Fun and Fast Facts about Epcot's Spaceship Earth

The iconic landmark welcoming guests to Disney's Epcot theme park, Spaceship Earth was a marvel of modern construction. Taking 26 months to build, it stands towering over the entrance to the park eliciting awe from most guests who visit. It is both the visual and thematic centerpiece for the Epcot experience. There's a lot that can be said about the ball, so here we go with a whole bunch of fast facts about Epcot's Spaceship Earth.


Fun and Fast Facts about Epcot's Spaceship Earth


Spaceship Earth is considered world's first geodesic sphere, though it's more oblong and not a perfect sphere.

The outer surface of Spaceship Earth covers 150,000 square feet, and is made from thousands of triangular panels of a material called "alucobond." There are in fact 11,324 silvered facets. The lightweight material has a core of plastic between two aluminum covers sheets. It's a pretty nifty compound that's flexible, weather resistant, unbreakable, and absorbs vibration while still maintaining it's stability.


Spaceship Earth Under Construction


The 180 feet high Spaceship Earth reaches about 18 stories and weighs 16,000,000 pounds, it is supported by six legs.

Water almost never drips off the sphere. Spaceship Earth's drainage system absorbs rainwater into gutters and then funnels run off through underground channels all the way out to World Showcase Lagoon.

Spaceship Earth Lit At Night

More people ride Spaceship Earth than any other WDW attraction - in fact - it gets more visitors than any other single theme park attraction on the planet. Kind of fitting, don't you think?

The 16 minute journey through time takes guests from the dawn of communications through the modern age of technology, and gives them a vision for the future. The story was created with the help of noted science fiction writer Ray Bradbury.

From 2000 - 2007 Spaceship Earth sported a gigantic Mickey Mouse hand with a wand and sparkly stars over the top of it. Most long time fans are pretty happy that's gone.

The Lowest Point of Spaceship Earth's Sphere is 18ft Off The Ground

And last but not least... there are 5 Hidden Mickeys in this attraction!

What's your favorite part of this iconic Disney attraction? For me, it's the way lights reflecting off of the surface make the big ball shimmer and glow with color after dark. Leave a comment below and share your favorite Spaceship Earth memories with us.

Sources
- Kurtti, Jeff (1996). Since the World Began: Walt Disney World, The First 25 Years.
- Mongello, Louis A. (2004). The Walt Disney World Trivia Book: Secrets, History & Fun Facts Behind the Magic.
- Birnbaum, Stephen (2007). Walt Disney World Expert Advice from an Inside Source.
- Barrett, Stephen M. (2003) Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets