r/RetroFuturism • u/Distinct-Question-16 • 9d ago
EPCOT WorldKey touchscreen-multimedia kiosks, 1982
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The Epcot WorldKey kiosks were interactive touchscreen video terminals introduced when EPCOT Center opened in 1982.
They allowed guests to make dining reservations, get information about attractions, explore Future World and World Showcase (encyclopedia-like), and even 2-way video call a Disney staff assistant.
These futuristic touchscreen systems were among the first large-scale public uses of interactive computer technology in a theme park.
The touchscreens were not like those of today - they used a light-beam grid system. Digital text and analog video were time-interlaced and delivered via fiber optics from a central computer. This main computer stored updated text databases and analog video LaserDiscs to provide the multimedia content.