Rededication-What does it mean?

[EPCOT Explorer]

Rededication-What does it mean?

Hey all, just a little thought that’s been bugging me since Celebration 25

We all know that Epcot was rededicated on October 1st of this year for its 25th anniversary. Special merchandise was made, IllumiNations was extended, a special exhibit formed and the wand took down! We saw all the pageantry and pomp for the one day…and then it all disappeared. Was the rededication just a symbolic ceremony to reflect on the 1st 25 years of Epcot or do they truly mean to thrust Epcot back into the position it once held when it was the grand “EPCOT Center”? So far, we still have the same tiny name “Epcot”, a “kiddiefied” Living Seas and a less than perfect Figment among other problems.

I certainly hope they meant to right these wrongs because that was certanlly the message they gave in that ceremony a few weeks ago.

Any thoughts, news or comments?

EPCOT Explorer

 

[darthjohnny]

Your first explanation was correct.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

If so...That stinks.

I mean,Epcot is great(always has been)but there are certain things that need to be fixed and they certanly hinted about fixing them on the 1st, no?

 

[brkgnews]

I think it's similar to when couples renew their vows on an anniversary. Are they any more married than the day before? Nope. They'll just *ahem* celebrate extra that one day, and then its back to Sportscenter and mopping the next day.

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

The Epcot rededication ceremony was nothing more than a fast-made PR stunt to make Disney look like it remotely cared for the fans of WDW.

The park will continue to move from its roots as a place to entertain inform and inspire, and will continue to become a place geared for children with random inlcusions of characters, more comedy done to try and relax and engage audiences, merchandise, etc. The idea of a cultured guest ready to be inspired by technology and international taste is fading fast as people's attention spans get shorter and shorter.

One could rededicate the Magic Kingdom every single year; say how magical it is, how amazing it can be, but every year the shops on main street will continue to become one gigantic and generic shopping mall with no theme, tomorrowland will continue to be half finished with its 1994 overlay and 1970s concrete white everywhere, the country bears will continue to not have a christmas show, etc

New things come, old things go, some things improve, some things don't.

Disney uses the media to get the first timers into a way of thinking WDW is the most amazing thing since apple pie, and yet while I do like WDW, and still like going there *to an extant*, no matter how much someone redicates a park or sends out a press release, the parks continue to lack SOME, but not all of the charm, and message they were intended to. The message doesn't have to change...i.e. an actual theme to main street usa with unique shops, it's the execution of the message that matters.

I for one look forward to the reImagined Spaceship Earth. From what I see with Project Tomorrow, as well as the current exterior and space surrounding SSE....Disney has allowed this section of Epcot to move forward into the 21st century, but still keep the message exectued with the wahsington palm trees, lush plants, flora, etc. The big and bold blue swooshes, the modern but bold new SSE logo and font, and the sleek metalics in project tomorrow and wide open exhibit space harken back to the days of Earth Station.....no its not orange and yellow and the castmembers dont have 80s costumes, but its still a way of keeping a sleek and clean futuristic look.

Now about the pink canopies and tombstones

 

[SirNim]

The Rededication was but a brief recess from Epcot's continuing, fully-immersive, multi-sensory study in Entropy.

 

[EPCOT.nut]

I think it's similar to when couples renew their vows on an anniversary. Are they any more married than the day before? Nope. They'll just *ahem* celebrate extra that one day, and then its back to Sportscenter and mopping the next day.

Well, crap! I was going to renew my vows at WDW - do you think that would add some *magic* ?

:lol:

 

[The Mak]

The Rededication was but a brief recess from Epcot's continuing, fully-immersive, multi-sensory study in Entropy.

Quoted For Truth.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

How sad. For a few weeks there I though we might be returning to the EPCOT Center roots. I mean, look, there is some evidence: The wand and this great new SSE refurb that actually looks like its being done the right way. Is there ANY chance that we get to see how Epcot was in the glory days? Immediate future or distant tomorrow?

Thanks for the replies guys, keep ‘em coming!

