Ratatouille in Epcot

[marni1971]

Again, The Twilight Zone is a niche franchise. A fun ride is a fun ride, regardless of what the IP is. Though the right IP, regardless of how "mainstream" it is, can really enhance the attraction.

And, finally, this "niche franchise" has been referenced on Family Guy, Robot Chicken, The Late Late Show, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, The Today Show, The Big Bang Theory (currently the number one comedy program in America) and more.

Indeed. Ill always argue that the IP doesn't matter if done correctly. But non of them are worthy of an attraction in a WDW park. Unless you want another Ellen or Food Rocks.

How do I say this.... theres quite a bit more to the UK than a TV programme.

 

[RSoxNo1]

While I don't think Ratatouille in France will be the doomsday scenario that some on here have feared, I think this is a better option for Hollywood Studios. As fans we can certainly be vocal about thematic stretches, but I would rather make the argument for quality attractions that fit the theme by 75% vs. inferior attractions that fit the theme entirely. We romanticize attractions like the Rhine River Cruise, Mt. Fuji, etc, yet those are concepts on paper that would have undoubtedly evolved if placed in a park. The same is true of a Brazil pavilion and any other unbuilt concept. I favor quality additions in a park that is lacking for quality additions. The closest thing we've had to a rumored addition to Epcot prior to this were the various iterations of the Imagination Pavilion changes. I've yet to hear a solid rumor about Universe of Energy or Wonders of Life except for a 5-10 year old rumor about a Dupont sponsorship.

I will definitely admit that the draw for me is the LPS system. I would certainly prefer a new LPS system/concept in the Imagination or elsewhere in Future World, but if this is what's coming it's hard to now be excited for this.

 

[Tigger1988]

If being mentioned on Family Guy is what it takes to be worthy of an attraction I look forward to the Great Space Coaster coming to DHS and a M&G with The Greatest American Hero in the American Pavilion.

 

[Matt_Black]

How do I say this.... theres quite a bit more to the UK than a TV programme.

Yes, and the benefit of a having an attraction based on an alien with a time-travel machine is that it's perfectly suited for showcasing UK history and culture. "First stop- the Paleolithic Era!"

 

[lebeau]

Again, The Twilight Zone is a niche franchise. A fun ride is a fun ride, regardless of what the IP is. Though the right IP, regardless of how "mainstream" it is, can really enhance the attraction.

And, finally, this "niche franchise" has been referenced on Family Guy, Robot Chicken, The Late Late Show, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, The Today Show, The Big Bang Theory (currently the number one comedy program in America) and more.

Whether or not people have ever watched an episode of The Twilight Zone, they know Rod Serling, they know what it's all about and they know the theme song. Those are iconic elements of pop culture that have lasted generations.

The majority of people either have no idea what a Doctor Who is or are vaguely aware that it is a quirky British sci fi show. A weirder Star Trek. I'm sure that's not a fair assessment of the show. But that's how most people view it.

The Twilight Zone is far more recognized than Dr. Who is ever likely to be.

Indeed. Ill always argue that the IP doesn't matter if done correctly. But non of them are worthy of an attraction in a WDW park. Unless you want another Ellen or Food Rocks.

How do I say this.... theres quite a bit more to the UK than a TV programme.

Exactly. It would be like having a pavillion dedicated to US history and cultrue and then having the only attraction be a Star Trek ride.

 

[Matt_Black]

If being mentioned on Family Guy is what it takes to be worthy of an attraction I look forward to the Great Space Coaster coming to DHS and a M&G with The Greatest American Hero in the American Pavilion.

... YES. I would love to meet The Greatest American Hero! In line I'd be singing, "Look at what's happened to me, I can't believe it myself...."

 

[Sam Magic]

What's the rumor? Is it the same ride that's being built in Paris that's coming to Epcot?

Yes, I'm actually pretty excited about it. It works and the French/Parisians already say it accurately portrays Paris.

 

[twebber55]

Whether or not people have ever watched an episode of The Twilight Zone, they know Rod Serling, they know what it's all about and they know the theme song. Those are iconic elements of pop culture that have lasted generations.

The majority of people either have no idea what a Doctor Who is or are vaguely aware that it is a quirky British sci fi show. A weirder Star Trek. I'm sure that's not a fair assessment of the show. But that's how most people view it.

The Twilight Zone is far more recognized than Dr. Who is ever likely to be.



