Epcot's 40th Anniversary

[Sir_Cliff]

Full Beacons show (from Blog Mickey)

Love the cheers when "We Go On" starts ... Love all the classic songs in it

This is very nice, but the weird thing when Disney celebrates Epcot nostalgia is none of the things they celebrate are actually still there. It's not like Disneyland's 50th fireworks, for example, where you had the odd extinct attraction mixed in with all the classics that guests likely experienced during their day: at Epcot, the only attractions they celebrate are long gone and no-one's interested in celebrating anything that's actually still there!

 

[hismattjesty]

View attachment 670539
Again, please PM me if you want a map. I saved about 4 stacks this size from being thrown in the trash, and hell would freeze over before I sell them on EbayView attachment 670540.

I would absolutely LOVE one! PM sent.

 

[TroyTeresa]

View attachment 670539
Again, please PM me if you want a map. I saved about 4 stacks this size from being thrown in the trash, and hell would freeze over before I sell them on EbayView attachment 670540.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

Yesterday was a beautiful day!

 

[DisneyDebRob]

View attachment 670539
Again, please PM me if you want a map. I saved about 4 stacks this size from being thrown in the trash, and hell would freeze over before I sell them on EbayView attachment 670540.

Sent pm,thank you!

 

[Lil Copter Cap]

This is very nice, but the weird thing when Disney celebrates Epcot nostalgia is none of the things they celebrate are actually still there. It's not like Disneyland's 50th fireworks, for example, where you had the odd extinct attraction mixed in with all the classics that guests likely experienced during their day: at Epcot, the only attractions they celebrate are long gone and no-one's interested in celebrating anything that's actually still there!

I think it's important that a park like EPCOT is given its legacy acknowledgment of what came before, especially on an anniversary celebration.

It's not like they are doing this on the daily anymore without a special occasion. If anything, there are people who are frustrated at the changes that DON'T acknowledge the past attractions/shows/events. The new area music loops and nighttime show (save EPCOT Forever) have removed any nostalgia that was left.

Theme parks are still in their early life (compared to other industries) and EPCOT is even more specifically a special case and it's fascinating to ponder. As a theme park operator you have to split focus to those that grew up with the park, those that read about its history online but never experienced it, and those that just book a vacation and know nothing except Food & Wine. And I think that this anniversary, although not a slam dunk, did a fine job of balancing all three camps of guest.

 

[Vinnie Mac]

Theme parks are still in their early life (compared to other industries) and EPCOT is even more specifically a special case and it's fascinating to ponder. As a theme park operator you have to split focus to those that grew up with the park, those that read about its history online but never experienced it, and those that just book a vacation and know nothing except Food & Wine. And I think that this anniversary, although not a slam dunk, did a fine job of balancing all three camps of guest.

I agree with this. There was something for everyone. For example the old entrance music loop. Probably wouldn't have mattered to casual guest but nice for anyone who's been to the park in the past and can remember the old music.

 

[Figment82]

I was really pleased to hear “The Computer Song” mixed in the entrance music on my way out last night. I’ve never recalled hearing that included, and it’s not in any of the copies I have. From what I’m seeing in other comments, this song and “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)” were mixed/released just for yesterday’s loop? Is this true, and is there more information behind it?

 

[TheEPCOTHistorian]

'82 entrance loop is still playing today, and tacos still have the 40 logo.

 

[tparris]

'82 entrance loop is still playing today, and tacos still have the 40 logo.

A Creations Shop CM told me yesterday that the 40th is a 6 month celebration, which would give it the same end date as WDW’s 50th. I find it quite hard to believe that they would want to play the 80s loop for 6 months, but I do wonder, especially since as soon as you walk under SSE you hear the current loop again. I would love to have the 40th SSE show playing until April though. Hopefully they’ll have some of the broken lights fixed by then because I’d love to see the show without those imperfections

 

[jrhwdw]

'82 entrance loop is still playing today, and tacos still have the 40 logo.

There was no 40 on the Tacos after Harm. Forgot to report that. Would be nice if we got some clarity on how long the 40th actually is..... it looks better on the Tacos than the 50th, IMO. The Beacon is stunning and deserves more than one night and EF 's Return could be tied to the 40th. It probably should Return ASAP after last night.......Still Sore after that....


^ Sorry! My Patience with Harm is running thin!!!!

 

[Vinnie Mac]

A Creations Shop CM told me yesterday that the 40th is a 6 month celebration

AWESOME! WILL GET TO SEE IT IN DECEMBER THEN

 

[Sandurz]

A Creations Shop CM told me yesterday that the 40th is a 6 month celebration

I'll be there in a week, if the '82 loop can hold on until then I'll be thrilled.

Lol this should be the official "82 entrance loop watch" thread, anyone going in the near future should post their findings one way or the other.

 

[jrhwdw]

I'll be there in a week, if the '82 loop can hold on until then I'll be thrilled.

Lol this should be the official "82 entrance loop watch" thread, anyone going in the near future should post their findings one way or the other.

And Beacon Watch thread! LOL!!!!!!!!!

 

[Vinnie Mac]

I like how the Beacon of Magic is something Disney fans are united over. It's the one thing in the parks these days that everyone can agree is awesome. It also feels like EPCOT. Like I could totally see it existing in 1987 EPCOT.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I get your point but I do think the SSE Lights are the best thing Epcot has done since Sep 2021!!

Better than BA Wand..

 

[Animaniac93-98]

This is very nice, but the weird thing when Disney celebrates Epcot nostalgia is none of the things they celebrate are actually still there. It's not like Disneyland's 50th fireworks, for example, where you had the odd extinct attraction mixed in with all the classics that guests likely experienced during their day: at Epcot, the only attractions they celebrate are long gone and no-one's interested in celebrating anything that's actually still there!

Disney wants to have it both ways.

Cash in on the nostalgia of EPCOT Center with merch, events and "tributes", but rip out everything that made that park what it is.

They know people liked EPCOT Center, but they don't seem to understand why. A shame because there are people still alive who do and could modernize it for a new audience while respecting its heritage, but will never be approached.

 

[Trekkie101]

Creations had all the 40th merch today with none of the queues. Limits had been largely lifted too.

The blue T-shirt that sold out, is back in stock. More arriving too.

 

[Inspired Figment]

This is very nice, but the weird thing when Disney celebrates Epcot nostalgia is none of the things they celebrate are actually still there. It's not like Disneyland's 50th fireworks, for example, where you had the odd extinct attraction mixed in with all the classics that guests likely experienced during their day: at Epcot, the only attractions they celebrate are long gone and no-one's interested in celebrating anything that's actually still there!

Perhaps it’s a sign that a couple classics should return, eh? Add more balance & cohesion to the park.. one of them being the OG Journey Into Imagination

 

[correcaminos]

View attachment 670539
Again, please PM me if you want a map. I saved about 4 stacks this size from being thrown in the trash, and hell would freeze over before I sell them on EbayView attachment 670540.

Sent you a PM. You are so kind to offer!