Partially true. What they're currently doing in the center of EPCOT is selecting pieces and parts of a much larger and far more expensive plan set out years and years and years ago. While the parts being completed right now are on their own expensive, overall I would have to imagine the cost of redoing the entire core of EPCOT (new coaster aside) has been at least half of what it would have been 5-6 years ago.
There’s a whole bloated bureaucracy to get anything done. Too many people get a say. Too many meetings to decide anything. Too much hesitancy. And yes, despite Disney being a business, there are egos and insecurities involved so that people want to make sure they are “contributing” to the project even if it up ends undoing work that has already been done. Some of the documentaries about Feature Animation in the mid-to-late 90s are a good example of a similar situation where too many people were getting involved who should not have been involved.
While it’s good to see money finally being spent on EPCOT, I think you are conflating the money spent on the whole EPCOT renovation with the money spent to build the creations retail location.
Pixar Pier cost more than Expedition Everest. So while the amount spent on props might be less, the money is there to do more. But also remember that minimalist design actually tends to cost a lot, especially if it is done well. An Apple Store in a mall is easily the most expensive one to build.While it’s good to see money finally being spent on EPCOT, I think you are conflating the money spent on the whole EPCOT renovation with the money spent to build the creations retail location.
Sure, money is being spent on the reimagining of EPCOT, but the money spent to create this new creations shop (boy what a bad name) has to be less than what they would have spent on a 2021 version of what we remember as Mouse Gear; The original Mouse Gear was so highly themed, it was almost an attraction itself.
By the way, you wanna see themed retail, go see the Universal tribute stores!!!! These tribute stores are so well done and so highly themed, you are pulled in just to see it.. Then you buy something
Sorry, not an architecture student... How is this possible? I'd seriously like to understand how this is possible...
Every single piece of concept art for the space over the past 5-6 years looks wildly different than the next. For example, the D23 concept art that was dark blue and circulated for years had a coaster and a maze and loads of fountains all in the center of EPCOT. Even being blue sky concept art, some of those ideas had to be solid plans at some point. Even now, the egg-shaped raised event center has been changed/cut/postponed from the plans. The plans have 100% changed over the years, we're just not sure what exactly it is that has changed.
The materials is a big one. Those tables and shelves aren’t laminated particleboard or MDF but actual solid wood. The tables themselves are also specially designed to conceal all of the cables and everything without obvious visible joints, drawers and panels. Actually building that requires a lot of skill and hard work to accomplish. All of that type work and material choice applies to everything else. The reason everything else isn’t that neat, precise and concealed is because bog standard products aren’t made that way because it is so expensive.
Wow, less theming that costs more. Well there it is. Disney is, as always, making good decisions and spending their shareholders money well. Great job Disney. Can’t wait to see this new Creations shop. Disney is also excellent in naming stuff too.
I mean ... It will likely be immaculately themed for the type of architectural style it's trying to achieve. It might not be a style that resonates with many Disney fans as it focuses on materials and minimalist bespoke furnishings, but it's ultimately still being faithful to the source (which isn't Apple; they just popularized the trend in the public consciousness). Or do you mean that there will be minimal "Disney" theming? If so, I should think people would welcome the relief in a park being overtaken by IP.
^^THIS^^
To each their own, and as we know Disney will do what Disney will do no matter what any of us think.
I understand you're frustration. If something that I expected or felt that way about suddenly disappeared and I'd be upset too. I just look at the renderings for the inside of that shop and I can't help but like it.
