Reimagining Epcot/Disney

[wdwfan4ver]

I don't see MK getting any significant upgrades anytime soon since they just did fantasyland 3.5yrs ago. Maybe some refurbishments and all but nothing drastic.

Stitch's Great Escape right now being turned into a seasonal attraction after October 2nd is a major change. There is rumors I read online matter of fact mentioned of that SGE is getting replaced by Sugar Rush. What I described is a major change to the Tomorrowland section of MK.

 

[DManRightHere]

I'd rather Disney fix space mountain rather than put tron anywhere. Secondly, I think there are other promising rides that could be added to MK or EP instead of tron.

I wish space mountain could be restored to its former glory, but so many new safety issues it would just turn into DL space mountain...

 

[rk03221]

I totally agree. The Tron coaster would be a great fit for Future World and its space like architecture would totally enhance and compliment Epcot's design aesthetic. With the Guardian of the Galaxy ride slated to open there soon, people will soon have to come to terms with the fact that old Epcot is gone.

The Tron coaster would look good in MK's Tomorrowland, too -- but Epcot needs it so much more.

Thats what FutureWorld SHOULD look like now...thats definitely and updated version of it, it looks just like the canopies in FW now but updated.

 

[Siren]

Haha, I'm totally with you in not wanting Universe of Energy gone. I just know how current management thinks. We'll never get an additional ride in a brand new space. They'll always take the easy way out and destroy a classic in favor of a new (usually movie themed) ride with a re-purposed pavilion. Gone are the days of original concepts and it's a shame because EPCOT used to be a hotspot for original attractions not based on movies.

If I had my way, they'd put this in an entirely new area of EPCOT and it wouldn't even be Tron themed...it would look similar, but have an energy, future, or dinosaur theme.

Hi @Chef Mickey! I totally agree with you. I would prefer an energy or future theme over Tron, too but that's not realistic. Unfortunately, all new rides must be associated with an IP.

Big Hero 6 IP actually can be used at WDW. Baymax has a meet and Greet at Epcot and Baymax is one of the Characters from Big Hero 6.

You don't have to tell me about how Future World in the condition it is in. I am a person who first to WDW in 1991 and I visited WDW many times since. MK is hurting in Tomorrowland and I think the rumored Sugar Rush attraction replacing SGE is a bad fit in that land. My concern with new stuff in Epcot always been how the IP is used in the park.

I don't think Tron fits Future World. Tron is SCI-FI and Future World isn't supposed to be about Science Fiction. Tomorrowland and DHS are the made for SCI-FI attractions. IPS can be used at WDW depending if they fit the nature of theme park.

I am also aware of the Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster having a backwards launch, but I don't like the fact its replacing UOE due to it not fitting Up. That is almost as bad the Rumored GOTG overlay TOT was going to get at DHS before it was scrapped. The fact is DHS has expansion plots that can be used instead of taking up current attraction space. I known Guardians of the Galaxy has an orb, but the orb Guardians of the Galaxy has does stuff that only can be done in comic books and movies.

As far as thrill rides go, They only can be done if they fit the theme in a certain area of the park like Mount Fuji would've.

Hi @wdwfan22! Okay then, we'll just have to agree to disagree. I started a thread on Big Hero 6 at WDW, a long, long time ago. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/what-about-big-hero-six.893233/ So, I really enjoyed the movie. But, I feel BH6 is a better fit for Epcot.

The robotics lab would be so perfect for Epcot, it could inspire children to learn about Math, Science, Engineering, Space Technology and Robotics. Baymax could teach children about health care and also how robotics and medicine are integrated, etc.

I understand that Future World isn't supposed to be about science fiction but the integration of IP's into Future World happened like decades ago.

I didn't know that the new Guardians ride is supposed to replace UoE. OMG. Epcot barely has anything, Disney can put this in a totally new area. I totally love the look of that building. Hopefully, we'll see some concept art soon.

