Horizons - Martins Complete Ultimate Tribute

[sedati]

This really brings me back, this ride made Epcot. What will always beat me is why they built the entire ride with industrial hangar sheeting.

I do remember that when entering, the first floor level more closely resembled out local Caldor (80's era department store that loved using oranges and browns in their decor) than the future. Knowing that there are always budget concerns, I'm glad they kept the focus more on the inside.

 

[PorterRedkey]

Here is an article with some kind words for The Historian from a site I respect a lot.
http://themeparkuniversity.com/disney/epcot-horizons-ultimate-tribute-video-martin-smith/

From the article
"To say that this is Martin Smith’s best work yet might be selling it short. This Horizons Ultimate Tribute is better than anything the Walt Disney Company could churn out itself. It’s insightful, well edited and executed. It stands as a testament to just how amazing these attractions were and to those of us who loved it, it’s a fitting tribute to an attraction that meant an awful lot to us."

Respect!

 

[KBLovedDisney]

The video popped up as my number one recommended YouTube video. Thanks, Martin!

Same here

 

[marni1971]

Thanks again all

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I must also point out a FUN FACT that the man who is singing Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow in the attraction is Actor Larry Cedar...He had a big role in the PBS show Square One Tv..

Plus he was also the father of the boy with the frog in the HISTA kodak pre-show..

 

[Cosmic Commando]

The thing that Martin's video made me really appreciate is what a shame it is when these huge projects are completely thrown away. It's something that's obviously been at the top of my mind with the impending closures of UoE and GMR. So much work, so much money in the initial build... and they are lost because the company in the "present" (of whichever era you're talking about) doesn't feel like updating or maintaining. These massive parts of their parks' identities are only useful as a flat patch of earth for the next big thing. It's such a shame.

 

[John park hopper]

The thing that Martin's video made me really appreciate is what a shame it is when these huge projects are completely thrown away. It's something that's obviously been at the top of my mind with the impending closures of UoE and GMR. So much work, so much money in the initial build... and they are lost because the company in the "present" (of whichever era you're talking about) doesn't feel like updating or maintaining. These massive parts of their parks' identities are only useful as a flat patch of earth for the next big thing. It's such a shame.

I good not agree with you more. The time and effort put into these projects by so many people I don't think the average WDW vistor appreciates. It's really sad to see these torn down. I think these days most people are just looking for the next big special effect so I guess it is inevietable

 

[Justinchrys25]

Great to see! I remember going to Epcot in the summer of 1984 for the first time and the reaction of my parents when we caught the smell of oranges in the citrus grove scene. Incredible. I wish Disney would consider creating a few more rides in this vein, but I fear that CGI and simulation is what they are after.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

The

I do remember that when entering, the first floor level more closely resembled out local Caldor (80's era department store that loved using oranges and browns in their decor) than the future. Knowing that there are always budget concerns, I'm glad they kept the focus more on the inside.

The outside looked like an 84 Lumber from the 21st century.

 

[George]

OK...you all have convinced me. I'll watch. I know it will make me sad. I consider Horizons the greatest thing Disney ever built.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Great to see! I remember going to Epcot in the summer of 1984 for the first time and the reaction of my parents when we caught the smell of oranges in the citrus grove scene. Incredible. I wish Disney would consider creating a few more rides in this vein, but I fear that CGI and simulation is what they are after.

Built a few more rides like this?

Good man, Disney is on the brink of closing two rides like this.

 

[SSH]

I good not agree with you more. The time and effort put into these projects by so many people I don't think the average WDW vistor appreciates. It's really sad to see these torn down. I think these days most people are just looking for the next big special effect so I guess it is inevietable

It's today's throwaway culture in general and I hate it. Anyone remember when time and care used to go into writing newspaper and magazine articles - with editors carefully scrutinizing every word and pushing reporters to make it better? Seeing your words in print really stood for something - that was your reputation. And a particularly big issue - like an election or other big news - people would save the front page like treasured photos and other memorabilia.

Now most "articles" are poorly researched, poorly written digital clickbait crap that are replaced by the next one a couple hours later.

Personal emotions expressed thoughtfully in a card or letter are now sent as text emoticons and social posts that disappear as fast as they're written.

Heck, people replace $800 phones and 30k cars every few years. It's a tough time to be a creative genius or imaginative artist. Nothing sticks.

Okay...sorry - rant over. Cannot wait to view this.

