Epcot and Hollywood Studios are two of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, Florida. Epcot was built after the initial theme park Magic Kingdom, in 1982. This was followed by Hollywood Studios, which was opened in1989. Epcot is dedicated to technological innovation and international culture whereas Hollywood Studios, as its name suggests, is dedicated to Hollywood and show business. This is the key difference between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Key Takeaways
- Epcot is themed around technological innovations while Hollywood Studios is themed around Hollywood.
- Epcot was opened in 1982, and Hollywood Studios was opened in 1989.
- Epcot is considered to be more educational than the other three theme parks.
What is Epcot?
Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was the second theme park to be built to in the Walt Disney World, opening in 1982. This park spans an area of 120ha and is twice the size of Magic Kingdom. Themed after technological innovation and international culture, Epcot is a celebration of human achievements. This theme park is represented by Spaceship Earth (a geodesic dome).
Epcot is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase. World Showcase contains eleven pavilions representing eleven countries, while Future World is dedicated to communication, energy, environment (land and sea) imagination, transportation, and space exploration, containing eight pavilions.
For many years Epcot was considered as a park for adults, mainly due to its dedication to comparatively serious themes. However, with the introduction of kid-friendly attractions such as KidCot, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and Frozen Ever After, Epcot began to be popular as a park that provides education and entertainment.
What is Hollywood Studios?
Hollywood Studios was the third addition to the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. This was opened in 1989, seven years after the opening of Epcot, and spans a land area of 55 ha. Originally named, Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, this park is built around the theme of show business and Hollywood, especially inspired by 1930s and 1940s eras of Hollywood.
Hollywood Studios is also divided into several themed sections, including Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard. Each section includes rides, character meets, live events, performances, and other Hollywood-inspired attractions.
Hollywood Studios also feature famous Disney characters such as Olaf, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody. Some of the restaurants in this park include The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante, 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, Hollywood and Vine, and Hollywood Waffles of Fame.
Two more sections named Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land will be added to the park in the coming year.
What is the Difference Between Epcot and Hollywood Studios?
The basic difference between Epcot and Hollywood Studios is their theme; Epcot is themed around technological innovations while Hollywood Studios is themed around Hollywood. Therefore, attractions in these parks are also based on these themes. Epcot is generally considered to be more educational than the other three theme parks.
