EPCOT New Play Pavilion to replace Epcot's Wonders of Life

[yensidtlaw1969]

It’s crazy how when a lot of these ideas were being developed, Star Wars was their golden goose. Within about 2 years, that all changed completely. Now they’ve taken a step back on Star Wars, and Iron Man dropping a deuce would do bonkers in theaters. If the interactive hotel were announced today instead of 2017, I have no doubt it would be Marvel-themed instead.

With that being said, regarding the play pavilion, things change quickly and I find it hard to believe the company is thrilled about their 2017 plans, especially given how reluctant they are to reopen their existing meet and greets.

This is the exact importance of the phrase "Quality Will Out". A poor IP-based experience can't withstand damage to the brand's image. A great IP-based experience can.

Rise of the Resistance defies the general distaste for the sequel trilogy on which it's based because the ride itself is so impressive. The property has already worn out its welcome, meanwhile the ride is an instant classic.

This is part of why the trend where big-ticket IP get underwhelming representation in the parks is so worrying. Avengers Campus hardly lives up to the value of the Marvel franchise. Frozen Ever After is an underwhelming, misplaced D-Ticket for the highest grossing animated franchise ever. If Disney's going to commit to building for these properties, they should be building them institutions - high-quality experiences that extend the interest in the IP and stand for generations as a representation of their value.

Instead they bunt, clearly fearful that the popularity won't outlive the facility. But if you build something amazing it will serve to sustain the popularity of the property.

I'd argue the Indiana Jones Ride at Disneyland has done more good for the relevance and popularity of that franchise than its last movie did, and likely more than the next one will.

 

[MisterPenguin]

The Mandalorian thread is already rehashing the hate for the sequel trilogy, we don't need another thread where it is even further off topic.

 

[No Name]

This is the exact importance of the phrase "Quality Will Out".

Ah yes, the famous phrase Quality Will Out!

The Mandalorian thread is already rehashing the hate for the sequel trilogy, we don't need another thread where it is even further off topic.

I mean we also don’t need internet police clogging up the conversation with nothing to add. It was just mentioned as part of a larger point.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

The Mandalorian thread is already rehashing the hate for the sequel trilogy, we don't need another thread where it is even further off topic.

You must really love trees, given how often you miss the forest for them.

 

[Chester&Hester Enthusiast]

I honestly did not know that

The only show scene in the entire ride is a big burnt out logging operation.

 

[djkidkaz]

So when is Play pavilion opening? I’m sure this hasn’t been cancelled as they need a place for parents to take kids on this side of the park that can’t ride Guardians, Mission Space or Test Track.

 

[Haymarket2008]

So when is Play pavilion opening? I’m sure this hasn’t been cancelled as they need a place for parents to take kids on this side of the park that can’t ride Guardians, Mission Space or Test Track.

Insiders have alluded to a 2023 opening. Which is…….frustrating to say the least.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Insiders have alluded to a 2023 opening. Which is…….frustrating to say the least.

It takes a long time to install new tile flooring.

 

[MisterPenguin]

It takes a long time to install new tile flooring.

You'll need a new roof to match...

 

[Epcot82Guy]

It takes a long time to install new tile flooring.

"Under foot activations", thank you...

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It takes a long time to install new tile flooring.

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible”

 

[DCBaker]

 

[Bocabear]

I was hoping to hear that the plans as described were not grand enough and it had gone back to the drawing board for a new innovative concept and attraction.

 

[DoleWhipDrea]

They're really playing with those quarterly numbers, aren't they? I saw a lot of families today in EPCOT that would have benefitted from PLAY! being open.

 

[SplashJacket]

I realize this is from 2019, but I don't recall seeing them do this. Did we ever find out why?

Latest Aerial Look at PLAY! Pavilion Construction and New Pathways Constructed

Walt Disney World news, photos, and reviews! We provide you with daily news from the Walt Disney World theme parks and beyond

blogmickey.com

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

I realize this is from 2019, but I don't recall seeing them do this. Did we ever find out why?

Latest Aerial Look at PLAY! Pavilion Construction and New Pathways Constructed

Walt Disney World news, photos, and reviews! We provide you with daily news from the Walt Disney World theme parks and beyond

blogmickey.com

They made several grade changes inside the building, I would imagine that required modification of a few exterior bits. The entire Cranium Command wing was gutted to its bare bones.

 

[Casper Gutman]

They made several grade changes inside the building, I would imagine that required modification of a few exterior bits. The entire Cranium Command wing was gutted to its bare bones.

Remember when EPCOT had animatronic shows like Cranium Command and Kitchen Kabaret, fun people eaters that lasted longer then 3 minutes? Why is it that whenever we hear about how a Disney park needs variety, its always in defense of yet another coaster-in-a-box (or another brief thrill ride) and not about adding one of the types of attractions on which Disney built its reputation?

I really liked Cranium Command.

 

[James Alucobond]

Remember when EPCOT had animatronic shows like Cranium Command and Kitchen Kabaret, fun people eaters that lasted longer then 3 minutes? Why is it that whenever we hear about how a Disney park needs variety, its always in defense of yet another coaster-in-a-box (or another brief thrill ride) and not about adding one of the types of attractions on which Disney built its reputation?

I really liked Cranium Command.

I also really liked Cranium Command and want more non-coaster experiences since I’m not big on coasters in the first place, but I’m not sure CC in particular was absorbing that much more of people’s time. Someone probably has exact figures, but I remember about 5 minutes of pre-show and 15 minutes of actual show. Cosmic Rewind has, like, 6 or so minutes of pre-show and 3.5 minutes of ride time. So, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 versus 20 minutes, plus it will probably be fairly full for the duration of its existence, unlike many theater shows.

 

[SteveAZee]

So, it's been over three years since the Play Pavilion was announced... and for a moment it felt like it must already exist simply because we've been talking about it for so long.

 

[cranbiz]

I also liked Cranium Command. I believe I saw one of it's last showing on New Years Eve back in 2004 (I think). Back when Disney did care about people eating. I was pleasantly surprised that the WOL pavilion was open. Showing Body Wars and Cranium Command. The rest of the pavilion was in rough shape that day but figuring that it was only open to eat people, it wasn't surprising.