EPCOT rebirth

[johnvca]

Maybe it's just me, but I've been going to WDW every year since as long as I can remember, and in recent years I feel as though it's my first time at EPCOT. What a major improvement the Disney Company has made to that park. As of 5 years ago, it seemed to be filled with dated, non-"Community of Tommorow" attractions, and now, it feels like a brand new park. Mission Space and Soarin' are nothing short of amazing, Test Track never seems to get old (at least to me), Spaceship Earth got a MUCH needed rehab and is once again a must-see, and it seems as though work will be done to Wonders of Life. Plus, Living Seas is being reworked a bit. I've always loved World Showcase and Illuminations. Again, maybe it's just me, but EPCOT has quickly become my new favorite park! Any thoughts???

 

[coastermaster83]

Yeah I was just there a few weeks ago and it had been about 6 years since I had been and it all was awesome except for mission space that ride and I didnt get along very well. Gave me a major headache and my back hurt after it but oh well other then that it wasnt bad. Heres hoping that wonders and seas get updated with some great stuff.

 

[GothMickey]

I didn't care for M:S even though I did not get sick.. I hope for some great big beautiful tomorrows for Epcot in the near future....

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I do think Epcot is back on track. Obviously, there are lots of elements of the original park that I wish could come back in some way, but I think as of perhaps the last year or two (mostly post-Soarin'), the resurgence is there. I think the transition period, especially between 99-2003, was very rocky. It was unclear where the park was going, and sometimes replacement ideas were very poor (see the IMAG "fiasco"). However, Epcot is now developing a somewhat different image altogether and has support for it. It has become more the "fun showcase" of ideas instead of the look to the future. Sort of a "Future Worlds Fair" of sorts, and I think that works. The one thing that is still a bit "at risk" is the use of "fun technology" instead of fun for fun's sake. The character invasion could be a major threat to that, but we will need to wait until TLS especially to see how it works. They can be a great vehicle to the technology/concepts as long as they don't become the focus.

Overall, I think you guys missed the "rocky years." I personally think Epcot does not have the granduer and inspiration of EPCOT Center (with the exception of I:ROE - that show truly invokes the old spirit fully). However, the new attractions have their own flavor of fun, "in the middle of the action of how the technology works"-ion. The latter appeals to a much broader group of people and ages, something EPCOT Center unfortunately did not appeal to. I do think there is a place for the former in Epcot, and maintaining and updating SSE is a great way of doing so (as is maintaining and updating World Showcase). The timelessness of hope and inspiration is pretty cool, and having a ride in a giant silver globe isn't half bad either! That's my $0.02 anyway!

 

[KumbaRider]

It has become more the "fun showcase" of ideas instead of the look to the future. Sort of a "Future Worlds Fair" of sorts, and I think that works.

I completely agree. Although this new Epcot is no longer EPCOT Center I feel it is an exciting way to showcase today's "future". I think the way these new ideas and attractions are being presented is successful.

 

[johnvca]

I personally think Epcot does not have the granduer and inspiration of EPCOT Center (with the exception of I:ROE - that show truly invokes the old spirit fully).

Oh you are absolutely right. EPCOT in the 80's was amazing. I think had they kept up with keeping things "futuristic," they wouldn't have to knock down all of the classics in hope of making new ones. And the transition from that great park to what it is now was definitely a nasty one. But, I really think that the proper things are being done, maybe not to restore the original charm of the park, but maybe to give it a new charm. And I think it is working.

 

[AndreainNY]

I have always loved EPCOT and my very first trip was in 2000. I have felt bad when I see a lot of attractions boarded up and when we exited SPE walking through the empty communications area - my son REALLY loved that the first year we were there. Still, World Showcase is my favorite place to be, especially during Food and Wine Festival (and I will be there again this year!). I am hoping that more things will come in, we are going to make sure the kids get to make their robots this year, I didn't even know that was there!!! So many people say that EPCOT is boring - not me!!!

