Q: My Aunt played in a big band that traveled around the world in college. She had the opportunity to play at the Westcot “idea-unveiling” ceremony. She has maps of what Westcot was supposed to look like, and pins and pennants that say “Westcot.” I was just curious if you knew more about Westcot and how rare the items are. Also, I would like to thank you because I visited the Walt Disney Studios and had the chance to meet you. You signed a copy of your amazing book for me—I was just in so much shock that I forgot to ask you my question.
Sidney Handy, Temecula, California
A: WESTCOT Center was to be a west-coast version of EPCOT Center, with Spacestation Earth as its centerpiece, and a World Showcase. It was initially announced in March 1991, to be built where Disney California Adventure was eventually situated. Items related to WESTCOT would be curiosities but probably would not have a lot of monetary value, since today few people remember the proposed park. The park’s announcement brochure recently sold on eBay for about $30.
Dave Smith