Soarin' 2.0

[07vanquish]

Went to Epcot a few weeks ago, enjoyed Soarin' like always, but we were noticing how the film is beginning to show its age. It's been open for about 7 years now, I think it's time for a new film. I can't imagine it being that expensive, and it would bring new life to the attraction (people that have been on a few times know when the golf ball is coming). The California video is still great, thats not the problem, but since the film is in "not so good" condition, now is the time for a change. By time of Soarin' 4.0, they could bring the film back and randomise the films, like the new star tours; you never know what your going to get. Questions? Comments? Insults?

 

[Master Yoda]

I would love to see a new film as much as anyone, but until guests stop lining up by the thousands, I fear the original film is here to stay. Epcot has 2 other pavilions languishing in mediocrity that need far more attention than the most popular attraction in the entire park.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I would love to see a new film as much as anyone, but until guests stop lining up by the thousands, I fear the original film is here to stay. Epcot has 2 other pavilions languishing in mediocrity that need far more attention than the most popular attraction in the entire park.

The only way Epcot is going to get a new film anytime soon is if they develop one for DCA where the attraction isn't quite as popular as I recall. However, even without a new film the ride sure could use some TLC. I rode it for the first time in a while this past weekend, and the film quality was pretty bad. I was trying to determine if it was just the film or if the screen needed a cleaning/replacement. One way or another, the brown lines that were going up and down the screen definitely took away from the experience. I'm also not one to really complain too loudly about maintenance unless it is glaringly bad...but this borders on the line of Splash Mountain issues.

 

[Master Yoda]

The only way Epcot is going to get a new film anytime soon is if they develop one for DCA where the attraction isn't quite as popular as I recall. However, even without a new film the ride sure could use some TLC. I rode it for the first time in a while this past weekend, and the film quality was pretty bad. I was trying to determine if it was just the film or if the screen needed a cleaning/replacement. One way or another, the brown lines that were going up and down the screen definitely took away from the experience. I'm also not one to really complain too loudly about maintenance unless it is glaringly bad...but this borders on the line of Splash Mountain issues.

Quite honestly the projection has always been bad. From what I have been told the maintenance and operating conditions of the projectors is "less than adequate" to put it mildly. As long as the crowds are there I feel that it will remain that way for some time. However, we can always dream of a new screen, fully digital projection and a film with seamless transitions.

 

[07vanquish]

It's true that Epcot needs to do some major updating, considering Soarin' is the newest MAJOR attraction to the park (Spaceship Earth and Nemo don't count); this is probably a reason why Soarin' is still so popular. But from what I've seen, the lines aren't as long as they used to be (people aren't going over and over and over anymore). Epcot is border-line a delicate subject because if you were to put a few more major attractions in Future World, then attendance would be lower for the World Showcase. I don't think the Canadian pavillion is getting a major ride that would compete with Soarin' anytime soon. So to balance the two lands is fairly difficult.
Its true that Soarin' Cali is older and attendance is probably lower but if a new video were to debut, odds are they'll debut pretty close to eachother.
On the condition of the ride, yeah it's getting bad and needs a refurb in the somewhat near future, might as well wait for a new film (if one were to be in development), don't close Epcot's top attraction twice: thats just bad business

 

[Xethos]

Id love an update to it but could you imagine what the queue would be like for the New Soarin?

 

[Communicore]

Unfortunately as is the case here as long as it brings in the crowds and fastpass is gone by lunch it will be "all good" to the management! I notice those brown lines, artifacts, and other distracting things on the film, and it has become quite blurry as compared to back in the 05.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I think it's time for a new film. I can't imagine it being that expensive, and it would bring new life to the attraction (people that have been on a few times know when the golf ball is coming). Questions? Comments? Insults?

Actually, shooting and making a new film like that is quite expensive.

 

[jjharvpro]

Like the OP said, randomizing it would be a great idea. I've actually been thinking about how they could update the attraction. Can you imagine Soarin' Over the World in 3D, with random scenes.

 

[07vanquish]

I couldn't imagine the price of just a new film would even be remotly comparableto a full blown ride, and Soarin' will definitly be randomised at some point (or should anw)

 

[Master Yoda]

I couldn't imagine the price of just a new film would even be remotly comparableto a full blown ride, and Soarin' will definitly be randomised at some point (or should anw)

It still is not free and why spend 5, 6 or 7 figures on a new film for an attraction that is one of the most successful in the park as is? What would be gained by a new film? How would they make a return on their investment? At best we might see a new one if they replace the one at DCA as Evan suggested, but even that is a long shot.

 

[07vanquish]

anything discussed on this site never happends overnight, we seem to discuss things years away and dream. They certainly need to update MANY other attractions in the park before discussing Soarin's fate. Were still looking years away, but you know as well as I do, at some point, it will have to be done

 

[talonstruck]

We were joking that the helicopters that were taking off from the naval ships were chasing a UFO becuase in that spot of the film there was an dust spot in the flim or something that was extremely noticible. Then on another ride it looked like hair dancing all over the screen. I think the film could be done better. I dont like the transitions they did from scene to scene. I think there are a lot of possiblities with this attraction on what the subject of the film can be. I love the smell of the oranges so if they could keep that in that would be great in my oppinion. Maybe make each coasts soarin sight specific, for example Florida soarin taking off from EPOCT and flying across the U.S to California to Land at DCA and Califorina's Taking off From DCA and landing at EPCOT.

 

[Scuttle]

Went to Epcot a few weeks ago, enjoyed Soarin' like always, but we were noticing how the film is beginning to show its age. It's been open for about 7 years now, I think it's time for a new film. I can't imagine it being that expensive, and it would bring new life to the attraction (people that have been on a few times know when the golf ball is coming). The California video is still great, thats not the problem, but since the film is in "not so good" condition, now is the time for a change. By time of Soarin' 4.0, they could bring the film back and randomise the films, like the new star tours; you never know what your going to get. Questions? Comments? Insults?

I just rode Soarin about 2 hours ago and I agree the film is not looking so good. It's fine with dark colors, but when it shows the sky and clouds you can see the age in the screen/film for sure.

 

[menamechris]

I agree - that the screen is dirty and needs to be - dusted/washed? :shrug: It has been that way for at least a year now though. It seems like it would be an easy thing fix do. I don't think its the film...its the screen.

 

[Master Yoda]

I agree - that the screen is dirty and needs to be - dusted/washed? :shrug: It has been that way for at least a year now though. It seems like it would be an easy thing fix do. I don't think its the film...its the screen.

It is the film and the projector. The screen needs help to but it is the least of Soarin's problems.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

The park hasn't had a major upgrade in 20 years. I remember a little over 10 years after opening they upgraded future world. It needs a major overhaul once again. I cant even stomach walking into some of those attractions.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Soarin' Over Old Film :lol:

Yeah, sure the lines are long but I'm pretty sure that speaks way more to capacity than the quality of the ride. Screen-based attractions definitely overstay their welcome moreso than others but they are also more easily replaceable.

And it can't be that expensive. Busch Gardens just did their own soaring over the world film-based attraction and they surely don't have cash flow like Disney. I hope management has more plans for Soarin' then to keep visitors to Future World flying over California for another five years.