Epcot getting new main entrance gates

[wdwmagic]

Epcot is installing some new gates at the main entry. They are very serious looking, but some of them have some nice Epcot logo details in them. Work is still in progress it seems - so a bit early to judge.

Photos at http://www.wdwmagic.com/general_epcot_news.htm

 

[SDav10495]

Oh wow--that's actually pretty significant! So the rumors way back when about the old logo being incorporated into the new gates were correct. Granted, they're not the most exciting gates in the world, but it sure is nice to see that logo being revived.

 

[TTATraveler]

Those gates look cool, much better then the temporary black pull strap thingies they have been using. I especially like the retro logos:sohappy:

 

[TomorrowlandTyler]

Those gates look cool, much better then the temporary black pull strap thingies they have been using. I especially like the retro logos:sohappy:

Yes, the gates are LONG overdue...The "temporary black pull strap thingies" looked awful.

 

[TheBeatles]

EPCOT just keeps getting better.

I love it.

 

[lilredfoxie]

but why are these gates there in the first place? :veryconfu I think I might have missed something :brick:

 

[Monty]

I hope this resolves the issues I've run into at Epcot recently.

- The signs leading to package pick-up steer you to the left all the way out, but the exits are all to the right. Extra mileage at the end of a long day at the park is aggravating.

- To access the monorail you have to go through bag check, even if you have no intent to enter the park.

Neither are a big deal, but they seem so incongruous. :shrug:

 

[TTATraveler]

but why are these gates there in the first place? :veryconfu I think I might have missed something :brick:

Epcot is utilizing a central bag check instead of checking bags at each set of turnstiles. The gates make people walk towards the central bag check underneath the monorail beam near the entrance ramp.

 

[blm07]

Definitely impressed if they keep the logos on the gates after they are all permanently installed. BTW, the circle in the middle gate (or 3rd gate) is actually the center circle of the EPCOT Center icon inverted.

Check out the updated Prototype Community 25 font (that is how I recognized the circle).

 

[diddy_mouse]

I like the new gates! Hopefully they will help with the people traffic flow.

 

[brkgnews]

Squeal: New gates are awesome.

Double Squeal: wdwmagic members get some love in the new font!

 

[XS-Spence]

Squeal: New gates are awesome.

Double Squeal: wdwmagic members get some love in the new font!

Yay for Justin updating the font. (I'm even credited... double yay) We're hoping to update Florida Project soon if I can get the time.

and to stay on subject, I like design of the new gates, but i'm not for the idea of it killing the openness of the plaza. I know it's for security and all, but c'mon, if someone wanted to get something in, they could. those bag checks don't really do anything. and I highly doubt they've EVER found anything at them. I understand that it's for security, but i think it could be better executed than creating a huge bottleneck for entering/leaving the park.

 

[JLW11Hi]

Well I was wrong

I didn't think they were going to go ahead with the reincorporation of the old logo. I am interested to see where this is heading.

 

[brkgnews]

The bag checks are for more than just bag check. I really don't think it's appropriate for to discuss "operational details," if you will, (and I'll admit that I am NOT involved in any way with WDW security) but sufficeth to say that I'm sure that the bag check is only part of what they're doing at that point. In other words -- I don't think they're just looking at your bags.

Oh, and for whatever it's worth, I've seen security confiscate a BFK (if you watch CSI you know what that is) at the checkpoint before -- one of those "I can't believe someone tried to sneak that in" things... and THEN they STILL tried to get in with it and were escorted from the park.

 

[ChrisFL]

- The signs leading to package pick-up steer you to the left all the way out, but the exits are all to the right. Extra mileage at the end of a long day at the park is aggravating.

Yep, and the worst part about Epcot's package pick-up is that it's outside of the park, but at MK it's inside the park....:shrug:

 

[joel_maxwell]

Epcot is utilizing a central bag check instead of checking bags at each set of turnstiles. The gates make people walk towards the central bag check underneath the monorail beam near the entrance ramp.

ahhh, i was wondering the same thing. i guess this makes sense.

EDIT: new logos are pretty cool.

 

[Monty]

Yep, and the worst part about Epcot's package pick-up is that it's outside of the park, but at MK it's inside the park....:shrug:

I'm willing to cut them a bit of slack, the set-up was designed before the post-9/11 security posture was put in place and for the most part the 'temporary' nature of their security cordon led me to believe they could correct the anomalies that ensued. But it's been six years and they didn't get it corrected yet?

If this permanent barricade continues to block access to the monorail without entering the park and doesn't allow exit near the parcel pick-up then somebody in Disney Security didn't think it through.

One solution to the parcel pick-up would be to relocate it to either the Kodak store or The Art of Disney store closer to SSE. Establish the new fence between the monorail entrance and exit and the park turnstiles would resolve my other issue.

I can't tell from the pictures provided whether the fence does allow unfettered monorail access or not. :shrug:

 

[CaptainMichael]

I was very excited when I saw the new gates with the EPCOT logo.

Also, the lights under SSE were on the other night, and the walls on each side of the entrance have been prepped for the new signs. I wonder if the old logos will be included...

 

[SirNim]

I'd prefer a little more inspired fence design... That particular brand of Industrial Chic® I think has passed its prime... And yet, it's not retro enough to fit in with the 80sFutura® scheme of the main entrance... At least they worked in the old logo, and that's always good! Though they should stick with it! Rebrand the park with it! Officially! The mish-mash of logos that the park currently has is a major contributing factor in Epcot's infamous identity crisis.

Now...about that Prototype Community 25 font... Can't believe a "prototype" of my hybrid logo design made it into the set! And my name into the credits! Wow, super cool! Many thanks to the MickeyAvenue.com team!

 

[JimboJones123]

The bag checks are for more than just bag check. I really don't think it's appropriate for to discuss "operational details," if you will, (and I'll admit that I am NOT involved in any way with WDW security) but sufficeth to say that I'm sure that the bag check is only part of what they're doing at that point. In other words -- I don't think they're just looking at your bags.

Oh, and for whatever it's worth, I've seen security confiscate a BFK (if you watch CSI you know what that is) at the checkpoint before -- one of those "I can't believe someone tried to sneak that in" things... and THEN they STILL tried to get in with it and were escorted from the park.

Will if nobody else will ask,

DON'T BE SO CRYPTIC... WHAT THE HECK IS BFK????