Eddie Sotto's take on the current state of the parks

[jt04]

I find some of the Blogger's comments..... questionable. I think both Test Track and Mission: Space are improvements. I'd like to see more attractions like those. I was never a huge fan of the "original EPCOT Center" concept, in that such approaches are doomed to be quickly outdated, and very expensive to keep updated. However, losing the original JII is simply unforgivable! That ride was GREAT! The new SSE is much improved, even if still pretty Western-centric (HELLO!!! NO mention of the Chinese printing presses? The ride suggests Gutenburg did it all on his lonesome!) but at least they no longer make the perposterous claim that the Egyptians invented writing! If they can finish the descent, it'll be a great ride.

He revolutionized printing by inventing movable type. I don't remember the ride ever claiming he invented the concept of printing. Although I agree, the new SSE is very retro Epcot Center-ish which you claim not to like. Hmmm.

I've already suggested ways they can keep the attractions updated to last at least until they wear out. It's easy but I think we may find out Eisner would not green light those concepts. That is how it seems anyway. I think he tried to end the original FW concept. Tried and failed.

 

[jt04]

So I shouldnt mention that intelligent design should be presented in the Universe of Energy as a counter to big bang?

Pssst, don't tell anyone but Al believes in ID. :zipit:

It's a paradox :lol:

 

[robbwilder]

Pssst, don't tell anyone but Al believes in ID. :zipit:

It's a paradox :lol:

If Al gore gets his own soapbox in Epcot .. I swear Ill tear up my AP's...

Cypress Gardens would be my new home ..

 

[HMF]

So I shouldnt mention that intelligent design should be presented in the Universe of Energy as a counter to big bang?

Can we leave politics out of it.

 

[Ragetti]

He revolutionized printing by inventing movable type.

Even that, strictly speaking, isn't true. Chinese printing methods used moveable blocks, and a dutch type system based on wood cuts was invented in 1430's. Gutenburg's innovation was to used precise cast letters, which made mass production practical. Though don't get me wrong... Gutneburg's contributions were collosal. A mention of Chinese printing was probably in order through.

I don't remember the ride ever claiming he invented the concept of printing.

No, it doesn't, but it does leave the impression that he some

Although I agree, the new SSE is very retro Epcot Center-ish which you claim not to like. Hmmm. [/quote]

Well SSE is decent now becuase it was JUST overhauled. IN 10 years, it'll look a little dated again.

I've already suggested ways they can keep the attractions updated to last at least until they wear out. It's easy but I think we may find out Eisner would not green light those concepts. That is how it seems anyway. I think he tried to end the original FW concept. Tried and failed.

well, perhaps they could suprise me. I'd sure liek to see!

 

[Eddie Sotto]

So I shouldnt mention that intelligent design should be presented in the Universe of Energy as a counter to big bang?

Or at least present theories as such (the universe has been dated and debated so much in itself it's almost a joke) and leave the door open for the guest to decide. Good point. And yes, leave politics out of it.

 

[robbwilder]

Can we leave politics out of it.

Actually that would be religion vs. science but I will drop it.

Or at least present theories as such (the universe has been dated and debated so much in itself it's almost a joke) and leave the door open for the guest to decide. Good point. And yes, leave politics out of it.

Just playful banter from me but the funny thing is that what this whole thread topic (not your interview but the state of disney parks) is about Politics. Disney Politics. You cannot run a corporation and not have it. Eisner with TV and Movies vs Epcot etc... Its the internal company politics that control alot of what goes on and what doesnt go on in the parks. It prevents alot of times Corporations from acting as a team because one department is competing for the affections of the board or ceo. Instead, If people put it aside its amazing what could be accomplished.

 

[Ragetti]

I'm not trying to open a debate. Just pointing out the obvious.

Whenever somone suggests that Future World needs exhibits that reflect a political viewoint and opinion, I plan to add my opinion. That is what forums are all about.

And I never suggested I expect everyone to agree with me. Obviously many don't. But the earth's temperatures have never been static. Never, ever, never, never, never, ever.....ever....never. The climate has always "changed", it just seems as though the news has taken awhile to get to certain hills and hollows of Tennessee. :lol:

:wave:

Y'all take care now. Stay cool :ROFLOL:

I suggest we give this topic a miss. I think you may not be so schooled on the science, but rather than get into a pointless argument (we're unlikely to change minds), I can agree that this topic is controversial enough that it shouldn't be included... yet.

 

[The Mom]

Can we leave politics out of it.

ITA. Please stay on topic, everyone.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

We need a weather pavilion.:lookaroun:lol: That would solve all these debates....

