AJDMB05
Well-Known Member
You're absolutely right that there isn't a theme park like Epcot out there, but I don't know if that's necessarily a positive review. I think it's unique because it's very disjointed now. You've got a largely-unchanged series of countries represented which most everyone loves, and rides in various states of renovation or decay. Some of them still represent old Epcot's commitment to a theme, some got characters shoehorned into them (Seas) and some are representative of the new park direction (GotG, Play). It's not 9 pavilions with uniform logos and branding all staying in their lane and teaching you about one aspect of the world.I think compared to back in the day it is losing an identity. No doubt. I remember it in the 1990s and ironically I didn't like it all that much. I was 14-15 the first time I saw it, it is quite possible I just didn't appreciate it until I grew up. I felt the same way about the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown when I was 13.
That being said, to this day, in its current form, is there any other place that is close to being similar as Epcot? If you saw it for the first time what would you compare it to? I can't think of anything.
Sometimes I think we have to look at the park through a first-timer's eyes too. My cousin came with us on our last trip. Never been to WDW but is a Disneyland veteran. He loved WDW and quite frankly loved Epcot as much as anything. He just loved wandering around the countries and getting a feel for it. Or seeing things that are still pretty unique outside of Epcot. American Adventure to this day is still very unique. He loved the balance that Epcot had. Maybe he liked MK better, I am not sure, but he loved Epcot.
I was just out in Orlando for work last month and a couple co-workers who dislike theme parks, crowds, etc. went to Epcot to just hit the countries and eat/drink around the world. I think for a while that was their audience and that was enough, attendance-wise. It's no accident they have basically year-round festivals. It just means that leadership seemed OK with letting the other half of the park age and decay, now it just looks sad.