Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Energy Pavilion at Epcot

[Thanks phoenicians]

I know screamscape isn't exactly the most accurate site for rumors but I read their latest report on Epcot and they claim there have been rumors of a whole new pavilion to WS. I'm pretty sure that was shot down on here correct?

 

[lazyboy97o]

I know when they first rolled out the completed system Staggs was quoted as saying that there was a 40% increase in usage of FP+ over traditional FP. In discussions here in some thread about MM+ there were some stats thrown around that the original system was used by less than half guests and the average guest used less than 3 FPs per day.

That's exactly the sort of nonsense statistic that is always going to sound positive. Ignoring the prompts for hotel guests, FastPass+ is offered for almost everything whereas FastPass was only at select attractions.

 

[AEfx]

This feels weird. On one hand, Guardians of the Galaxy feels so inherently un-EPCOT.

That just sounds so silly to me.

If these scientific-tech minded Marvel characters had been available to Imagineers in 1982, they would be covering Future World. Tony Stark would have been the star of Communicore, for example.

They fit in so well to Epcot it's not even funny.

 

[GoofGoof]

That's exactly the sort of nonsense statistic that is always going to sound positive. Ignoring the prompts for hotel guests, FastPass+ is offered for almost everything whereas FastPass was only at select attractions.

Nobody is arguing with that. This discussion tangent started with another poster saying that people are not happy with MM+ and are not using it. I just pointed out that Disney is saying that more people are using FP+ than used the previous system. I agree with you and @PhotoDave219 that the biggest reason for that is probably because it's expanded to so many rides that never needed FP in the first place, but it still doesn't change the fact that people are using it.

 

[AEfx]

That's exactly the sort of nonsense statistic that is always going to sound positive. Ignoring the prompts for hotel guests, FastPass+ is offered for almost everything whereas FastPass was only at select attractions.

Exactly.

First, I never bought that anyone with at least a middling intelligence level (i.e. able to stand upright and feed oneself) found the old system difficult - if anything, this new system is what is ridiculously stupidly complex for boarding a theme park attraction). Second, back then, 2 or 3 FP a day is all you needed anyway...because only a few attractions per park actually benefited it from it.

 

[GoofGoof]

That just sounds so silly to me.

If these scientific-tech minded Marvel characters had been available to Imagineers in 1982, they would be covering Future World. Tony Stark would have been the star of Communicore, for example.

They fit in so well to Epcot it's not even funny.

If they are going to add characters from existing IPs then they fit pretty well into EPCOT. For a lot of people it's still an objection to adding characters (that weren't unique like Figment) to EPCOT.

 

[GoofGoof]

Exactly.

First, I never bought that anyone with at least a middling intelligence level (i.e. able to stand upright and feed oneself) found the old system difficult - if anything, this new system is what is ridiculously stupidly complex for boarding a theme park attraction). Second, back then, 2 or 3 FP a day is all you needed anyway...because only a few attractions per park actually benefited it from it.

IMHO, depending on when you go all you need is 2 or 3 today as well. That may change when all these new things open, but outside of MK it's hard to find 3 rides to use FP for in each park (especially with the tiers). I think right after opening Touring Plans did some analysis on standby wait times and found very negligible changes with FP+ even on rides like Pirates and HM which previously didn't have FP. Anyway, this is an interesting topic but I don't want to pull us any more off track especially since this thread moves fast and people struggle to keep up.

 

[AEfx]

If they are going to add characters from existing IPs then they fit pretty well into EPCOT. For a lot of people it's still an objection to adding characters (that weren't unique like Figment) to EPCOT.

That's aside the point, though - if these characters had been available in 1982 this never would have been a question to begin with, nor would people be under the delusion that somehow near 35 years later some rule existed that was more likely closer on the side of experimentation rather than divine law to be kept for all time.

 

[AEfx]

IMHO, depending on when you go all you need is 2 or 3 today as well.

Sure, we know that LOL - but it's all the head cases who get FP for Aladdin's Carpets because Disney says so that they are using to create this "see how successful our value failure of a project is" narrative.