Exactly. It would be like having a pavillion dedicated to US history and cultrue and then having the only attraction be a Star Trek ride.

gotta be honest i didnt know who Dr Who was until i joined this board

 

[GoofGoof]

If being mentioned on Family Guy is what it takes to be worthy of an attraction I look forward to the Great Space Coaster coming to DHS and a M&G with The Greatest American Hero in the American Pavilion.

Plus a meet and greet with the kool aid guy.

 

[Sam Magic]

While I don't think Ratatouille in France will be the doomsday scenario that some on here have feared, I think this is a better option for Hollywood Studios. As fans we can certainly be vocal about thematic stretches, but I would rather make the argument for quality attractions that fit the theme by 75% vs. inferior attractions that fit the theme entirely. We romanticize attractions like the Rhine River Cruise, Mt. Fuji, etc, yet those are concepts on paper that would have undoubtedly evolved if placed in a park. The same is true of a Brazil pavilion and any other unbuilt concept. I favor quality additions in a park that is lacking for quality additions. The closest thing we've had to a rumored addition to Epcot prior to this were the various iterations of the Imagination Pavilion changes. I've yet to hear a solid rumor about Universe of Energy or Wonders of Life except for a 5-10 year old rumor about a Dupont sponsorship.

I will definitely admit that the draw for me is the LPS system. I would certainly prefer a new LPS system/concept in the Imagination or elsewhere in Future World, but if this is what's coming it's hard to now be excited for this.

Well we have seen that it was more than just blue sky for a lot of these rides (massive park models featuring them & announced), There would have been changes, but not much. Ratatouille will be a carbon copy of the one in Paris, so not much changes there. The reason it fits in Epcot is more than Ratatouille being a cartoon, at this point don't think Disney Execs give a about Epcots original theme. To put it this way I would rather see Epcot receive a highly themed area and expanded pavilion then see DHS become more claustrophobic.

 

[Matt_Black]

Plus a meet and greet with the kool aid guy.

 

[marni1971]

Yes, and the benefit of a having an attraction based on an alien with a time-travel machine is that it's perfectly suited for showcasing UK history and culture. "First stop- the Paleolithic Era!"

Thankfully it isn't happening.

 

[WDWDad13]

There have been plans for:

Mt.Fuji E-Ticket (multiple proposals including one with Godzilla!) (Japan)
Bullet Train Simulator (Japan)
Carrousel Theater attraction (Japan)
Rhine River Cruise (Germany)
Rafting Adventure (Canada)
Matterhorn w/Switzerland Pavilion
Russian Pavilion with fairy tale dark ride
Venezuela with Cable Car ride through rainforest
and countless other amazing concepts over the span of 40 years!

aaaand what do we get? a clone of the Ratatouille ride from DSP in Paris

*face palm*

cmon it could be worse... it could be Ratatouille featuring Ellen and Stitch

queue line features interactive games with John Carter and Flubber

 

[Jabbas]

Anyone know where this rumor started? I am excited if its true but I also confused about why it would be in Epcot instead of Hollywood Studios.

I also feel that future world needs to be fixed first.

 

[Sam Magic]

Anyone know where this rumor started? I am excited if its true but I also confused about why it would be in Epcot instead of Hollywood Studios.

I also feel that future world needs to be fixed first.

Because:
1. they are probably planning something for DHS that does in not include the rat
2. the ride looks like this:

 

[lazyboy97o]

Anyone know where this rumor started? I am excited if its true but I also confused about why it would be in Epcot instead of Hollywood Studios.

I also feel that future world needs to be fixed first.

It's right there in the first post, a tweet by @HTF.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Ok, Doctor Who is a show that is in my wheelhouse. I love sci-fi. I love comedy. I love heroes that deal with sarcasm.

I watched one season (with David Tennant as The Doctor) and while I liked HIM...I just couldn't get into the show. My uncle is a HUGE fan (has been since he was a kid) so I watched it based on his recommendation.

I didn't find anything "cool" about it...I didn't find anything that jumped out and said, "You've gotta see NEXT week's episode!". It was a forgettable show (IMO).

There are those that are fanatical about it...and those that don't like it. I rarely have met somebody that is a casual Doctor Who fan.

I've found that those that are fans, eat, sleep, and breathe Doctor Who from Tardis cookie jars to Dalek toys on their desk. That's perfectly fine...but sometimes it blinds them (not saying it's blinding anybody in this thread, just in general) from deciphering what they want, from what is right.

