EPCOT failed - Epcot is great!

Jerriko

Member
The only thing I dont like about epcot is the world show case.

I think the world showcase was poorly done.

Needs more to do. Why cant every country have an informational ride like mexico?

I think the rest of epcot is good .

I just think the countries could have been done better.

The thing about this is, each country decided how each showcase would look. Disney did not dictate that each had to have a ride...Each countries tourism department decided how they thought they could best display themselves.....Hence why updates are hard to come by, the countries themselves need to poney up the money for it...
 

wannab@dis

Well-Known Member
Dr Falls... thank you for the wonderful posts in this thread! :wave:

So......Why did they paint The Living Seas baby blue then? Why did they take away the sun for no reason? It's those little stupid things they do to Epcot that make me mad. Like take away the old logo designs. You can't tell me that they couldn't design some new logos in the style of the old ones? Those are the real questions.

Why is it necessary to replace the logos? To give you (not directed AT you specifically) something else to complain about? I could just hear it now... they don't have the same symbiosis... they don't follow with the original concept... they are too modern and don't represent the true EPCOT feeling.

What is wrong with the blue color? It's a pavilion about WATER... portrayed for years by shades of blue. :veryconfu

And the sun... that was the most hideous example of being stuck in the 70's that could possibly still be around. Thank goodness it's part of history now.
 

head mouse

Member
The thing about this is, each country decided how each showcase would look. Disney did not dictate that each had to have a ride...Each countries tourism department decided how they thought they could best display themselves.....Hence why updates are hard to come by, the countries themselves need to poney up the money for it...


Interesting fact. I did not know that. :)




Ok, I wanted to add this.


Everyone complains about EPCOT changing all the time.

Here is a direct quote from Walt himself.

The problem with anything "of tomorrow" is that at the pace we're going right now, tomorrow would catch up with us before we got it built.

EPCOT Center was designed to change all the time.

The EPCOT of 1982 would be boring and no one would go anymore.

How would you feel if you went to a computer show and all yo usaw were a bunch of Comador 64's and atari and stuff. You would feel bored and riped off.

IMO I kinda feel like EPCOT is still behind. They could update and dispaly some of the newer technology advances the world has made.

EPCOT would make a killing if they displayed Honda's ASIMO robot
 

-SIR-

New Member
What a terrifically awesome thread. You are brave enough to say everything I would like to say (rather bluntly, but reasonably so). I do think that a touch of the classical Disney is to be kept (like Pirates and the haunted mansion at MK) but yes things are going to progress as technology and ideas and demographics progress and that my friend... well... is progress:p I do think that the people who were desigining epcot at the time did a great job for that time But now that we are in a different time other adjustments need to be made. Thats not to say that epcot was marketed correctly because I think too many people were thinking they would be visiting a giant tomorrowland when they made thier way into EPCOT.

Who says that Epcot isn't still about education because it most certainly is! Epcot is just using a far more powerfull way of educating than they ever have. Nemo is the weenie that will draw plenty of people in to see a live aquarium and learn about marine life. Just like that big fast zooming car around test track lures you in to learn about what it takes to test out your own family car before you ever get in it. The changes of Epcot can be hard to take but they are very good for Epcot as a whole. I firmly believe that more people will be able to enjoy it this way. ... okay im done :)
 

Legacy

Well-Known Member
The original post is by far one of the best I have ever read on these boards.

I hope Grizz signs on to read it.
 
ok I just wanna start with i hate some of the Tackyness that has taken over Epcot(aka. The Seas). The Land Redo was fantastic, kept all the same elements of the pavilion but upgraded. Even tho i was sad to see World of Motion go, Test Track was a great replacement. I have a little beef with the layout of M:S, but it fits. The Seas with nemo and friends is just a joke. It took a great concept The Living Seas and mashed it into the ground. Don't get me wrong The Living Seas needed a major update but it could have been done in a much better way without showcasing a character out of it. last I remember it is located in future world. so thats my two cents. go ahead and flame me but i will never accept The Seas with nemo and friends.




EPCOT Center FOREVER!!!!!!!
 

Frank Stallone

New Member
As a tour guide at EPCOT, I must say you make some GREAT points! I only disagree with a couple points (sorry to nitpick):

You mention that those that created EPCOT Center were budget-cutters. In actuality, EPCOT's original budget was about 1 billion dollars. EPCOT's creators fought very hard to be allowed to spend more, and ended up spending over 2 billion (as you will see in my signature). Instead of cutting corners and playing it cheap, EPCOT Center's Imagineers worked very hard to be allowed more money to create their product.

Secondly, EPCOT Center's designers wanted to create a true EPCOT, as Walt had envisioned it. However, some of Walt's ideas just weren't possible (such as having it be a three-level city, and having a retractable dome cover the entire facility). So they decided to research Walt's love for World Fairs, and basically made EPCOT a carbon copy of the 1964 World's Fair, in which Walt was a key contributor (CoP, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, it's a small world, Magic Skyways).

