News Big changes coming to EPCOT's Future World?

[englanddg]

I'm feeling the opposite. If they are going to do IPs no matter what, I'd actually prefer they constrain them to FW and try and keep them out of WS as much as possible. WS is supposed to be a realistic and informative view (and, well, showcase) of the world. Considering FW is already seemingly going to have a shift in direction/mission, I think there it will work better rather than ruining what I love about WS.

They've been itching to turn it into Fantasyland 2.0 for a long time now. The characters were the first step, but now that Frozen broke the ice (pun intended), it's gonna be all downhill from here.

That said, it could be a good thing. A Mulan ride in China would be a welcome addition, or Ratatouille in France, or a new and better Snow White's Scary Adventures in Germany...all good additions in my book.

There are ways to incorporate the characters and IPs tastefully into WS without them breaking too far from the theme...I'm not sure the Frozen treatment was the right way, but I haven't experienced the ride yet either and have stayed completely away from watching ridethroughs, at least until I've experienced it first hand...so, <shrug>

FutureWorld, there are also ways to incorporate IPs, but they've just been done poorly. Nemo and the Seas is a natural fit, but then they went very low budget with it...when really an entire pavilion overhaul was required. Perhaps with the Dory movie the pavilion will see some proper theming and much needed interior renovations (and an extra tank with a new exhibit, like, say...belugas or penguins, wouldn't be terrible either!).

The communicores...er...innoventions are also keen for IP inclusion, and I'm ok with them there. Mission: Space is actually already an IP, and a Tron overlay wouldn't be unthinkable for Test Track.

What they don't need is more of the lazy late Eisner era "toss a celebrity at it" type stuff, like how they destroyed Universe of Elle...er...Energy.

They long since gave up on the story they were trying to tell with EPCOT, and it's not coming back. So, if they are going to take this other route, I'd at least like to see them do it tastefully, and do it well.

Oh, and leave Figgy alone! (not the ride, the character, the ride can be scrapped and returned to it's original glory, imho....and re-open and revamp the upstairs image works!)

 

[englanddg]

@marni1971 , how would you describe the planned thematic direction of Epcot and, specifically, Future World?

Iger's Monetary Bonus Adventure, Stock's Soarin', Demagination, Test Track featuring the heroes from Cars 2, Mission: Space will be shuttered, but not torn down (unless a mysterious sink hole opens up...), and Spaceship Earth will be converted into a massive 13 story gift shop.

 

[yeti]

I can't go into details yet, but it should be a ride overhaul that also makes better use of the disengaged centrifuge half of the ride. Expect something added too if plans come through, though again I shouldn't go into detail yet.

So, increased hurl factor?

 

[DinoInstitute]

They've been itching to turn it into Fantasyland 2.0 for a long time now. The characters were the first step, but now that Frozen broke the ice (pun intended), it's gonna be all downhill from here.

That said, it could be a good thing. A Mulan ride in China would be a welcome addition, or Ratatouille in France, or a new and better Snow White's Scary Adventures in Germany...all good additions in my book.

There are ways to incorporate the characters and IPs tastefully into WS without them breaking too far from the theme...I'm not sure the Frozen treatment was the right way, but I haven't experienced the ride yet either and have stayed completely away from watching ridethroughs, at least until I've experienced it first hand...so, <shrug>

FutureWorld, there are also ways to incorporate IPs, but they've just been done poorly. Nemo and the Seas is a natural fit, but then they went very low budget with it...when really an entire pavilion overhaul was required. Perhaps with the Dory movie the pavilion will see some proper theming and much needed interior renovations (and an extra tank with a new exhibit, like, say...belugas or penguins, wouldn't be terrible either!).

The communicores...er...innoventions are also keen for IP inclusion, and I'm ok with them there. Mission: Space is actually already an IP, and a Tron overlay wouldn't be unthinkable for Test Track.

What they don't need is more of the lazy late Eisner era "toss a celebrity at it" type stuff, like how they destroyed Universe of Elle...er...Energy.

They long since gave up on the story they were trying to tell with EPCOT, and it's not coming back. So, if they are going to take this other route, I'd at least like to see them do it tastefully, and do it well.