I haven't been following the Wreck it Ralph thread but I don't like the idea of a VR ride. Then again, anything is better than Stitches Great Escape! I totally can't wait for it to go.

I'd rather Disney fix space mountain rather than put tron anywhere. Secondly, I think there are other promising rides that could be added to MK or EP instead of tron.

I wish space mountain could be restored to its former glory, but so many new safety issues it would just turn into DL space mountain...

Hi @DManRightHere! Such as?

Thats what FutureWorld SHOULD look like now...thats definitely and updated version of it, it looks just like the canopies in FW now but updated.

Hi @rk03221! I totally agree with you! Tron is a perfect fit for Epcot. The ride vehicles are so awkward though. I really wonder if it's comfortable, and I think riding in that position is kind of frightening. LOL.

 

[Siren]

I was liking the whole idea about the big hero six thing, but then i saw the word "learn" in there and that put me off. If you're going to put a educational attraction based on an IP, then you really aren't doing anything different nor good. You're basically doing what has already been done before (Seas with Nemo)

Hi @Stark! OMG. Thank you so much for your opinion and I totally agree with you. Believe it or not, the word "learn" is very irritating for me, as well. It's totally late or early, so cut me some slack and like I am just too tired to edit. I'll do it later. Maybe.

But, I honestly believe that if people feel like they're learning anything from my imagined theme park attractions than I've already failed them.

And, one of my favorite quotes from Walt is "I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained". I totally take this to heart with all of my little theme park ideas. I'm glad you liked everything else though. LOL.

 

[mouse_luv]

I don't see MK getting any significant upgrades anytime soon since they just did fantasyland 3.5yrs ago. Maybe some refurbishments and all but nothing drastic. AK has added nighttime shows and rides along with Avatarland, so they're in the process of adding. Same goes for HS. The addition of Star Wars and Toy Story lands are being added. Disney springs just finished as well. Leaving Epcot. The only significant change has been the frozen ride. Which was just a change really not an addition. I great addition but nothing significant. Guardian of the galaxy is rumored to be added. Not sure the extent to how crazy of a thrill ride it will be I haven't seen designs. The theming is a question for me. Bc it doesn't speak much to what Epcot is about. Near mission soace makes sense. Not sure if that's the plan. I do think the future area does need a change. I literally skip over that area every trip. Sometimes we ride figment for the kids and no line. Epcot is our favorite park but mainly bc of WS. Another thread debated how good WS is for kids. That's debatable. I do think Disney has made it more kid friendly through the years with rides, shows and interactive games. But generally speaking WS is an adult area. Good, drinks and shops. That's why we and most love it. I'm all for adding another country or 2 as well as long as it doesn't compact things too much. I like how each country has its theme. Is hate to see it all just flow where you question which country you're in. Overall though I do think Epcot needs some additions like the other parks. I actually have no doubt that WDW will do something in Epcot next, it's just what.

It depends on what one chooses to see the WS purpose for. I've always seen it for culture and "history" or what's left of the latter at this point. And yes there was more of it when I was a kid. I love the food aspect too, but don't see it as a place to solely go for food and drinks.

 

[mouse_luv]

I was liking the whole idea about the big hero six thing, but then i saw the word "learn" in there and that put me off. If you're going to put a educational attraction based on an IP, then you really aren't doing anything different nor good. You're basically doing what has already been done before (Seas with Nemo)

Yes because it would be such a shame to have to use the brain and learn like was part of the original concept of EPCOT in the first place and was incorporated in many of the original rides and attractions there.

 

[TXDisney]

It depends on what one chooses to see the WS purpose for. I've always seen it for culture and "history" or what's left of the latter at this point. And yes there was more of it when I was a kid. I love the food aspect too, but don't see it as a place to solely go for food and drinks.

I agree. I happen to enjoy a drink in most the countries. My wife loves going into each country for about 30min each atleast, so we see all the culture and all. But there are several groups going around WS just to drink.

