Hi, I'm new! I've spent the better part of 2 days reading through this thread, and I'm only on page 31. That being said, I think I've read enough to get the gist of how people feel about this. As with most Epcot-related changes, there seem to be 3 camps:
1) THIS IS THE DEATH OF EPCOT! GOD SAVE US ALL!!1
2) *cautiously optimistic*
3) *less optimistic but I can't really bring myself to care anymore, please just give us something new, anything pLEASE*
I've really enjoyed reading all your thoughts on this, and especially appreciate the tips and hints from the insiders!
Okay so here's my two cents: If you've never seen the movie, I highly recommend checking it out before passing judgement on the potential plans for UoE and/or WoL. While I admit my initial reaction to the rumor wasn't positive, the more I think about it, the more it seems like it could have potential.
Someone else (forgive me, I don't recall who it was, many pages back) mentioned the importance of the Infinity Stones within the story, as a source of almost limitless energy. GotG1 is basically about getting one of the stones away from the bad guys who intend to use it as a weapon, in order to protect the galaxy. Now also keep in mind, Star Lord (the main character) is a human from Earth.
Imagine his narration of an introductory film or even throughout the course of the ride -- I can totally see him saying things like, "Man, back on Earth, we were just starting to mess around with solar power -- we couldn't have even imagined anything like this!" -- basically let him serve as the lens through which the rider experiences these out of this world technologies and experiences. I think if it's done right, it could absolutely work. Since it sounds like the new construction won't be using the original ride technology, I'm wondering what the pace and style of the new ride might be. Honestly, I think something a bit more fast paced, maybe even an indoor coaster could be really cool with the theme. And if it included some of the songs from the movie as atmospheric sound (a la Rockin' Rollercoaster) that could be really cool.
While I can absolutely understand why a lot of people are wary of this change, I think we have to accept that UoE has seen its time. Among regulars, Ellen's Energy Adventure has become well-known as the best place for a 45 minute nap in the afternoon of your Epcot visit. Not exactly something to instill awe or fascination...
I'm definitely part of the "mourning the EPCOT Center that was" camp, but I think it's time to acknowledge that EPCOT Center is dead and it's time to embrace a new era for the park. However, I'll echo what some others have said in that Disney needs to firmly decide what this new park will look like and then GO FOR IT. If we're going to see more character inclusions like Frozen in Norway, let's do it. Put Ratatouille/Beauty and the Beast in France, Brother Bear in Canada, add a Polynesian pavilion and bring on Moana, give us a Mulan ride in China and more M&G's with everyone.
Hoping for the best on this one, and I'm excited to see what the future of Epcot has in store.