I see this sentiment a lot and I don't really agree with it at all. The changes at DHS and Epcot aren't making it like the MK at all. MK is set up with distinct, well defined lands with attractions that by and large compliment each other. Sure, Tomorrowland is a bit of a mess, but otherwise it's quite cohesive and isn't overrun by IPs the way people seem to always suggest. The most recent change to MK with the FLE actually tightened up the theming there.
DHS is going down a path of "experience the movies" with franchise driven lands. The front of the park has retained an entertainment celebration vibe. These things are quite distinct from MK which uses more generic tropes to define the lands and individual franchises have at most small sections. If anything, a better argument would be made that the addition of Star Wars is making DL more like DHS.
Who knows what Epcot will end up as, but the more it seems like a random hodgepodge, the less it is like MK.
I'd actually be totally for another theme park that was similar in structure with MK, but with different themes for the lands. That's basically what TDS did and it compliments TDL, rather than be accused of copying it.
I am in the same boat here.
I fully understand, and agree with most, that this is the ....death of what was once an awesome idea that was EPCOT. It is sad, but it is what it is.
That being said, I also agree that what has to happen is a theme to these moves, not just plunking IPs where they fit to keep parks alive.
I agree with the above that he moves for DHS are in that forum, they are moving from how movies are made, or seeing behind the curtain, to instead joining or immersing yourself into the movie. I can't wait to see what SWE becomes and how immersive it will be.
I see the same for Avatar in DAK. The theme of the movie is based on conservation, which also is a theme for DAK, and living with the land, again, a DAK theme. It does fit.
I can only hope, that this move of placing GotG into FW is a move to make Futureworld something of maybe a move to space and life in that area? I don't know, this is all supposition on my part. But I am with those, if this ends up just plopping IP into here all over Epcot, then it is a huge mistake.
One other caveat to throw out there, for those who have and have not seen the movie. The main issue with this movie is the Infinity stone that is used in this movie, the Marvel world in this phase is all about the infinity stones(7 stones all focused on one main force) and the stone used in this movie was the "power stone" or energy stone. So there could actually be a tie in ....granted very loosely...... to energy and maybe looking at futuristic uses of power and to attain power. I can only hope.
I do however, think we have seen the end of WS, as it was designed, and I fear it will be an IP plop there as movies are successful or not...but again its just my guessing here.
Net, I get the angst in both sides. I get the loss of what was once an incredible world of EPCOT, but I have to hope this will be transitioning to a newer version that is melded into a new vision.
Only time will tell. I will say, if it WAS only to plop IP, I would have expected some type of Star Wars overlay first, the fact they chose GotG to me at least leans to some type of longer term theme....I hope.