Connections Cafe and Eatery

[yensidtlaw1969]

If you want themed decor go to World Showcase or Magic Kingdom.
This part of Epcot that used to be Future world isn’t really a theme park in that sense, baroque over the top theming wouldn’t work in an area that is meant to be contemporary and modern.

"Contemporary" and "Modern" are really not the words for EPCOT, either - both of which suggest influence taken from looking around rather than looking ahead.

I think Casper's point was that paying a ton of money to enter a Theme Park that's decorated similarly to the world you just left behind makes little sense. If Connections offers Apple Store/Airport vibes, well, I could have just gone to the Airport. I don't think they were suggesting the word Baroque literally, just that streamlined and minimal ornamentation does nothing the real world doesn't already do.

The point of the park (and its hefty admission price) is to give us a place to go that's unlike anywhere else. Connections is decidedly like many places, and blueprint terrazzo really isn't enough to distinguish it.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

It’s looks like a REALLY beautiful school cafeteria

 

[James Alucobond]

The point of the park (and its hefty admission price) is to give us a place to go that's unlike anywhere else. Connections is decidedly like many places, and blueprint terrazzo really isn't enough to distinguish it.

Being "unlike anywhere else" is about the sum total of the park's parts and the overall experience. The World Showcase literally has scaled-down recreations of existing architectural works. Should people be upset about the price of admission because they can just go see the real Eiffel Tower elsewhere? The allure is in the cultural intersection and the ability to quickly "walk around the world". Similarly, the original selling point of Future World was that it represented an eternal world's fair, an event that many people would never get to experience otherwise and that was ephemeral even if they had.

 

[UNCgolf]

"Contemporary" and "Modern" are really not the words for EPCOT, either - both of which suggest influence taken from looking around rather than looking ahead.

I think Casper's point was that paying a ton of money to enter a Theme Park that's decorated similarly to the world you just left behind makes little sense. If Connections offers Apple Store/Airport vibes, well, I could have just gone to the Airport. I don't think they were suggesting the word Baroque literally, just that streamlined and minimal ornamentation does nothing the real world doesn't already do.

The point of the park (and its hefty admission price) is to give us a place to go that's unlike anywhere else. Connections is decidedly like many places, and blueprint terrazzo really isn't enough to distinguish it.

I understand the point you're making, but hasn't that always been true of the central spine locations in EPCOT? It's why I don't have much issue with this new design.

They've always been beholden to contemporary design trends; Electric Umbrella is a shining example of that.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

I understand the point you're making, but hasn't that always been true of the central spine locations in EPCOT? It's why I don't have much issue with this new design.

They've always been beholden to contemporary design trends; Electric Umbrella is a shining example of that.

Communicore was not beholden to contemporary design trends. As indicated somewhere earlier, it much more became the model for what others would do moving forward.

Electric Umbrella, as I think we all know, was a shining example of them missing the mark on the EPCOT aesthetic by several nautical miles.

Connections can be better aesthetically than Electric Umbrella and still be missing the mark.

 

[UNCgolf]

Communicore was not beholden to contemporary design trends. As indicated somewhere earlier, it much more became the model for what others would do moving forward.

Electric Umbrella, as I think we all know, was a shining example of them missing the mark on the EPCOT aesthetic by several nautical miles.

Connections can be better aesthetically than Electric Umbrella and still be missing the mark.

I think Communicore itself as an overall structure is different than spaces like Connections, though. I don't remember any of the QS locations or shops in the spine ever being disconnected from contemporary design. Electric Umbrella is obviously a major example, but Centorium etc. were very much of their time too.

Long story short, of everything they've built as part of this EPCOT overhaul, this is probably the least offensive other than the entrance. And maybe the outdoor part of Ratatouille.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Being "unlike anywhere else" is about the sum total of the park's parts and the overall experience. The World Showcase literally has scaled-down recreations of existing architectural works. Should people be upset about the price of admission because they can just go see the real Eiffel Tower elsewhere? The allure is in the cultural intersection and the ability to quickly "walk around the world". Similarly, the original selling point of Future World was that it represented an eternal world's fair, an event that many people would never get to experience otherwise and that was ephemeral even if they had.

I think you know that Eiffel Tower example is not quite the same. I can't drive 20 minutes up I4 and go to the real Eiffel Tower. I can drive 20 minutes from EPCOT to the Apple Store. Or the Mall, or the Airport. Most guests, regardless of where they're from, have some example of interior design nearby that sits on the same wavelength as Connections. Only a small fraction of guests at EPCOT will look and say "We've got The Eiffel Tower at home" - and even then there's at least the novelty of seeing the facsimile of your own unique country.

I've visted EPCOT with friends from several of the countries represented in World Showcase, and they're always most interested in seeing how theirs is represented and pointing out the similarities and differences. Do you think there will be any similar phenomenon for Connections? Or will it simply just feel generic, because it kind of is?

 

[James Alucobond]

Do you think there will be any similar phenomenon for Connections? Or will it simply just feel generic, because it kind of is?

