Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald takes over the creative direction of Epcot

[Beholder]

You make some pretty good points. Even without reestablishing the focus on a theme for Epcot, the biggest hurdle is making the park seem fresh again and that means doing a little of something here and there, addressing the shows that seem very out-of-date and not classic (like Energy), and like you say coming up with a quality NEW attraction. The interesting thing about overlaying a theme for the park is that it is very easy to do from a marketing standpoint, through what they print in the park guides, and even something simple like consistent logos that used to make the park seem like a whole. Given their track record, there's unfortunately no guarantee that the edutainment/aspiring theme is going to return though. Something like re-branding Epcot as an "Adventure" park seems more likely, unfortunately. I hope I am wrong.

I hope you're wrong too. I really do think that EPCOT, in it's original form/concept, with up to date tech and refurbs, would work. We've been so long away from the what EPCOT was and what it should be, I think it would impress just as much. I may actually be giving the general public too much credit, but I really believe EPCOT has a lot to offer. Perhaps it's a more niche group of theme park goer, but it worked. It can again.

 

[doctornick]

Makes me wonder if the WOL pavilion has a future other than it's current rate of arrested decay.

I've said before that one solution could be to use the Body Wars show building to put in a new ride and leave the indoor space of WoL to remain an "events" place. Body Wars is sitting there empty and unused, so it's not like this would necessarily disrupt how they currently utilize WoL.

 

[doctornick]

I hope you're wrong too. I really do think that EPCOT, in it's original form/concept, with up to date tech and refurbs, would work. We've been so long away from the what EPCOT was and what it should be, I think it would impress just as much. I may actually be giving the general public too much credit, but I really believe EPCOT has a lot to offer. Perhaps it's a more niche group of theme park goer, but it worked. It can again.

I think original Epcot worked for a whole lot of people... But current Epcot works for a whole of lot of people as well. I mean, we can complain about losing the original Imagination and Horizons and WoM, but the reality is that Soarin' and TT are pretty popular and the park still pulls in good attendance numbers even if they are stagnant.

I guess my point is that the number of people for whom current Epcot is the suck and a rebirth of classic Epcot would make them want to visit over and over is indeed kinda a "niche group of theme park goers". I'm not saying that aren't a large number of current Epcot attenders who would prefer a return to classic Epcot; I'm sure there are (my entire family for one). I'm just saying that I'm skeptical that there's a pent up demand of people who won't/don't go to Epcot now who would start going if it changed or would plan a new trip to Epcot/WDW because the spiritual successor of Horizons was built. I could be wrong, of course.

Now, build a nifty new E-ticket which nominally fits the theme and that would be a draw. And, heck, if it were one that truly represents the culture of classic Epcot, that would be a great thing and might be a plausible happening. A re-do of FW affecting multiple attractions and buildings to capture the spirit of classic EPCOT Center and appease the vocal minority? No, it ain't gonna happen.

 

[Beholder]

I think original Epcot worked for a whole lot of people... But current Epcot works for a whole of lot of people as well. I mean, we can complain about losing the original Imagination and Horizons and WoM, but the reality is that Soarin' and TT are pretty popular and the park still pulls in good attendance numbers even if they are stagnant.

I guess my point is that the number of people for whom current Epcot is the suck and a rebirth of classic Epcot would make them want to visit over and over is indeed kinda a "niche group of theme park goers". I'm not saying that aren't a large number of current Epcot attenders who would prefer a return to classic Epcot; I'm sure there are (my entire family for one). I'm just saying that I'm skeptical that there's a pent up demand of people who won't/don't go to Epcot now who would start going if it changed or would plan a new trip to Epcot/WDW because the spiritual successor of Horizons was built. I could be wrong, of course.

Now, build a nifty new E-ticket which nominally fits the theme and that would be a draw. And, heck, if it were one that truly represents the culture of classic Epcot, that would be a great thing and might be a plausible happening. A re-do of FW affecting multiple attractions and buildings to capture the spirit of classic EPCOT Center and appease the vocal minority? No, it ain't gonna happen.

I just think the original EPCOT has been gone so long now that it would seem like a new park if was brought back, not completely in form, but in spirit. People may not realize how much they would love this type of park. Disney has been pandering and appealing to the current guest "type" with quick and easy overlays so often perhaps these current guests would appreciate a theme park that appeals to a more thoughtful sensibility?

