The Golf Ball.

Big Spiky Ball.

Majestic Geodesic Sphere.

It’s called a lot of things, but we’re all talking about the same thing..Spaceship Earth. The icon of EPCOT, this glittering silver ball is what welcomes you into this beautiful park, and is one of my favorite sights of the World. It also happens to contain a must-do attraction I just can’t leave Walt Disney World without doing at least once…or twice…or six times. I can’t tell you how surprised I always am to hear people either talking about this amazing attraction as a time-filler or something they’ll do if they get the chance, or those who are stunned to even find out that there is an attraction in there at all. This attraction is Classic Disney and truly inspiring no matter how many times I ride it. The fact that Dame Judi Dench does the narration is just an awesome bonus.

So, come on with me. I hear we have FastPasses for Spaceship Earth and our time window has just opened!

Approaching Spaceship Earth, you’re immediately struck by its presence. The size itself is impressive, but the sparkling facets are a feat of architecture and a glimpse of Technology as many people might not recognize it. In a world where technology usually means tiny devices that do everything for you, and houses, cars, and televisions that take all effort, though, and autonomy out of life, it’s easy to forget that technology has a far longer history — and the advancements of the past are just as impressive and even more meaningful.

The queue doesn’t have a lot to write home about, but once you get inside, you know you’re in for something special. The little bitty space capsules arrive on a moving sidewalk, and you climb in, immediately disappearing into the mysterious darkness ahead. Here you’ll be instructed to tell the computer where you live, and to look up at the screen ahead of you to get a picture. Don’t worry, this will come back soon.

Once we head back in time by passing through a hallway of stars, we hear the Dame telling us that Earth has been sailing through space for millions of years, and for a brief time, we have been her passengers. If the chills haven’t started yet, just wait. They’re coming. Ahead of us we see a wooly mammoth in a windy, snowy expanse. Soon you notice a prehistoric man trying to fight it, and hear that long ago we lived a solitary life, but then we realized that living and working together made survival easier. From here, we pass through another 15,000 years to a family in a cave. The father has some of his children gathered around a fire as he regales them with his knowledge, while children behind him record this on the wall. Look closely and you’ll see the images they are drawing are moving.

If you’re anything like me, at this point, you are already sucked in. Settle in and listen to Dame Judi tell you the history of human civilization — and technology — through the ages. Watch a scribe invent papyrus and remember learning your ABCs — don’t forget to thank the Phoenicians! Look in on a Greek philosophy class. Learn about the precious commodity of books and get a chance to smell one of my favorite Disney smells — Rome burning. From here, learn about the Renaissance  and the power of art. As you move higher into the sphere, learn about how technology builds on itself to create the future, until you see the incredible potential for the future.

At the top of the sphere, you get a breathtaking view of space with “this Spaceship Earth” soaring through. This is a stunning moment and one that always gets me.

Now it’s time for you to create your own future. Remember those pictures? Here they come. As you slip backwards through time, the Dame will tell you how to use the computer on your ship to answer some questions and see how technology can shape the future ahead. Once finished, you’ll get a glimpse into what you created. Once you climb off your ship and head into the pavilion beneath the ride, you might even see a picture of yourself displayed on the big screen. You can even send an email postcard with this picture home!

Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!        

Taryn was born and raised, and still lives in Richmond, Virginia. Neither she nor her husband ever had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World when they were children, but when their daughter Avalon came along, they decided she was not going to follow in their footsteps. They brought Avalon for the first time when she was 3 and have been hooked ever since. Now along with Taryn’s mother and equally Disney-loving older brother, they go “home” at least once a year, and by the time she is staring longingly at Cinderella Castle from the ferry on their last night, Taryn is well on her way to planning the next trip. As a group consisting of two adults with Asperger’s, including one who is also vegan, a very accommodating husband, an only child, a senior, and a service dog, they are a pretty special family, but Taryn is excited to show that the World really is The Most Magical Place on Earth and that there is a place there for everyone. When she isn’t thinking about her next Disney adventure and trying to come up with a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costume that will beat her Oozma Kappa nerd look, she is a professional blogger and novelist, but Taryn also likes to indulge her Disney passion on her Etsy shop It’s Better in Vinyl.

Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!

Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!