 

[montyz81]

I totally agree. The Tron coaster would be a great fit for Future World and its space like architecture would totally enhance and compliment Epcot's design aesthetic. With the Guardian of the Galaxy ride slated to open there soon, people will soon have to come to terms with the fact that old Epcot is gone.

The Tron coaster would look good in MK's Tomorrowland, too -- but Epcot needs it so much more.

I disagree. GoTG would be completely out of place in Epcot. What is the point of building a another park that is based on IPs when you have MK and Hollywood Studios?

 

[FigmentForver96]

You're correct, it would be a shame. The original concept of Epcot (not to be confused with the original concept with it being a city) failed completely. Why do you think we have terrible IP based attractions in Epcot? It's to make up for the fact that they have an attraction that teaches you about GMO's, and a pavilion that's figuratively stuck in the prehistoric ages.

First it was EPCOT Center not Epcot. That term came in the late 90s have Eisner sucked the living soul from the park. The concepts didn't fail they weren't updated properly and that is was made them lack. Rides like Imagination and Horizons were rides never seen before and had lines that went on and on. The concept failed when for whatever reason Eisner thought the park needed to be more hip.

 

[mouse_luv]

You're correct, it would be a shame. The original concept of Epcot (not to be confused with the original concept with it being a city) failed completely. Why do you think we have terrible IP based attractions in Epcot? It's to make up for the fact that they have an attraction that teaches you about GMO's, and a pavilion that's figuratively stuck in the prehistoric ages.

No, it's because the Imagineers of this era gave up and won't put in the effort and creativity of those who came before them. Especially when there are people saying, why should I think in a theme park as you did earlier, so they "dumb" it down because standards are so low now.

 

[mouse_luv]

First it was EPCOT Center not Epcot. That term came in the late 90s have Eisner sucked the living soul from the park. The concepts didn't fail they weren't updated properly and that is was made them lack. Rides like Imagination and Horizons were rides never seen before and had lines that went on and on. The concept failed when for whatever reason Eisner thought the park needed to be more hip.

This. EPCOT Center forever!

 

[cheezbat]

How stupid can Disney be? There are other IPs that could fit better in Epcot. Mulan in China. Inside Out in Wonders of Life. Big Hero 6 in Innoventions or a new tech/robotics pavilion. Heck, even update Imagination with a trackless ride system!

Put Tron in the MK expansion plot. Put Guardians in Hollywood Studios. (Lets add an Indiana Jones ride to DHS too while we're at it.) there. Problem solved Disney. You get your characters in all your parks and the placements make far more sense than what you plan.

 

[WEDwaydatamover]

Mouse_luv, I dont think today's Imagineers have given up or are creatively bankrupt. I think many of them are out of their league compared to the first two generations of WED. When people were hired based on talent and not filling company diversity quotas.

I will take heat for that but few companies push diversity like Disney. Thats great but even to its own detriment at the creative levels? People can pile on but the mediocrity is plain to see.

 

[mouse_luv]

Mouse_luv, I dont think today's Imagineers have given up or are creatively bankrupt. I think many of them are out of their league compared to the first two generations of WED. When people were hired based on talent and not filling company diversity quotas.

I will take heat for that but few companies push diversity like Disney. Thats great but even to its own detriment at the creative levels? People can pile on but the mediocrity is plain to see.

That's what I was basically trying to say in a round about way. Thank you for writing it out clearer than I was able. But I also still think the company knows that there are people out there in the "we don't want to use our brains" group and are catering to them bc it's easier.

 

[montyz81]

No, it's because the Imagineers of this era gave up and won't put in the effort and creativity of those who came before them. Especially when there are people saying, why should I think in a theme park as you did earlier, so they "dumb" it down because standards are so low now.

