Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald takes over the creative direction of Epcot

[DreamfinderFigmentFan]

Oh ya, and they should put the Kitchen Kabaret where that Timon and Pumbaa 3d movie is too! That was a classic that they changed too! Grrr... Why'd they have to get rid of all the good stuff! But ya, we need the original Journey Into Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret, A brand new Horizons, and the Wonders of Life pavilion back (Cranium Command, Body Wars, Goofy About Health, etc.) I went to Epcot last summer and was extremely disappointed with the changes. I've never actually been to the original EPCOT Center in person but became a fan by watching YouTube videos. Oh ya, and they NEED to change Soarin'! Make it Soarin' Over Florida for crying out loud!

 

[BlueSkyDriveBy]

I suppose one could have trackless vehicles in separate rooms but I'm not sure how that would capture the kinetic quality of soaring alongside Dreamfinder in his flying dream catcher.

At the risk of sounding like a heretic, I don't necessarily want to reincarnate the turntable Dreamcatcher scene.

Don't get me wrong; that was my favorite scene in the entire attraction. From the moment our vehicle turned to face the clouds before Dreamfinder appeared in the Dreamcatcher, I was hooked! Hands down, one of the most inventive ride openings Imagineering ever designed.

That being said... I would love to see the Mystic Manor technology utilized for a new and improved Imagination attraction, perhaps traveling from "room to room" inside the mind instead of a mansion.

Our concepts of creativity have grown and changed greatly since the first JII opened over 30 years ago, so it's high time this attraction utilized that to the fullest. And yes, that would mean HD screens as found in Mystic Manor. I know, right up Tom's alley. But face it... those screens in MM really pull off the illusions. And I like the intimacy of MM's show scenes. Perfect for an attraction like Imagination.

 

[roj2323]

Oh ya, and they NEED to change Soarin'! Make it Soarin' Over Florida for crying out loud!

Arn't they doing filming for this very thing now?

 

[DisneyCane]

Oh ya, and they NEED to change Soarin'! Make it Soarin' Over Florida for crying out loud!

Why do they need to change the ride that has the longest wait times in the park? Why make it MORE popular. I'd rather they spend that money making JII something that you actually want to ride again. Even with zero wait, I don't bother with the current version.

 

[Kman101]

They're probably only changing Soarin' because Shanghai is getting a 'world' version (hence they save on costs). I doubt it's because they actually *want* to (although they should have had their own version to begin with). They seemed just fine having a California based Soarin' with Disneyland in Florida for the last 9 years.

Soarin' over The World will fit in much better than Soarin' Over California, which is fine, but after 9/10 years ... at least they're actually going to UPDATE something.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

I would be happy just to see them open Wonders of Life, give Spaceship Earth a better ending and for them to restore the Imagination pavilion. I miss Horizone but im not getting my hopes up with that one.

 

[GoofGoof]

Why do they need to change the ride that has the longest wait times in the park? Why make it MORE popular. I'd rather they spend that money making JII something that you actually want to ride again. Even with zero wait, I don't bother with the current version.

The rumor is they are considering adding a 3rd theater to the ride too. That would help with crowds. The movie could use an update. The new film will be used in several parks so they can spread the costs out.

 

[doctornick]

I think the biggest problems areas in FW are Energy, Imagination, and the Commuincore/Innoventions buildings, these would also be the easiest and cheapest areas in FW to "return to their former glory" if that's what they really want to do...

Not singling out your post, but it reminds me of a question I have for the community... what exactly would people want/expect to see in Innoventions? I see it knocked often here, but I'm not sure exactly what people are looking for. To be honest, I don't remember Communicore all that well.

I understand wanting to see the characters out of Epcot and Innoventions is ground zero for that. But otherwise, Innoventions seems pretty reasonable to me. The stuff in West is somewhat kid oriented, but decent for what they are; meanwhile, the IBM Think exhibit goes along with the ideals of classic Epcot. In East, Sum of All Thrills is IMHO quite enjoyable and a completely underrated (and not well known) gem.

I'm not saying I love Innoventions, but it never really struck me as a problem either. Just curious as to what others think.

