"Discoveryland"

Lennyg512

Lennyg512

Member
Original Poster
I have read somewhere that the name of "Future World" at Epcot will become "Discoveryland." I do not think this is a good idea for two reasons:
1. Epcot is doing very well with visitors right now.
2. "Discoveryland" is the name of "Tomorrowland" in Disneyland Paris.
Further comments would be appreciated.
 
CTXRover

CTXRover

Well-Known Member
I feel like sometimes I am the only one who thinks this name change is a good idea and a better reflection of what "Future World" really is. The entire concept of Epcot is based on Discovery...the Discovery of technology and its application in the real world and the the Discovery of the world and its cultures. As it stands now, very little in FW actually deals with the "Future". Mission:Space deals with the future of space travel perhaps. But the rest of the pavilions provide more in terms of "discovery" of the real world and its technologies than necessarily the "future" of those particular aspects. Sure, there are parts of each pavilion that deal a little bit about the future, but its incredibly difficult to keep attractions just ahead of what the future will bring us and thus often leaves Future World 'behind' the future. Even some of the Innoventions displays have turned more to "Discovery" and learning than what the future necessarily has in store for us.

I don't necessarily think that just because Disneyland Paris re-named their Tomorrowland Discoveryland that the name shouldn't be used at Epcot. I think if it fits the "theme" of the land, than so be it. Why wouldn't the concept of a "Land of Discovery" fit perfectly into Epcot? Afterall, besides perhaps Europeans or avid Disney fans, ask any other average guest what Disneyland Paris's Tomorrowland is called and I imagine most won't have a clue. In fact, I often surprise many of my friends when I tell them there is in fact a Disneyland in Paris!

I love Epcot the way it is.....but I'm also keen on the ideas to enhance the FW area that have been thrown out there, including the addition of more trees and fountains/lakes and the possible name change. Now I don't want them to go overboard and create a jungle, but instead a well-maintained, manicured garden areas would be well-received by me. I've always felt that is part of the nicer allure of the West side vs the East side.

My really own desire to keep the "Future World" name at this point is history and memories. But overall, I'm leaning towards the idea that Discoveryland, or some version of that name, is a better fit.
 
mickhyperion

mickhyperion

Active Member
If they do change they name, I would rather see it changed to Discovery World than Discoveryland. Same as Reason #2 above and also because its a simpler transition to just go from Future to Discovery. Future doesn't make any sense as the park is today, but I don't see changing it as a really necessary thing to do.
 
CTXRover

CTXRover

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by Bill
Grizz will shoot you CTX.:lol:
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I know. Its just difference in opinion that's all. I've agreed with Grizz on countless things, this is just one I have a different opinion on. Doesn't make anyone right or wrong. ;)
 
G

General Grizz

New Member
Originally posted by CTXRover
I know. Its just difference in opinion that's all. I've agreed with Grizz on countless things, this is just one I have a different opinion on. Doesn't make anyone right or wrong. ;)
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You are WRONG!

I can't stand this!

You're outright WRONG!!!!!

---

Enough of that, I'm joking. :lol:

I just believe that the essence of EPCOT should always remain consistent - after all, the word EPCOT is an acronym that stands for a vision of the future.

How do we GET to the future? Discovery. But I think EPCOT is a place - sorry, I know it's "Epcot" now, but it's natural - that should have forward thinking. You know. . . an emphasis dear to Walt's heart.

Discovery is a key aspect - discovering space, discovering science, discovering talent. But it all roots in the possibilities of the future in a Future World.

To rename the park means that there's something not so Futuristic about it - and, if that is starting to be the case, then it's Disney's job to push EPCOT to new heights and raise its bar on what the "future" holds instead of rename the park as an excuse not to keep it fresh and alive and forward-thinking.

It's kinda like renaming a land at the Magic Kingdom, and I'll still call it Future World no matter what. I can see why people think discovery is a great theme (myself included in this group), but we have to press on to the future. . . you can't have Epcot without the "T" - which does NOT stand for "today," by the way. :D
 
ToTBellHop

ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
But, Epcot doesn't stand for anything, anymore...it used to, but it's just Epcot, the theme park, now, not the experimental prototype community of tomorrow...they tried that over at Celebration and it didn't work extremely well...
 
