Any insight on the old Odyssey?

[wdwjmp239]

Originally posted by raven
I have extensive video of the inside of that building when it was open durring the celebration. I walked everywhere filming everything (including inside of those pods of Sweden) because I knew that the building would only be used for a small time.

Well, compress the video and post it! LOL

Thanks for the correction on the country that had the pods in it

 

[lebernadin]

Originally posted by ntn_haqqer
Maybe I think what we're arriving at is:

Take the countries that were in the "Millenium Pavilion" (Israel, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, India, etc..etc..) and offer their different types of food.

I like this idea for the old Odyssey but i think inevitably what would happen is guests would want more than just the foods of the lands. I think the fact that the Food/Wine Festival is a temporary attraction sets it free from people complaining that the represented countries "only have food." Whereas if it were a permanent fixture inside the old Odyssey, people may see it as a copout for adding new pavilions. Nevertheless exposing people to new foods/cultures should ALWAYS be the way to go.

Granted, I'm sure it wouldn't go over well with the kids because they're interested in burgers, pizza, french fries, etc. But, it would be a culinary treat for the adults.

Well i think kids eat what are presented to them, right? I mean if parents raise them on twice a week mcdonald's runs that what they grow accustomed to and enjoy. Too many people take the easy way out with just opting for fast food these days.

 

[BeachClubVillas]

I got Birnbaum 2004 for my dad for Christmas (like I do every year) and it says that Odyssey is used for First Aid, but the main area of it is a Baby Care Center. So they're probably not going to re-do it any time soon

 

[niteobsrvr]

Re: Thanks for the responses...

Originally posted by Empress Room
Based on everyone's posts, seems like we all agree that something needs to be done with The Odyssey. It's a little strange that Disney would let this structure sit, sign still intact, virtually unused for about fifteen years now.

The occasional CM event or special event does not justify its existence. Its view of the water from the inside is pretty cool and a redo of the outside could provide a nice eating/drinking conduit between FW and WS. If no plans are in store, tear it down and use the area for another attraction or gateway.

When you have no plans for the space there is no need to remove the building because demolition doesn't come cheaply. Not to mention a new First Aid facility and Cast Cafeteria would need to be built first adding additional cost to the change.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by raven
I have extensive video of the inside of that building when it was open durring the celebration. I walked everywhere filming everything (including inside of those pods of Sweden) because I knew that the building would only be used for a small time.

The building is now used as a convention facility for those groups desiring an in park experience for their organization.

 

[WDWhumanmap]

I really wish they brought back the Odyssey along with the old show with the characters and the songs Clap your hands (which was the old theme song to WDW b/c it was in every show there and at that time there was only 2) and one of the most inspiring songs called ONE WORLD which means so much more now espically in the world we are living in
"that we should live with one heart in one world":sohappy:

p.s. i been waiting for this kind of a thread thanks to whom ever started it

 

[WDWFanatic]

Speaking of foods to enjoy, I wish the land would make some more normal sandwiches there instead of putting werid things in them. All i want is a normal turkey or ham sandwich sometimes, no special sauces with berries or anything on it. They need more to choose from. Gimme a pickle and chips with it and im happy. I know alot of people diet to so they should have healthier things to choose from besides salad. Grilled chicken, simple pasta etc..

 

[WDWhumanmap]

i have to agree w/ wdwfanatic in the way of food i will miss the odessey b/c it was my family and i's favorite lunch spot and who can blame me not only was it air conditioned which does well for the summer heat and you got lunch and a show with characters and what kid can resist a personal meet and greet with your favorite chacarcters.

and like i posted before i don't care too much about if they ever did something w/ the odessey but can they bring back the song One World or Clap your Hands they were both alot of fun!!!:sohappy:

 

[lebernadin]

Originally posted by BeachClubVillas
I got Birnbaum 2004 for my dad for Christmas (like I do every year) and it says that Odyssey is used for First Aid, but the main area of it is a Baby Care Center. So they're probably not going to re-do it any time soon

This is true, but the way you're interpreting it is that the entire building is used for this, which isn't true. If you walk to the Odyssey from Mexico, you'll be looking at the First Aid/Baby Center and restrooms. These always existed in their present forms from what i can remember.

Just picture a clock and from 3 to 6 o'-clock is that part of the building while the rest is the cast cafeteria and now unused Odyssey restaurant.

