Saw it in person last night.
Things I liked:
Edutainment approach
The in theater wind blowing through some of the scenes.
The smells which are few and faint but still add to the attraction. I especially loved the pine tree smell in the forest from the OG Soarin. Can never get enough of that!
The theater lighting effects that were used to plus the northern lights and the lighting.
Other thoughts:
Although my expectations may have been a little to high (I didn’t read spoilers). I think my primary disappointment is when I go back to remembering original Epcot. Nearly every experience was pushing technological boundaries beyond the era that it was constructed and you walked away with an experience that cannot be had any where else. There was the kinetic mosaic (UoE) and countless other examples. People can argue that Symbiosis wasn’t great, but the screen was larger than any at my local theater and the sound system was strong for the time. I feel had this attraction been completed in the time when Epcot was continually pushing the boundaries of what was possible, we would have gotten 4K or perhaps 8K fidelity along with HDR or Dolby vision. Not easy or cheap to pull off on a massive screen, but if this attraction were being made when Epcot was constantly pushing the boundaries, and tech was where it is today, I am certain Disney would have given it their best shot.
A 4K or 8k screen with HDR would be something that could display the beauty of nature in an unmatched and impressive way that keeps me wanting to revisit the attraction. Instead we get a grainy film in a time where all TVs in my home provide vastly superior fidelity (on smaller screens of course).
My DD8 was so excited for this as we have watched all the episodes on Netflix of Planet Earth, Our Planet, Blue Planet, etc. that are by far more awe inspiring. The camera work, visual fidelity, natural views and overall story arc are much better. I get it is difficult to pull off a story arc in a 10 minute attraction format but there was a time when most experiences at Epcot were nearly unrivaled. She walked out saying it was ok, my DW and I walked out asking why we would ever attend the attraction again.
The lack of narrative arc just made the film feel preachy and like an overlong infomercial. I mean the last frame is encouraging you to go to a website and make a donation. The aforementioned Netflix series’ describe dying coral, and the many other issues that challenge our planet through the prism of study and attempting to understand core issues versus just simply being told that things are becoming worse than ever before because I say so.
I played close attention to the reaction of the 3/4 full auditorium. There was no clapping at the end at all, and the Cirlcle of Life despite its flaws at least drew some clapping in each showing I attended, trust me I attended many with my DD who is simply in love with nature. Even in the last year there were always applause.
The movie ends oddly and in fact a woman behind me was heard saying “should I clap” and due to the overall downtrodden tone of the attraction, a younger girl in her party said “I feel dead inside after that.” This comment triggered a laugh from a rather large group in the theater because the films overall message is a bit grim while providing little hope. All this to say I don’t think Awesome Planet will resonate with a large segment of the population, and attendance will likely drop relatively quickly.
Know that I went into this attraction very excited because my DD and I have spent much time watching Planet documentaries with each other. However, for me, this was unfortunately a disappointment. If others enjoy the new show that is wonderful. I will stay tuned into this thread awaiting reviews from others who have experienced the attraction.