*Laughs as SSE reference*

 

[Cliff08]

I'm glad we haven't seen many refurbs recently. Anything that is pieced together in a few days/months usually turns out to be worse than leaving it alone.

I am hoping that they are planning and budgeting for projects that will enhance epcot, not put a cheap bandaide on it.

I would also speculate that they are waiting to see how the spaceship earth refurb turns out. If it meets or exceeds expectations it might provide the energy and funding to do the numorus projects in epcot.

One thing that might help is the construction industry in Florida is hurting due to the sharp decrease in building homes. Projects (not neccessarily disney projects) that are currently being bidded and coming in at half the cost that they where last year. The materials also are coming in cheaper. Disney is not immune to this because they use contractors based in Florida.

My two cents.

 

[EPCOT.nut]

I think EPCOT is still really great. I first visited in about 4th or 5th grade - not long after it opened - how old were the rest of you? I ask because we are all older now and our "wow factor threshold" has changed a lot. :ROFLOL:I just made that term up but you know what I mean.

My sis was born when EPCOT opened and she went about the same time in her life - 4th or 5th grade - and she loves Figment but can't recall the first incarnation of that ride. She still looks back fondly on "old EPCOT" but she never rode Horizons or WOM. So what gives?

I certainly believe they will be adding to EPCOT constantly. The re-ded was a great birthday party and I do think a reminder for the Powers that Be that there are die-hard EPCOT fans out there.

I think until they do something with WOL I'll be in limbo a little regarding whether I feel they are giving EPCOT the full monty. But it will happen.

 

[Enderikari]

do they truly mean to thrust Epcot back into the position it once held when it was the grand “EPCOT Center”?

Do you mean the EPCOT CENTER which was such a great park because it was so vacant? I'm sorry that Epcot isn't your personal museum filled with boring attractions who's usefulness has long gone by, but the best argument for the new Epcot being the better Epcot is that there are guests in the park, enjoying the magic that is one of the best Disney Theme Park.

So far, we still have the same tiny name “Epcot”, a “kiddiefied” Living Seas and a less than perfect Figment among other problems.

So, Epcot's name is the big deal? EPCOT Center is a relic, something that really didn't make sense to being with. And the Seas with Nemo and Friends retains its educational purpose, but instead of being a nice quiet place where there was so few people I would bring a blanket and a book and relax near the aquarium (which I do miss), now kids have a reason to go in there, and then learn about the real fish, the real ocean, the real environment under the sea.

I certainly hope they meant to right these wrongs because that was certanlly the message they gave in that ceremony a few weeks ago.

See, they are not wrongs to be righted, though. The ceremony was a celebration of the history of the glorious Epcot park. There have been ups and downs, but the park has been on the rise since the late 90's. The ceremony was excellent, but nothing was said about "returning the parks to their former glory" because the former is not glorious, and that's the last thing Epcot needs to do.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I think EPCOT is still really great. I first visited in about 4th or 5th grade - not long after it opened - how old were the rest of you? I ask because we are all older now and our "wow factor threshold" has changed a lot. :ROFLOL:I just made that term up but you know what I mean.

My sis was born when EPCOT opened and she went about the same time in her life - 4th or 5th grade - and she loves Figment but can't recall the first incarnation of that ride. She still looks back fondly on "old EPCOT" but she never rode Horizons or WOM. So what gives?

I certainly believe they will be adding to EPCOT constantly. The re-ded was a great birthday party and I do think a reminder for the Powers that Be that there are die-hard EPCOT fans out there.

I think until they do something with WOL I'll be in limbo a little regarding whether I feel they are giving EPCOT the full monty. But it will happen.

I first visited EPCOT in '93 when I was about 4-5.Young,I know, I still was enthralled and understood what was taking place there.My Mom says I called it the museum park.(Not in a bad way-I've always loved museums.I might not remember all of the attractions but I remember the feeling of gliding through SSE and how I immedietly fell in love with Figgy and all of the other grat characters and rides.