From a shopping and dining standpoint, I don't think that's the purpose CommuniCore has served, ever. Again, it's part of the larger Future World conceit. The decor within has never been divorced from contemporary trend, even if it contained more interesting exhibits. And that's okay; I don't think I've ever seen a photo of folks dining at the 1964 World's Fair where they weren't either on a park bench or chilling in a mid-century bucket chair around a tulip table.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

From a shopping and dining standpoint, I don't think that's the purpose CommuniCore has served, ever. Again, it's part of the larger Future World conceit. The decor within has never been divorced from contemporary trend, even if it contained more interesting exhibits. And that's okay; I don't think I've ever seen a photo of folks dining at the 1964 World's Fair where they weren't either on a park bench or chilling in a mid-century bucket chair around a tulip table.

That seems like a contemporary perspective on CommuniCore - back when it opened and operated as designed it certainly was an example of forward-looking design, in both the building's structure and contents, including the exhibits.

Forward looking in form and function - but even if we forgo form, the building at least still had its function as a strong, unique element. Connections is not forward looking in either its form or function . . . I could almost forgive its function being relatively pedestrian if at least the form was forward-looking. But to not give us either?

It's just a restaurant. Not even a glorified one. Clean, sure, but that's no feat, it's de rigeur. Same with Creations. There's no there there.

 

[UNCgolf]

That seems like a contemporary perspective on CommuniCore - back when it opened and operated as designed it certainly was an example of forward-looking design, in both the building's structure and contents, including the exhibits.

Forward looking in form and function - but even if we forgo form, the building at least still had its function as a strong, unique element. Connections is not forward looking in either its form or function . . . I could almost forgive its function being relatively pedestrian if at least the form was forward-looking. But to not give us either?

It's just a restaurant. Not even a glorified one. Clean, sure, but that's no feat, it's de rigeur. Same with Creations. There's no there there.

I just don't see how that's different from the original shop and restaurant in the spine. I don't see much of an argument that Centorium was forward looking, or wildly different than other shops of its era. Neither was Stargate.

Would I prefer something less generic there? Of course. In the grand scheme of things, though, this space is essentially a win compared to what they're doing elsewhere.

Communicore itself is a completely separate argument, and I agree with you there.

 

[James Alucobond]

That seems like a contemporary perspective on CommuniCore - back when it opened and operated as designed it certainly was an example of forward-looking design, in both the building's structure and contents, including the exhibits.

Forward looking in form and function - but even if we forgo form, the building at least still had its function as a strong, unique element. Connections is not forward looking in either its form or function . . . I could almost forgive its function being relatively pedestrian if at least the form was forward-looking. But to not give us either?

It's just a restaurant. Not even a glorified one. Clean, sure, but that's no feat, it's de rigeur. Same with Creations. There's no there there.

I would imagine the forward-looking form was meant to come from the accompanying festival center since it's difficult to not re-tread with the exterior when you're simply doing a restoration. I agree that much in terms of overall function was lost, but I don't agree that the shopping and dining venues were ever a significant part of the original future-facing vision of CommuniCore.

EDIT: Sorry, slow. Basically said the same thing as the above post.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Y'all know it's just a coffee shop and a burger/pizza joint "at a World's Fair", right?

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Y'all know it's just a coffee shop and a burger/pizza joint "at a World's Fair", right?

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Is it? According to Imagineer Zach Riddley, it's a dining experience that "builds upon our World Celebration story by focusing on connections that generations of people make while gathering over a meal", featuring the "relationship of place, people and food from across the world – celebrating the bountiful variety of ingredients and traditions that connect culture and food to the beautiful, diverse places that we call home", with "unique design features that echo EPCOT of the past that are just stunning".


A place where "the gardens and greenery within World Celebration will complement the interiors, allowing our guests to harmonize with nature outside; how friends and family will gather together around a meal or beverage; and how show kitchens will provide a culinary experience for our guests within. The kitchen you see represented here will actually be responsible for making a variety of baked goods, which will be available at Connections Eatery".


And a hub that encourages “connecting”– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures. EPCOT is a park about people, and this new location within World Celebration will commemorate that with the talent and skill found within the kitchen, and those who gather together to enjoy each other’s company over a meal".


. . . That or they were BS'ing us. Shocking.


The fact that it's merely a burger joint being talked up like a meaningful addition is, like, the problem.


And not for nothing, but nowhere in any of the copy about this restaurant (and boy has there been plenty) is any reference made to the World's Fair concept at all. Insufficient though an attempt at "theming" that would be. So I think you're either giving them a freebie on that or your making things up to suit your opinion.

Once again, "there's no there there" in Connections Cafe.

 

[Jon81uk]

Is it? According to Imagineer Zach Riddley, it's a dining experience that "builds upon our World Celebration story by focusing on connections that generations of people make while gathering over a meal", featuring the "relationship of place, people and food from across the world – celebrating the bountiful variety of ingredients and traditions that connect culture and food to the beautiful, diverse places that we call home", with "unique design features that echo EPCOT of the past that are just stunning".


