EPCOT – the park that lost its optimism

[VT GAL]

Yea, to get more people to come to Disney World. And when people started to complaining about it being stale/boring, they changed it.

Honestly, people need to stop kidding themselves if they think Epcot was built for some high and mighty reason.

I think you make a valid point that brings us back to where I feel EPCOT is today.

You are right that people felt that it was starting to get stale/boring, and the same thing today is starting to take place. Everything changes, and I don't think that anyone is saying they want to wrap EPCOT up in foil and keep it in the freezer. It is my opinion that there are a few attractions that have been left for dead for far too long, and I would love to see them spruced up/update/insert term here to be more relevent in a way that calls back to the past in terms of standards of show, message, and upkeep.

I have no illusions that EPCOT was built for a high and mighty reason that was called down from the hills. I just know that there has been a decline in standards and I would like them to return back to their previous ways.

I respect your opinion totally, and I agree that when something becomes stale/boring that it should be seen as a call to action instead of an excuse to put your head in the ground and pretend that time and interest aren't passing you by *cough*JII*UOE*Cough!!!!

Shelley

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

You have worded this post perfectly and I agree wholeheartedly. :sohappy:

But I would like to take it a step further and request that the "cutesy" spin that has been placed on EPCOT in the recent past be removed.

Considering the different messages of each park...just by glancing at the current guidemaps you can't tell MK from EPCOT. That is SAD.

Didn't we discuss this over dinner a few nights ago...?:lol:

Yep...Those Nemo maps suck.Why can't SSE be on the cover? At least that is new.

I think you make a valid point that brings us back to where I feel EPCOT is today.

You are right that people felt that it was starting to get stale/boring, and the same thing today is starting to take place. Everything changes, and I don't think that anyone is saying they want to wrap EPCOT up in foil and keep it in the freezer. It is my opinion that there are a few attractions that have been left for dead for far too long, and I would love to see them spruced up/update/insert term here to be more relevent in a way that calls back to the past in terms of standards of show, message, and upkeep.

I have no illusions that EPCOT was built for a high and mighty reason that was called down from the hills. I just know that there has been a decline in standards and I would like them to return back to their previous ways.

I respect your opinion totally, and I agree that when something becomes stale/boring that it should be seen as a call to action instead of an excuse to put your head in the ground and pretend that time and interest aren't passing you by *cough*JII*UOE*Cough!!!!

Shelley

HIT IT ON THE HEAD.:sohappy:

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Ah, another one of these Epcot v. EPCOT Center threads. From what I've read, folks like E:E, VT GAL, and EPCOT.nut have basically stated what I would say about Epcot. :lol:

To put it simply, I think Epcot has lost its vision and, to an extent, its optimisim. Is it coming back? I don't know yet. We're certainly at that point where WDI could take Epcot in either direction; one where new attractions are based more on characters and entertainment, or one where attractions contain an educational and/or inspirational aspect in addition to being entertaining. I hope they choose the latter.

One thing I will say: after the 25th and the large fan base that came out for that, I think WDI is looking very carefully at new additions to Epcot. They know there are quite a few people out there who loved EPCOT Center, and I think any new additions to the park will reflect more of an EPCOT Center theme. One need only look at JII and, to a certain extent, SSE, to see that awareness from WDI.

 

[jakeman]

Here it is though:

Spirit of Epcot that is so ellusive=Marketing that has been latched onto and not let go.

Epcot is just a theme park. It was created in the late 70's by a struggling company looking to cash in on their dead founder's last idea.

To attempt to apply high minded ideals and alutristic motives to a company who's sole purpose is to cater a luxury vacation product to the masses will only lead to disappointment.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Ah, another one of these Epcot v. EPCOT Center threads. From what I've read, folks like E:E, VT GAL, and EPCOT.nut have basically stated what I would say about Epcot. :lol:

To put it simply, I think Epcot has lost its vision and, to an extent, its optimisim. Is it coming back? I don't know yet. We're certainly at that point where WDI could take Epcot in either direction; one where new attractions are based more on characters and entertainment, or one where attractions contain an educational and/or inspirational aspect in addition to being entertaining. I hope they choose the latter.

