Soarin' Over. . .Steals the Show
"Soarin' Over" certainly appears as if it will be a welcome addition to EPCOT. By presenting breathtaking vistas of our planet, it will surely amaze, inspire, and inform. Yet EPCOT, as a showplace of the unique and innovative, should certainly not receive a "cookie-cutter attraction." By presenting the current Disneyland film, the attraction may be doing something no other EPCOT attraction has done before. . . recreating an experience from another park. As a community in which the line between entertainment complex and a creative laboratory has been constantly blurred, EPCOT should host an attraction which features the same focus and technology, but with a distinct, progressive EPCOT dimension. As an experience within The Land, "Soarin'" should complement the pavilion as a whole; a replica of the Disneyland attraction, although undeniably less costly to produce, would seem awkward in a park which has thrived without "importing" attractions. All former EPCOT attractions have been uniquely tailored to enhance the park's purpose and vision. . . and I truly hope to see the EPCOT stamp on this exciting upcoming ride.
This is by no means a criticism of DCA's "Soarin'"; in fact, since Disneyland is celebrating a milestone anniversary, it holds the upper hand. Presenting the DCA version of the attraction would serve as a memorable "gift from Disneyland" that many guests would appreciate, but, over time, the attraction should transform into a true EPCOT experience. The park doesn't deserve anything less.
"Soarin'" will also accomplish one other interesting feat. . . it will be the first potentially "freestanding" attraction associated with its pavilion. By having its own entrance, "Soarin'" will redefine the notion of a world's fair-style pavilion; although part of The Land, "Soarin'" will seem divorced from the main showplace, a quality inconsistent with the aesthetic visions of EPCOT's creators. True, it would not be feasible for all guests to enter through the main doors, travel in front of the Garden Grille, and descend the escalator into a queue area. A separate attraction entrance would surely be necessary. BUT, will this detract from the effectiveness of the building's layout as we know it? If the attraction is set apart, how could this possibly bode well for and improve the central Land pavilion? Will this set the pattern for a string of "separated" attractions which will "change the entire face of EPCOT," as Project Gemini insists? These questions are idealistic, but so are both our dreams for the future and EPCOT's entire mission.
I have full confidence that the Imagineers will gracefully deal with these issues in the construction and design of The Land. After all, "Soarin'" may add to the architectural magnificence of the pavilion. But I hope that, as development progresses, we see a strong regeneration of EPCOT's core values and a rebirth of what we all yearn to envision as our future world.