Do you mean the EPCOT CENTER which was such a great park because it was so vacant? I'm sorry that Epcot isn't your personal museum filled with boring attractions who's usefulness has long gone by, but the best argument for the new Epcot being the better Epcot is that there are guests in the park, enjoying the magic that is one of the best Disney Theme Park.





So, Epcot's name is the big deal? EPCOT Center is a relic, something that really didn't make sense to being with. And the Seas with Nemo and Friends retains its educational purpose, but instead of being a nice quiet place where there was so few people I would bring a blanket and a book and relax near the aquarium (which I do miss), now kids have a reason to go in there, and then learn about the real fish, the real ocean, the real environment under the sea.



See, they are not wrongs to be righted, though. The ceremony was a celebration of the history of the glorious Epcot park. There have been ups and downs, but the park has been on the rise since the late 90's. The ceremony was excellent, but nothing was said about "returning the parks to their former glory" because the former is not glorious, and that's the last thing Epcot needs to do.

Point taken-but I would never want Epcot to become a outdated "museum"of bordom...I just want it to be what it once was,a place for entertainment and subtle education.Not a place for cheap thrills and cartoons.Not EPCOT Center's original purpose,I might add.
As for the name,I just thing EPCOT Center sounds so much cooler don't you?

Thanks for the feedback everybody!Let's keep this one going!

 

[SDav10495]

So, Epcot's name is the big deal? EPCOT Center is a relic, something that really didn't make sense to being with.

Without even getting into the other debates going on here, I have to ask...how on earth did the old name not make sense? The whole reason people love the name "EPCOT Center" is because it had meaning behind it. I'm not even arguing that they bring it back now, but it's the current name--"Epcot"--that is totally nonsensical.

 

[nibblesandbits]

I think it's similar to when couples renew their vows on an anniversary. Are they any more married than the day before? Nope. They'll just *ahem* celebrate extra that one day, and then its back to Sportscenter and mopping the next day.

:ROFLOL:

OMG! That's awesome!!!

 

[Enderikari]

Point taken-but I would never want Epcot to become a outdated "museum"of bordom...I just want it to be what it once was,a place for entertainment and subtle education.

Still is, The Seas with Nemo and Friends coaches learning about the oceans and the seas and the creatures within in an attraction that draws people in. Soarin' show the variety of biomes that can exist within one state, while Living with the Land shows the past and the future of agricultural study. Test Track is more than just cheap thrills, but is an entertaining look at the way cars are tested before they go to market, and the post show shows the future of transportation (though, admittadely, it is a big GM advertisement, but remember when AT & T owned Spaceship Earth?)

Not a place for cheap thrills and cartoons.Not EPCOT Center's original purpose,I might add.

See above, you want cheap thrills, you go to Six Flags. Unless you think the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Experience is just a cheap thrill; Mission: Space is similar in execution

As for the name,I just thing EPCOT Center sounds so much cooler don't you?

No

 

[nibblesandbits]

Still is, The Seas with Nemo and Friends coaches learning about the oceans and the seas and the creatures within in an attraction that draws people in. Soarin' show the variety of biomes that can exist within one state, while Living with the Land shows the past and the future of agricultural study. Test Track is more than just cheap thrills, but is an entertaining look at the way cars are tested before they go to market, and the post show shows the future of transportation (though, admittadely, it is a big GM advertisement, but remember when AT & T owned Spaceship Earth?)

And this is exactly how I view Epcot. I still view all these rides as edutainment. It's just a different version of edu-tainment. Had I seen proving grounds before Epcot? No. Had I felt like what it felt like to go to space before? No. Did I learn about agriculture in Living with the Land? Yes. I could go on and on, but I still view Epcot as a semi-educational park.

The thing about it though now is that it's not boring anymore. I tried watching a video of Horizons. I didn't enjoy it. The only thing I enjoyed out of Epcot as a child was Figment and Kitchen Kaberet. And you know how I know that those are the only things I enjoyed? B/c they are the only things that still stick out in my mind.

So, as much as it may be hard to believe, I am still learning at Epcot. It's just I'm learning different things.

