Epcot's Continued Sad Condition

[doctornick]

I guess I just visit and have fun. I'm with @real mad hatter , I don't notice these things.

I still enjoy it terribly as well.

My complaints about Epcot are more based on quantity than quality. There needs to be more rides in WS and they should actually put something in the WoL (not just using it for seminars). And there is a staleness with stuff like Eo and the France film. But I actually like some of the changes to Epcot over the years -- TT was a solid change, Soarin' is far superior Food Rocks. I actually prefer the Nemo ride to the predecessor and Turtle Time is fun (I understand the complaints about toons invading Epcot, but I'm not personally bothered by it).

Some changes I'm pretty ambivalent about (UoE/SSE/Mexico).

The only real complaint I have about is with Imagination, as I absolutely loved the original and find the current version mediocre. I preferred Horizons to M:S, but I at least can respect what they were trying to do there (I just wish the pavilion had an expanded space exploration theme to bring it more in line with the rest of FW).

Of course, I don't go often enough to recognize little effects or such being off/broken. If I was a local or frequent visitor, maybe that would be different.

 

[Matt_Black]

Aren't they redoing the France film? On my trip at the end of October, it had been down for renovations, so I thought an update might be coming.

 

[Alektronic]

Aren't they redoing the France film? On my trip at the end of October, it had been down for renovations, so I thought an update might be coming.

They already did it, they turned it into digital with new projectors.

 

[Jeff456]

Sad to hear Epcot is in such a sorry state, hoping something can be done by my next trip in September next year, of course I appreciate we won't see any new attractions but if the maintainence could be sorted that would be a start!

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Sad to hear Epcot is in such a sorry state, hoping something can be done by my next trip in September next year, of course I appreciate we won't see any new attractions but if the maintainence could be sorted that would be a start!

Or even just a good power washing.

 

[Jeff456]

Or even just a good power washing.

Agreed that is a LOT to ask TDO these days though!

 

[danpam1024]

After being at Epcot yesterday the place is really in need of some help and its starting to be very noticeable. Guests guzzeling down beer in mousegear doesnt help..really? anyway,,,,the fountain of nations no longer runs its soundtrack! At least it wasnt yesterday, the fountains were working but no music,,,, Innoventions was an empty ghost town,,,,, the decent in SE is getting worse; the black sheets are starting to fall through from overhead, the dust on the sides is inexecusable, half the star lights dont work on the way up, and theres no music outside in the queue anymore. Majority of Nemo effects were off, no water waves outside, kuka arm broken, the funny starfish at the end of the ride on the glass was gone, but you could hear her. We did have a wonderful lunch at Coral Reef. Has the entrance to the land been left to rott with weeds?,,,,
Enjoyed watching Ingrid Hoffmans cooking presentation very much, shes very informative and interesting and had a full crowd,,,,, By 4pm it was impossible to get into World Showcase, complete gridlock. The cemetary out front needs to go already too. Tons of cars parked up on the grass hills in the front, what was that about? food and wine vendor workers?

Why not contact Guest relations? As long as people keep paying and not expressing their concerns, nothing will change- with Disney it has been increasingly more and more evident as time goes by It is so unfortunate to hear

 

[googilycub]

Second. So all these post about how far EPCOT has fallen are wrong?

No they are not wrong, they are just an opinion. Just because someone has a different opinion than you does make those opinions wrong, just different tastes. The only fact here is that EPCOT has changed since it opened, and it is up to each person to form their own opinion on those changes. Maybe you should respect people's rights to have those opinions, rather than make snide remarks like, "I wish I had you as a customer." It might make this board a little less hostle.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

The Wonders of Life Pavilion has never been better. Operating pavilions are overrated.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Every single pavilion is lesser now than it once was. The Land is perhaps the best example of what happened to EPCOT as a whole. Because like EPCOT at first glance it looks like it is still there, and it all functions pretty well. The Land nowadays is great. Good rides, good restaurants, pleasant atmosphere.

