My 2 cents on this subject du jour.
As stated multiple times, I have only started my Disney journey in 2009. I still remember several Disney "moments" from that trip. On that particular visit we stayed offsite (and won't be doing that again). We did not go back until 2012, this time staying on site at the Yacht Club. I state this just to make it absolutely clear that I am not a long-time fan from the 70s when the MK was all there was, or the 80s when EPCOT Center apparently blew everyone away with its sheer scope, audacity and utter creativity. I missed this, and from what I hear it was potentially a life-changing experience for both kids and adults. I have had some excellent PM discussions with
@sshindel - author of the infamous EPCOT Manifesto - and
@George - who is simply infamous - over the grandeur of the original park and how it deeply affected both of them. Hearing how impactful the decline has been to long-time fans is tough, and makes me wish I had visited there in the park's heyday.
The reality, however, is that I did not visit then. And, if I may state here, from that first 2009 trip, Epcot was the least impressive park out of the 4 to me. It was truly beautiful, especially World Showcase, but there didn't seem like there was that much to do. Keep in mind too that at that time my kids were significantly younger, so there was a lot for them to enjoy at DHS (that no longer exists now), as well as the animal exhibits at DAK. Of course the MK is the MK, so that park was the standout from that first visit, with so much to see and do that we spent multiple days just in that park.
I have remarked previously that I am probably the type of fan that many posters on this site dread - from an old school fanboy's perspective. Having miss the 80s and 90s, what many hold dear to them are concepts that I have missed out on. I can't really come on a fan site like this and complain about how Epcot has changed when I never experience the original incarnation. I would be the ultimate poser and my words would pretty much ring hollow. What I will say is that I really feel for some of you, as you can really feel how important this park used to be. There is a strong nostalgia ever-present here that I always respect and am fully understanding of.
However, I have to admit, that I am excited by some of the changes that I hear may be happening to this park. This park is MASSIVE, but it also feels like a vacuum when you walk into the center of Future World. I have to think to myself that if
@marni1971 is correct (and he usually is), a line-up of multiple GotG attractions including a true E-Ticket with a new ride system, an updated M:S along side the 'recently' updated Test Track, would have me spending more time in Future World East than I ever have before in any of my visits. Let's add to that redone Innoventions, both East and West sides, the newly minted Soarin', FEA ride and expanded Norway Pavilion; well, now this starts becoming a park that I will spend a lot more time in. I also noticed that
@Rteetz posted a statement regarding a rumor about the addition of a new pavilion which Martin 'liked'. That always gets my attention when Martin 'likes' a post about a rumor that someone else posts.
@marni1971 has also hinted that other changes, both to landscaping and park aesthetics, are most likely happening, along with some minor changes to The Odyssey. Apparently there are even plans to add things to the World Showcase area, and after the crazy success of FEA, I completely see that happening. And how about capping of a celebration of Epcot's 50th with a newly re-imagined Imagination attraction (this one is me spitballing).
This would be a park that I would spend tons of time in. As it stands now it gets maybe 2 half day visits and we are done with it. We spend that much time in DAK (without Pandora). There is too much potential being wasted in Epcot so I welcome the changes - and potential changes - that I am hearing. As long as they are done as impressively as FEA seems to be. This park should have some of the most impressive AAs and ride designs/mechanisms out of any of the parks.
Finally, I will add that the removal of the 'tombstones' out front seems to be poetic justice for those that love what this park was. Those that purchased these probably adored the EPCOT Center that was but no longer will be. The removal of them is very emblematic of the dreams that were inspired at one time by this park. Yes, we might get a more aesthetically pleasing entrance as opposed to the ugly tombstone-like appearance, but it is the spirit that is behind the concept that is what will really be missed one of the last, greatest attempts at a
theme park.