 

[coastermaster83]

I think the only thing that I really really really really really hated and lothed was inoventions it was just plan stupid and the old concourse east and west was better and i loved the oldschool feel of it. My hope is that siemens takes that and redoes the crap out of it b/c half of the stuff is walled off or just plain dum and a waste of good ride space. A nice batch of Robocoasters might do the trick though.

 

[ILLmaticS0ldier]

sometimes i get confused on wat epcot is all about i kno world showcase is showing the diffrent cultures arounf the world but what is future world discoverying things? can someone please help.

 

[drdoom1001]

Back in the mid 90's EPCOT seemed like a ghost town, the attractions were mostly all the original educational attractions from when the park opened in 1982.I would agree that many people did enjoy the old World Of Motion and Horizons, but it seems like the new attractions (Test Track, M:S, and Soarin) do increase attendance.Add to that in the World Showcase festivals like the Flower and Garden and the Food and Wine Festival which run for like a month and a half each and have concerts many people enjoy, followed by the holiday festivities and EPCOT now is many people's favorite park.

 

[PintoColvig]

Spaceship Earth got a MUCH needed rehab and is once again a must-see...

I must have missed that rehab. It hasn't happened, to my knowledge, but certainly needs it. Nevertheless, I agree with your assessment. In the glory days of Epcot Center, that place was my favorite theme park. There was a spirit of optimism and innovention during those days. When WDI turned its attention to MGM and AK during the late 80s and through the mid-90s, Epcot was neglected. Finally, we're seeing it get the attention it needs and deserves. I'm starting to see that optimism and innovention again. Of course, they need to complete the job. Hopefully, the return of the SeaCabs at LS (along with Turtle Talk) will reinvigorate that tired pavillion. The Imagination Pavillion needs a total makeover with a new ride and a new 3-D movie or replacement attraction. UofE, though I still like it, needs an upgrade. Wonders of Life? Just about anything would be better than a shuttered pavillion. And, wouldn't it be great to see a new country added for the 25th anniversary? At the very least, they should add a new ride to the World Showcase. (I'll know they are serious about improving Epcot when the wand comes down !) If they do just half of these things, Epcot may become my favorite park again. :king:

 

[johnvca]

I must have missed that rehab. It hasn't happened, to my knowledge, but certainly needs it. Nevertheless, I agree with your assessment. In the glory days of Epcot Center, that place was my favorite theme park. There was a spirit of optimism and innovention during those days. When WDI turned its attention to MGM and AK during the late 80s and through the mid-90s, Epcot was neglected. Finally, we're seeing it get the attention it needs and deserves. I'm starting to see that optimism and innovention again. Of course, they need to complete the job. Hopefully, the return of the SeaCabs at LS (along with Turtle Talk) will reinvigorate that tired pavillion. The Imagination Pavillion needs a total makeover with a new ride and a new 3-D movie or replacement attraction. UofE, though I still like it, needs an upgrade. Wonders of Life? Just about anything would be better than a shuttered pavillion. And, wouldn't it be great to see a new country added for the 25th anniversary? At the very least, they should add a new ride to the World Showcase. (I'll know they are serious about improving Epcot when the wand comes down !) If they do just half of these things, Epcot may become my favorite park again. :king:

The rehab wasn't anything drastic - just some new paint and a few smoke and scent effects that have been broken for years got turned back on. Once Seimen's became the new sponsor, they fixed up a lot of the little things. And with a ride like SSE, the little things make a huge difference.

 

[lebeau]

My first trip to Epcot was in 1988. It was a remarkable experience. My brother, sister and I were truly blown away. It was educational, sure, but in a way that we didn't even realize. We just went from one experience to the next not even realizing how much new information we were being exposed to.

I missed the lean years at Epcot, but I know people who went during the 90s. My brother who went with me in 88 said the last time he was Epcot it looked like it was falling apart.

My most recent visit to Epcot was in 2003. I told my brother that Epcot today feels new again. It's just not the same anymore. That's not necessarily a bad thing. The new Epcot is more like a traditional amusement park and that is clearly making it more popular. I know I enjoyed my last visit and I look forward to going back to see what's new.