 

[Chef Mickey]

See folks, THIS is an E-Ticket without IP.

When EPCOT was EPCOT. The good ole days.

I watched this at the beginning of the month, top work @marni1971

I referenced this video in a real conversation I was having with another Disney fan, encouraging him check this out since he's interested in history and ride engineering at Disney.

 

[Beacon Joe]

Thank you, Martin.

"Horizons was the one pavilion that tied all of EPCOT Center together. Technology, Transportation, Communication, Food, Health, Energy, Future Habitats on the Land, Undersea and in Space."

That made me shed a tear.

And to think, what does Epcot represent now? Drunk fests. Juvenile comic books acquired from mergers and acquisitions. Pursuit of temporal box office merchandising at the expense of intellectually stimulating and moving themes of human history, exploration, and advancement.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

And to think, what does Epcot represent now? Drunk fests. Juvenile comic books acquired from mergers and acquisitions. Pursuit of temporal box office merchandising at the expense of intellectually stimulating and moving themes of human history, exploration, and advancement.

 

[George]

Thank you, Martin.

"Horizons was the one pavilion that tied all of EPCOT Center together. Technology, Transportation, Communication, Food, Health, Energy, Future Habitats on the Land, Undersea and in Space."

That made me shed a tear.

And to think, what does Epcot represent now? Drunk fests. Juvenile comic books acquired from mergers and acquisitions. Pursuit of temporal box office merchandising at the expense of intellectually stimulating and moving themes of human history, exploration, and advancement.

Amen to that brother. I'm lucky enough to have ridden Horizons many times...but I'll never ride get a chance to ride with my kids.

Great video @marni1971

Really top notch.

 

[George]

This video is the next best thing to riding the attraction in the 80's.

I can't say how much I love this! I love Horizons, but I had never seen the concept blueprints for the original GE attraction. Incredible! I know I might be biased because of my love for Horizons, but this might be @marni1971 magnum opus.
Martin allows you to see the whole film of each segment, a feat that would require multiple rides before the Historian gave us this gift. I am amazed at the detail. I even saw a shadow in the space scene for the 1st time that helps tell the story.

I agree with every word of this post.

 

[Professor_Jason]

Martin's video was awesome!! It bummed me out not only because I never got to see and it looks like one of the best things Disney has ever made but they also don't make anything like that anymore. Totally missed out never got to see old Epcot and that sucks

 

[JimW]

I finally had the opportunity to sit down and watch the video from end-to-end yesterday. As others have said, Martin, you've outdone yourself on this one. Some may argue that Manchester belongs to Jose, others will say Pep... but the true answer is Martin.

My wife popped into the office a few times while I was watching the video yesterday. I gave her the brief explanation that I was watching a tribute video to the best attraction ever created by Disney. She seemed to accept that.

Fast-forward to a few minutes ago:

Her: What was the ride video you were watching yesterday?
Me: It was a tribute to Horizons, the greatest ride they ever created.
Her: Where was it?
Me: It was in Epcot, until they demolished it in 1999.
Her: Until I met you, my last trip to Epcot was in 1993. I don't think I ever rode it. What was it about?
Me: <long winded rant about Horizons> and they let you choose your ending: desert, sea, or space!
Her: Um, we have that today.
Me: We do?
Her: Yeah, in the giant ball.
Me: How do we have that?
Her: The videos at the end!

...................oh boy.

 

[muddyrivers]

I finally had the opportunity to sit down and watch the video from end-to-end yesterday. As others have said, Martin, you've outdone yourself on this one. Some may argue that Manchester belongs to Jose, others will say Pep... but the true answer is Martin.

My wife popped into the office a few times while I was watching the video yesterday. I gave her the brief explanation that I was watching a tribute video to the best attraction ever created by Disney. She seemed to accept that.

Fast-forward to a few minutes ago:

Her: What was the ride video you were watching yesterday?
Me: It was a tribute to Horizons, the greatest ride they ever created.
Her: Where was it?
Me: It was in Epcot, until they demolished it in 1999.
Her: Until I met you, my last trip to Epcot was in 1993. I don't think I ever rode it. What was it about?
Me: <long winded rant about Horizons> and they let you choose your ending: desert, sea, or space!
Her: Um, we have that today.
Me: We do?
Her: Yeah, in the giant ball.
Me: How do we have that?
Her: The videos at the end!

...................oh boy.

Is it too late to turn her in for another one? Hope you saved the receipt