EPCOT Is the End of Innoventions Near?

[trainplane3]

Those celebrating the building’s demise seem to be completely forgetting, or ignoring, that its mirror is still going to exist. If one thinks they’re ugly buildings, then Disney is only doing a half assed job. If one is is exited to see wasted space replaced, they’re largely being replaced with unprogrammed space but with far less potential to again be something.

I don’t know the particulars of the roof structure, but changing from mechanical space to assembly after a few decades is a rather big change that will require work.

One thing not shown in the art for the new festival center is the fire stairs. Those don’t tend to look very pretty.

Here's the other thing about the wonder table, if there isn't a festival going on then what will be going on? Will they still use it to serve various snacks and booze? Or will it be like having the WoL dome in the middle of the park, not being used (aside from the top deck for those $$$ views)

There's a central structure coming from under the wonder table. Could the fire stairs be in there? Seems like those and a elevator would be there.

 

[brettf22]

I owe my college major to Spaceship Earth and my Information Technology career to Communicore. I guess I'll just never understand the people who willfully misinterpret and set up strawman arguments about what people are saying.

Same. EPCOT Center made me aware of the possibilities of the future - and influenced my decision to get into Software Engineering.

Add me to that list. Walking around EPCOT Center (especially Communicore) in early 1983 as a high school freshman was a transformative experience for me. It was one of, if not the defining factor in my career path into aerospace engineering.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Here's the other thing about the wonder table, if there isn't a festival going on then what will be going on? Will they still use it to serve various snacks and booze? Or will it be like having the WoL dome in the middle of the park, not being used (aside from the top deck for those $$$ views)

There's a central structure coming from under the wonder table. Could the fire stairs be in there? Seems like those and a elevator would be there.

That central structure could hold the fire stairs and this is a common means used in office buildings. The challenge is the size and it doesn’t look like a small building. The exits have to be so far apart from each other and people can only get so far apart from them. I’m doubtful that the District would allow all of the exists to discharge below the structure. If they are all allowed in that core, the doors on the ground floor cannot be obstructed, so you’re going to have to have a nice clear view of them. If the main level can hold more than 500 people it will need a third stair and if it doesn’t then that means an even worse replacement of potential capacity.

There are nice materials like glass available with the fire ratings that would be required of an assembly building like the Festival Center. They are also very expensive, so much more expensive that you will see places have a nice main stair and have a second fire stair nearby.

 

[Bender123]

The buildings are large shells designed to be able to hold a variety of functions. What is replacing them that could not use a large shell? There’s plenty of areas to tear up poorly placed hardscape and replace it with softscape. They’re tall enough to fit multiple levels. The roof could even be reworked and reenforced to support a bar.

This goes to another issue with West...It never really fit the theme of the more nature inspired side of the park...We have the neighborhoods, now, but its not like this is some new design concept for the former Future World. Just look at original East vs West in building design, landscape and features. East had jagged/angular planters, straight paths, the buildings were very mechanical/inorganic (doesn't mean bad, just not shapes associated with natural environments), little water, Imposing structures that towered over you and gleamed with steel. West had large sweeping areas, water features, buildings that were glass and had a natural shape to them (look at Imagination...the tops of the pyramids are cut and invoke mountains), winding paths and flowers/plants everywhere.

You may have never noticed that it already was two distinct areas, but your brain did...

There was one thing that never fit this, which was Communicore West...A giant, bland commercial looking building that was plopped right into the wrong side of town. What it did for the spine of the park with symmetry, it wrecked on the other side with its lack of natural theme. All they are doing now is favoring the theme of West over theme or the spine...The thing is that Communicore East is still a perfect building for the industrial look and feel of East, which is why Im guessing it will mostly survive.

Im holding out judgement on this until its done, but I hope the West side will have a more tightly themed gateway, now that it is losing the industrial façade.

 

[Unplugged]

Those celebrating the building’s demise seem to be completely forgetting, or ignoring, that its mirror is still going to exist. If one thinks they’re ugly buildings, then Disney is only doing a half assed job. If one is is exited to see wasted space replaced, they’re largely being replaced with unprogrammed space but with far less potential to again be something.