I don't think the Imagineers gave up. I think they are severely budget constrained. This is due in part to the failing partner model that was so successful when EC opened in 1982. The gap in funding on each pavilion is very visible now. Although I get why companies do not want to sponsor rides or pavilions as much, I don't think Disney is willing to spend as much as they should on the rides without someone else footing the bill. In my mind that is very evident on the Frozen ride, the Mermaid ride. The only ride that has managed to impress me in recent years is the completely Disney funded Radiator Springs Racers. What is interesting is, Disney spent the same amount of money on that ride as Uni did on Forbidden Journey. They need to make that kind of commitment to every ride the build now. For comparison sake, Disney spent $60m on Horizons in 1983. That is about $145m today.

 

[Siren]

You're correct, it would be a shame. The original concept of Epcot (not to be confused with the original concept with it being a city) failed completely. Why do you think we have terrible IP based attractions in Epcot? It's to make up for the fact that they have an attraction that teaches you about GMO's, and a pavilion that's figuratively stuck in the prehistoric ages.

Hi @Stark! Great comment. Walt was such a true visionary. He knew how the human mind worked and how it is constantly learning and subconsciously absorbing and processing every aspect of the environment(s) that surround us.

With this insight, Walt designed his parks in such an intricate way -- to where these settings would naturally act and serve as multi-sensory learning environments.

Walt knew that use of the word "learn" was totally redundant and had a stigma attached to it -- which is he avoided that concept like the plague.

Disney parks were created not only to entertain but to also inspire creativity and innovation. They were not created for people to "learn". LOL.

As an aside, people appreciate this subtle approach to learning and that is why we have seen an explosion of Montessori schools in recent years -- even public schools have started to adopt and implement the Montessori approach to learning in their programs.

Anyway, this is why Disney Parks are number one and why tens of millions of people flock to them every single year.

 

[Siren]

I disagree. GoTG would be completely out of place in Epcot. What is the point of building a another park that is based on IPs when you have MK and Hollywood Studios?

Hi @montyz81! I don't think that GoTG is a good fit for Epcot. I don't think it is a good fit for any Disney Park. And, the ride that is going in Disneyland is just like eww to me. I'm so relieved that we are not getting that!

I said that since GoTG is coming to Epcot, Tron might as well too.

Unfortunately, IP's are the only way to get new attractions green lighted or whatever. So, you can keep on complaining about the inevitable or attempt to come up with viable solutions and ideas like me.

 

[montyz81]

Hi @montyz81! I don't think that GoTG is a good fit for Epcot. I don't think it is a good fit for any Disney Park. And, the ride that is going in Disneyland is just like eww to me. I'm so relieved that we are not getting that!

I said that since GoTG is coming to Epcot, Tron might as well too.

Unfortunately, IP's are the only way to get new attractions green lighted or whatever. So, you can keep on complaining about the inevitable or attempt to come up with viable solutions and ideas like me.

In fact I did already try to come up with a good idea. I have said it in multiple posts over the past 10 years of membership on this forum. The idea is that if you use IPs to educate and combine a thrill ride with a slow moving ride (Think Test Track, 7DMT) then you hit the wants and needs of everyone that goes to Disney Parks and specifically in this case Epcot Center (Epcot)

 

[Siren]

In fact I did already try to come up with a good idea. I have said it in multiple posts over the past 10 years of membership on this forum. The idea is that if you use IPs to educate and combine a thrill ride with a slow moving ride (Think Test Track, 7DMT) then you hit the wants and needs of everyone that goes to Disney Parks and specifically in this case Epcot Center (Epcot)

Hi @montyz81! Um, these are totally my ideas -- at sometime over the past decade you must have come across my posts and became inspired by my ideas and stuff. Regardless, it's nice to meet you. Great minds and all that. LOL.

Anyway, I am so curious about how the Guardians of the Galaxy ride is going to look at Epcot.

This building isn't as ugly as I thought it was going to be. It is somewhat ornate with gold plated features and blue steel piping or whatever. With that said, this architectural style is not at all suitable for Epcot. And, I still balk at the thought of Tron in MK.