 

[Omnispace]

At the risk of sounding like a heretic, I don't necessarily want to reincarnate the turntable Dreamcatcher scene.

Don't get me wrong; that was my favorite scene in the entire attraction. From the moment our vehicle turned to face the clouds before Dreamfinder appeared in the Dreamcatcher, I was hooked! Hands down, one of the most inventive ride openings Imagineering ever designed.

That being said... I would love to see the Mystic Manor technology utilized for a new and improved Imagination attraction, perhaps traveling from "room to room" inside the mind instead of a mansion.

Our concepts of creativity have grown and changed greatly since the first JII opened over 30 years ago, so it's high time this attraction utilized that to the fullest. And yes, that would mean HD screens as found in Mystic Manor. I know, right up Tom's alley. But face it... those screens in MM really pull off the illusions. And I like the intimacy of MM's show scenes. Perfect for an attraction like Imagination.

I can appreciate that -- wasn't necessarily demanding the return of the turntable, just explaining what made it work so well. I agree the Mystic Manor effects could be a real bonus to an improved Imagination. Having not visited MM I'm wondering if that intimate scale would translate well to Epcot which seems be more grand.

 

[Thrill]

Well, I hate to say it, as much as I think it'd be cool to have a new Imagination ride. We've already seen two "new and updated* versions already. Which is whyid like the original with modern technology instead. I'd be pretty scared to see another new version after what Tom Fitzgerald's come up with the past aka : Journey Into Your Imagination and Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment. And we all know how terrible those versions are compared to the original.

It has been brought to my attention in recent hours that Tom Fitzgerald was behind such affronts to EPCOT Center as Horizons and the Walter Kronkite Spaceship Earth.

The guy's got talent. Disney just needs to give him the financial backing necessary to make Imagination good again.

 

[Kman101]

I agree about Innoventions. I think they've finally done a decent job of having interesting things in there. It seems like the least of Epcot's problems. And folks probably should just accept character meets are here to stay. I really don't mind not seeing hordes of people around characters, as nice as it is to see the characters in the park and not hidden away. It's clear that just can't happen in WDW. And before, people would probably complain they're waiting in the heat to meet characters, so, indoors and with A.C. seems like a decent solution. Not saying they need to take the place of actual rides (cough *Snow White*) but I understand why they do them. I've always felt characters should have set meeting places with a nice themed area for them. *shrug*

 

[El Grupo]

Since some have posted their wishes for a revitalized EPCOT, allow me to add mine.

My understanding has been that Horizons was a sequel to a Carousel of Progress. I'd like to see the WOL pavilion either repurposed or replaced with a combo of a transplanted COP and a new Horizons. Due to the space limitations, I suspect this may require a new, more vertical structure.

From my perspective, this would put a treasured part of the Walt Disney legacy in the most appropriate park, return what was, IMO, one of EPCOTs better attractions, and open up a space for an addition to Tomorrowland.

Let me go one step further. Instead of one country, add a "global village" in World Showcase with architecture from multiple nations not presently represented. And move "It's a Small World" there. This would have the further benefit of freeing up a considerable area in Fantasyland for Frozen or other attraction(s).

Again, just a couple of my wishes.

 

[jt04]

Since some have posted their wishes for a revitalized EPCOT, allow me to add mine.

My understanding has been that Horizons was a sequel to a Carousel of Progress. I'd like to see the WOL pavilion either repurposed or replaced with a combo of a transplanted COP and a new Horizons. Due to the space limitations, I suspect this may require a new, more vertical structure.

From my perspective, this would put a treasured part of the Walt Disney legacy in the most appropriate park, return what was, IMO, one of EPCOTs better attractions, and open up a space for an addition to Tomorrowland.

Let me go one step further. Instead of one country, add a "global village" in World Showcase with architecture from multiple nations not presently represented. And move "It's a Small World" there. This would have the further benefit of freeing up a considerable area in Fantasyland for Frozen or other attraction(s).

Again, just a couple of my wishes.

Agreed on IASW. Want WoL to be expanded Space pavilion and Energy converted to a new 'Horizons' themed attraction. Dinosaurs would be happier at DAK too. Perhaps a walk through habitat.

