If Ellen was Re-Filmed

[WondersOfLife]

So Ellen's Energy Adventure opened in Epcot in 1996 and has remained unchanged ever since. (When I mean unchanged, I don't mean lost effects and animatronics.. I mean the entire concept of the attraction) That's just about basically 20 years. The attraction can take in up to about 1,000 park guests. Even today, with only about two and a half "boats" filled per ride, that's still a few hundred people... And that is a few hundred people sitting on a 45 minute screen-based ride that is nearly 20 years old.

Even if the dino-scenes were up to par and the film was in HD in its current state, it would STILL be dated. Much of the information given throughout the attraction isn't even relevant anymore. Sets and props feel dated such as the phone Ellen pulls out in the pre-show or the overall un-updated Jeapordy gameshow set.



Now to the main point of this thread... If EEA was completely re-filmed, but the concept was still the same such as the storyline, the characters, the game show, and the script (The parts that wouldn't need updating), would the attraction still work? If it wouldn't work, why not?

Would the current version of Ellen's talk show not have as much pull?
Is Jeapordy a game show that's just not popular anymore?
Would another gameshow work, say, Family Feud featuring Steve Harvey?
Is Bill Nye really ready to retire completely from Epcot's park presence?

When I say re-film.. I mean upgrading sections of the script and scenes that are no longer accurate.. Updating dated props and sets.. Ect.

I realize that most would just see a complete overhaul of the attraction. But would the attraction still work if it was just re-filmed and upgraded? Explain your reasoning

 

[baloofigment14]

It would work, but it would have to be something spectacular. Otherwise within a few weeks of everyone rushing to see the updates, it would be right back to the same status it is now, which is not much. Overall, its basically run its course and I think it may be time to move on. You've got a decent amount of room to work with.

 

[marni1971]

Ditch the whole storyline. Install something again that can't be seen in a normal movie theatre. The building and ride system still have so much potential.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Ditch the whole storyline. Install something again that can't be seen in a normal movie theatre. The building and ride system still have so much potential.

I've always wondered, Martin.. If I may ask. What would you have liked to replace this attraction with?

 

[marni1971]

I've always wondered, Martin.. If I may ask. What would you have liked to replace this attraction with?

Something that makes use of the building properly. The theme (Energy) is a very valid one still.

Dare I say moving preshow screens showcasing kinetic energy? Though obviously something more up to date than the temperamental Radok installation but giving the same effect.

Give the diorama some love. Being back the broken effects.

Bring back a mysterious, futuristic and optimistic feel for theatre two. Actually, for the whole attraction. With the drama, the scale and the grandeur of the 1982 version.

Make full use of the theatre two to finale reveal. Not just a game show. It wastes the story potential.

And, bring back a proper finale. Make it an attraction again and not a movie drive through. The original preshow theatre was so shaped so the mirrored walls produced an infinity effect. Use it again. Use the fact that the motorised curtain walls in theatre one made the room appear like a third theatre right until the lights came back up. That room is ripe for projected and actual laser effects. Make an all encompassing 3D environment without glasses. That would be a real finale.

In short find a balance of the awe, the drama and the scale of the original (and some fantastic music) but with less dry fact. You don't need to go for a gag every minute to tell an interesting story. And make something that puts the "future" back in Futureworld again.

In short.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Ditch Ellen, Bill Nye & stupid Judy... keep Alex Trebek, Einstein + the cat. Change the story to reflect on space exploration. That will always be futuristic and continue/ tie into the MS area theme.

 

[bingie]

Install Anna and Elsa?

 

[EnergyKing]

Suggestion: Ditch EVERY celebrity, and the need to make it "cute" for kids. Make the dinosaur section more intense and realistic. I'm not saying have the T. Rex chase everyone, but just give the scene more urgency, make it sublime. Restore the preshow to its original (make it factually up to date, of course), and at long last, SHORTEN the length of the attraction. CONSIDERABLY.

 

[Jeff456]

I know I am in the minority here, I know it is hugely outdated, but I still love it as it is! Although the broken effects particularly the Ellen anamatronic need fixing!

 

[unkadug]

Ditch Ellen, Bill Nye & stupid Judy... keep Alex Trebek, Einstein + the cat. Change the story to reflect on space exploration. That will always be futuristic and continue/ tie into the MS area theme.