I realize I'm being a bit naive (not unknowingly) and putting faith where it's not deserved, but the fact that they even mention A RETURN to something better means something.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

And, heck, if it were one that truly represents the culture of classic Epcot, that would be a great thing and might be a plausible happening. A re-do of FW affecting multiple attractions and buildings to capture the spirit of classic EPCOT Center and appease the vocal minority? No, it ain't gonna happen.

I get the overall premise of your post (and you're likely correct) but disagree with that last part. Appeasing EPCOT fans isn't why there should be a complete overhaul of FW and Epcot. The reason is because it needs to be done - period.

There is no justification for why WoL and a good chunk of Innoventions sits, for all intents and purposes, unused year after year. There is no justification for letting Ellen's Energy Adventure run unchanged for going on 20 years now (think about that, that show is older than all of Animal Kingdom). There is no justification for why half of Imagination sits neglected and unused and the other half continues to show a film from the 80s that features someone who is no longer alive. There is no justification for SSEs incomplete finale or why World Showcase can get a ton of new restaurants but no new entertainment, shows or attractions.

Fixing Epcot is not about pleasing us, an admittedly passionate fan base. Its about Disney doing its job: to invest, update and maintain its theme parks. Its about them taking responsibility, and maybe even showing a bit of pride in what Epcot can be.

Now, build a nifty new E-ticket which nominally fits the theme and that would be a draw.

THIS. This is what any of us want. The physical remnants of EPCOT Center may be dated, but its ideas and philosophy are timeless. All Disney needs to do is bring them into the 21st century and then dare to imagine the world of the 22nd century.

 

[PhotoDave219]

What you up Epcot fanboys felt to realize is the Disney has far larger problems they're dealing with and Epcot is nowhere near the top of that list…

 

[Admiral01]

OH MY GOD

excuse my language but WDW is totally screwed now. Disneyland gets Scott Trowbridge (Top designer of Islands of Adventure and Wizarding World of Harry potter) and Star Wars projects while WDW gets Tom "I like video screens" Fitzgerald?

Looks like the only American Disney parks I will be visting are on the west coast from now on.

This is what I thought the first time I read the announcement. Tom Fitzgerald is responsible for the current Imagination, and video screens everywhere. Why have any excitement or expectation that his "re-imagined" EPCOT would be anything different than Imagination 2.0?

 

[DreamfinderFigmentFan]

I'm actually quite scared to say the least! This is the guy that brought us Journey Into Your Imagination and Journey Into Imagination with Figment! Two of the worst redos of a ride I've ever seen! I can only hope they'll bring back the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with modern technology.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Bring back EPCOT Center!

FWIW, there are three other new appointees to Epcot brass. This may be a good sign indeed.

 

[JEANYLASER]

yeah! Bring Back EPCOT Center! and Bring back the old Universe of Energy and Imagination too!

 

[Walt 1901]

I would like to see future world take the Tiki Bird route and have every pavilion restore to its original shows. Lets bring back a future world that would actually inspire people to think of the future and what could be possible instead of the horrible Nemo ride or need I mention the lack of imagination in imagination. This sounds like good news but I will wait and see as to what actually appears.

 

[Kman101]

It does appear true that EPCOT can get away with being how it is for far longer than any of us really want, but it's also true if they wanted to, they could work on all of the parks at once. It's just a matter of where they want to spend what little money they choose to spend. It shouldn't matter.

Energy and Figment can't possibly be something they're proud of (my guess is the suits just ignore them). They can't possibly attract very many people. People ride because there's nothing else to do. And it's not like I see Mission:Space pulling in a vast amount of people either. Future World feels dead to me and it badly needs attention. Not just for the "fanboys" but because, well it does. Just restore the old rides with some tech and minor show updates. They'd be "new" to the mass audience and appeal to the core EPCOT "fanboys". They've been fine with WOL and Oddyssey (sp?) sitting dormant for years now so I can't see that changing anytime soon. WOL could have easily copied StormRider from TDS, whether folks like it doesn't matter, just saying that they seem to love to copy rides for cost reasons. I mean, if we can sit here and come up with ideas, why can't they actually implement something?