Haha, I'm sure there are more than a few Disney fans that try to fit "Disney" into every aspect of their life too

 

[GoofGoof]

Plus a meet and greet with the kool aid guy.

 

[Gomer]

Ok, Doctor Who is a show that is in my wheelhouse. I love sci-fi. I love comedy. I love heroes that deal with sarcasm.

I watched one season (with David Tennant as The Doctor) and while I liked HIM...I just couldn't get into the show. My uncle is a HUGE fan (has been since he was a kid) so I watched it based on his recommendation.

I didn't find anything "cool" about it...I didn't find anything that jumped out and said, "You've gotta see NEXT week's episode!". It was a forgettable show (IMO).

There are those that are fanatical about it...and those that don't like it. I rarely have met somebody that is a casual Doctor Who fan.

I've found that those that are fans, eat, sleep, and breathe Doctor Who from Tardis cookie jars to Dalek toys on their desk. That's perfectly fine...but sometimes it blinds them (not saying it's blinding anybody in this thread, just in general) from deciphering what they want, from what is right.

Haha, I'm sure there are more than a few Disney fans that try to fit "Disney" into every aspect of their life too

You beat me to the punch a bit with your last line, but I’ll jump on it anyway.

This is the nature of fandom, especially in modern times where you can find those of like obsessions easily and products can be made to meet certain niches.

I have many fandoms/obsessions in my life from some very different areas of interest. I can eat “Lembas Bread” cookies out my tardis cookie jar while drinking coffee from my Troy & Abed in the morning mug, wearing a NY Mets hat, a Phish shirt, and watching Star Wars for the 15 millionth time. Would I line up outside if Disney built any of my obsessions into a ride. Absolutely. Does that mean it belongs? Absolutely not. (Except Star Wars, that obviously needs to get done)

But, as we are on a Disney World message board, those around here can have blinders as well as to what is the best for the parks. Disney World is one of my obsessions as well (obviously…since I’m here). I’d love Disney to stick with its mission statements from day one and never waver. But that may not be realistic. The world has changed, and it is not as hospitable to the dreams of Walt as it was 50 years, or even 10 years ago. At some point Disney needs to compromise modern expectations with their own traditional values in order to maintain relevance. And that may mean a slight watering down of things like Epcot’s message. I’d prefer it didn’t, but if the alternative is the slow death of my favorite park (as already seems to be happening) then I’m willing to compromise perfection for existence. I'll deal with Ratatouille if it means Epcot gets more funding to fix Imagination properly. But that’s just me.

I don’t expect all the Epcot idealists to accept that, and I love that you all exist to fight the good fight and attempt to keep Disney honest as to the original intent of Epcot. But in the end, many purists are no different than those with misplaced beliefs that Dr. Who is the most important thing to ever come out of England. They are blinded by their love of a pure product, but may not be ready to accept the reality of the current climate and what it means from a business perspective for the parks. They may not be ready to accept that the majority of the world doesn't want Epcot in its original form anymore. It may need to be watered down for some of the original intent to survive.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Nobody is going to be protesting a statue of Christ the Redeemer in a theme park. Have a few professionally offended, politically correct, overzealous groups with an agenda really made a nation founded upon and governed by Christian principles afraid to openly display culturally significant and historic symbols and architecture?

And that's on private property where people have to pay admission to be allowed in to see it.

But...it isn't over any atheist sensitivities that Christ the Redeemer would likely not be build. But because of religious sensitivities, often so easily inflammable.

Imagine if that Norway stave 'church' had been a consecrated church - with toon princesses in it! Lutherans would be up in arms.

Imagine if the Morocco minaret/mosque had been part of an actual mosque. WDW's guests would have to cover their legs and arms, plus all those much more private body parts they leave exposed. Men and women would have to enter the pavilion separately, families split up, shoes taken off. Never mind Yasmine meeting&greeting people in a bra. WS would have to be permanently patrolled by guards with machine guns!

What of a Christ the Redemeer statuette that receives the same respect Disney shows Norway? 'Disneyfied', with a pink magicband around his wrist, a sign above his head reading INRfp+, and the DVC shop beneath Jesus hanging on the cross advertising its products with such typical Disney punnery as 'you too can permanently hang out at WDW'.

It's not atheist sensitivities, but religious sensitivities that make Disney shy away from religion in their parks.