does UoE need to be more relevant?

[Expo_Seeker40]

a few days ago I watched the original UoE and this was how the show was broken up:

preshow/radok screens: different types of energy and how fossil fuels got us started

theater 1: animated feature of the creation of fossil fuels with the dinos

dioarama: elaborate, foggy, must smelled amazingness

theater 2: energy information theater (as the cars pull in, once screen is filled with multiple images of computers and other machines collecting data), screen then reveals solar pannels, and the theater and movie screen does a wipe to reveal all three giant movie screens as we view solar pannels working

theater 1: :360 degree-like ending of our colorful universe of energy


the problem that I saw right off the bat with the original UoE was the preshow, it becomes a radok-esque zzzzzzz show with "this is mechanical energy mm kay?, this is solar energy mmm kay?

that must have been a big turn off to people

entering the grand theater 1 with the shimmering gold curtains, that was cool IMO, and so was the large scale 70mm animation, with dramatic music and narration, and then taking a break from education and entering the diorama

the energy info theater was cool, especially with the screen wipes and them showing footage of the UoE beeing built and narration about the traveling theater, something I think should be used in a revamp of the show, but what sold me on the original version was the info theater and the uplifting experience of "we can/we need to" find new sources of energy

and then of course the dramatic but dated finale with the 360 degree effect in theater 1 was nice too

so for me, I found the preshow to be the most boring part and quite difficult to watch, but the radok technology was impressive

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I watched it yesterday...And like I said in the EAC...Wouldn't 3D Radok screens be amazing?

And yeah,but it WAS kinda didactic.That's what's nice about the current version,it's a fin story but it gives a lot of good info for that "Oh!I didn't know that!"feeling.

...The only problem is that it's 2008 and we know alot more.Perhaps it's time to have a new story with some original characters?That would be cool...

The Figment of Energy?:lol:

 

[wickedfan07]

I don't want Disney to provide education to me in a 15 minute attraction/lecture about a subject that takes years of study to fully understand.

I'm gonna shut up after this, but...

Understanding ANYTHING completely takes years and years of study. It is not Disney's responsibility to cram years of study in this pavilion. just because a topic is bigger than Epcot doesn't mean it can't be addressed in Epcot.
A while ago we had another fun Epcot thread (I forget which one), but I got yelled at for suggesting that Epcot had a higher purpose than just entertainment. The other poster (whoever it was) argued that there is a whole world to gain inspiration from, and that Epcot was not meant to inspire anything in anyone. That person is right to an extent. Epcot is NOT the real world, and is NOT a replacement for exeriencing the real world. However, it is a respresentation of the real world. How else would you describe World Showcase? There are eleven pavilions representing real nations there. No one is going to convince me that never in the history of Epcot has someone been inspired to visit France because of the France pavilion (as a random example). The point of the France Pavilion is not to spare you the expence of overseas travel, but to encourage it.

It's the same with UoE. Disney doesn't have to educate everyone about the finer points of energy. But if it can help create a public awareness that alternative energy exists and can help fix some of our problems, then the pavilion and the park have done their jobs. Maybe after experiencing UoE, a few more people will leave Epcot asking questions and seeking answers. Epcot isn't, doesn't have to be and shouldn't be a replacement for the real world, it's just that one little spark of inspiration.

I'm done.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I'm gonna shut up after this, but...

Understanding ANYTHING completely takes years and years of study. It is not Disney's responsibility to cram years of study in this pavilion. just because a topic is bigger than Epcot doesn't mean it can't be addressed in Epcot.
A while ago we had another fun Epcot thread (I forget which one), but I got yelled at for suggesting that Epcot had a higher purpose than just entertainment. The other poster (whoever it was) argued that there is a whole world to gain inspiration from, and that Epcot was not meant to inspire anything in anyone. That person is right to an extent. Epcot is NOT the real world, and is NOT a replacement for exeriencing the real world. However, it is a respresentation of the real world. How else would you describe World Showcase? There are eleven pavilions representing real nations there. No one is going to convince me that never in the history of Epcot has someone been inspired to visit France because of the France pavilion (as a random example). The point of the France Pavilion is not to spare you the expence of overseas travel, but to encourage it.

It's the same with UoE. Disney doesn't have to educate everyone about the finer points of energy. But if it can help create a public awareness that alternative energy exists and can help fix some of our problems, then the pavilion and the park have done their jobs. Maybe after experiencing UoE, a few more people will leave Epcot asking questions and seeking answers. Epcot isn't, doesn't have to be and shouldn't be a replacement for the real world, it's just that one little spark of inspiration.

I'm done.

Keep going!Keep going!

Exactly!

EPCOT is about knowing what's going on in the world and what the future can hold on a small entertaining scale.-Not having "classes" on science and world culture shoved down your throat.