A place where "the gardens and greenery within World Celebration will complement the interiors, allowing our guests to harmonize with nature outside; how friends and family will gather together around a meal or beverage; and how show kitchens will provide a culinary experience for our guests within. The kitchen you see represented here will actually be responsible for making a variety of baked goods, which will be available at Connections Eatery".


And a hub that encourages “connecting”– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures. EPCOT is a park about people, and this new location within World Celebration will commemorate that with the talent and skill found within the kitchen, and those who gather together to enjoy each other’s company over a meal".


. . . That or they were BS'ing us. Shocking.


The fact that it's merely a burger joint being talked up like a meaningful addition is, like, the problem.


And not for nothing, but nowhere in any of the copy about this restaurant (and boy has there been plenty) is any reference made to the World's Fair concept at all. Insufficient though an attempt at "theming" that would be. So I think you're either giving them a freebie on that or your making things up to suit your opinion.

Once again, "there's no there there" in Connections Cafe.

You can’t argue the copy doesn’t describe the space as built though, a meeting place with views of nature and open kitchens that allows you to concentrate on the people you are making connections with.
It’s a plain space as the main purpose is to allow you and friends:/family to eat and drink. Doesn’t need to evoque a different place (like World Showcase or much of Animal Kingdom) or a different time (like much of Magic Kingdom) or a fictional place (like Hollywood Studios). It is just a cafe and quick service restaurant and not designed to be anything more than a place to sit with friends/family.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

You can’t argue the copy doesn’t describe the space as built though, a meeting place with views of nature and open kitchens that allows you to concentrate on the people you are making connections with.
It’s a plain space as the main purpose is to allow you and friends:/family to eat and drink. Doesn’t need to evoque a different place (like World Showcase or much of Animal Kingdom) or a different time (like much of Magic Kingdom) or a fictional place (like Hollywood Studios). It is just a cafe and quick service restaurant and not designed to be anything more than a place to sit with friends/family.

I didn't say it did have to do any of those things.

All I asked for was some forward-looking design.

That shouldn't be too much to ask from EPCOT.

 

[James Alucobond]

I didn't say it did have to do any of those things.

All I asked for was some forward-looking design.

That shouldn't be too much to ask from EPCOT.

It's one thing to ask or hope for it; it's another to expect it or imply that center-of-park shopping and dining was ever more than this (again, not talking about CommuniCore as a whole).

 

[mergatroid]

Courtesy of 4K WDW . Looks quite a bit better on video.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Y'all know it's just a coffee shop and a burger/pizza joint "at a World's Fair", right?

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Three, maybe Four of these images are more appealing to me then Connections.

We all know that Disney doesn't just replicate historical spaces, it heightens them, exaggerates them, makes them more real then the real thing. That's the entire point of World Showcase - why couldn't it be the point here, also? What about this space actually reads "World's Fair" outside of the need to find an explanation for its utter blandness?

Also, as a general note, there are more World's Fairs then the 64-65 one - much, much more significant World's Fairs. Yes, those Fairs also pulled from contemporary design philosophies. But if the goal is creating an interesting, unique space, it seems like the vast history of the Fairs could be a resource. Heck, turn the space into one that is ABOUT the Fairs - make it educational and interesting and let it actually help lend direction to a directionless park.

At the very least, some color would be nice and wouldn't even deviate too far from the "contemporary design" mandate. Each of the "neighborhoods" in FW are now color-coded, and this is the space in which they converge and "connect." It seems like that, alone, could justify some interesting uses of color. The Umbrella was dark, dingy, and felt ripped from a movie theater, but it didn't feel medicinal and antiseptic, two sensations I find really unappealing, so I still preferred it.

The bottom line is that Disney has no idea what EPCOT is, and this space is that fact made physical, generic and non-committal as possible. And maybe, if it didn't come after 20 years of ripping the themed elements out of themed spaces across the resort, it wouldn't be as vexing. But it does.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

It's one thing to ask or hope for it; it's another to expect it or imply that center-of-park shopping and dining was ever more than this (again, not talking about CommuniCore as a whole).

I would disagree that they weren’t - but let’s consider this, NONE of them were ever subject to the level of promotion and undeserving mythologizing that Creations and Connections weirdly received.

 

[James Alucobond]

@Casper Gutman
Again, no one's saying that what you're talking about doesn't sound appealing. Sure, it'd be awesome if the space had some other educational component or was truly something "more" than an eatery. The point is that a) this is consistent with past use of this space and therefore does not in itself represent the decline in quality people seem desperate to ascribe to every aspect of this project, and b) it is ultimately in theme even if you feel you can conjure up solutions that might have been more inspiring or imaginative. I also think it's incredibly dismissive to simply handwave contemporary trends by mining for the most negative diction possible to describe them.

I would disagree that they weren’t - but let’s consider this, NONE of them were ever subject to the level of promotion and undeserving mythologizing that Creations and Connections weirdly received.

I agree that this is tiresome, but it's just how their blog/social media presence is. It's not something the typical guest ever sees.