Iger mentions plans for EPCOT

[RSoxNo1]

Thanks for the news.

He knows what he is doing because he listens to the creative talent. Plus he knows businesses either evolve* or decay. It is the way of things.


*not to be confused with moribund progressivism.

Stop it.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Plans have been formulated for at least a year-18 months now. Management have been voicing concerns the park cannot be propped up by festivals for ever. The dire state of Futureworld has also been particularly noted.

Now how much will be assigned, or actually end up being available is anyone's guess. As is the direction it will take. I know what I've been told has been looked at since 2007. If any of that comes to fruition I don't know yet. The worry is it'll finally become IP land.

I fear Ratatouille and Coco in World Showcase and who knows what else. The Frozen floodgates are open for nothing but IP.

 

[RSoxNo1]

How many billions would you think Disney would need to spend/invest to bring EPCOT back? It's a joke to think that anything beyond the current IP toss-ins and easy fixes (steal SDL's new film, add an extra theater) and extend festivals so that they wind up taking up almost the entire operating calendar is on the agenda.

Those are Robert A. Iger's plans for EPCOT. Whether or not WDI could or would revive the park is a moot point based on the cost and management.

Of course, yet again, I would be remiss if I also didn't blame much of today's alleged 'fans' for fostering a mentality that visiting a Disney park means a place loaded with IP, preferably current. Disney fans today simply want every park to be the MK, which disgusts me beyond belief -- but you know it is true.

They would hate to go back to the 80s when EPCOT Center really stood for ... well, endless possibilities would be how I would phrase it ... with no ... and later little ... characters. I get that today's fans are dumber and simpler and equate Disney simply with IP and that is what Disney wants them to be. But fans in the 20th century got that Disney was a whole lot more than simply BRANDS and IPs and characters. Today's don't ... now let's all go sign up for cupcake parties for just $69 a person!

Fixing Epcot would cost quite a bit, but fortunately the park is setup in such a way that it could be done piecemeal. Unfortunately they're opting to destroy it piecemeal instead.

 

[ShoalFox]

So, who's ready for Epcot to further its transition into Pixar-and-Frozen-land?

I'm not...
Epcot has been a frustrating park to be a fan of for such a long time now...

 

[ford91exploder]

Stop it.

I think he's referring to the OTHER creative organization at Disney these days the one whose opinion's COUNT, I.E. The Accountaneering department. Home of creative accounting solutions to revenue issues.

 

[Luxe]

I find it amusing to imagine how some of these meetings actually play out. Everyone is packing their things to leave when someone mentions, "Wait a minute, what about Epcot?" to which Iger responds, "Is that the one with the golf ball?".

 

[Tavernacle12]

There is or was a plan to demolish Energy for an IP related attraction.

I'm surprised by this. It feels like it would be way cheaper to just update the film than it would be to demolish and rebuild a new attraction.

 

[Mike S]

Epcot is in such a sad state and with current management it just won't get better. I dread what their ideas would be to fix everything.

 

[disney4life2008]

Let's be honest: once Soarin opens up and the horrible frozen ride, EPCOT will be back up to par (by disney standards). And with kids of all ages loving soarin I anticipate those usually 2 hour waits immediately. And with the little girls loving frozen, that will easily be a 2 hour wait as well. They want the bottom line which is money - and well, that will occur.

 

[lebeau]

I haven't seen anyone here mention this, so I am bringing it up. Apologies in advance if it was already discussed.

In the last stock holders' meeting, earlier this quarter, Iger answered a question about what the plans are for EPCOT. Iger said that WDI is working on projects that are as of yet unannounced for EPCOT. He said it was too early to announce anything yet.

Bottom line is that there are big plans for EPCOT, bedides Frozen and Soaring.

Anyone have any insight of what he could be talking about? Or want to venture a guess?

Avatar was announced five years in advance. Star Wars Land announced with no opening date in sight. But expected to be somewhere around 4-5 years. So if these plans are too early to announce I assume they will come to fruition around 2025.

 

[wdwgreek]

Will we be seeing a clone of that Tron Roller Coaster from Shanghai because by Disney logic shiny future= epoct? And Torn must take energy to run, let's put it where Universe of Energy is!

 

[DisneyDebRob]

The EPCOT Resort and Casino complex... Combining the worlds only spherical casino with the worlds largest outdoor bar and shopping complex.

Yes I'm being sarcastic but OTOH something like this would not surprise me in the least.

With Macy's and Sears as the anchor stores!
Seriously, I think the frozen ride and the new soarin movie is what they consider a huge upgrade for the next 5- 7 years before they need to look again. I hope I'm so wrong.

 

[UpAllNight]

It's not just hardcore Disney fans who notice Epcots problems, it's one off visitors too. Have a quick look on tripadvisor and you're never far from a "needs updating" or "boring" comment. It's brand damaging at this point. And if Universal knock up their aggressive plans for their third park, Disney will need their 4 parks opperating at their best to maximise competitive advantage in Orlando. The gap most certainly is shrinking, and by the time Disney get round to addressing this Universal will have 3 fully fledged top notch parks in operation.

 

[DisneyDebRob]

Avatar was announced five years in advance. Star Wars Land announced with no opening date in sight. But expected to be somewhere around 4-5 years. So if these plans are too early to announce I assume they will come to fruition around 2025.

You are a very optimistic person!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Did it include more bars and Pole dancing as part of a new country in WS?

 

[MaryJaneP]

Plans? Plans? We don't have no stinkin Plans!. Other than those from pre-1981 that show how everything was laid out then. Yeah, those Plans. Too bad most of us refer to them as Blueprints.

 

[bhg469]

I for one welcome

Intellectual
Property
Community
Of
The month

And any of you that are used to my witty sarcasm, you know what I really think of their ideas.

 

[jt04]

You really are delusional. The park has been dying for a decade. When did Iger come in again?

The word of the day is 'priorities'.

The board does not give Iger a blank check. And notice that Iger rarely starts something he can't finish to the satisfaction of most. The average guest does not give a whit about what purists think. Their kids want to experience their favorite IP's so we get Frozen. Epcot needs help, so Frozen goes there. The old world showcase concept is no longer compelling so Frozen goes into Norway. Iger can show the Frozen numbers to the board and get more approved for new projects.

Iger does not take Beastly Kingdom and turn it into CMM. He does not give us Dinorama or radically scaled back KRR. If he can't give us your wished for Space Mountain with all the bells and whistles he would rather wait for another day.

And before anyone says TSL is Iger's Dinorama, please reconsider. The TS IP will include 3 major attractions. The beloved TSMM, the family Slinky coaster, and a ride based on a very popular Carsland attraction. Except bigger, better and improved.

And remember, their is plenty of room for Pixar Place to expand so Iger also does things with an eye to the future.

Priorities not Disney Puritanism.

 

[jt04]

I fear Ratatouille and Coco in World Showcase and who knows what else. The Frozen floodgates are open for nothing but IP.

Fear?

These are perfect adds for WS. I'd add Mulan to that list also. Maybe a India pavilion featuring The Jungle Book. Endless possibilities.

 

[PizzaPlanet]

Future World will become Star Wars Land part 2. Attractions will include Soarin' Over the Galaxy, Death Star ride through, and the Seas with Jar Jar and Friends.