The International Exposition (sometimes called the World's Fair) has been an important institution in the development of technology and the cause of international peace. The first International Exposition was held in London in 1851. Since then, these forums for nations to present their newest innovations and for people from around the world to meet, have produced indelible marks upon the world. For example, the Ferris wheel debuted at the 1893 Chicago Exposition and the famous Space Needle in Seattle was built for its 1962 Fair. These events have entered our international culture as a symbol of peace, change and excitement. This is evident in the Broadway musical, Meet Me in Saint Louis which events circulate around the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904.

But all good Disneyland fans know that only one World Exposition is important in discussing the development of the park. This Exposition of course is the New York's World's Fair of 1964-65. Walt Disney was called upon to help design the pavilions for the Fair by major American companies such as Ford and GE. Of the four shows he developed, all of them are represented today in Disney theme parks. From Ford's "Magic Skyway" came the "Primeval World," a landmark use of Animatronics to create fierce dinosaurs. It can now be seen from the Disneyland Railroad. Pepsi and UNICEF's co-presentation, It's a Small World, which promoted world peace and cooperation, was transported basically whole to Fantasyland after its run. General Electric's Progressland featured the classic "Carousel of Progress," which moved to Disneyland, then to its current residence in Florida's Magic Kingdom. And, of course, The State of Illinois' Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln with its revolutionary use of Animatronics to produce a lifelike president, has become a fixture on Main St. after its run in New York.

The work it took to develop these elaborate attractions paid off for Disney's Imagineers. In a short period of time, they were pushed to make groundbreaking progress in technology especially in the field of Audio-Animatronics. In the Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, they developed the first human Animatronic figures. And in the case of Mr. Lincoln, not only had to make him speak and gesture convincingly but give him the ability to rise from his seat to address the audience. But all of this work was important. Walt Disney had not only made historic leaps in the development of his theme park but was wisely able to have it completely paid for. (The sponsors covered that.)

The Main Entrance to the EXPO, Porta Do Sol.

In the present day, Expositions have lost much of the power they once held due to vast improvements in communications. In the era of the internet and the worldwide network, the EXPO's once important value as an exhibitor of new technologies has been vastly reduced. But they are still are important forums for the international community to meet and learn about world issues and to achieve a greater mutual understanding. In that spirit, I was excited to have the opportunity to visit the EXPO in Lisbon, Portugal on its Opening day, May 22, 1998. The theme of EXPO '98 was "The Oceans, A Heritage for the Future. The site of the EXPO was just outside of the city of Lisbon appropriately next to the water on a redeveloped area of docks.