 

[BrianLo]

I'm fed up with Disney because where previously I could choose to engage in ogling IPs, that division is no longer a part of the park I enjoyed -- EPCOT. If I'm going to Universal, it's with the full intention of seeing/experiencing IP attractions. Nothing's really been trashed there on the scale Future World has. I can enjoy better theming to their IPs, people watch, and generally spend my time without turning around and saying, "Geez-oh-man, they used to have something really wonderful right over there... And now it's been overlaid with a rotten IP rendition..." I don't want to put my money into the big bait-and-switch.

I understand some of the underlying point you are getting at, but you used a poor example. Universal Studios is the model citizen for Epcot's future. It has absolutely been the worst for having complete disregard for its original vision (studio-behind the movies vs. ride our movies) and original attractions with rapid turnover. Nearly everything has been kicked out at this point (aside from ET) and replaced with new "in" IP. Some of which people certainly feel are rotten (Transformers and Fast and Furious for starters).

THE DIFFERENCE is that they didn't let their park rot as badly in between and unapologetically just went ahead and changed it. The execution also is the big difference. Regardless of my thoughts on the exterior of things like Transformers and the underlying IP, it does make for a fun attraction. I too like Universal Studios, if that isn't clear.

Epcot's problem is we've been beating the same dead horse for two decades and fans have some weird lingering hope EPCOT will rise from the ashes. Epcot foregoing its original vision is obviously disappointing, but trying to cling has put the park into today's situation. I'd rather Epcot turn into the unapologetic turnover that has become USO's approach and be a good park, rather than the mess it is.

I don't understand Disney fans who not only want to keep something a museum, they want to keep it a graveyard. I have no problem with mourning what we've lost, but can we please try to move forward? Its been dead for so long.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Sure, we know that LOL - but it's all the head cases who get FP for Aladdin's Carpets because Disney says so that they are using to create this "see how successful our value failure of a project is" narrative.

True story @AEfx , every trip, I get Fastpass+ for the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. At 7:33pm, after I have finished my tuna salad sandwich with homemade chips at the Plaza Restaurant, I wander over to Adventureland, notice the 25 minute wait for the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and reserve two Fastpass+ times for 7:35pm. As a soar past the Sunshine Pavilion and the guests below, I think to myself, Disney sure overestimated the technological prowess of its guests. Shortly after my musings, I am spit on by a camel, my carpet lands, and I enjoy a Dole Whip float.

 

[Stripes]

I understand some of the underlying point you are getting at, but you used a poor example. Universal Studios is the model citizen for Epcot's future. It has absolutely been the worst for having complete disregard for its original vision (studio-behind the movies vs. ride our movies) and original attractions with rapid turnover. Nearly everything has been kicked out at this point (aside from ET) and replaced with new "in" IP. Some of which people certainly feel are rotten (Transformers and Fast and Furious for starters).

THE DIFFERENCE is that they didn't let their park rot as badly in between and unapologetically just went ahead and changed it. The execution also is the big difference. Regardless of my thoughts on the exterior of things like Transformers and the underlying IP, it does make for a fun attraction. I too like Universal Studios, if that isn't clear.

Epcot's problem is we've been beating the same dead horse for two decades and fans have some weird lingering hope EPCOT will rise from the ashes. Epcot foregoing its original vision is obviously disappointing, but trying to cling has put the park into today's situation. I'd rather Epcot turn into the unapologetic turnover that has become USO's approach and be a good park, rather than the mess it is.

I don't understand Disney fans who not only want to keep something a museum, they want to keep it a graveyard. I have no problem with mourning what we've lost, but can we please try to move forward? Its been dead for so long.

110%. Now, impress me Disney.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Pretty sure Jessica Jones is post-contract, should be fine. (Theoretically of course--agreed none of these coming to WDW ever. Which makes me sad as a Krysten Ritter fanboi.)

Punisher probably ok. Luke Cage, same, tho maybe he was an Avenger briefly? Was always more associated with the Defenders, or the Heroes for Hire. I don't think either currently represented in IoA, but I could be wrong. Was never a fan of either, so going on very sketchy knowledge of comics here.

Daredevil/Electra are tough. DD has his own debut book, but over the years became closely associated with Spider-Man. Also, there is a huge DD cut-out decorating IoA. I imagine either park could make a claim, would probably be a messy arbitration. (DD got pushed into the Avengers at one point, but I think after contract.)

Punisher has a Spider-Man connection, doesn't he? Also if Daredevil is represented in any way than it probably means Daredevil, Elektra and Punisher are off limits.

