Question about Wonders of Life Pavilion

[Stitchfan712]

I'm heading back to WDW on the 21st (if all goes well), and the rumour I heard a while back was that the pavilion would be briefly reopened for Thansgiving, before being shut down again for the final time.


It's like to know if this is in fact true, and if so, does anyone know what specific dates the pavilion will be open and what attractions within it will be open?

I didn't get to see Wonders of Life last time I was in Epcot, this will be my last time if it's open. Any help, details, etc are appreciated as this will help me plan my itinerary.

Thanks.

 

[speck76]

I was told by guest relations earlier this year that it may be open over Thanksgiving and Christmas.....I have also been told that it may be open when The Land closes in January......I have also been told that it will never reopen as Wonders of Life.....

 

[Stitchfan712]

???

 

[speck76]

???

In other words, if it is open, consider yourself lucky.....if it is not, don't be surprised.

 

[Stitchfan712]

Gotcha. Here's hoping.


So why did they close it down in the first place? And is everything in the pavilion closed or just some of the attractions?

 

[DarkMeasures]

Well I could make a really good educated guess with that the pavilian has been deserted everytime I have entered it since 2000. But then again, it is still a waste if the pavilian is still running even when it is closed.

 

[General Grizz]

Last I was told, Wonders of Life would not open up during Thanksgiving. There is a more decent chance it will reopen for Christmas. I have been told nothing of an opening while the Land is closed, but that has been logically speculated.

"So why did they close it down in the first place? And is everything in the pavilion closed or just some of the attractions?"

It closed because Disney gets a tax write-off for keeping the pavilion seasonal. Everything in the pavilion is intact, except the Well and Goods gift shop and the Pure and Simple restaurant; both were dismantled. If the pavilion reopens, it could be without the Making of Me, and the Anacomical Players and Coach's Corner, of course.

 

[wdwmagic]

The whole situation reminds me of Horizons. That went through such a drawn out process of "will it open, wont it open", and in the end it became very hard to predict and understand what was happening. If I had to guess, I would go with it being closed for good at this point.

 

[SpenceMan01]

I seriously hope that WoL opens back up when The Land goes down. Our trip in 2000 was when we discovered Cranium Command. I really like that cute little show, and it'd be nice to see it one more time in Jan. Also, I want to see "The Making of Me" and ride Body Wars.

 

[General Grizz]

The whole situation reminds me of Horizons. That went through such a drawn out process of "will it open, wont it open", and in the end it became very hard to predict and understand what was happening. If I had to guess, I would go with it being closed for good at this point.

That was such a weird Summer (1999), Steve. I remember constantly checking back to this website (.uk!) and hearing that it would reopen during the summer. Got me pretty darn excited.

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

SAVE WoL!!!!

 

[DarkMeasures]

SAVE WoL!!!!

It's not worth saving unless the pavilian is updated (and that probably wouldn't happen until 2009).

 

[General Grizz]

I agree. . . Save (and update) WoL!

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

I think they should update body wars or add something were the resturant was. If they updated it it would make the pavilion so much more populated. I would add something right after Soarin comes in. I wouldnt add another ride until I improve the old pavilions.

 

[Figments Friend]

Forgive me if this sounds like i'm downing WoL...but what was the big deal with that pavilion? I never really saw the point of it really ...it always seemed a bit dull and outdated when compared to the other pavilions, some of which were older but far superior! LOL!!!


Is it just me? I know a lot of folks here seem to really like WoL. Maybe it's like the Land...people like it because of it's atmosphere and tranquility? I don't know...

Again. i'm not trying to get WoL fans all worked up, but i don't think it's any real loss if the place closes for good. What was so great about it anyway? Sure, i love 'Cranium Command" big time...but other then that, it's ho-hum for me.


Anyone else feel similarly?

 

[General Grizz]

In 1993, Wonders of Life was one of my least-favorite pavilions. In 1999, it was one of my most favorite.

The pavilion isn't Epcot's best, but it's one that has a relevant message, has effective forms of story telling, holds a great design for a pavilion, and has something for everyone.

Mission Space and Test Track are thrills. Imagination is a kid's ride. Wonders of Life still holds some of that magic where the parents and the children can enjoy a pavilion together -- most notably, the **classic** Cranium Command.

The design is awesome. Adults go and ride Body Wars. Families check out Fitness Fairgrounds, Sensory Funhouse, Cranium Command. I don't find the Sensory Funhouse or Fairground exhibits that impressive, but it is easy to bring *great* stuff in there. I've posted my ideas several times already for (easily) making Wonders of Life a hit pavilion again.

The peacefulness is also what draws me in. The simple, serene nature adds a contrast to the nearby hustle and bustle. Something you can appreciate, something you can take in, something you can be a part of and enjoy for what it is.

"Thanks for joining us!"

Check out my tribute video: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=41552

 

[diddy_mouse]

couldn't agree with you more Grizz. when i saw that WoL was closed on my recent trip in May, I realized how much i missed it. and now that it might be closing for good, it makes me miss it even more.

UPDATE AND SAVE WoL!!

 

[ScrapIron]

This has been on the refurb list in the weekly WDW update at www.mouseplanet.com for quite some time.

"The Wonders of Life pavilion – open seasonally. The Pure and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop have been removed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The Making of Me attractions now open when the pavilion is open. The pavilion did not open this summer, which does not bode well for the future. However, it is expected to be open January – March during the closure of The Land pavilion."

Cheers.

 

[wdwmagic]

That was such a weird Summer (1999), Steve. I remember constantly checking back to this website (.uk!) and hearing that it would reopen during the summer. Got me pretty darn excited.

Yeah I remember it well. My source for that info was working on the Horizons repopening project, and even they found the whole siutation to be changing constantly and totally unpredictable. I guess this is what happens with big companies where decisions are often made thousands of miles away from the action.

 

[fiftiesdean]

as far as the whole tax write-off thing, I guess I could see that...but as far as I know the tax-write off thing can be used for the whole park. I work as a Projectionist (non-union) at a theatre in FL. Since that's considered a seasonal venue, we don't get paid overtime, holidays, etc. And they get a tax break. Seasonal is a pretty broad term though, our theatre is not in season but we had 25,000 people pass through the doors from Friday Night to Sunday. That's more than sometimes in season. I'm thinking WoL is closed for $ reasons.