1023
Provocateur, Rancanteur, Plaisanter, du Jour
I think the effort to make the EPCOT Center more kid friendly ignored the fact that it was possible to create new characters within the pavilions and showcases themselves. JII and it's associated areas did just that, it created a new character singularly identified with ECPOT and it's pavilion (or 2 if you are a Dreamfinder nut). Say what you will about Captain EO, but it gave us a few unique loveable characters that children readily fell for (remember "Fuzzball"?). Opportunities like these existed all along but instead of developing those, they went back to the old tried and true "gang".
Edutainment is part of what EPCOT Center was about. It took someone who was ignorant in a particular area and gave them a basis and background to start from on a subject that previously may not have held their interest. These attractions/pavilions did not serve the lowest common denominator, instead they brought up and continue to bring up the level of understanding of the under-informed. With the exception of Test Track 2.0 (and possibly the Seas), doesn't every other pavilion need at least some updating if not a total re-imagineering?
As others here have said, World Showcase presented the represented countries culture, food, and developments. Norway could use a better version of Maelstrom not a desperate shoe-horned overlay. (There are many here that might accept that shoe as at least something new is happening in our favorite park.) Adding to the existing story or better still, adding on to this attraction would be a far better option and allow for opportunities to develop a pavilion specific character. (Or better develop.)
While Maelstrom is not my favorite attraction in EPCOT as it exists today, I would surely welcome a more fully developed attraction than what exists. That being said where are the new things to hold off the guests from revolt of having one less thing to do? (Even if it is an overlay.) Bottom line is, build more to gain favor and equity with your customer base so you can change things with less overall customer impact.
*1023*
Edutainment is part of what EPCOT Center was about. It took someone who was ignorant in a particular area and gave them a basis and background to start from on a subject that previously may not have held their interest. These attractions/pavilions did not serve the lowest common denominator, instead they brought up and continue to bring up the level of understanding of the under-informed. With the exception of Test Track 2.0 (and possibly the Seas), doesn't every other pavilion need at least some updating if not a total re-imagineering?
As others here have said, World Showcase presented the represented countries culture, food, and developments. Norway could use a better version of Maelstrom not a desperate shoe-horned overlay. (There are many here that might accept that shoe as at least something new is happening in our favorite park.) Adding to the existing story or better still, adding on to this attraction would be a far better option and allow for opportunities to develop a pavilion specific character. (Or better develop.)
While Maelstrom is not my favorite attraction in EPCOT as it exists today, I would surely welcome a more fully developed attraction than what exists. That being said where are the new things to hold off the guests from revolt of having one less thing to do? (Even if it is an overlay.) Bottom line is, build more to gain favor and equity with your customer base so you can change things with less overall customer impact.
*1023*