Other than that, great thread and great post! :sohappy: If EPCOT were still the way it was when it opened, it would be a disgrace.
 

barkatozz

New Member
Well......here's my 2 cents:
At the age of 34, last year was my first trip to WDW. Now I was kinda talked into going as I really didn't desire to take the trip. Now I was someone not really interested in history & I have sort of a short attention span. After arriving & looking at the tour guide maps in my mind the only thing that looked desiring to me was Pleasure Island.
Well....after going to all 4 parks I was pleasantly entertained (even though I was sick & had a bad cough) & actually never went into any clubs on Pleasure Island or even drank for that matter. I was enthralled by the exhibits that I saw & wound up visiting the Magic Kingdom & Epcot twice in my 7 day trip. Amazingly I was into the history thing. I liked the more simpler things....Tom Sawyer's Island, The World Showcase....more...so than the "Thrill rides".
I walked the World Showcase twice, & the Living Seas was closed when I went. I did dig Soarin' & Test Track alot & went on them a few times.
I was in future world & was more entertained in what the kids were doing that I sat and watched them for periods of time. The kids who "don't like it" maybe need to be educated a bit (now I sound like an old fart) BUT maybe it's some of the same logic as.....as a kid you hate to eat your dinner but can't wait for dessert yeat as an adult you long for that same home cooked meal.
To sum up my ramblings.......Epcot is a lot of fun & is educational at the same time......hell.....as simple as a ride Spaceship Earth is, I went on that quite a few times....I loved that ride.
My favorite ride during my first trip (and the one I remember the most) is the Carousel of Progress.......if I told my friends that, they wouldn't believe it.........not really a "ride" just some cool history that before then I could've cared less about. Looking forward to this Nov. for the second trip.........I think I memorized all of the dialogue from the Modern Marvels & Unwrapped tv shows.....I gots a sorta agenda this time. :D
 

RogueHabit

Well-Known Member
EPCOT: The ONLY WDW Park where I have had bad Cast Member experiences, not once, not twice, but in fact 4 times in the last 6 years.
 

jakeman

Well-Known Member
EPCOT would make a killing if they displayed Honda's ASIMO robot
They did for a short time have an exhibit on ASIMO there. It was in the Millenium Village and it was kind of boring, in my opinion. You basically watched the robot walk up and down the stairs for 20 minutes.

Now if they did something else with it...Like perhaps fit it with a shoulder laser like Johnny 5, the possibilities would be more interesting...
 

head mouse

Member
They did for a short time have an exhibit on ASIMO there. It was in the Millenium Village and it was kind of boring, in my opinion. You basically watched the robot walk up and down the stairs for 20 minutes.

Now if they did something else with it...Like perhaps fit it with a shoulder laser like Johnny 5, the possibilities would be more interesting...


I have seen the HONDA demo in Atlanta, its FAR more impressive then what your describing. In the link I provided you can see video of ASIMO and the thigns he can do.


(Sorry to get off track of the thread)
 

bigkidz895

Member
Frank Stalone's post is correct. Walt did not envision Epcot as we have come to appreciate it. Walt saw an experimental city which included cutting edge technology. As Frank said, some/most of Walt's ideas weren't possible at the time. EPCOT morphed into what we see today - a good comprimise if you ask me.
 

jeffb

Well-Known Member
* In essense, the people who designed EPCOT CENTER were budget-cutting, narrowminded con-artists. So before you put those people on a hero's pedestal and suggest EPCOT CENTER was something sacred, remember this park's origins.

quote]

In is generally reported that EPCOT costs were $1.2 billion +. I do not see how you could label this group as budget cutting.
 

wannab@dis

Well-Known Member
ok I just wanna start with i hate some of the Tackyness that has taken over Epcot(aka. The Seas). The Land Redo was fantastic, kept all the same elements of the pavilion but upgraded. Even tho i was sad to see World of Motion go, Test Track was a great replacement. I have a little beef with the layout of M:S, but it fits. The Seas with nemo and friends is just a joke. It took a great concept The Living Seas and mashed it into the ground. Don't get me wrong The Living Seas needed a major update but it could have been done in a much better way without showcasing a character out of it. last I remember it is located in future world. so thats my two cents. go ahead and flame me but i will never accept The Seas with nemo and friends.




EPCOT Center FOREVER!!!!!!!
That "great concept" was dead in the water... :lookaroun (sorry)

You don't want characters in FW, but haven't you also posted that you want Dreamfinder back and Figment shown in a better light? (I may have you mixed up with someone else..) Why would they be acceptable, but not Nemo and friends. They match the pavilion perfectly and Turtle Talk has already been a boon for the Seas. Instead of trashing it, why not wait and see how it turns out. If you actually try to visit with an open mind, you may be pleasantly surprised. Otherwise, you're just going to miss out because of some nostalgic view of an old worn out pavilion.
 

Figmentforever

New Member
Nemo

Why don't are you putting down Nemo? This is the Living Seas and what is Nemo? A FISH!! Why not tell a story! For your information Nemo is coming to Animal Kingdom this fall where the former Tarzan Rocks show was.

LOL. I like all the additions except for the Nemo one. I mean if they're going to add it somewhere, it should be at Animak Kingdom.
 

meryll83

Member
Turtle Talk is awesome, and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the pavilion.
From what I hear the younger generation seem to think Epcot is boring if not educational, so why not bring Nemo there, if it'll help kids to be interested and learn then I think it's a good idea.

Incidentally, when I was a kid I loved Epcot just as it was, but times are changing, kids can be harder to please these days....
 

Hakunamatata

Le Meh
Premium Member
My first trip to E.P.C.O.T was in either 84 or 85. It became my favorite park and has remained my favorite park. I dont like some of what they have done, but I do like some of the changes. For the most part, the Seas, Land, and Imagination Pavilions have become non futuristic pavillions. The only futuristic portions remaining in FutureWorld are some of the exhibits in Innoventions and M:S, and this is just my opinion. I dont think you can consider Ellen playing Jeapordy and dinasours futuristic, so there really is no more Futureworld as the park orriginally opened with.
 

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