I just got back from EPCOT Center today, and took the Undiscovered Future World tour. I wanted to thank everyone that shared their stories and info. in regards to this tour on one of my past threads. I am very glad we decided to book it. Here is a brief overview:
There was only four of us, so it was almost like a private tour. Our guide Robert was excellent and very helpful. We got to visit United Technologies former VIP lounge in the Living Seas. I even got to see the clear piano!
Robert was also kind enough to grant this JII fans ultimate wish; to visit the original Imageworks! He said its not on the tour anymore, but that he would take us up there since I wanted (so badly!) to see it. It was amazing to get to go up there again. The actual Imageworks area is only half accessable now due to construction. We were able to see the old Electronic Philharmonic, pin screens, and kaleidoscopes. Everything else has been blocked off due to construction. I was sad to hear from Robert that the Rainbow Corridor has also been mostly demolished. I still cant get over the fact that it is still up there and unused after 10 years. An area with the BEST view in the entire park has sooo many possibilities. But I guess all I can do is just hope everyday for a JII version 4 (a good one this time) and a new Imageworks upstairs where its supposed to be.
We then visited Mission Space and got to visit HP's VIP lounge, very nice! We also went backstage at Test Track and saw where they work on the ride cars. It was freaky to get a look at the exterior track supports when the cars go over. They are mounted on ball bearings and the whole thing flexes about a foot in both directions.
We visited the cast building and saw the wardrobe/costume department. Afterwards we saw the area where the wigs are kept, as well as the makeup room. All very interesting! Robert then walked us down to the marina and we saw the inferno barge and the LED planet barge. The tour then ended at the China pavillion.
I just want to say how incredibly happy I was with this tour. We got to see so many interesting things, and the visit to the Imageworks was the icing on the cake! I will try and get some of my pictures uploaded and posted on here soon if anyone is interested in seeing them.
Some side notes from our day at EPCOT:
The Fountain of Nations and Universe of Energy are getting remodeled apparently? Does anyone know what thats all about?
The EPCOT history room in Innoventions West has been closed and the signage removed. I was sad to see this, as I really liked visiting it. Robert said it is now used for Segway training.
There was only four of us, so it was almost like a private tour. Our guide Robert was excellent and very helpful. We got to visit United Technologies former VIP lounge in the Living Seas. I even got to see the clear piano!
Robert was also kind enough to grant this JII fans ultimate wish; to visit the original Imageworks! He said its not on the tour anymore, but that he would take us up there since I wanted (so badly!) to see it. It was amazing to get to go up there again. The actual Imageworks area is only half accessable now due to construction. We were able to see the old Electronic Philharmonic, pin screens, and kaleidoscopes. Everything else has been blocked off due to construction. I was sad to hear from Robert that the Rainbow Corridor has also been mostly demolished. I still cant get over the fact that it is still up there and unused after 10 years. An area with the BEST view in the entire park has sooo many possibilities. But I guess all I can do is just hope everyday for a JII version 4 (a good one this time) and a new Imageworks upstairs where its supposed to be.
We then visited Mission Space and got to visit HP's VIP lounge, very nice! We also went backstage at Test Track and saw where they work on the ride cars. It was freaky to get a look at the exterior track supports when the cars go over. They are mounted on ball bearings and the whole thing flexes about a foot in both directions.
We visited the cast building and saw the wardrobe/costume department. Afterwards we saw the area where the wigs are kept, as well as the makeup room. All very interesting! Robert then walked us down to the marina and we saw the inferno barge and the LED planet barge. The tour then ended at the China pavillion.
I just want to say how incredibly happy I was with this tour. We got to see so many interesting things, and the visit to the Imageworks was the icing on the cake! I will try and get some of my pictures uploaded and posted on here soon if anyone is interested in seeing them.
Some side notes from our day at EPCOT:
The Fountain of Nations and Universe of Energy are getting remodeled apparently? Does anyone know what thats all about?
The EPCOT history room in Innoventions West has been closed and the signage removed. I was sad to see this, as I really liked visiting it. Robert said it is now used for Segway training.