G

General Grizz

New Member
Originally posted by ISTCNavigator57
But, Epcot doesn't stand for anything, anymore...it used to, but it's just Epcot, the theme park, now, not the experimental prototype community of tomorrow...they tried that over at Celebration and it didn't work extremely well...
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The "C" was originally intended for CITY. . . the theme park version stands for Community - which a theme park is.

We cannot lose the value. . .
 
mickhyperion

mickhyperion

Active Member
Originally posted by General Grizz
It's kinda like renaming a land at the Magic Kingdom, and I'll still call it Future World no matter what.
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Disneyland, as I'm sure you already know, has already set that precedent with the renaming of Bear Country to Critter Country. I still prefer Bear Country myself.

But regarding the name Future World, there's also the problem of redundancy between Tomorrowland and Future World. What's the difference supposed to be? In name, there is none. But the reality is... well... reality. Future World is largely based in reality, whereas Tomorrowland is a more fanciful view of the future (or at least that's how it has turned out today with the "Future That Never Was"). A name change to Discovery from Future would certainly help to differentiate the two concepts.
 
Bill

Bill

Account Suspended
Originally posted by General Grizz
The "C" was originally intended for CITY. . . the theme park version stands for Community - which a theme park is.

We cannot lose the value. . .
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Walt used them interchangebly though...
 
DisneyJill

DisneyJill

Well-Known Member
I agree with CTX...To me, Epcot is currently about Discovery, not the future. Either way, let's face it, something needs done to the front of Epcot. It's yucky and cement-ish and old and dirty looking. I think it's time for a change. Wasn't Walt about progress? He wouldn't want to stick with the same old boring ideas when there are new fresh ones just waiting to be tried on for size. :)
 
D

DarkMeasures

New Member
Changing the name would be a great act of wrong.

Future World at Epcot is to help people understand and grasp what needs to be done in the future. The park itself does not even need to have a ride taken place in the future as the park explains itself.

SpaceshipEarth- One of the last rides there to display a future instead of showing how we should prepare, so skip this one.

Living Seas- Understanding the seas and taken advantage of it is very important. We must remember not to hurt the seas yet use it so we gain a better Earthly perspective.

The land- Same as Living Seas except the Land actually builds on a better tommorow by working towards there with its greenhouse project.

Imagination- Pfftt... there isn't even enough imagination from the Imagineers for a decent ride...

Innoventions- Related directly to the future. Exhibits display what will come to help us in the near future.

Test Track- The Auto Industry s very important, but people need the knowledge to know how these cars came to be. The ride demonstrates itself how we must prepare our technologies in the future.

Mission:Space- Hopefully, in the future, Humans will forever leave Earth and colonize space instead. But people need to know the importance of the technology before heading off.

WoL- Fitness is just as important as in 1986, and it is still a future attraction. This pavilian helps people understand their bodies for preparing a better life in the Future.

Ellen's Energy Adventure- Everything uses energy. And people need to learn about the goods and bads about each source so down the road they can improve life in the future by developing better means for each energy source.

From this list (besides spaceship earth), I believe that there is more Future in Future World (even with 80's style buildings) than there is Discovery.
 
ToTBellHop

ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
I don't see the big problem in changing the name of this area. Epcot is still Epcot. Although even more troubling than the fact that Discoveryland is at DLP is the fact that a very similarly-named Discovery Island (2 more letters) is a couple miles away at Animal Kingdom...they should have stuck with Safari Village...
 
Bill

Bill

Account Suspended
Enough with the name changes!!!!! :rolleyes:

Though the Studios should be Just Disney Studios Florida. I have a button that says that. :)
 
Yen_Sid1

Yen_Sid1

New Member
Originally posted by ISTCNavigator57
I don't see the big problem in changing the name of this area. Epcot is still Epcot. Although even more troubling than the fact that Discoveryland is at DLP is the fact that a very similarly-named Discovery Island (2 more letters) is a couple miles away at Animal Kingdom...they should have stuck with Safari Village...
Click to expand...

AK also has Discovery River.
 

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