But look at the picture below. Spot the differences.
A fountain. And an artistic one at that.
Carpets.
Murals on the sidewalls.
Handpainted ceiling instead of a few pieces of cloth.
Balloons that move up and down.
Balloons that are tied to the larger ideas behind the pavilion.

And that leaves unmentioned the invisibles, such as the pavilion being informed by the concept of Symbiosis, instead of being a jumbled mess themed to 'Lion King + hanggliding on the Westcoast + mall food court + boatride along Mickey-shaped pumpkin'.

It's just not what it used to be. (Although the addition of Soarin' arguably is an improvement over KK / FR). It is dumbed down, commercialised, industrialised. Less inspirational, educational, grand, daring. Which holds true for all of EPCOT, in particular FW.


Come on, Disney, the Circle of Life is cartoon nature. For kids. In EPCOT, give us concepts such as symbiosis:

 

[googilycub]

You went to Epcot in 1979?

Sigh. Let me retype it. I have been going to WDW since 1979. Happy now?

 

[epcotisbest]

Sigh. Let me retype it. I have been going to WDW since 1979. Happy now?

Was not unhappy before...so yes, I am happy now. Thanks for asking.

 

[ABQ]

Why not contact Guest relations? As long as people keep paying and not expressing their concerns, nothing will change- with Disney it has been increasingly more and more evident as time goes by It is so unfortunate to hear

@danpam1024 is right. Complaints need to make it to Guest Relations. Sure, they can, and in many cases will or even should be ignored based upon how petty or legitimate they are. I'm not speculating on whether or not the OP chose to only vent here or if Guest Relations heard their complaint, but until upset folks, and I'm one of them, hammer the point home to The Mouse, they'll not react one bit. Or until attendance drops and the bottom line is impacted. I've written many letters, so far, can't say one of them was read, but I'll keep doing it, as well as voicing my concerns to the folks in plaid with the big gold D pins.

and damn you @The Empress Lilly , that pic of the balloons and fountain inside the Land pavilion make me want to cry. I remember when those balloons went up and down.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

@danpam1024 is right. Complaints need to make it to Guest Relations. Sure, they can, and in many cases will or even should be ignored based upon how petty or legitimate they are. I'm not speculating on whether or not the OP chose to only vent here or if Guest Relations heard their complaint, but until upset folks, and I'm one of them, hammer the point home to The Mouse, they'll not react one bit. Or until attendance drops and the bottom line is impacted. I've written many letters, so far, can't say one of them was read, but I'll keep doing it, as well as voicing my concerns to the folks in plaid with the big gold D pins.

and damn you @The Empress Lilly , that pic of the balloons and fountain inside the Land pavilion make me want to cry. I remember when those balloons went up and down.

Can you get a FP+ for Guest Relations? The queue is out the door and along the front of the building.

 

[danpam1024]

Can you get a FP+ for Guest Relations? The queue is out the door and along the front of the building.

That's a statement in itself and perhaps half the problem- not the same size of staff as in yesteryear. I had e-mailed guest relations over some concerns and a real live educated person called me after a couple of weeks. We actually had a pleasant conversation and I felt that my voice was heard- I'm sure they "filed" my issue right in the trash, but I tried

 

[WWWD]

Every single pavilion is lesser now than it once was. The Land is perhaps the best example of what happened to EPCOT as a whole. Because like EPCOT at first glance it looks like it is still there, and it all functions pretty well. The Land nowadays is great. Good rides, good restaurants, pleasant atmosphere.

But look at the picture below. Spot the differences.
A fountain. And an artistic one at that.
Carpets.
Murals on the sidewalls.
Handpainted ceiling instead of a few pieces of cloth.
Balloons that move up and down.
Balloons that are tied to the larger ideas behind the pavilion.

And that leaves unmentioned the invisibles, such as the pavilion being informed by the concept of Symbiosis, instead of being a jumbled mess themed to 'Lion King + hanggliding on the Westcoast + mall food court + boatride along Mickey-shaped pumpkin'.

It's just not what it used to be. (Although the addition of Soarin' arguably is an improvement over KK / FR). It is dumbed down, commercialised, industrialised. Less inspirational, educational, grand, daring. Which holds true for all of EPCOT, in particular FW.


