After watching a Horizons tribute, I thought to myself how EPCOT really is a reflection of society in general. That is to say when EPCOT first opened in the 80s, the future was something Americans may have looked upon with optimism. The idea of the future undoubtedly permeated popular culture; take a look at movies like Star Wars, Tron (not sure), and Back to the Future. With the new millenium drawing near, I feel like thoughts regarding the future may have been embraced more. On the contrary, today the future seems to be something to be feared not something to embrace or look forward to. A concept like Horizons may never work again unless Society lightens up to ideas embracing the future. This ideology can be generally applied to future world overall in my opinion. Not sure if I made any sense, I'm sure I could have elaborated more, but its late. What are your thoughts? :hammer:
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Epcot reflection of society
- Thread starter Legalos
- Start date
ChrisFL
Premium Member
I agree with this in general. The same can be said for Tomorrowland in the parks when it first was designed.
Both were representations of what people expected or hoped the future could be like and included lots of technologies that were at least somewhat familiar, and some that people hadn't seen before.
One thing I would add is the HUGE difference in how quickly technology changes. We're very much focused on a short-term span as far as when products come out.
Its rare for people to try to look ahead 10-20-50 years, but I honestly think its still very important that we do so. Horizons was STILL futuristic when it closed and can still be relevant today, had Disney decided to keep it.
I can't help but think of the ads where people keep saying "That's so 40 seconds ago." By the time a futuristic pavilion or attraction could be built, it would already be dated.
I read a book called "Future Shock" back in the 70s which talked about how people would have to adapt to new technology or be left behind both financially and socially, and how stressful it would be. It is dated in the sense that the author underestimated both the nature and rapidity of change we would be facing. But he was spot on as to the turmoil it would cause.
I read a book called "Future Shock" back in the 70s which talked about how people would have to adapt to new technology or be left behind both financially and socially, and how stressful it would be. It is dated in the sense that the author underestimated both the nature and rapidity of change we would be facing. But he was spot on as to the turmoil it would cause.
Walt Disney1955
Well-Known Member
Hmmm.............fair points. I know that in the 1980s we all assumed we'd be driving in hover cars by now. Or like the Jetsons.
I know I for one am 31 years old now and I would prefer things not to change so rapidly. I never used to think that way, but then again back in the day we had cassette tapes, we taped music right off the radio. We had VHS. I'd like to think that back then we were hoping for something better to come along.
Now...........well I don't consider Blue Ray to be much of a step up from DVD. I haven't bothered getting a blue ray machine. There are TVs as big as your living room wall now, how much better can that get? Or do you WANT it to get better? I don't. Heck, I don't even own a cell phone right now. I never text message and I refuse to get a GPS because I believe all you need is a map and signs.
So I guess you can say that while I certainly won't impede on progress, I also don't feel we need to improve on things as much as I used to. How can it get better? (Yes I am sounding like John from Carousel of Progress who thought that an ice box was the best thing since sliced bread) but in all honesty, do we NEED life to be any easier now?
I know I for one am 31 years old now and I would prefer things not to change so rapidly. I never used to think that way, but then again back in the day we had cassette tapes, we taped music right off the radio. We had VHS. I'd like to think that back then we were hoping for something better to come along.
Now...........well I don't consider Blue Ray to be much of a step up from DVD. I haven't bothered getting a blue ray machine. There are TVs as big as your living room wall now, how much better can that get? Or do you WANT it to get better? I don't. Heck, I don't even own a cell phone right now. I never text message and I refuse to get a GPS because I believe all you need is a map and signs.
So I guess you can say that while I certainly won't impede on progress, I also don't feel we need to improve on things as much as I used to. How can it get better? (Yes I am sounding like John from Carousel of Progress who thought that an ice box was the best thing since sliced bread) but in all honesty, do we NEED life to be any easier now?
Timekeeper
Well-Known Member
That depends on the theme of the "futuristic pavilion." Horizons, for example, focused very heavily on how people might be living one day in space, or in the ocean, etc. That's not something that we're anywhere near accomplishing for society as a whole. We've only got a couple of guys up in space, and we can't seem to control oil leaks in our oceans. So I think it's safe to say that something like Horizons would have a long shelf life (possibly with a little bit of updating with the occasional refurbs), and not be anywhere near "40 seconds ago" for many years to come.
The technology used to create the attraction would likely need updating more than the actual - aspirational - themes within the attraction.
forbidden donut
Well-Known Member
This is mostly about NASA but it makes some good points about why we don't dream about the future any more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbIZU8cQWXc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbIZU8cQWXc