 

[WDWhumanmap]

BRING BACK THE OLD SHOW FROM THE EARLY 80'S PLEASE ITS THE BEST THING FOR THAT PLACE IF NOT ANY SHOW JUST REOPEN THE PLACE INSTEAD OF IT JUST SITTING THERE WHILE PEOPLE PASS IT TO USE IT AS A SORT CUT TO WORLD SHOWCASE AND THEN THEY STARE AND SAY WHAT IS IT:snore:

 

[AKQJ10]

From what I understand after talking to some people in Guest Relations as well as few a CMs that work there, the old Odyssey is used quite often for special, corporate events. In fact, when I was there last summer, they had a huge seminar taking place (use can use the public restrooms there and see what's going on inside). To me, it still appears too "abandond" for my taste... very "bad show." But the CMs tell me taht the location is booked quite often, and they make so much extra money on the special events that they have no plans to make any substantial changes anytime soon. However, I was also told that the restaurant will undergo a rehab as part of the "Project Gemini" to reopen in 2005.

So, who knows what's really gonna happen....

Have a happy and safe New Years, all!!

-A :sohappy:

 

[raven]

Originally posted by WDWFanatic
Speaking of foods to enjoy, I wish the land would make some more normal sandwiches there instead of putting werid things in them. All i want is a normal turkey or ham sandwich sometimes, no special sauces with berries or anything on it. They need more to choose from. Gimme a pickle and chips with it and im happy. I know alot of people diet to so they should have healthier things to choose from besides salad. Grilled chicken, simple pasta etc..

I ate at one of the Land's eateries and ordered a plain sandwich like that. They had no problem doing it for me. You just have to ask.

 

[raven]

Originally posted by AKQJ10
From what I understand after talking to some people in Guest Relations as well as few a CMs that work there, the old Odyssey is used quite often for special, corporate events. In fact, when I was there last summer, they had a huge seminar taking place (use can use the public restrooms there and see what's going on inside). To me, it still appears too "abandond" for my taste... very "bad show." But the CMs tell me taht the location is booked quite often, and they make so much extra money on the special events that they have no plans to make any substantial changes anytime soon.

Still a bit of an eyesore and dissapointment when you walk all the way over there.

 

[AKQJ10]

I agree completely, Raven...

They could have at least done something with the exterior, etc. All too often i see people walk by and try and open the doors, etc. thinking it's a ride, restaurant, etc. There's no explanation, no signage... nothing. It's a shame, because the veiw in there is great.

Actually, I think the interior looks quite shabby as well. The back-lit signs for the old menus are still there, lit with nothing on them,... it looks like they just looted some stuff and turned off the lights before they left.

-A

 

[WDWhumanmap]

its sad to see i am the only person who remember what the old show was and what the old odessy was like has it been that long that people have forgotten this much

 

[Dizknee_Phreek]

Originally posted by WDWhumanmap
its sad to see i am the only person who remember what the old show was and what the old odessy was like has it been that long that people have forgotten this much

whoa, nelly! there's several people on the boards that remembers the Odyssey. you just gotta find em :animwink:

 

[AKQJ10]

Believe me, I'm one of those people that rememebrs and misses the old Odyssey restaurant! In addition to pretty good food, etc., it was a nice place to stop and catch your breath as you made tour way from FW to WS. Kind of like a "halfway point" in your journey through Epcot.

-A :wave:

 

[joefox97]

And just to set the record straight -- as a former EPCOT cast member who spent entirely too much money at the cast cafeteria... it is indeed the same building as the Odyssey. Odyssey is used frequently for special events -- small to medium sized events fit in nicely. Groups can also use the old corporate lounge at the Living Seas (great for Wedding receptions), Wonders of Life, etc. for special events. Only the largest events end up using the World Showplace, but that too can be booked for the right price... and even can have the great Disney service. I've worked in events at every one of these... and the corporate lounge at the seas even has gold-plated toilets (probably not real gold)... and a clear grand piano -- very posh.

Joe

 

[raven]

Originally posted by joefox97
Only the largest events end up using the World Showplace...

Where is that? Is that the Millennium Building? I've seen groups go in and out of the gates infront of there.

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by joefox97
And just to set the record straight -- as a former EPCOT cast member who spent entirely too much money at the cast cafeteria... it is indeed the same building as the Odyssey. Odyssey is used frequently for special events -- small to medium sized events fit in nicely. Groups can also use the old corporate lounge at the Living Seas (great for Wedding receptions), Wonders of Life, etc. for special events.
Joe

Well said Joe and AKQJ10!
The Odyssey building was used A LOT for cast and private events while I worked there. In fact, we used it for the Mexican Presentation we had to do during my program. It has a stage and dressing rooms on the second floor of it. It also has a show kitchen used for catering events - that´s why someone said she smelled spaguetti sauce!- and public restrooms too. There are seminars held there during F&W Festival too, etc.

It IS connected to the main cast cafeteria! There is another much smaller one behind American Adventure. The rest are break rooms with vending machines and microwaves. FW cast members are supposed to use the main cast cafeteria if they want to.