Come on, Disney, the Circle of Life is cartoon nature. For kids. In EPCOT, give us concepts such as symbiosis:
View attachment 38419

I'm not suggesting that EPCOT isn't in need of some improvements however some things change for a reason. With the above Land picture, some may see the greatness of yesteryear. However, I see an area unable to handle the crowds. Look at all those people eating around the fountain and others walking around with trays trying to find a place to sit. The umbrella tables don't accommodate larger parties, so it appears some tables don't have chairs around them as people move chairs around. Also, with the lack of eating spaces, think of how much food ended up on that carpet. Stained carpet isn't that appealing.

I'm guessing some of those people went to guest relations complaining that there should be more places to eat that expensive food they just bought.

Now, they should fix the balloons so they move again.

 

[John]

No they are not wrong, they are just an opinion. Just because someone has a different opinion than you does make those opinions wrong, just different tastes. The only fact here is that EPCOT has changed since it opened, and it is up to each person to form their own opinion on those changes. Maybe you should respect people's rights to have those opinions, rather than make snide remarks like, "I wish I had you as a customer." It might make this board a little less hostle.

point well taken......But....and isn't there always a but? Even you have claimed that EPCOT has changed. Can we still enjoy it? Sure...It is my favorite park. Opinion? I have yet seen or heard one person say EPCOT has "changed" for the better. Hostile? I didn't think my comment was hostile....yes it was snarky but it is a give and take here. How many times have we heard....well stay home.....less people in line for me? Ask Hatter what he has said about Piano Bob at PORS and those who like him......do I get offended that he slams one of my favorite things at Disney? No.... of course not.

 

[aladdin2007]

@danpam1024 is right. Complaints need to make it to Guest Relations. Sure, they can, and in many cases will or even should be ignored based upon how petty or legitimate they are. I'm not speculating on whether or not the OP chose to only vent here or if Guest Relations heard their complaint, but until upset folks, and I'm one of them, hammer the point home to The Mouse, they'll not react one bit. Or until attendance drops and the bottom line is impacted. I've written many letters, so far, can't say one of them was read, but I'll keep doing it, as well as voicing my concerns to the folks in plaid with the big gold D pins.

and damn you @The Empress Lilly , that pic of the balloons and fountain inside the Land pavilion make me want to cry. I remember when those balloons went up and down.

To be clear for all I didnt start the thread to vent, I realize it can sound that way sometimes. But they were observations that I wanted to see how others felt or noticed, It looks like many do agree and Epcot is in need of attention. I'll share some of my observations with Disney and Im able to expand on the sentiment a bit now that so many others feel the same way. Im sure Disney will just ditch it but gotta try. While Epcot is still enjoyable and a great place to spend a day, its bright energy and atmosphere of wonder has been dimmed and the lacking showmanship and care is more evident than ever. Sure times change etc, but those two Land pictures speak volumes. Creativity is out with Disney it seems, mall-izing/dumbing down/consolidation/state of decline is in. Giving us less bang for our buck and running the park in a state of staleness in terms of attractions and maintenance. By the way I think if any of you do send a letter out like I plan to, it should go to the top not so much guest relations. But out to Burbank/Staggs office and or George K. Again I know its probably somewhat pointless but if we dont do it all, then it really would be pointless.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Last November, we were there and ran into Marty Sklar. He was having a snack in the Land pavilion, taking notes. I wonder what he would think. If you read his book, he tells how disgusted he was when Disneyland was allowed to fall into disrepair. He even threatened to lay down before any trucks which were to haul away the 20,000 leagues submarines.

I first came to EPCOT in 2003. Since then, Mission Space, Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk, and Soarin' have opened. Big refurbishments have taken place at Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and El Rio De Tiempo. That's 7 major investments in 10 years, but indeed some things seem to be dropped, most visibly Wonders of Life. What would Marty or Walt think of that? I don't know. It certainly looks like they're investing, but is it making a difference?

 

[Hot Lava]

No, but the problems at WDW are starting to look more like Eric Roberts in Mask as opposed to a simple pimple.....

Eric Stoltz?