Oh, and leave Figgy alone! (not the ride, the character, the ride can be scrapped and returned to it's original glory, imho....and re-open and revamp the upstairs image works!)

I agree, tastefully really is key, the question is whether or not that's actually how they would do it. And I guess I don't really want the IPs because I fear it won't be very well done.

How well Frozenstrom was incorporated into Norway has been pretty controversial and is really subject to personal opinion. After riding it I was fine with it, but I definitely hear the arguments about how it doesn't fit well aside from the obvious "Arendelle isn't a real Norway place". Things like GotG, however, it's hard for me to find any way that this can smoothly be incorporated without it being a bit rough (granted, we don't know what they are doing for it yet, but still this one leaves me feeling more uneasy than Frozenstrom just because I'm having a hard time making any sort of connection).

I would be ok with the obvious WS fits like Snow White and Mary Poppins, but I would still like for there to be some original, EPCOT content (such as a brand new pavilion being built amidst the IPs that features its own cultural attraction). But like you said, there's a way to incorporate IPs artfully. For example, something that could be nice could be an Inside Out AA show in Magic Eye that, sure, is fun and has everyone's favorite characters, but also sheds some interesting light onto how the mind works and gets you thinking beyond the IP. What wouldn't be so nice would be Inside Out- Feelings Frenzy! as a new dark ride replacing Figment that goes on an adventure through the movie IO.

Which one of those two would they do? Well, I don't know...and that brings me back to me original point- while it can be executed well, I'm not so sure that it will be and fearful of that.

 

[yeti]

I'm feeling the opposite. If they are going to do IPs no matter what, I'd actually prefer they constrain them to FW and try and keep them out of WS as much as possible. WS is supposed to be a realistic and informative view (and, well, showcase) of the world. Considering FW is already seemingly going to have a shift in direction/mission, I think there it will work better rather than ruining what I love about WS.

I agree, but I'm impartial to location. I only think, seeing as FW and WS are very similar in their core philosophies, cartoons anywhere in Epcot look bad, especially when they "take over" existing infrastructure. I can tolerate them in new spaces, and I was under the impression that there's a lot more room for expansion in WS.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

Up to now I've not seen anything that says otherwise. I've posted elsewhere that Siemens sponsorship finishes at the end of 2017. I hope that won't mean a shift of theme for the flagship.

No intention of renewal?

 

[The Empress Lilly]

There's a lot planned for both halfs of the park. There's a chance Futureworld could go back to a more natural less neon look

There might not even be as many empty expansion pads around the lagoon once all this is complete.

But I will say one thing. IPs are inevitable. Certainly under current management.

The FW Gemini Lite Project sounds fine enough, at least aesthetically.

The WS Fantasyland Project is devastating. WS is miles better off with nice trees in between countries. WS will deteriorate from toon intrusions as much as Fantasyland would deteriorate from an ESPN zone in its empty middle.

 

[Matt_Black]

The FW Gemini Lite Project sounds fine enough, at least aesthetically.

The WS Fantasyland Project is devastating. WS is miles better off with nice trees in between countries. WS will deteriorate from toon intrusions as much as Fantasyland would deteriorate from an ESPN zone in its empty middle.

Actually, if it were "ESPN Presents SPORT GOOFY", I'd be down with that.

 

[RoysCabin]

The question becomes what are the actual themes of the various parks? Now that IP is taking over all of them and in no apparent manner of theme (GoG in Epcot, Pixar everywhere, etc.) what will the focus really be?

That really is the $64,000 question right now, isn't it? If the answer to every problem in every park is "slap a pre-existing movie franchise on it", especially without any consideration for what the theme of the area the ride is going into already is (e.g. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland, Guardians in EPCOT, etc.), then what happens to the whole "theme" part of "theme park"? Does WDW itself become a single theme park now, albeit one with a few areas that have animals (AK), just themed for the various film properties Disney owns? I mean, there's a tenuous connection to be made with Frozen being in Norway and Guardians potentially being in Future World, but, again, they're tenuous at best (especially with GotG not actually taking place in, y'know, the future). Does such a situation really do Disney much good, when Universal is already doing that and Disney is just reacting to them by doing overlays and thus coming off as the cheaper knockoff option?