One thing I will say: after the 25th and the large fan base that came out for that, I think WDI is looking very carefully at new additions to Epcot. They know there are quite a few people out there who loved EPCOT Center, and I think any new additions to the park will reflect more of an EPCOT Center theme. One need only look at JII and, to a certain extent, SSE, to see that awareness from WDI.

Wondered when you would get here..:wave:

I have that feeling (and OPTIMISM!:lol::lookaroun) too...The unfinished SSE even shows it.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Here it is though:

Spirit of Epcot that is so ellusive=Marketing that has been latched onto and not let go.

Epcot is just a theme park. It was created in the late 70's by a struggling company looking to cash in on their dead founder's last idea.

To attempt to apply high minded ideals and alutristic motives to a company who's sole purpose is to cater a luxury vacation product to the masses will only lead to disappointment.

Welcome to WDWMagic.

We think EPCOT has a spirit.

We are passionate over it.

Yes, EPCOT is a buisness...We understand that.

We feel that if WDI were to look at the dedication plaque EPCOT would fulfill what it set out to do.Make money and do it with class.


:wave:

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Wondered when you would get here..:wave:


I have that feeling (and OPTIMISM!:lol::lookaroun) too...The unfinished SSE even shows it.

You know I'd have to chime in eventually on this thread. :lol:

Welcome to WDWMagic.

We think EPCOT has a spirit.

We are passionate over it.

Yes, EPCOT is a buisness...We understand that.

We feel that if WDI were to look at the dedication plaque EPCOT would fulfill what it set out to do.Make money and do it with class.


:wave:

Pre-cisely! Its not like we're asking Disney to do something they've never done before. They've already done all this optimism and future vision and what not. We'd just like to see them return to that kind of thinking. And just because we think that doesn't mean we're stuck in the past or obsessed fanboys who want EPCOT Center '85 to return.

(Well, okay, we are obsessed fanboys/fangirls, but in a good way. )

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

You know I'd have to chime in eventually on this thread. :lol:



Pre-cisely! Its not like we're asking Disney to do something they've never done before. They've already done all this optimism and future vision and what not. We'd just like to see them return to that kind of thinking. And just because we think that doesn't mean we're stuck in the past or obsessed fanboys who want EPCOT Center '85 to return.

(Well, okay, we are obsessed fanboys/fangirls, but in a good way. )

HECK YEAH
*bows*

 

[VT GAL]

Didn't we discuss this over dinner a few nights ago...?:lol:

Yep...Those Nemo maps suck.Why can't SSE be on the cover? At least that is new.

HIT IT ON THE HEAD.:sohappy:

Thanks!

Ah, another one of these Epcot v. EPCOT Center threads. From what I've read, folks like E:E, VT GAL, and EPCOT.nut have basically stated what I would say about Epcot. :lol:

To put it simply, I think Epcot has lost its vision and, to an extent, its optimisim. Is it coming back? I don't know yet. We're certainly at that point where WDI could take Epcot in either direction; one where new attractions are based more on characters and entertainment, or one where attractions contain an educational and/or inspirational aspect in addition to being entertaining. I hope they choose the latter.

One thing I will say: after the 25th and the large fan base that came out for that, I think WDI is looking very carefully at new additions to Epcot. They know there are quite a few people out there who loved EPCOT Center, and I think any new additions to the park will reflect more of an EPCOT Center theme. One need only look at JII and, to a certain extent, SSE, to see that awareness from WDI.

Nice to know that I am in good company!

You know I'd have to chime in eventually on this thread. :lol:



Pre-cisely! Its not like we're asking Disney to do something they've never done before. They've already done all this optimism and future vision and what not. We'd just like to see them return to that kind of thinking. And just because we think that doesn't mean we're stuck in the past or obsessed fanboys who want EPCOT Center '85 to return.

(Well, okay, we are obsessed fanboys/fangirls, but in a good way. )

Yay! Fangirl!!!! Make me a t-shirt and I will wear it proudly!!!

 

[jakeman]

The thing is though, that you demand it be on your terms and your terms alone.