I applaud West's removal and I am not forgetting the mirror. Whils my OCD side appreciates the balance, I hate the mirror approach as the 2 together produce weird airflow or often, no airflow and you essentially have a dutch oven in the center. (I'll refrain from tarp discussion and only say it failed and didn't help much.) That is until you get funneled past the fountain and have to dodge the water spray due to the wind. Obviously, the time of year one visits has a direct correlation on one's experiences.

Since the East will be remodeled to look differently while maintaining the physical structure, I believe it's safe to say (and update later) that it doesn't matter if you like or don't like the looks & shape of the buildings as changes are coming.

 

[marni1971]

The destruction of an old, sacred, church is a little more tragic than the demolition of an ugly building in *deep breath* a THEME PARK.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[marni1971]

Soooo...why is this attached to the buildings? You really missed the point of them being somewhat underwhelming compared to their brothers in FW and the current attractions are garbage. What else are you going to do with them? They aren't attraction buildings, they were purpose built for displays, stores and exhibits.

They were large, bright open areas. Fun fact - only the kitchen and restroom blocks were designed to be permanent. One in each building. Corridors, walls and exhibit areas were purposely flexible. They could easily have been repurposed and the money saved spent elsewhere.

 

[lazyboy97o]

This goes to another issue with West...It never really fit the theme of the more nature inspired side of the park...We have the neighborhoods, now, but its not like this is some new design concept for the former Future World. Just look at original East vs West in building design, landscape and features. East had jagged/angular planters, straight paths, the buildings were very mechanical/inorganic (doesn't mean bad, just not shapes associated with natural environments), little water, Imposing structures that towered over you and gleamed with steel. West had large sweeping areas, water features, buildings that were glass and had a natural shape to them (look at Imagination...the tops of the pyramids are cut and invoke mountains), winding paths and flowers/plants everywhere.

You may have never noticed that it already was two distinct areas, but your brain did...

There was one thing that never fit this, which was Communicore West...A giant, bland commercial looking building that was plopped right into the wrong side of town. What it did for the spine of the park with symmetry, it wrecked on the other side with its lack of natural theme. All they are doing now is favoring the theme of West over theme or the spine...The thing is that Communicore East is still a perfect building for the industrial look and feel of East, which is why Im guessing it will mostly survive.

Im holding out judgement on this until its done, but I hope the West side will have a more tightly themed gateway, now that it is losing the industrial façade.

The CommuniCore was the space where everything came together. It was not just angular like the east side, but once included the curving paths and landscaping of the west. It blended the hemisphere concept and sent people out into it.

I applaud West's removal and I am not forgetting the mirror. Whils my OCD side appreciates the balance, I hate the mirror approach as the 2 together produce weird airflow or often, no airflow and you essentially have a dutch oven in the center. (I'll refrain from tarp discussion and only say it failed and didn't help much.) That is until you get funneled past the fountain and have to dodge the water spray due to the wind. Obviously, the time of year one visits has a direct correlation on one's experiences.

Since the East will be remodeled to look differently while maintaining the physical structure, I believe it's safe to say (and update later) that it doesn't matter if you like or don't like the looks & shape of the buildings as changes are coming.

What you describe is an urban heat island. The problem is less about airflow and more the abundance of heat radiating materials. Softscape and shade would cool the central space. The art shows the East building remaining largely the same.

 

[Rich Brownn]

Do you want a cookie or a gold star? I guess I'll just never understand the people who were inspired by a theme park building.

We were inspired by what was inside. I'll never understand why people think we just need a Magic Kingdom 2.0 with booze

 

[FigmentFan82]

Imagine thinking a building with giant windows is "top notch" imagineering!!!!! A huge insult to an actual de

I have no issues with more booze, the more the merrier! Not too keen on them creating things at Epcot that encourage more gross children polluting the park though. We will see

what a troll. i needed a good laugh. thanks!

 

[Horizons '83]

what a troll. i needed a good laugh. thanks!

While he isn't a troll, he is certainly poking the bear.

 

[aladdin2007]

They were large, bright open areas. Fun fact - only the kitchen and restroom blocks were designed to be permanent. One in each building. Corridors, walls and exhibit areas were purposely flexible. They could easily have been repurposed and the money saved spent elsewhere.

this speaks volumes to me about current management, chapeks regime, and imagineers of today.

 

[skimbob]

I am looking forward to more open space.

