Walt Disney World's Epcot is a sprawling theme park packed with hidden details. It's easy to miss the level of craftmanship on show as you race around the park.

Epcot was constructed at the enormous cost of between $800 million and $1.4 billion, and opened back in 1982. That level of investment enabled Disney's Imagineers to cram in a huge number of authentic elements, particularly in the World Showcase area. Looking out for some of these little touches can add an extra dimension to your visit. Take a look at these 34 hidden secrets at Epcot...and let us know any we've missed!

34. Bring your walking boots

If you walk around the entire World Showcase lagoon, from China to Canada, you've covered a distance of some 1.25 miles.

33. The grass is always greener

Notice that the concrete paths around the lagoon are red - this is partly to make the grassy areas look greener.

32. There's something inside...

When passing the African Outpost in Epcot, stop and go over and open some of the crates. You may get a little soaked...

31. Floating into place

If you are near the African Outpost in the early afternoon, watch out for the drawbridge going up - you'll be able to see the barges used to launch the Illuminations fireworks being brought out.

30. Hidden platforms

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Ever wondered why you have to go up to the second floor to watch the American Adventure show? It's because the presidents and other figures that you see during the performance are all housed on hidden platforms, which are stored underneath the audience's seats.

29. Going up...

In the USA Pavilion, take a look at the paintings on the front wall. One of them opens to reveal an elevator.

28. Larger than it appears...

Image: Disney

The USA Pavilion is 5 stories tall, but enormous doors and windows are used to make it appear only 3 stories tall. The façade was created using 110,000 bricks handmade from Georgia red clay - each of which was aged to look authentic.

27. An expensive present

Image © Disney

Glance at the statue on your right as you enter Japan. It was a gift from the government of Japan when the Magic Kingdom opened, but was later moved to Epcot.

26. Sharp rocks

Take a look at the rocks in Canada and Japan when the the Illuminations show is about to begin. The top of some of them will open, revealing sound and lighting equipment.

25. Not so tall after all

The Hotel du Canada in the Canada Pavilion is only 3 stories tall. To make it look larger, Imagineers added 5 stories of windows.

24. Totem poles

There are three totem poles on show in the Canada Pavilion. Only the one on the left is real - it was carved by Tsimshian Indian carver David Boxley, and weighs some 700 pounds. The other two totem poles are made of pieces fiberglass stacked on top of each other.

23. Echo...echo...echo

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Stand in the middle of the Temple of Heaven in the China Pavilion (it's a half-size recreation of the Beijing landmark, and houses Reflections of China). If you speak, you'll hear your voice echo back to you - the temple is acoustically perfect.

22. The Strait of Gibraltar

As you walk from Morocco to France, notice that the walkway becomes darker. This is intended to represent the Strait of Gibraltar. It's not geographically correct, however, as it actually lies between Spain and Morocco.

21. Cuckoo!

Look towards the back of the courtyard in the Germany Pavilion, and you'll notice a clock. On the hour, a wooden boy and girl emerge from the clock and twirl around.