 

[EPCOT.nut]

I first visited EPCOT in '93 when I was about 4-5.Young,I know, I still was enthralled and understood what was taking place there.My Mom says I called it the museum park.(Not in a bad way-I've always loved museums.I might not remember all of the attractions but I remember the feeling of gliding through SSE and how I immedietly fell in love with Figgy and all of the other great characters and rides.

Different times, different years, different ages. It is hard to understand everyones perspective on the EPCOT changes and evolution until you break down the ages of everyone and the times that they first visited the park. I say park because it is a Theme Park. We all thought it was something different, and it still is, but when you boil it all down it is a Disney Theme Park.

When I first went to EPCOT it was with a family friend - actually the friend was about 30 and mentally handicapped and I was about 9 and we were at the same maturity and education level. Unfortunately it did not stay that way! The education aspect was not pushed so hard with us. It may be because of the company I was with.

The next two times I went was with school field trips - 7th grade and 9th grade. The 7th grade trip was completely educational and was treated as part of class. I remember The Living Seas the most vividly. The 9th grade trip was mostly spend trying to steal away with my boyfriend and seeing what we could get away with on the dark rides. LOL and YIKES both!

I must agree there is not quite as much "education" at EPCOT as there used to be. I know a lot of grief in that department is unleashed on Future World, but World Showcase is much more shameful! :lol: I see a lot more shopping than exploration of cultures going on.


That is why they need some thrill rides, some slow educational rides, and some walking displays. I would love to see COP moved to EPCOT. WOL needs to keep the health theme. Especially considering the huge problem with obesity starting with toddlers these days. If they can come up with more hands-on learning attractions, that would be terrific.

As much as people have said Mission Space is out of place at EPCOT, I am not so sure. We need kids to think that space exploration might be a career choice. Even if it can spark kids into wanting to get into physics or other science-based degrees. Kids used to say that they wanted to be an astronaut a lot more than they do now.

Well, that's my 2-cents!

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Without even getting into the other debates going on here, I have to ask...how on earth did the old name not make sense? The whole reason people love the name "EPCOT Center" is because it had meaning behind it. I'm not even arguing that they bring it back now, but it's the current name--"Epcot"--that is totally nonsensical.

So true...Thank you.

Still is, The Seas with Nemo and Friends coaches learning about the oceans and the seas and the creatures within in an attraction that draws people in. Soarin' show the variety of biomes that can exist within one state, while Living with the Land shows the past and the future of agricultural study. Test Track is more than just cheap thrills, but is an entertaining look at the way cars are tested before they go to market, and the post show shows the future of transportation (though, admittadely, it is a big GM advertisement, but remember when AT & T owned Spaceship Earth?)



See above, you want cheap thrills, you go to Six Flags. Unless you think the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Experience is just a cheap thrill; Mission: Space is similar in execution

M:S and Nemo,never stress exploring the current theme.M:s might imply it(which I give it credit for)but Nemo is just a cute dark ride.The only slightly scientific thing there might be the lyrics of "Big Blue World."

As for your Kennedy Space Center comment-That's not the only thing there. There are exhibits that detail Space Exploration and it's benefits.M:S only has the ride.If they were to add a few educational(and fun-never forget fun) exhibits onto the Pavilion,we would be golden.

And, No,I have no problem with the Land's Soarin' just because of that fact...It has so many other things to offer like Living with the Land.

Great responses and my thanks,guys!

 

[EPCOT.nut]

Since Nemo keeps getting brought up and I keep trying to leave the subject alone...I'm gonna go for it.

I don't like the Nemo overlay to The Seas. It is annoying that the evil little kid fish keeps wandering away from his Dad and his teacher. These days kids need to stick with their adults so they don't get lost. Last year I saw a tearful mother looking for her 4 year old that ran off. This was right in front of the Nemo logo. Does anyone else think Nemo is a bad example and needs a spanking?

They could have themed the heck out of the old Living Seas track and just had it go through the aquarium like it used to without Nemo. I really love the technology that has the cartoon fish swimming with the real fish but to constantly have everyone shouting for Nemo and no royal spanking when the Dad finally located him was a let-down.