 

[Kidblacksmith]

It was a quiet but emotional farewell. The only people in there were just my mom and I and a CM standing guard at the door, that’s all. The Innoventions loop playing softly over the speaker, as I softly say “Well, I guess that’s it.” My voice echoed the corridor as I looked back and headed for the exit.

“Do you guys have a lot memories in here?” the Cast Member had said.

I responded with something along the lines of
“Yeah, you could say that. She’s been walking this hall for over 30 years, me about ten.”

The Cast Member responded with “Yeah, I’m sad to see it go too. Have a good night”

And the doors opened for us to leave, and then shut once more, this time for good.

Did you happen to catch the final fountain show? I have a

It was a quiet but emotional farewell. The only people in there were just my mom and I and a CM standing guard at the door, that’s all. The Innoventions loop playing softly over the speaker, as I softly say “Well, I guess that’s it.” My voice echoed the corridor as I looked back and headed for the exit.

“Do you guys have a lot memories in here?” the Cast Member had said.

I responded with something along the lines of
“Yeah, you could say that. She’s been walking this hall for over 30 years, me about ten.”

The Cast Member responded with “Yeah, I’m sad to see it go too. Have a good night”

And the doors opened for us to leave, and then shut once more, this time for good.

Did you or anyone you know happen to catch the final fountain show? I had to leave around 9:30- I live in Winter Garden and needed to be home— but my sorta frenemy who lives in Orlando called me today and he always goes to Epcot events— he had a lot to say about sept 7 like there was almost too much going on to be everywhere at once. I think he skipped the fountain of nations to try to hang around and be last in Communicore

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

Did you happen to catch the final fountain show? I have a

Did you or anyone you know happen to catch the final fountain show? I had to leave around 9:30- I live in Winter Garden and needed to be home— but my sorta frenemy who lives in Orlando called me today and he always goes to Epcot events— he had a lot to say about sept 7 like there was almost too much going on to be everywhere at once. I think he skipped the fountain of nations to try to hang around and be last in Communicore

Unfortunately not. I thought the shows continued up until the park was clear. Waited around about an hour before realizing that there wasn’t gonna be another show.

 

[UNCgolf]

I don't know why any of you are even responding to/quoting AJH219 -- he's either a troll or his brain doesn't work. Not because I disagree with his opinions, but because the stuff he says displays a lack of the ability to form any kind of coherent, logical argument.

I have him on ignore.

 

[Rich Brownn]

I don't know why any of you are even responding to/quoting AJH219 -- he's either a troll or his brain doesn't work. Not because I disagree with his opinions, but because the stuff he says displays a lack of the ability to form any kind of coherent, logical argument.

I have him on ignore.

I joined you. LOL... One my friends stated this... the 1982 rides worked in EPCOT, but would have been out of place in the Magic Kingdom. The current rides would not.

 

[flynnibus]

I'm not necessarily in disagreement with that. But they were purposefully understated

The point still stands -- you are discounting people's deeply held connections to the place, refusing to acknowledge the important role the place held, and then call the building ugly. It is not an ugly building. It is a sleek building with an ugly paint job.

Ask yourself seriously: why do people care so deeply about Communicore and EPCOT? Could it be that Communicore and EPCOT have inspired a lot of people and is more than just *deep breath* a THEME PARK?

Maybe if grand central was shuttered and only had some newspaper kiosks in it for a generation... there would be more meat in the analogy and more consistent with why people don't have any attachment to the old.

Disney proved the skeleton of innovations is in part what was holding them back. To me, that's why I can't wait for it to go... to break free from that anchor.

The killing of the old happened long long ago... the shell is not what was worth of saving.

 

[flynnibus]

The buildings are large shells designed to be able to hold a variety of functions. What is replacing them that could not use a large shell? There’s plenty of areas to tear up poorly placed hardscape and replace it with softscape. They’re tall enough to fit multiple levels. The roof could even be reworked and reenforced to support a bar.

To what benefit though? So disney could sell more fake nostalgia ties?

What you outline is all true... and stuff disney could have done anything in the last 15yrs... but they haven't.

This isn't like tearing out Main Street.

The bones have been part of the drag on change. Set them free...

 

[marni1971]

This isn't like tearing out Main Street.

It’s close.

Instead of something engaging and suitable, knock it down and build another bar. Speaks volumes.