 

[aladdin2007]

I know screamscape isn't exactly the most accurate site for rumors but I read their latest report on Epcot and they claim there have been rumors of a whole new pavilion to WS. I'm pretty sure that was shot down on here correct?

Unless I am mistaken and martin was referring to something else, I think he recently said "never say never" regarding that. Something could be bubbling again. Screamscape probably gets their info though from here. Its just I just cant see them adding a new country, not without an IP to tagged onto it. I would think we would see the expansion pads used for additions to whats there instead of a new pavilion. Epcots old model seems to be out the window now. Though I would hope they wouldn't waste expansion pads the way they did next to Norway.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I don't understand Disney fans who not only want to keep something a museum, they want to keep it a graveyard. I have no problem with mourning what we've lost, but can we please try to move forward? Its been dead for so long.

When the Frozen overlay first hit our boards, I spent a significant amount of time discussing the direction with fellow Disney Parks & Resorts fans. Our conversations regularly transitioned from Epcot to themed entertainment, including aquariums, museums, and zoos. Although some museums have permanent collections, many have rotating, temporary, traveling, and/or visiting exhibits. Rotation piques interest and boosts attendance. Galleries may change, but the mission statement of the museum remains the same. Generally, contemporary art museums with successful 30+ year histories do not suddenly begin showcasing baroque art in their 35th year.

Like Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom, I believe Epcot needs a permanent collection (i.e., classic attractions). Nostalgia and sentiment aside, the American Adventure and Spaceship Earth are the lifeblood of World Showcase and Future World, respectively. All of the countries surrounding World Showcase Lagoon and the other pavilions in Future World would benefit from rotation. However, the rotation should be guided by the mission statement. Parks & Resorts should bring change to Epcot, but change that continues to inspire interest in new knowledge from science and understanding between nations. Test Track and Soarin' demonstrative that automotive engineering and topography, respectively, can be cool.

 

[SorcererMC]

Universal Studios is the model citizen for Epcot's future.

I'd rather Epcot turn into the unapologetic turnover that has become USO's approach and be a good park, rather than the mess it is.

Potentially the most depressing thing I've read in this thread.

I'll quote what others have already said:

Universal has already had to turn over a number of attractions based on dated IPs and replace them. At Disney you can't close anything down without an online protest petition and fanboy backlash.

Epcot should be dynamic, not an 'IP du jour' park.

When I say dynamic, this is exactly what I mean:

Although some museums have permanent collections, many have rotating, temporary, traveling, and/or visiting exhibits. Rotation peaks interest and boosts attendance. Galleries may change, but the mission statement of the museum remains the same

 

[GoofGoof]

That's aside the point, though - if these characters had been available in 1982 this never would have been a question to begin with, nor would people be under the delusion that somehow near 35 years later some rule existed that was more likely closer on the side of experimentation rather than divine law to be kept for all time.

For me it's still a little hard to stomach. In my mind MK has the characters and classic Disney style dark rides while EPCOT has World Showcase and a bunch of pavilions with slightly educational themes. It's hard for me to see them just change Future World into something like IOA or what is soon to be DHS. If this plan ends up working out and getting built is it the end of Future World? I am having a hard time understanding how a GoTG ride or land can fit in the theme of entertaining, informing and inspiring. If they just use GoTG characters to tell a story about a topic like energy I'm not sure that is much better. It may be an attempt to hang on to the original theme but it could potential make it a lesser ride experience. I think once I get over the complete death of the original concept of EPCOT Center (which a lot of people think died ~20 years ago) I might be able to get behind this idea. I need some time to digest and come to terms with this.

 

[SorcererMC]

I am having a hard time understanding how a GoTG ride or land can fit in the theme of entertaining, informing and inspiring.

This is the crux of the issue, and I'm really hoping that more information will become available sooner rather than later...and then maybe I could look forward to a new ride, instead of dreading it and all it stands for (diminishing Epcot themes, as opposed to enhancing it).

 

[TwilightZone]

While this is sad, I could always tell future world was dying for a long time. Probably starting with Disney failing to update future world for the most part after the 90's.

 

[Marlins1]

Unfortunately when corporate and government sponsorships started to die out so did the original EPCOT. Any good attraction that somewhat fits thematically and makes use of under utilized or non-utilized space would be welcome IMO.