradyBzLyn...Mo · August 24, 2015

An article on the old Horizons attraction has been posted to Theme Park Tourist. Oddly enough, I know the entire ride audio from listening to Live365, but I have no recollection of ever actually riding this.

Does anyone here have any photos and/or memories of the attraction?

4 Reasons Why Horizons was the Greatest Epcot Ride Ever

http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20141114/29617/4-reasons-why-horizons-was-greatest-epcot-ride-ever

Excerpt ...

Though it closed in 1999, Horizons remains one of the most beloved attractions in Disney's history. Fans of the ride have pieced together countless video tributes, photo essays, and even a complete 3D rendering of the full experience – all because they simply love and miss this unique Epcot offering.

But why? Disney has opened and closed dozens of attractions at its parks, and most disappear without much fanfare. Even some of the beloved attractions are memorialized rather simply, with little more than a passing mention on a Wikipedia page. Not so for Horizons. It's been closed for 15 years, and yet its echoes are still felt through the Disney parks and Disney community. There are even references to the attraction in Mission: Space and Space Mountain, the latter of which were added in 2009 – a full ten years after Horizons originally closed.

The reason why it continues to resonate with Disney fans is both hilariously simple and frustratingly complex – that is, it was a really, really, really good ride. And, moreover, it asked questions that theme park goers aren't used to hearing, while showing guests images they weren't used to seeing. And it did all of that while staying true to the central promise of the Disney Parks – creating an incredible experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

At a park with Spaceship Earth and Soarin, as well as the removed Journey into Imagination, it's tough single out one attraction as standing above all the rest ever to inhabit it. But nevertheless, Horizons has a very strong claim as the best attraction Epcot ever produced. Here's why:

Beckers · August 24, 2015

I remember at the end being able to pick the video they showed your vehicle.

BradyBzLyn...Mo · October 2, 2015

Some cool photos from the Disney Parks Blog to mark the opening of Horizons on October 1, 1983...

13 Reasons Disney Parks Fans Still Love Horizons Today
posted on October 1st, 2015 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Today is a special day in Disney history. Not only is it the anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but the fan-favorite attraction Horizons also opened October 1, 1983.

The attraction opened in 1983 (and ended its run in 1999) to offer a look into what future living, work, learning, entertainment and more might look like, based on the hopeful theme, “If we can dream it, we can do it!”

Here are 13 reasons why we just can’t let go of this attraction. Jump on the Omnimover (in your mind) and let’s go…

The FUTUREPORT DEPARTURE sign in the queue line could make you feel like exploring even the farthest destinations in space was possible. A quick trip to Mesa Verde or Brava Centauri, anyone?
In a home of the future, just about anything was possible, thanks to robots who cooked, cleaned and even took care of one’s personal grooming.

Horizons made us dream of having a robot butler. I’d still take one, especially this charmingly dressed chap who handled dusting and vacuuming.
And the idea of a robot chef was awesome. Who cares if he made a mess? He’s fully equipped to clean up after himself.
Of course, fun tasks like making a birthday cake could still be done by (human) hand.
That orange smell!
Who didn’t want to test out the piano of the future or the home’s hologram phone?
Who wouldn’t want their school to feature deep sea exploration in “the world of liquid space” with seals by their side?
Horizons workspaces were literally out of this world.
Gravity was optional! (I always wondered if Tommy got his teddy bear back).
Celebrating birthdays with loved ones all over the galaxy was possible.
We can’t forget about the part of the attraction where guests could choose their own adventure. Destinations included the Omnimover for Desert (Mesa Verde), Space (Omega Centauri) or Sea (Sea Castle Resort). Which was your destination of choice? Tell us in the comments section below!
Next to the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, Horizons had one of the coolest post-show paths. (The bright light at the end was a spinning GE symbol, the then-sponsor of the attraction).