 

[Timmay]

Yeah, I did.I'm really getting sick of the constant bickering on this site over Epcot.

You can't expect to throw out your opinion and not have someone counter it...that is unreasonable. I am sorry you see it as bickering. I see it as two sides of a coin.

But you are missing the irony of you telling somone if they don't like Epcot to stop complaining or stop going, don't you think. Someone that laments daily about the "good old days" and how things should change and then telling someone else to stop complaining is odd, at best. There is more than just your, or my, opinion.

The point of the France Pavilion is not to spare you the expence of overseas travel, but to encourage it.

No, it's not. The point is to entertain people, show them a good time, make money and then get those people to come back to WDW again and again. If Disney were in the business of encouraging people to take their vacations elsewhere, they wouldn't be in business very long.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

You can't expect to throw out your opinion and not have someone counter it...that is unreasonable. I am sorry you see it as bickering. I see it as two sides of a coin.

But you are missing the irony of you telling somone if they don't like Epcot to stop complaining or stop going, don't you think. Someone that laments daily about the "good old days" and how things should change and then telling someone else to stop complaining is odd, at best. There is more than just your, or my, opinion.



No, it's not. The point is to entertain people, show them a good time, make money and then get those people to come back to WDW again and again. If Disney were in the business of encouraging people to take their vacations elsewhere, they wouldn't be in business very long.

I really hope you don't perceive me as "whining daily" about the "good old days".If you do,I sincerely apologize.I just liked the values of "Old EPCOT" better.

As for the whole bickering thing,it is just two sides of a coin yes,I'm just miffed that people only want it "their way"-all cartoons and Pixar.

And before you say, all I want is "boring old EPCOT Center" remember the "Character Integration" plan I posted about in another thread?I think it was "Does Epcot need saving?"


Anyway,back to UoE.

Who wants Radok Screens in 3D?

 

[brucie]

I think they should update it with Ellen, perhaps not Bill or Alex but they could do a whole new version with Ellen

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I've often thought of that.Ellen's Energy Talk Show?

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I've often thought of that.Ellen's Energy Talk Show?

Oh joy... :dazzle:

I really would like to see a complete redo of the diorama scene. Sure, the dinosaurs are great, but really, what purpose do they serve in their current state, apart from being a nice thing to look at? There's a large amount of space dedicated to it that could be utilized for something completely different. At the very least, update the AA and put more life into them.

 

[marni1971]

No, it's not. The point is to entertain people, show them a good time, make money and then get those people to come back to WDW again and again. If Disney were in the business of encouraging people to take their vacations elsewhere, they wouldn't be in business very long.

Erm.... yes it is. Just ask any pavilion sponsor. They arn`t spending megabucks to NOT make you want to visit their native land.

Back to the OT- as I`ve said before, loose Ellen, stick the films in AMC-24 for that`s all they are, just a film, and make full use of the pavilion. It could be an amazing, informitive and entertaining journey. Or, again as said elsewhere, go back to the more expensive option they decided aginst before the Ellen rehab. Now THAT'd be something.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Back to the OT- as I`ve said before, loose Ellen, stick the films in AMC-24 for that`s all they are, just a film, and make full use of the pavilion. It could be an amazing, informitive and entertaining journey. Or, again as said elsewhere, go back to the more expensive option they decided aginst before the Ellen rehab. Now THAT'd be something.

Lol They could always bring back the Epcot Educational Films again..Just Like Figment's Would you eay a Blue Potatoe? :lol: The whole Ellen's Energy Adventure can be put onto dvd...And To Think She's never been on the ride...Perhaps being uncomfortable seeing her as an AA..Maybe? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLgi8ynS_HE

Also Since this is about UoE..Anyone who's in Chicago..At the Museum of Science & Industry..Bill Nye will be appearing on July 12th..
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/events/bill-nye/

 

[MAF]

Yes because everyone wants to watch an educational video while on vacation...:lookaroun

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Erm.... yes it is. Just ask any pavilion sponsor. They arn`t spending megabucks to NOT make you want to visit their native land.

Back to the OT- as I`ve said before, loose Ellen, stick the films in AMC-24 for that`s all they are, just a film, and make full use of the pavilion. It could be an amazing, informitive and entertaining journey. Or, again as said elsewhere, go back to the more expensive option they decided aginst before the Ellen rehab. Now THAT'd be something.

And what pray tell was that?

The rail switching thing from your tribute?

Sounds good.

 

[wickedfan07]

And what pray tell was that?

The rail switching thing from your tribute?

Sounds good.

More expensive option? Rail switching? Where is this tribute video?

 

[Legacy]

Geesh... this turned into a good read.