That pessimism aside, I'm thrilled to hear that they're considering an aesthetic revamp of the entrance area and Innoventions Plaza, hopefully soon to be Communicore again (a man can dream). The area connecting Future World and World Showcase may well be my favorite spot to stand and take in the atmosphere in the entire resort, but complimenting that with the removal of the Leave a Legacy stones, with less of the goofy circus looking stuff behind Spaceship Earth, with more greenery, etc. would be a wonderful development. With any luck, the Communicore buildings will get a decent purpose beyond meet and greets.

 

[backwoodsfarm]

2 The area. There are a few unconnected proposals that may change the appearance.
3 Not that I know of.
6 Yep. It was. There's now a plan b.

Any chance plan B involves the monorail or just water taxis? @marni1971

 

[articos]

The FW Gemini Lite Project sounds fine enough, at least aesthetically.

The WS Fantasyland Project is devastating. WS is miles better off with nice trees in between countries. WS will deteriorate from toon intrusions as much as Fantasyland would deteriorate from an ESPN zone in its empty middle.

There will always be trees between the countries. The pads in WS are set back a bit.

 

[Rodan75]

Sounds like the beginning of a new direction for Epcot! I'm all for a new direction even if it includes IPs. I've mourned old EPCOT Center and look forward to anything that brings new enjoyment to what was once FW and more fun in WS.

 

[marni1971]

So it seems as if WOL turning into GOTG part II has been canceled or put on the back burner for now?

It was always a possible later phase.

 

[marni1971]

No intention of renewal?

I've no idea. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply they are leaving.

 

[marni1971]

@marni1971 , how would you describe the planned thematic direction of Epcot and, specifically, Future World?

I shouldn't say more than I have already. Central spine will be more organic. East and west will have different feels.

 

[RobbinsDad]

That really is the $64,000 question right now, isn't it? If the answer to every problem in every park is "slap a pre-existing movie franchise on it", especially without any consideration for what the theme of the area the ride is going into already is (e.g. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland, Guardians in EPCOT, etc.), then what happens to the whole "theme" part of "theme park"? Does WDW itself become a single theme park now, albeit one with a few areas that have animals (AK), just themed for the various film properties Disney owns? I mean, there's a tenuous connection to be made with Frozen being in Norway and Guardians potentially being in Future World, but, again, they're tenuous at best (especially with GotG not actually taking place in, y'know, the future). Does such a situation really do Disney much good, when Universal is already doing that and Disney is just reacting to them by doing overlays and thus coming off as the cheaper knockoff option?

That pessimism aside, I'm thrilled to hear that they're considering an aesthetic revamp of the entrance area and Innoventions Plaza, hopefully soon to be Communicore again (a man can dream). The area connecting Future World and World Showcase may well be my favorite spot to stand and take in the atmosphere in the entire resort, but complimenting that with the removal of the Leave a Legacy stones, with less of the goofy circus looking stuff behind Spaceship Earth, with more greenery, etc. would be a wonderful development. With any luck, the Communicore buildings will get a decent purpose beyond meet and greets.

Epcot is the real sore thumb. AK, MK, and HS have their themes, although HS is really loosely based on "Hollywood" it's still mostly about the movies and TV. The next few years will be very interesting.

 

[marni1971]

No intention of renewal?

I'm more confident about Siemens continuing sponsorship after next year now.

 

[VIPguide_2030]

Sounds like some good attention coming in the next 5 years. Revamped Mission Space would be great, getting rid of Ellen is good, eventual re-do of Imagination is good. I'm all for rides in WS, I was hoping for at least 2. I also have already mourned the past and am excited for the future.

@marni1971 any word on a LwtL or Seas refurb? Sorry if you already made mention but I have read most of this and haven't seen anything. You should put a bug in your contacts ear to turn WoL into a ESPN sports science experience where the guest can see how they stack up against professional athletes

 

[marni1971]

@marni1971 any word on a LwtL or Seas refurb?

Land has plans but it's way down the list. Unless sponsorship pulls rank it could be after Imag.

 

[Next Big Thing]

Land has plans but it's way down the list. Unless sponsorship pulls rank it could be after Imag.

...and i'll believe Imagination redo when it happens.

Seems like we've been talking about it since the current version opened.