Epcot Future Change of plan

[TabulaRasa]

You have me intrigued.

I love Epcot for what it can be, and for what it was. I hope version 3 is great! I personally would love to see a new environmental film in the Land, the ending of SSE fixed, and some form of Mary Poppins attraction in the UK, but the last one seems a bit too farfetched.

 

[HMF]

If - a big if - everything comes to fruition, not much will remain exactly "as is". Which isn't a totally bad thing.

Will it even attempt to continue to aspire to be a discovery park or is edu-tainment completely out the window?

 

[marni1971]

Will it even attempt to continue to aspire to be a discovery park or is edu-tainment completely out the window?

The aspiration should still be there. The desire to be different should still be there. If it will work only time will tell.

 

[Clamman73]

If anything...I hope these shirts return.

 

[montyz81]

One thing that I just thought of. Since Future World was built to showcase technology of the future, what will they do with the Monorail? I get that it is more of a nostalgic look at the future however, it still does go through a somewhat nostalgic Future World. With impending IPs, I would guess they need to completely reroute the monorail. Or maybe the Monorail needs an IP tie in too. (please read with a big dose of sarcasm) Future World is going to be a chaotic mess of themes!

 

[HMF]

@marni1971 , Any chance of the park returning to the name "EPCOT Center"? IMO, the name "Epcot" makes absolutely no sense. EPCOT is an acronym, not a word. Also, will the unity logo make a comeback?

I don't think Martin would be saying "EPCOT Center is dead" if they plan on changing the name back.

 

[DisneyGentlemanV2.0]

I will be deliberately vague about dates. It's a long process that may not be finished for a number of years. But once started there could be noticeable changes year on year.

You may hear a hint at the next fan meet.

When everything “hits the fan”, so to speak?

 

[montyz81]

If - a big if - everything comes to fruition, not much will remain exactly "as is". Which isn't a totally bad thing.

That makes me think that SSE, The LwtL, TT , The Seas, are all set to be changed significantly. I hope they do not attempt to change SSE. The omnimover with AAs should always be apart of that show somehow.

 

[ElvisMickey]

The EPCOT Center name (and classic font) has been making a comeback on some recent merchandise released in the park. In the past when they've released retro shirts, etc., it would just say EPCOT without the "Center". Not that it means anything, but one can hope.

 

[Mike S]

The EPCOT Center name (and classic font) has been making a comeback on some recent merchandise released in the park. In the past when they've released retro shirts, etc., it would just say EPCOT without the "Center". Not that it means anything, but one can hope.

All it means is that they're attempting to make a buck off of the nostalgia of fans.

 

[WDWdream97]

The EPCOT Center name (and classic font) has been making a comeback on some recent merchandise released in the park. In the past when they've released retro shirts, etc., it would just say EPCOT without the "Center". Not that it means anything, but one can hope.

That would be rather cute if they changed the name back, but I don't see them going through the legal and signage work to change the name. It would be nice tho.

 

[wdwgreek]

The aspiration should still be there. The desire to be different should still be there. If it will work only time will tell.

This is so so interesting. It will still be a different theme park model (festivals sell) but future world will be retooled into a different idea? But what. I cam so curious what they are cooking up!

 

[Prototype82]

Why didn't they just put Tron in Test Track in WDW?

GM wanted to represent themselves with a sleek relevant attraction.

 

[DinoInstitute]

I hope a lot less staying the same means changes to The Seas and Imagination. While I don't see them abandoning Nemo, it would be nice to have it be upgraded. Perhaps a full on Marine Life Institute like in the sequel, or even cloning the soon-to-be Nemo area from TDS. Imagination is an obvious one why, but I sure hope they don't leave behind Figment (which I personally feel is doubtful anyway). Dreamfinder would be a nice one of the nods the past as Martin hinted there would be.

For possible changes to the Land, Soarin I'm sure won't be changing. Living With The Land I hope stays relatively the same, though I wouldn't complain if there's an update in the works. They have the full greenhouse area so I don't see it abandoning its current theme too much anyway, even if the indoor scenes change. Circle of Life could use a replacement (maybe Wall E? There's a few IPs they could use for a show here that would fit well). Also, Sunshine Seasons maybe will get some changes...or at least bring breakfast back for goodness sake!

Honestly I don't have a problem with IPs in Future World as long as they aren't completely shoehorned, I trust Martin and the Imagineers that the vision for the future will provide a great cohesive Epcot. World Showcase is where it's a bit more uncomfortable for me to have IPs, but we'll see how things go.

Also, some more info at next fan meet...would that be this November's D23? That's sooner than I expected if so... Color me excited!

 

[ford91exploder]

The best bus driver I had was a couple year back. As we were pulling into DHS, his "script" over the loud speaker included going over each and every rumor on future attractions/lands for the park at that time. It was hilarious and he said everything with so much confidence. I imagined at the time he must have been a member of this forum....

Yeah, Some of the bus drivers especially the long term ones make the bus ride fun when they take the trip to a Jungle Cruise level!

 

[brb1006]

From the official Disney Parks twitter

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek challenges the creative team to "dream big" on Epcot!