 

[robbwilder]

We need a weather pavilion.:lookaroun:lol: That would solve all these debates....

Now thats something I think would be a neat idea.. With a Hurricane ride simulating winds and rain and lightning and such ... then the pavillion can have weatherproofing and such for the houses ...

 

[Studios Fan]

A weather pavilion would be neat. Almost anything would be better than an empty WoL pavilion.

 

[jt04]

Or at least present theories as such (the universe has been dated and debated so much in itself it's almost a joke) and leave the door open for the guest to decide. Good point. And yes, leave politics out of it.

I mentioned earlier that I thought Eisner did the right thing in adding "thrill" rides to Future World. But I critisized that the rides did not seem to have the original Epcot Center ideals. Of course M:S seems to me to be an exception. I'm just wondering if you had to fight to bring in that vision. Also, do you believe what progress city usa and also myself say that Eisner either didn't get or purposely tried to steer Future World away from it's original concept? When you look at HISTA and Soarin' and even Test Track (and much more) it really is hard to fathom what Eisner and WDI's aim was. I remember when HISTA opened he did live feeds on national TV and was extremely proud of the attraction. I'm not Eisner bashing but I just wonder what his long range vision was for FW because I really can't figure it out completely.

Of course, I know you are a professional and still work in the industry so feel free to not answer.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Now thats something I think would be a neat idea.. With a Hurricane ride simulating winds and rain and lightning and such ... then the pavillion can have weatherproofing and such for the houses ...

Yep. Add in the aspect of flight, and you have a very nice "Air" Pavilion.

*cough Soarin cough*:lol:

I mentioned earlier that I thought Eisner did the right thing in adding "thrill" rides to Future World. But I critisized that the rides did not seem to have the original Epcot Center ideals. Of course M:S seems to me to be an exception. I'm just wondering if you had to fight to bring in that vision. Also, do you believe what progress city usa and also myself say that Eisner either didn't get or purposely tried to steer Future World away from it's original concept? When you look at HISTA and Soarin' and even Test Track (and much more) it really is hard to fathom what Eisner and WDI's aim was. I remember when HISTA opened he did live feeds on national TV and was extremely proud of the attraction. I'm not Eisner bashing but I just wonder what his long range vision was for FW because I really can't figure it out completely.

Of course, I know you are a professional and still work in the industry so feel free to not answer.

OK, here, I agree with you. HISTA, TT and Soarin to some extent don't work in EPCOT at all. Only reason that Soarin is a good ride for EPCOT is because it's part of a bigger "Land Experience".

 

[unkadug]

ITA. Please stay on topic, everyone.

For a topic that, by it's title, is ones man's opinion, this thread certainly has gone on for a while. What exactly is the topic? Only Eddie can make that call.

Anything added to this thread by anyone other than Eddie, is off topic. :lookaroun

 

[jt04]

For a topic that, by it's title, is ones man's opinion, this thread certainly has gone on for a while. What exactly is the topic? Only Eddie can make that call.

Anything added to this thread by anyone other than Eddie, is off topic. :lookaroun

Please stay on topic.



:lol:

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Topic?

I'm impressed that the discussion has gotten to the point where the EPCOT vision and story behind the idea is out there and great insights are flying around. We should respect other's opinions as they are just that. What was/is the message of the experience and how has it changed is all fair game to me. What can be distracting is when we argue what political point of view we see as best, because that seems less productive and is certainly subjective and non solvable. I think what has happened in a good way is that the thread is making us all think about the mission statement, the story, it's content and how it plays out as the total effect. Good designers do that and I'm here in part to help inspire that thought process in you all. Wether we agree on what those shows politically say is a whole thread in itself.

To answer an earlier question about M:S and TT, the Parks are most reactive to what the park isn't. Sure, there's a vision statement. (I may be able to dig up the one from 10 years ago and share it). They saw a very low "desire to return" from guests overall, which is deadly. Then bored kids being dragged around (which means once they've been they keep the family from going back) and decide that more thrill is needed to balance out the "tutorial" delivery of story, so they order some thrill attractions to even it out. It does change the tone of FW.

Soarin, Space and Test Track give a good high, medium, and low thrill offerings to EPCOT. I think tonally that's good as there is now something for everyone in that area and they all have content. I wonder why Soarin' wasn't planned for WS as the "Around the World" would be add a visionary payoff to that area.