:lookaroun

My ideas include gutting the dinos and developing a concept similar to Liivng with the Land where you explore a facility that is exploring the different alternative energies. Theater 1 can be utilized as a sort of "Welcome to the Future" video... with Nigel Channing as the CEO! lookaroun I'm joking on that part). Explore the facility, video two becomes a, "What you can do video." In then exits into an actual post show.

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

Here's what I've always thought my ultimate Universe of Energy would be. I think they have a great formula with the physical attraction and various elements of the show they've had over the years, it just needs to be tweaked a little and they could have an awesome, popular attraction.

-First off, the exterior of the pavilion. I'd bring back the original paint scheme, with the colors changing from red-to-orange-to-yellow. Maybe use those same colors where the rainbow paint is now, going in the opposite direction. And change the sign, using the same color scheme, and the original concentric ring Universe of Energy logo. Modern solar panels would be a must, ideally provided by whoever the new sponsor is.

-I'd do a pre-show with the Emil Radok screens, but definitely a more dynamic presentation. I agree that the original was way too bland and purely academic. Use the full energetic potential of the Radok screens. It is also possible to update that technology, such as incorporating high-definition screen surfaces, instead of using film projection.

-Theater 1 could be entirely the Big Bang, formation of the Universe and Earth. Imagine how dramatic it would be if it used a combination of astronomical phototgraphy and ultra-realistic CGI, took up the entire length of the Theater 1 show time, and maybe even without narration and music. Take the time lapse past the primeval era to the development of mankind, where you can slow it down to depict the discovery of fire and other important energy milestones. Once it reaches the modern era, the film zooms into a nuclear reactor, car engine, or something like that, down into the molecular level which would then lead you into...

-the former dinosaur diorama, which now takes through a special effects-laden 3-dimensional depiction of the exchange of energy between its various forms. You can almost think of it as a visually spectacular version of a couple of the scenes from Adventure Thru Inner Space. You could even have narration within the traveling theater cars to explain the different processes that the Guests are experiencing.

-"Welcome back, folks, to the 21st Century..." This would be the new Energy Information Center, providing a fascinating (emphasis on the fascinating, of course) film on the up and coming in technology. I think people would really love to see what will be happening to get us out of our oil addiction. Assuming Disney and the sponsor would be willing to invest this film would be periodically updated, every couple of years or so, so showcase the latest and greatest in energy technology. And, of course, showcase the Energy pavilion's new cutting-edge solar panels, and the traveling theater cars. "...we may one day harness the entire Universe of Energy..."

-And now what I think would have Guests coming out of the attraction really pumped is the new musical laser finale. Very much in the spirit of the original, featuring the latest in laser and visual effects, and an updated rendition of the Universe of Energy theme song!

I think the vital thing for any new version of the Universe of Energy is a new sponsor, hopefully one that has it's hand in all of those developing technologies, and one that's not an oil company. If that happens, then I think we can expect a bright future for the pavilion. If not, Disney will probably degenerate it into "Monsters, Inc., Super-Laughable Energy Fun Time," or something similarly awful.

 

[SiriusBlack]

Personally I really like this ride. It is a great way to escape the sun for a while and be entertained(and somewhat informed).

I think most people still remember Bill Nye, and ellen is a very recognized figure. She is also hilarious on this ride.

My mom(and many other women throughout the country) adore ellen and some daytime talkshows can be as popular as nighttime shows(OPRAH owns the world)

 

[henryt93]

Personally I really like this ride. It is a great way to escape the sun for a while and be entertained(and somewhat informed).

I think most people still remember Bill Nye, and ellen is a very recognized figure. She is also hilarious on this ride.

My mom(and many other women throughout the country) adore ellen and some daytime talkshows can be as popular as nighttime shows(OPRAH owns the world)

I like it too, but not enough to spend 45 minutes on it. Disney really needs to make a spectacular attraction to be able to ask people to devote that much of their day to one attraction.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Geesh... this turned into a good read.

:lookaroun

My ideas include gutting the dinos and developing a concept similar to Liivng with the Land where you explore a facility that is exploring the different alternative energies. Theater 1 can be utilized as a sort of "Welcome to the Future" video... with Nigel Channing as the CEO! lookaroun I'm joking on that part). Explore the facility, video two becomes a, "What you can do video." In then exits into an actual post show.

Reverting to something retro?....Hmmm.

Heh...

Counted. Point: EPCOT Explorer.

:lookaroun

(I kid.I kid)

I like it too, but not enough to spend 45 minutes on it. Disney really needs to make a spectacular attraction to be able to ask people to devote that much of their day to one attraction.

True...UoE has always been one of those attractions that went on a bit too long.

 

[Legacy]

Reverting to something retro?....Hmmm.

What's retro about it? I want them to gut the attraction.

I also think the moving theaters are WAY too slow.