News Odyssey becoming a flex space

[Rteetz]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/epcot/epcots-odyssey-being-remodeled-to-become-flex-space/

Panels will be replaced with windows to give guests better views of the park and inside.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

This sounds like it will be nice. Honestly the Odyssey could use a little tlc.

 

[trainplane3]

Glad to see Odyssey being used for something. Now, about turning WoL back into a real pavilion...

Also, here's another article that has some quotes from management. Doesn't really say much more then what you have though:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...y-epcot-odyssey-remodeled-20180306-story.html

 

[Kman101]

I'd prefer a restaurant, but it makes more sense as the Festival Pavilion (better it than Wonders of Life and it's in a good spot to serve as the Festival Pavilion and a flex space). At least they've been using the space more over the last few years.

 

[MaximumEd]

I’m liking the trend, well, except for Energy. The park has great bones. Use what you have. Epcot was stupid popular when it was, you know, Epcot.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Glad to hear this. Odyssey has been neglected for so, so long. I don't want to go so far as to say it's an eyesore, but... It definitely needs help.

 

[bhodge]

How is this different than it’s current use as a ... well... flex space?

 

[BoarderPhreak]

How is this different than it’s current use as a ... well... flex space?

It's "new and improved."

Maybe it'll be open to traffic more often now, besides just special events.

 

[Otterhead]

How is this different than it’s current use as a ... well... flex space?

Same use, but remodeled to be a really good flex space rather than a flex space awkwardly worked into a former restaurant. Remodeled to better "flex" with more windows so that it isn't such a dark dungeon.

 

[P_Radden]

As much as I love the aesthetics of 82 Epcot, this space is (to me) the most dated. Walking in there feels like walking back in to 1982. I love the building but it does need at least an interior remodel to bring it out of the past.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

In preparation for this expanded role, Odyssey is receiving a refurbishment that will replace the panels with glass windows so that guests inside can view the park and guests passing by can see the events and exhibits from outside.

What a concept! Pity that for the last 25 years Disney has ignored that basic logic with the buildings at the heart of Future World.

But good to see Odyssey getting some love.

 

[punkabella]

I think making it an official flex space helps guests understand that the building isn't just vacant. Will this make way for the space where WoL is to be repurposed too as it has been flex space in the past as well?

 

[Bocabear]

So basically they will cement the building's future as a temporary whatever party/event space...Which is also too small to replace WOL as a full Festival center. To me it's not necessarily happy news... I would be happier to hear they were remodeling and upgrading it into a fabulous new restaurant... Back to what it was but better than it ever dreamed to be...instead of another bland multi-use space for festival overflow or event rentals...Boo.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Upsell stuff...meh...same ole

 

[P_Radden]

So basically they will cement the building's future as a temporary whatever party/event space...Which is also too small to replace WOL as a full Festival center. To me it's not necessarily happy news... I would be happier to hear they were remodeling and upgrading it into a fabulous new restaurant... Back to what it was but better than it ever dreamed to be...instead of another bland multi-use space for festival overflow or event rentals...Boo.

I think we all would rather this be the case but at least it is getting some love finally.

 

[Bocabear]

I think we all would rather this be the case but at least it is getting some love finally.

I am just not confident that the "love" will be a positive change for the space....It might make it more generic than ever...

 

[Epcotfan21]

How is this different than it’s current use as a ... well... flex space?

Exactly. This is the least surprising news ever.

 

[Otterhead]

.It might make it more generic than ever...

They're defining this as a "light refurb"; its distinctive exterior isn't changing, they're just making the interior more flexible and adding more windows. The interior isn't exactly exciting and never has been; as a space that can operate as meeting space, exhibition area, or a restaurant, it's designed to be 'generic'.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

I suspect them "losing" the old WoL building for events might have something to do with it too.

 

[ppete1975]

I'm just glad its not being removed. I wonder if the restrooms and first aid center are part of that decision.