EPCOTCenterLover
Well-Known Member
My bet is Zach got the project but had little control of the attraction content or placement. Perhaps he influenced the finishes of things like the cafe.
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Zach Riddley promoted to Global Creative Strategy Executive
- Thread starter flynnibus
- Start date
Yep. The rate of EPCOT turning into something it was never meant to be and sparse just increased and increased. Because between that drought we lost attractions to subpar rethemes, equal moves that were never updated, and in some cases just complete shuttering with noting replacing them.
Since WOL closed a pavilion of various attractions, and Imagination has no upstairs, and shows things you can watch from home in its 3D theater, it is hard to even think of RAT as a net gain for the attraction number.
Also, just a reminder that Soarin, while a bigger ticket, did have to take an attraction space to create it.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
Then who did the programming? And why not the guy whose experience has been in programming and was promoted into another programming type role?
I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot Soarin' was actually not net-new.
I'll turn in my EPCOT Center Fan card at the door on my way out.What part of “single accountable WDI leader for the EPCOT project, including master planning, story and concept, detailed design, and delivery/construction elements” suggests he "had little control of the attraction content or placement"?
Bocabear
Well-Known Member
That's a much bigger question...I think design and programming by committee created this mess... But also whoever was greenlighting the final decisions clearly lacked vision...and budget...
I would love to see the final demolition cost on Communicore West... Imagine what they could have done without all of the cost...
Central core could look the same as what they are currently doing...and Innoventions could have been an "Imagineering Pavilion"or any number of things that would not involve tearing down the building...surely that would have been less expensive in the long run and given us way more for the money.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot Soarin' was actually not net-new.
What part of “single accountable WDI leader for the EPCOT project, including master planning, story and concept, detailed design, and delivery/construction elements” suggests he "had little control of the attraction content or placement"?
You keep your card. Its all good. I think it is easy to forget because Food Rocks replaced the superior for most Kitchen Kabaret.
And the second part of post I don't know, but I do know that specifics should be included in such claims. Not directed at him.
EPCOTCenterLover
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking he had no control over whether IP was to be included or which IP was to be included. I may be wrong on that. I truly do not know. But the IP infusion is, in my mind, the main issue that removes the intent of EPCOT Center away from the current park.
Like I said, I've often wondered how they can get that nailed bang on.. yet screw up the rest.
rd805
Well-Known Member
I don't mind IP integration to Epcot, if it's done well. The Ratatouille area is pretty fantastic and wonderful ride addition. We can all argue about Frozen in Norway, but I'm sure 95% of riders appreciate the new vs Maelstrom. Universe of Energy to Guardians Coaster is also a pretty big win in my book too and is a top 3 favorite ride I've ever experienced ANYWHERE.
The issue is stagnancy and hoping park-goers ignore empty buildings on top of rebuilding something that was already there. **I won't rehash Boca Bear's and other points - but the tear down and rebuild is such a waste of money and time.
I can't for the life of me understand how a neat building like WoL sits empty. It housed basic attractions sure, but a NEW simulator (MAYBE WALLE) and a edu-tainment style show to replace our pal Buzzy goes such a long way. Heck, Cranium Command could have easily been modified to something Inside Out and been something to eat crowds. OR just make a great new experience with or without the existing building. It has such a huge footprint -- CMON!
Imagination pavilion used to house games & fun too -- having all that extra space being underutilized is a crime.
Mission Space is a horrible attraction. The wait times are always the lowest across any WDW park. It fits the theme of FW and has a gorgeous outdoor area/queue, but the experience is terrible. It can't possibly be reviewed well by park-goers. REPLACE THAT ISH!
Grand Fiesta Tour should have been Coco-fied years ago.
World Showcase needs a new pavilion, and one with a neat ride would obviously be a plus. I also don't mind the Mary Poppins spinner idea that was leaked. Cheap? Definitely! Crowd-sucker to help offset other wait times? More important!
The issue is stagnancy and hoping park-goers ignore empty buildings on top of rebuilding something that was already there. **I won't rehash Boca Bear's and other points - but the tear down and rebuild is such a waste of money and time.
I can't for the life of me understand how a neat building like WoL sits empty. It housed basic attractions sure, but a NEW simulator (MAYBE WALLE) and a edu-tainment style show to replace our pal Buzzy goes such a long way. Heck, Cranium Command could have easily been modified to something Inside Out and been something to eat crowds. OR just make a great new experience with or without the existing building. It has such a huge footprint -- CMON!
Imagination pavilion used to house games & fun too -- having all that extra space being underutilized is a crime.
Mission Space is a horrible attraction. The wait times are always the lowest across any WDW park. It fits the theme of FW and has a gorgeous outdoor area/queue, but the experience is terrible. It can't possibly be reviewed well by park-goers. REPLACE THAT ISH!
Grand Fiesta Tour should have been Coco-fied years ago.
World Showcase needs a new pavilion, and one with a neat ride would obviously be a plus. I also don't mind the Mary Poppins spinner idea that was leaked. Cheap? Definitely! Crowd-sucker to help offset other wait times? More important!
aladdin2007
Well-Known Member
I would hate to have seen that expansion pad gone to something as trivial and useless as that.
Bocabear
Well-Known Member
Expansion? lol There was a time I used to think about the amazing expansions that would come one day...and 40 years later almost all of the expansion pads sit there. There is no plan to ever use them, and probably none coming up... Done is done at this point, and the spac change is now sadly permanent. They need to make a movie like Finding Mr Banks all about what happened during the biggest expansion and reworking of EPCOT and it's ultimate complete failure. "Defending Zach Riddley"...lol
Rhinocerous
Premium Member
“There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine. And I imagine that will be as little as we think we can get away with. Replacement has better ROI than expansion.”
—Walt Disney, probably
Horizonsfan
Well-Known Member
Does this move mean that Fitzgerald will regain creative lead for Epcot? Or is that still up in the air?
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
Oh Gawd, I certainly hope not.
How the fluff is Fitz still around….
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How the fluff is Fitz still around….
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FoodRockz
Well-Known Member
*Clears throat*
Your card may be turned in at your nearest animatronic show of choice. ;-p
For what it is worth, I would take either back over Soarin' in its current form there.
DreamfinderGuy
Well-Known Member
He's very kind in person. I rode Cosmic Rewind with him on opening day, was super chill and talked EPCOT with me while we waited. Shockingly just got in line like anyone else would, even though I'm sure he very easily could have gotten immediate boarding if he wanted.
Disney Analyst
Well-Known Member
Did you glean any insight from him re: EPCOT? His thoughts, beliefs, passion, or vision?
FoodRockz
Well-Known Member
Soarin' does not move my needle much, but I understand that most people prefer a moving attraction vs a stationary one.