There is already another pavilion that deals with space. No need to bastardize this pavilion.

Suggestion: Ditch EVERY celebrity, and the need to make it "cute" for kids. Make the dinosaur section more intense and realistic. I'm not saying have the T. Rex chase everyone, but just give the scene more urgency, make it sublime. Restore the preshow to its original (make it factually up to date, of course), and at long last, SHORTEN the length of the attraction. CONSIDERABLY.

There is absolutely no reason to Twitterize this attraction either.

 

[ShoalFox]

Suggestion: Ditch EVERY celebrity, and the need to make it "cute" for kids. Make the dinosaur section more intense and realistic. I'm not saying have the T. Rex chase everyone, but just give the scene more urgency, make it sublime. Restore the preshow to its original (make it factually up to date, of course), and at long last, SHORTEN the length of the attraction. CONSIDERABLY.

I agree with everything you said until the end. 45 minutes is what makes Universe of Energy Universe of Energy. Like I've said before, why should we suffer due to other people's short attention spans?

 

[Bairstow]

I agree with everything you said until the end. 45 minutes is what makes Universe of Energy Universe of Energy. Like I've said before, why should we suffer due to other people's short attention spans?

The better question is, why make everyone endure a 45-minute-long attraction from which there is no exit?
Is there any particular reason why this thing needs to be as long as "The American Adventure"?
Is it not possible to teach guests something interesting and informative about the concept and use of energy in less than half an hour?
Do we not get a full class credit if the lecture component of the course isn't 45 minutes?

It was too long in 1982, and it's way too long now.
Longer is not better; it has nothing to do with attention spans.
All the dumb "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies are too long, and it's impossible for people who don't have ADHD to enjoy them.

I still think these guys would be perfect hosts.

 

[bethymouse]

Sure. Update it. Anything would be nice.

 

[Big C 73]

I agree with everything you said until the end. 45 minutes is what makes Universe of Energy Universe of Energy. Like I've said before, why should we suffer due to other people's short attention spans?

Stated quite well, and such would also be relevant to the deteriorated formality of the presentation in whole. The original incarnation of Universe of Energy was considered many too "informational" and "educational" in its approach. The temporary solution to this issue was a mere degration to the presentation in whole, and the human thought process in whole. Individuals,in present, tend to assume the generalized "alleviation" of thought and contemplation to relax. Why not attempt to nurture the thought process? It is indeed a labor in itself, a structure in itself which must be maintained and hopefully improved. A vacation is indeed supposed to be a relaxing time, but one can relax whilst learning. In principle and in regards to formality as mentioned in the beginning of this post, there is little of it left in society. If Walt Disney World in whole is the host of. the utmost grand presentations and values of to be presented, and especially EPCOT Center, then there is to be a respect of formality given back from the guest, yet when such is not provided (Ellen's Universe of Energy), there is a complete loss on all grounds. Its a subconscious effect upon the guest that they are treated intellectually, as they should be, but nonetheless that is in decline. The principle may arise that the guest is in demand for "simpilistic" attractions, but I assure you that if you provide the guest with higher means of quality, and if it is indeed great, they shall crave it. May EPCOT Center inspire for the thresholds of our future and embody a sense of ever greater principles and applicable means of innovation. The world must not preside sterile and in comfort, but forevermore in an evolution of greater principles, much like the Universe of Energy. My apologies for such an extensive writing, and such may not be even relevant to the subject at hand, but I indeed felt as if it were warranted for exemplification of issues beyond this single attraction. No television, cinema, animation, or other personality will quite simply be able to harnest the energies to expel the grandeur which previously presided within the Univese of Energy pavilion.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

I agree with everything you said until the end. 45 minutes is what makes Universe of Energy Universe of Energy. Like I've said before, why should we suffer due to other people's short attention spans?

I like the length, but I'd really like to see them tighten it up a little bit. I've wondered on these forums before if they could take out one of the cars speed through the scene transitions. They don't need all of the capacity they have, and the current setup drags the show out. It's not just having a short attention span; it's sitting in the dark motionless with nothing to see. I haven't ridden since 2011, but the beginning of the diorama sticks out in my mind... car on the right is the last one to go... I swear it's a solid minute of sitting in the dark looking at the plants on the right side of the car, waiting for the other ride vehicles to enter the diorama.

 

[ShoalFox]

Stated quite well, and such would also be relevant to the deteriorated formality of the presentation in whole. The original incarnation of Universe of Energy was considered many too "informational" and "educational" in its approach. The temporary solution to this issue was a mere degration to the presentation in whole, and the human thought process in whole. Individuals,in present, tend to assume the generalized "alleviation" of thought and contemplation to relax. Why not attempt to nurture the thought process? It is indeed a labor in itself, a structure in itself which must be maintained and hopefully improved. A vacation is indeed supposed to be a relaxing time, but one can relax whilst learning. In principle and in regards to formality as mentioned in the beginning of this post, there is little of it left in society. If Walt Disney World in whole is the host of. the utmost grand presentations and values of to be presented, and especially EPCOT Center, then there is to be a respect of formality given back from the guest, yet when such is not provided (Ellen's Universe of Energy), there is a complete loss on all grounds. Its a subconscious effect upon the guest that they are treated intellectually, as they should be, but nonetheless that is in decline. The principle may arise that the guest is in demand for "simpilistic" attractions, but I assure you that if you provide the guest with higher means of quality, and if it is indeed great, they shall crave it. May EPCOT Center inspire for the thresholds of our future and embody a sense of ever greater principles and applicable means of innovation. The world must not preside sterile and in comfort, but forevermore in an evolution of greater principles, much like the Universe of Energy. My apologies for such an extensive writing, and such may not be even relevant to the subject at hand, but I indeed felt as if it were warranted for exemplification of issues beyond this single attraction. No television, cinema, animation, or other personality will quite simply be able to harnest the energies to expel the grandeur which previously presided within the Univese of Energy pavilion.

This is the best comment I have ever read on this site. I wish I could do more than just a simple "like."

 

[WondersOfLife]

I know I am in the minority here, I know it is hugely outdated, but I still love it as it is! Although the broken effects particularly the Ellen anamatronic need fixing!

I'm with you in that minority! Glad to see I'm not alone here.

I love the attraction "as it is" as far as storyline, characters and the entire concept goes.. I'm just against the bad show-quality.

 

[englanddg]

I know I am in the minority here, I know it is hugely outdated, but I still love it as it is! Although the broken effects particularly the Ellen anamatronic need fixing!

The Ellen animatronic has been gone for almost 7 or 8 months. I don't think it's coming back.

 

[EnergyKing]

I agree with everything you said until the end. 45 minutes is what makes Universe of Energy Universe of Energy. Like I've said before, why should we suffer due to other people's short attention spans?

45 minutes is not what makes Universe of Energy the Universe of Energy. As is, it's a bit long. I can endure it, and I love (well, loved) the attraction (when it was Ellenless), but it does seem to drag after a certain point. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word CONSIDERABLY. I think cutting ten minutes could make a world of difference.

I usually am never one to go with the mainstream opinion, or what is accessible to the masses, or "the children," but there is an undeniably bored and restless energy (ha get it) that I feel coming off the other riders, and it happens soon after the dinosaur part. There is a way to make the ride both informative and entertaining without dumbing things down or shortening it too much. I'm not sure what it is. But I'd like to think it is possible.

 

[WondersOfLife]

45 minutes is not what makes Universe of Energy the Universe of Energy. As is, it's a bit long. I can endure it, and I love (well, loved) the attraction (when it was Ellenless), but it does seem to drag after a certain point. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word CONSIDERABLY. I think cutting ten minutes could make a world of difference.

I usually am never one to go with the mainstream opinion, or what is accessible to the masses, or "the children," but there is an undeniably bored and restless energy (ha get it) that I feel coming off the other riders, and it happens soon after the dinosaur part. There is a way to make the ride both informative and entertaining without dumbing things down or shortening it too much. I'm not sure what it is. But I'd like to think it is possible.

The problem is not the fact that the attraction is 45 minutes. It doesn't matter how long an attraction is, it matters how good the attraction is to hold UP to 45 minutes.

The Great Movie Ride and The American Adventure would be a good example of this, in my opinion.