 

[roj2323]

Not singling out your post, but it reminds me of a question I have for the community... what exactly would people want/expect to see in Innoventions?

(SNIP)

I'm not saying I love Innoventions, but it never really struck me as a problem either. Just curious as to what others think.

I want to see upcoming technologies in electronics, home construction, medical tech and anything Space related. (personally I also want to see Elon Musk's companies, SpaceX, Tesla and Sun city have a pavilion.) Basically I want to Learn about what's new that I can relate to. The current Inoventions While interesting to a 5yr old is basically a snooze fest for everyone else. Now I'm not saying kids shouldn't have places to learn and have fun in Epcot but adults should get to have fun too.

Inoventions should basically be turned into a revolving Trade show of sorts of new products and ideas that can be shared with the world. Inoventions should be a place to get people informed and excited for those new products and Ideas. Basically Epcot should be a Permeant World's Fair.

 

[roj2323]

I agree about Innoventions. I think they've finally done a decent job of having interesting things in there. It seems like the least of Epcot's problems. And folks probably should just accept character meets are here to stay.

SNIP

I've always felt characters should have set meeting places with a nice themed area for them. *shrug*

They do, Magic Kingdom

 

[Kman101]

LOL. I get that, but they won't ever take the characters out of Epcot. It's not like you see Mickey roaming around Germany or Goofy in Morocco. And I'm one who actually doesn't mind the face characters in the countries their films are based in. Now, Donald in Mexico ... I can agree with that, but I see why they would do that. Again, not saying I agree, but I see why.

I also understand folks want the countries to remain 'pure' and 'character free' but that just isn't the reality anymore, as much as I'd like it to be.

Isn't Epcot the park that had the character omnibus ... Characters have almost always been in Epcot. Figment, anyone? The space outfits for Mickey, etc. back in the day ....

 

[lazyboy97o]

It has been brought to my attention in recent hours that Tom Fitzgerald was behind such affronts to EPCOT Center as Horizons and the Walter Kronkite Spaceship Earth.

The guy's got talent. Disney just needs to give him the financial backing necessary to make Imagination good again.

Writing is different than producing.

 

[PhotoDave219]

LOL. I get that, but they won't ever take the characters out of Epcot. It's not like you see Mickey roaming around Germany or Goofy in Morocco. And I'm one who actually doesn't mind the face characters in the countries their films are based in. Now, Donald in Mexico ... I can agree with that, but I see why they would do that. Again, not saying I agree, but I see why.

I also understand folks want the countries to remain 'pure' and 'character free' but that just isn't the reality anymore, as much as I'd like it to be.

Isn't Epcot the park that had the character omnibus ... Characters have almost always been in Epcot. Figment, anyone? The space outfits for Mickey, etc. back in the day ....

Yes. Epcot used to have characters around the world.

The bus they were on has been sold already.

 

[Kman101]

I know the bus hasn't been used in a long time. I was just stating that as an example of how the characters have nearly always been in the park. A lot of people want to claim Epcot as having been completely pure and character free but that really isn't/wasn't the case.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I know the bus hasn't been used in a long time. I was just stating that as an example of how the characters have nearly always been in the park. A lot of people want to claim Epcot as having been completely pure and character free but that really isn't/wasn't the case.

Ah.

Yes, 10 years ago you had DCOH doing sets at Entrance, Fountain, Japan and World Showcase Plaza. Plus princesses in the countries and the princess breakfast.

What I *THINK* they're referring to is not having character-based attractions in the countries. That's been rather new what with The Three Cabaneros in Mexico.

Personally, I have my thoughts on Epcot. Reshape what you want, argue about the core values but it was only EPCOT CENTER for 11 years; its been Epcot for the last 21. If it was a person, its old enough to vote. I would like to see Future World get more shade and update things - I've talked about a Weather Pavilion centered around Stormriders in the Wonders of Festival Center (partner with the NHC!) - and go back to a slightly more educational based fun environment.

Then? Add Brazil. Make that country happen.

But keep in mind, Whatever happens wont happen for several years. After DAK. After DIsney Springs. After DHS. Hopefully before some of these hardcore fanbois turn 40.