Hopefully, they won't let Epcot fall into such a state of disrepaie again.

 

[Pete C]

I too have fond memories of going to EPCOT Center as a kid. I remember the decline of the park, and how basically nobody talked about it anymore. However, when I went there for the first time in years 2 years ago, I was blown away by how nice everything looked! Mission: Space and Test Track are both excellent additions that, to me, fit the theme of the park, which seems to be innovation and technology. Soarin is another perfect fit...I have been on the one at DCA. I am wondering what they will do next. Updating SCE seems like the logical choice. Make it a new vision of the future rather than the 1970s vision of the future. While it currently has a nostalgic appeal to it, this ride needs to move forward as the rest of EPCOT is doing.

 

[Connor002]

They may say that project Gemini didn't go through, but alas, just as planned, a the park has been reborn. The mistakes of the past are finally being rectified...

 

[marni1971]

The mistakes of the past are finally being rectified...

Next stop...imagination!

 

[nelsonj3]

Next stop...imagination!

Let's hope!! I still get depressed every time I ride the new JIYI with Figment as I think about what it used to be.

I really think it would be nice if they would just open up those stairs in the gift shop that go up to the second level of the pavillion. That was such a nice place to sit with all of the glass and a great view of the rest of the park. It probably wouldn't take that much to open it; they could leave the doors that lead to the old Imageworks closed.

I wonder if there are currently any plans at all for the second floor of this pavillion?

 

[WhyteAL]

sometimes i get confused on wat epcot is all about i kno world showcase is showing the diffrent cultures arounf the world but what is future world discoverying things? can someone please help.

NAS...I mean illmaticsoldier....LOL :wave: . Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow...or it was supposed to be according to accounts of Walt's vision. The deal is they couldn't get the type of control they wanted and ended up making it a theme park divide into two parts future world and world showcase. Future world was like a place were they were supposed to test and prove new technologies and educate the public, etc. And then world showcase is just that. Sometime in the 90's future world which was designed in the 70's and displayed in the 80's was not so future anymore . So they have revamped and revitalized. So the concept now is a little future, a little educational, and a little fun/magic mixed in their. It was like a really cool place but not a "fun" type park. Or at least that was peoples preception of it. I hope that kinda helps somewhat.

 

[ILLmaticS0ldier]

NAS...I mean illmaticsoldier....LOL :wave: . Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow...or it was supposed to be according to accounts of Walt's vision. The deal is they couldn't get the type of control they wanted and ended up making it a theme park divide into two parts future world and world showcase. Future world was like a place were they were supposed to test and prove new technologies and educate the public, etc. And then world showcase is just that. Sometime in the 90's future world which was designed in the 70's and displayed in the 80's was not so future anymore . So they have revamped and revitalized. So the concept now is a little future, a little educational, and a little fun/magic mixed in their. It was like a really cool place but not a "fun" type park. Or at least that was peoples preception of it. I hope that kinda helps somewhat.

Yes i love nas lol but like is dere a specific word for it like fantasyland is about fantasy adventure land is about adventure asia has asian things and like the studios is about movies and showbiz.I wish there was a specfic word lol.

 

[thejohn]

Maybe it's just me, but I've been going to WDW every year since as long as I can remember, and in recent years I feel as though it's my first time at EPCOT. What a major improvement the Disney Company has made to that park. As of 5 years ago, it seemed to be filled with dated, non-"Community of Tommorow" attractions, and now, it feels like a brand new park. Mission Space and Soarin' are nothing short of amazing, Test Track never seems to get old (at least to me), Spaceship Earth got a MUCH needed rehab and is once again a must-see, and it seems as though work will be done to Wonders of Life. Plus, Living Seas is being reworked a bit. I've always loved World Showcase and Illuminations. Again, maybe it's just me, but EPCOT has quickly become my new favorite park! Any thoughts???

Iknow what u mean