Remembering EPCOT
Originally posted by meeko_33785
In my opinion, Coasters are not necissarily a bad thing. It's obvious that Disney is not planning on planting a cheep Dino-Rama type of coaster in front of the Land Pavillion, so that's one positive thing. Disney is planning on actually theming the Coaster to the rainforest. That's another good thing. The queue will most likely be well themed as well. That's yet another good thing. It will bring more intrest to EPCOT and, hence, higher attendance. These are all good things. If Disney does this right, it could be a great coaster like Big Thunder Mountain or some of their other well-done thrill rides.
The general interests of the public are certainly becoming more diverse, no longer able to find all of the satisfaction they need within a single theme park. Expedition Everest and Rock 'n Roller Coaster are out-and-out roller coasters which remain consistent with the values of their respective parks. . .the Everest coaster will be contained in its massive mountain structure, and Rock 'n Roller Coaster is certainly an appropriate attraction for the Disney MGM Studios, which has become the favorite park for many teen thrill seekers, I believe. EPCOT, unlike the other parks, has traditionally spoken to all of humanity -- all guests -- at once, and its attractions have traditionally combined concern for technological uniqueness and progress, the inspiration of park guests, and harmony with the surrounding environment. This potential new attraction violates these core principles. . .so this is not a matter of whether or not the attraction will be economically successful, but whether it will contribute to the integrity of a park which stands a head above the others in its mission. A outdoors roller coaster in Future World West would violate each of these concepts/values:
1) The tranquility of Future World West (something visionary in its own right), the stunning symmetry of this side of the park, and the park's overall aesthetic quality. Based on current ride plans, the roller coaster will likely be circling in FRONT of The Land pavilion, taking away severely from the beauty and dignity of the pavilion.
2) The structure of the park may be redefined. . .the Rainforest Rollercoaster could possibly violate the concept of a tightly-knit, World's Fair-style pavilion, altering a structure that is timeless and works well with park guests. The coaster will likely gain some independence from The Land, damaging this park value.
3) This attraction would possibly have to occupy the space of a current land attraction. . .the traditional family-oriented humor of an attraction like Circle of Life, which educates and entertains to great extents, would have to be abandoned for an attraction that is limited in its audience scope, is not as purposefully educational, and is not as socially constructive in the values it communicates. The vast majority of riders will ride for the sheer thrill -- and such thrill diverts from the educational potential and, in this case, would not likely be conducted in the very sophisticated tradition of Mission:SPACE (for instance). Messages of land preservation will be diluted -- vital concepts which could be more meaningfully dealt with in a ride or show which does not violate all of these time-honored EPCOT principles!
As previous messages have indicated, a roller coaster is not the only solution to what is a purely economic problem. When faced with an economic problem, the problems of new creative horizons and dilemmas of how guests of all ages could be profoundly inspired SHOULD BE dealt with as well! A roller coaster is just an easy fix. . .but Imagineering is surely capable of challenging themselves with creating a humorous, lighthearted, but inspiring attraction to counter the thrills of Mission:SPACE, Test Track, and Soarin' Over.
Attractions like the original Journey Into Imagination were well-loved and embraced by most park guests. . .but were approaching nearly twenty years of age. Successful traditional attractions can often be replaced with intense thrills -- BUT we still need a few new, fresh successful traditional attractions to take their places! Remember the diversity of our audiences! Whatever happened to enchanting songs, endearing characters, and captivating stories? Let's not forget these words of wisdom from an Imagination Pavilion songwriter, Robert Sherman: "Walt Disney understood that a song is what people carry away with them. People can go to a Disney picture or park and be enchanted by it, but when they go home, the song is what they keep."
When a lighthearted, enjoyable, educational, beautiful pavilion like Wonders of Life needs replacement, it should have a due replacement or update. Why build a new roller coaster when an attraction successful with families, consistent with EPCOT's mission, and unachievable in any other park can be constructed?
A new atmosphere for EPCOT, consistent with its missions, would be a welcome change, as the park was intended to reflect both the idealism and realism of our future community. But the addition of trees to seemingly compensate for the crowdedness induced by adding attractions (like a roller coaster) just does not seem appropriate or respectful to the park's aims. I would certainly not mind if extra greenery were added here and there to Future World. . .but it certainly does not need to be a forest, as some concepts illustrate (after all, Animal Kingdom has forests!). The color scheme could certainly be enriched. . .but with the presence of the fountain and the added warmth of the more recent changes to Innoventions Plaza, I certainly do not perceive the "cold concreteness" of Future World to be unsettling or overwhelming (or as extensive as some make it out to be).
Money could be spent on a drastic makeover of Future World. . . but, given the strain on this resource, more funds and creativity should be poured into genuinely heartwarming and memorable attractions that not only improve the park, but also improve the minds and hearts of its guests.
Sure, add some genuine heart to the appearance of Future World, but don't take it away from the attractions featured there!
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