World Showcase could use some attractions but I see that as the least likely of ever happening. IMO (unless they continue to ignore FW and think throwing in Ratatouille and Frozen will suffice). But IF they "have to choose" what to work on first, then they need to work on DHS. It needs an expansion (or two) and updated shows (does anyone really believe they are ever going to remove/update the Mermaid/B&Tb ... I don't, and they are the least of the problems). I also think JUST adding Pandora to AK is a mistake. They sould be adding a few dark rides, or one of the parks should be copying bugs land for some people eating rides. Seriously, it's not that hard to figure out things to do for these parks (financials and red tape aside, of course, lol)

It's too bad they don't believe in "you have to spend money to make money" anymore. But they can't ignore what success Uni is seeing (not comparing, just saying "if you build it they will come"), and what success DCA is STILL seeing for Cars Land. It just seems to be a matter of convincing TDO (and the board to spend the money). And I'm curious to see the affect of Rat on WDSP.

I also think it's somewhat stupid they have to go through a board to spend money. What parks and resorts makes should be used for the park. But I'm clearly not a business major and I'm sure there are reasons behind things lol but it just seems to be ridiculous to go to people who probably never set foot in a park or know how they work to get approval. The whole process seems to be made difficult for the sake of being difficult.

There's no way EPCOT sees a massive overhaul, but they do need to update many things.

 

[willtravel]

I believe that's been implied for some time now, but the major point of concern has always been "who's paying for it?"

At some point Disney will have to realize the amount of corporate dollars the park once enjoyed is never going to come back and any changes they want to make will have to be funded by themselves. It's why I think more character based stuff will come to the park because it's an easier concept for the higher ups to buy into.

This is spot on. That is the main problem with all of the parks. Until that attitude changes, little will change. Corporations don't need Disney anymore.

 

[dgp602]

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

The answer to that will either temper my excitement or get me wildly pumped!!

 

[Kman101]

Didn't someone say it was worded that way in the internal memo. I don't see why they'd officially announce it. I can't see Steve just making that up, lol. It was worded that way.

 

[MarkTwain]

This is spot on. That is the main problem with all of the parks. Until that attitude changes, little will change. Corporations don't need Disney anymore.

...And corporations also know that Disney doesn't need corporations. I think with the original EPCOT Center, there was a subtle message to the corporations to the effect of "Walt believed in the power of corporations coming together, this park was his vision, and we need you to make it happen." Disney doesn't really try to honor that vision anymore, nor do I imagine they can honestly invoke Walt's ideals when trying to talk corporations into sponsoring. So I doubt corporations see anything more in sponsoring besides giving hundreds of millions to Disney to help pay for an attraction, in exchange for a corporate name drop here or there (if that much - how often do Chiquita or HP get mentioned in their respected rides?).

 

[Beholder]

Project "New Horizons". If only that were the case.

I'm with the others on here who have expressed concern about any character overlays or "Disney" type attraction. While making sense for the execs, it would be the end of EPCOT. All attempts at reclaiming the original mission would be out the window. I'm hoping that at least one or two long term thinkers have some say. At the very least an update of UoE, cleaning up LS (by that I mean get rid of Nemo), do something with M:S, finish SE, remove the head stones, re-open WOL, add a couple of attractions/countries to WS, and please, for the love of Walt, create an amazing attraction for Figment!

 

[JEANYLASER]

Project "New Horizons". If only that were the case.

I'm with the others on here who have expressed concern about any character overlays or "Disney" type attraction. While making sense for the execs, it would be the end of EPCOT. All attempts at reclaiming the original mission would be out the window. I'm hoping that at least one or two long term thinkers have some say. At the very least an update of UoE, cleaning up LS (by that I mean get rid of Nemo), do something with M:S, finish SE, remove the head stones, re-open WOL, add a couple of attractions/countries to WS, and please, for the love of Walt, create an amazing attraction for Figment!

yes! Please update of UOE and create an amazing attraction for Figment and 3D movie too! and update of WOL.

 

[note2001]

I hope a new film for JII pavilion is in order. As a HS student in the 80s I thought the film was cute, now I cringe and refuse to look that direction and pity any family I see headed over there, knowing the disappointment they're in for.

Since the theme of the pavilion is Imagination, I still think current Imagineering insight clips and Disney movie sneak peeks would work well there. It would just take someone to compile a new set of clips every week, but YouTubers produce decent updates weekly on their own, I don't see why a filming powerhouse such as Disney can't do it. This is one of those no-brainers that's always been right in front of Disney's face and they've chosen to look around it: Disney is "Imagination". Of all the parks, this is the one that has a specific location built where they can show off their true talent and direction. Why they don't embrace the pavillion and make it into an amazing live showcase of their creative talent is beyond me.

As it is now, it's more of a lack of imagination pavilion.

 

[JEANYLASER]

Make an a new Journey into Imagination and a 3D movie too! and Update of the Universe of Energy