Only you and your group of fanboys understand Epcot. You can't trust management with these decisions. These are statements that have been made by people on this board and in this very thread.

Epcot will always disappoint you and people like you on some level becase you want it to be something it is not nor never was or will be.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

The thing is though, that you demand it be on your terms and your terms alone.

Only you and your group of fanboys understand Epcot. You can't trust management with these decisions. These are statements that have been made by people on this board and in this very thread.

Epcot will always disappoint you and people like you on some level becase you want it to be something it is not nor never was or will be.

Nope...Not on our terms...The dedication plaque's.

And no, we can't trust managment.:lol:They abandoned EPCOT in the first place!:lol:

EPCOT does not disappoint me,I love it.

Could it be better?Yes.




:wave:

 

[EPCOT.nut]

Didn't we discuss this over dinner a few nights ago...?:lol:

Yep...Those Nemo maps suck.Why can't SSE be on the cover? At least that is new.

Yeah and in a few years we'll be discussing the same thing over drinks. :lol::lol:

I hate to be the one to knock the optimism down a little bit, but they're going to still be making these kinds of marketing decisions. I would love it if they flooded MK with the standard-fare child-friendly anthropomorphic attraction overlays, but not EPCOT.

(I will insert one of my famous flame-fodder statements....I would love nothing more than to see less strollers in EPCOT. It doesn't have to appeal to very small children. When they get old enough to appreciate EPCOT's attractions, then they can come to EPCOT.)

*ducks*

 

[jakeman]

If you complain this much about something you love I would hate to see you go after something you hate.

Please quote the plaque. I am not familiar with it.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

I would love it if they flooded MK with the standard-fare child-friendly anthropomorphic attraction overlays, but not EPCOT.

(I will insert one of my famous flame-fodder statements....I would love nothing more than to see less strollers in EPCOT. It doesn't have to appeal to very small children. When they get old enough to appreciate EPCOT's attractions, then they can come to EPCOT.)

*ducks*

Wow, that may be the best thing I ever read on this site. Well done by you.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Yeah and in a few years we'll be discussing the same thing over drinks. :lol::lol:

I hate to be the one to knock the optimism down a little bit, but they're going to still be making these kinds of marketing decisions. I would love it if they flooded MK with the standard-fare child-friendly anthropomorphic attraction overlays, but not EPCOT.

(I will insert one of my famous flame-fodder statements....I would love nothing more than to see less strollers in EPCOT. It doesn't have to appeal to very small children. When they get old enough to appreciate EPCOT's attractions, then they can come to EPCOT.)

*ducks*

HEY!

My first memories of Horizons come from when I was in a stroller!:fork::fork::ROFLOL:

(but I agree with your points)

If you complain this much about something you love I would hate to see you go after something you hate.

Please quote the plaque. I am not familiar with it.

Heh...Touche, sir,

*sigh*

 

[EPCOT.nut]

If you complain this much about something you love I would hate to see you go after something you hate.

Please quote the plaque. I am not familiar with it.

I would think it difficult for you to put those of us down that are having this discussion if you are not familiar with this plaque. :lol: But okay here it is.

If you are a Star Trek fan, you may consider this EPCOT's Prime Directive:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I would think it difficult for you to put those of us down that are having this discussion if you are not familiar with this plaque. :lol: But okay here it is.

If you are a Star Wars fan, you may consider this EPCOT's Prime Directive:

Heh...We posted the same thing.:wave:

 

[EPCOT.nut]

Heh...We posted the same thing.:wave:

yeah except you quoted me after I edited Star Wars to Star Trek. :lol::lol: I think I am going to wind up in sci-fi hell or Purgatory at the very least.

*is skeered*

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:

 

[EPCOT.nut]

Wow, that may be the best thing I ever read on this site. Well done by you.

Thanks. I really meant it, too.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

yeah except you quoted me after I edited Star Wars to Star Trek. :lol::lol: I think I am going to wind up in sci-fi hell or Purgatory at the very least.

*is skeered*

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:

:lol:

You still have to redeem yourself for that Horizons comment I made...:lookaroun:lol: