Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald takes over the creative direction of Epcot

[wdwmagic]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/walt-...-takes-on-the-creative-direction-of-epcot.htm

 

[kap91]

Good news! At least would seem that way. Again goes along with my theories of WDW knowing exactly what it's doing...infrastructure first, then address the remaining three parks, all on a very slow timetable. But that couldn't be the case could it?

 

[sshindel]

Does this imply there was someone leading it before this?

From the post:

Disney is poised to begin a major re-Imagineering of Epcot, looking to restore the original intent of the park in both Future World and World Showcase. Tom's extensive experience with WDI should position him well to take on such a project.

Look. There are few out there that want this more than I do. I obsess over Epcot and it's failings more than most. I WANT them to make this happen. Truly, I do. I will likely throw some skepticism into any further discussion on this topic, but I want everyone to know before I do, that I truly hope to be wrong. I hope to be dead wrong. I hope that this means a shift in their care of Epcot, and a return to glory.

 

[rd805]

It's about time! --- they could really do so much.

 

[jakeman]

Does this imply there was someone leading it before this?

From the post:


Look. There are few out there that want this more than I do. I obsess over Epcot and it's failings more than most. I WANT them to make this happen. Truly, I do. I will likely throw some skepticism into any further discussion on this topic, but I want everyone to know before I do, that I truly hope to be wrong. I hope to be dead wrong. I hope that this means a shift in their care of Epcot, and a return to glory.

You're wrong.

Wait...I'm wrong...

Oh crap...I'll just wait for someone to tell me what to think.

 

[Communicore]

Boof. This just means more characters.

 

[Clamman73]

Is this why Imagination redo didn't happen at the beginning of the year?

 

[ParkMan73]

wikipedida had Tom listed as:
Executive Vice President, Senior Creative Executive - Tom Fitzgerald

I'm not familiar with the name. Is he indeed as senior as they make it sound? Does that suggest something?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Wait, a major re-Imagineering? From Tom Fitzgerald?

 

[ShookieJones]

Does this imply there was someone leading it before this?

From the post:


Look. There are few out there that want this more than I do. I obsess over Epcot and it's failings more than most. I WANT them to make this happen. Truly, I do. I will likely throw some skepticism into any further discussion on this topic, but I want everyone to know before I do, that I truly hope to be wrong. I hope to be dead wrong. I hope that this means a shift in their care of Epcot, and a return to glory.

What's with all the skepticism? I thought this line alone would have given you a joyous heart attack:

"Disney is poised to begin a major re-Imagineering of Epcot, looking to restore the original intent of the park in both Future World and World Showcase."

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts!!

 

[CheekBoys]

Wait, a major re-Imagineering? From Tom Fitzgerald?

What else has Tom worked on?

 

[DocMcHulk]

"Disney is poised to begin a major re-Imagineering of Epcot, looking to restore the original intent of the park in both Future World and World Showcase."

Is this part of an official press release? Or WDWMagic speculation?

 

[JEANYLASER]

Tom is working on Ratatouille attraction in Walt Disney Studios Paris, France!

 

[tissandtully]

"Disney is poised to begin a major re-Imagineering of Epcot, looking to restore the original intent of the park in both Future World and World Showcase."

Is this part of an official press release? Or WDWMagic speculation?

I'm wondering this too, where did you get that from this news @wdwmagic ?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

What else has Tom worked on?

Golden Dreams (DCA), Soarin', Star Tours (I & II), Ellen's Energy Adventure, it's tough to be a bug, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Seasons of the Vine - he came up through the film division, so he's big on screens. Currently he's working on the Ratatouille ride at WDSP.

 

[sshindel]

What's with all the skepticism? I thought this line alone would have given you a joyous heart attack:

"Disney is poised to begin a major re-Imagineering of Epcot, looking to restore the original intent of the park in both Future World and World Showcase."

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts!!

The skepticism I think has been beaten into me via years upon years of neglect

wrecking balls

Poor choices in attraction updates

and lets not forget a personal favorite

I want them to fix it. I want them to fix it all. I don't want to feel like I can skip the park and not miss anything.

I just am not ready to believe it, until I see a budget attached to it that has enough 0's on the back end of it to make me feel that they are really going to do something here that will be worthy of the Epcot name...

 

[doctornick]

What else has Tom worked on?

Yeah I've seen his name before but can someone detail the specific projects he's been involved with or spearheaded?

 

[ShookieJones]

I'm wondering this too, where did you get that from this news @wdwmagic ?

I scribbled it on a napkin and handed it to Steve.........

 

[JEANYLASER]

I hope that Tom will bring back Dream Finder and Figment and a new 3D movie in the Imagination I hope the new imagination.

 

[arko]

A quick search has some bio's on other sites, he has been around a long time and has a history with Epcot including story design for Horizons. In fact the sub bay repair guy was modeled from his face. He also wrote the Cronkite narration for SSE.