I can say on M:S that the idea was to "educate by experience". So we were not changing the vision, just the delivery. Inspire kids to want to pursue a career in that direction by giving them the thrill of what it's like to go. A different way to do things was needed to reach a younger target and have something for everyone. M:S was never intended to capture 100% of the gate. SM in MK only gets 19%! So it is meant to feel challenging to a degree and not for granny per se. The ride scores extremely high with kids. (Not to get this into another M:S debate as we've beaten that to death, but a question was asked as if it was part of a change of vision.)

 

[jt04]

I'm impressed that the discussion has gotten to the point where the EPCOT vision and story behind the idea is out there and great insights are flying around. We should respect other's opinions as they are just that. What was/is the message of the experience and how has it changed is all fair game to me. What can be distracting is when we argue what political point of view we see as best, because that seems less productive and is certainly subjective and non solvable. I think what has happened in a good way is that the thread is making us all think about the mission statement, the story, it's content and how it plays out as the total effect. Good designers do that and I'm here in part to help inspire that thought process in you all. Wether we agree on what those shows politically say is a whole thread in itself.

To answer an earlier question about M:S and TT, the Parks are most reactive to what the park isn't. Sure, there's a vision statement. (I may be able to dig up the one from 10 years ago and share it). They saw a very low "desire to return" from guests overall, which is deadly. Then bored kids being dragged around (which means once they've been they keep the family from going back) and decide that more thrill is needed to balance out the "tutorial" delivery of story, so they order some thrill attractions to even it out. It does change the tone of FW.

Soarin, Space and Test Track give a good high, medium, and low thrill offerings to EPCOT. I think tonally that's good as there is now something for everyone in that area and they all have content. I wonder why Soarin' wasn't planned for WS as the "Around the World" would be add a visionary payoff to that area.

I can say on M:S that the idea was to "educate by experience". So we were not changing the vision, just the delivery. Inspire kids to want to pursue a career in that direction by giving them the thrill of what it's like to go. A different way to do things was needed to reach a younger target and have something for everyone. M:S was never intended to capture 100% of the gate. SM in MK only gets 19%! So it is meant to feel challenging to a degree and not for granny per se. The ride scores extremely high with kids. (Not to get this into another M:S debate as we've beaten that to death, but a question was asked as if it was part of a change of vision.)

Thanks for the response. I would find reading the mission statement fascinating.

Wow! SM only gets 19% of gusests! I would have thought at least 50%. So is this because the great majority of guests don't go the MK thinking "thrill rides"? I wouldn't mind if MK never gets another thrill ride especially with three other parks in need of them. WDW seems well positioned in that aspect to have more specialized theme parks.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I'm impressed that the discussion has gotten to the point where the EPCOT vision and story behind the idea is out there and great insights are flying around. We should respect other's opinions as they are just that. What was/is the message of the experience and how has it changed is all fair game to me. What can be distracting is when we argue what political point of view we see as best, because that seems less productive and is certainly subjective and non solvable. I think what has happened in a good way is that the thread is making us all think about the mission statement, the story, it's content and how it plays out as the total effect. Good designers do that and I'm here in part to help inspire that thought process in you all. Wether we agree on what those shows politically say is a whole thread in itself.

To answer an earlier question about M:S and TT, the Parks are most reactive to what the park isn't. Sure, there's a vision statement. (I may be able to dig up the one from 10 years ago and share it). They saw a very low "desire to return" from guests overall, which is deadly. Then bored kids being dragged around (which means once they've been they keep the family from going back) and decide that more thrill is needed to balance out the "tutorial" delivery of story, so they order some thrill attractions to even it out. It does change the tone of FW.

Soarin, Space and Test Track give a good high, medium, and low thrill offerings to EPCOT. I think tonally that's good as there is now something for everyone in that area and they all have content. I wonder why Soarin' wasn't planned for WS as the "Around the World" would be add a visionary payoff to that area.

I can say on M:S that the idea was to "educate by experience". So we were not changing the vision, just the delivery. Inspire kids to want to pursue a career in that direction by giving them the thrill of what it's like to go. A different way to do things was needed to reach a younger target and have something for everyone. M:S was never intended to capture 100% of the gate. SM in MK only gets 19%! So it is meant to feel challenging to a degree and not for granny per se. The ride scores extremely high with kids. (Not to get this into another M:S debate as we've beaten that to death, but a question was asked as if it was part of a change of vision.)

Often wondered the same thing....But where could they put it? WS needs a welcome center for such things.:lol:

 

[janoimagine]

Thank You

Just wanted to say thank you Eddie for all the wonderful stories and inspiration you have given in your posts, it's been an incredible read and I look forward to more. You have truly taken creativity to a new level.