August 8, 2013

Walt Disney, Herb Ryman and EPCOT Center

On the eve of D23, when nothing that we know of will be announced for Epcot, I'd like to present a piece of concept art to cheer us all up. Or maybe it will depress you if, like me, you are a fan of Walt Disney World's second theme park. Why? Because you will be reminded of the greatness that once was and may never be again.

Imagineer Herb Ryman was one of the finest artists ever employed by the Walt Disney Company, WDI, Imagineering, or any other name it has gone by. His skill at creating atmosphere and an environment you want to be in, is perhaps unsurpassed. Especially at EPCOT Center. Be it Future World or World Showcase, there was something about Ryman's style that captured the magic in the concept art. Grand, colorful, mysterious, and with a dash of hope, he completely understood what Walt Disney, John Hench and team were trying to accomplish. (See his work for Horizons! And click on the image above for a larger view.)

Mr. Ryman is missed! Bid your farewell to Imagineers and suits with the original vision and grand scale plans; plans that once turned EPCOT Center into the park no one but Disney could have built!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

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