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Simple Challenge - Perfect Park Overhaul
- Thread starter englanddg
- Start date
Miru
Well-Known Member
DCA Overhaul:
* Hollywood Land is restored to its former glory, with a new Hollywood Tower instated for the sake of story and theming. A special tour has also been added, and the plywood cutout theming is completely gone for good, with a more elaborate facade added for Monsters Inc. (which makes it look like you’re entering a computer), and it will also be re-tracked to make it less like SSL. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now has a “Movin’ Right Along” scene added in place of “I Just Can’t Wait To be King”, as a tribute to the first occupant.
The animation area now features a section dedicated to the oft-forgotten sequels and TV series, called “Leaving a Legacy”. The new Hollywood Tower contains The Great Muppet Movie Ride, an omnimover ride featuring a special guest appearance by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit himself. The Tivan Collection comes after a clock-shaped floor decoration indicating the passage of time from the 30s to the 80s, revealing a new stage show alongside the E-Ticket. It’s the Tivan staff retelling the GOTG story, with an animatronic peanut gallery of the Collector’s live curiosities. (Howard the Duck, Cosmo, and more).
* Pixar Pier is re-themed to make it more 1920s, while keeping the Pixar elements but making them much more subtle. In particular, Incredicoaster gets a massive overhaul and re-theming, so the coaster part is now enclosed inside a mountainous facade, much like its bigger cousin Space Mountain. Paradise Gardens Park also receives a revamp. Pay your respects to Goofy’s Sky School; a new kind of dog is in for an innovative surfing experience; Stitch’s California Tour, an enclosed stand-up coaster with rotating vehicles, is the new big dog in town. New gift shop comes with the package, to, along with Reuben getting a sandwich shop. Little Mermaid also has an exhibit on how the film saved Disney animation.
* Pacific Wharf finally gets a ride. The ride, based around Finding Dory and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, features real fish, snarky commentary, and great music. The ride is known as “The Beautiful Briny of the Pacific”. This also features exhibits on conservation.
* Radiator Springs Racers now has a spooky Halloween overlay; “Zundapp Strikes Back!” The demented Professor Zundapp has managed to escape his prison, and now threatens to wipe Radiator Springs off the map! Will you be able to save the town from vengeful obliteration? There is also a new semi-simulator (think Forbidden Journey) ride; “The Life and Times of Doc Hudson”, found within a memorial to the former star.
* Soarin’ now has multiple films; the original “Over California”, “Over the World”, and now “Through Disney”. Grizzly River Run gets realistic animal audio animatronics, including dinosaurs!
* A new land; emphasizing Walt’s roots; a replica of the old Electric Park that he used as an inspiration for his dreams. Not just a replica; the Silicon Valley Park is themed around Disney Video Games! Kingdom Hearts: Elegant Examination is the new coaster on the block.
* Hollywood Land is restored to its former glory, with a new Hollywood Tower instated for the sake of story and theming. A special tour has also been added, and the plywood cutout theming is completely gone for good, with a more elaborate facade added for Monsters Inc. (which makes it look like you’re entering a computer), and it will also be re-tracked to make it less like SSL. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now has a “Movin’ Right Along” scene added in place of “I Just Can’t Wait To be King”, as a tribute to the first occupant.
The animation area now features a section dedicated to the oft-forgotten sequels and TV series, called “Leaving a Legacy”. The new Hollywood Tower contains The Great Muppet Movie Ride, an omnimover ride featuring a special guest appearance by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit himself. The Tivan Collection comes after a clock-shaped floor decoration indicating the passage of time from the 30s to the 80s, revealing a new stage show alongside the E-Ticket. It’s the Tivan staff retelling the GOTG story, with an animatronic peanut gallery of the Collector’s live curiosities. (Howard the Duck, Cosmo, and more).
* Pixar Pier is re-themed to make it more 1920s, while keeping the Pixar elements but making them much more subtle. In particular, Incredicoaster gets a massive overhaul and re-theming, so the coaster part is now enclosed inside a mountainous facade, much like its bigger cousin Space Mountain. Paradise Gardens Park also receives a revamp. Pay your respects to Goofy’s Sky School; a new kind of dog is in for an innovative surfing experience; Stitch’s California Tour, an enclosed stand-up coaster with rotating vehicles, is the new big dog in town. New gift shop comes with the package, to, along with Reuben getting a sandwich shop. Little Mermaid also has an exhibit on how the film saved Disney animation.
* Pacific Wharf finally gets a ride. The ride, based around Finding Dory and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, features real fish, snarky commentary, and great music. The ride is known as “The Beautiful Briny of the Pacific”. This also features exhibits on conservation.
* Radiator Springs Racers now has a spooky Halloween overlay; “Zundapp Strikes Back!” The demented Professor Zundapp has managed to escape his prison, and now threatens to wipe Radiator Springs off the map! Will you be able to save the town from vengeful obliteration? There is also a new semi-simulator (think Forbidden Journey) ride; “The Life and Times of Doc Hudson”, found within a memorial to the former star.
* Soarin’ now has multiple films; the original “Over California”, “Over the World”, and now “Through Disney”. Grizzly River Run gets realistic animal audio animatronics, including dinosaurs!
* A new land; emphasizing Walt’s roots; a replica of the old Electric Park that he used as an inspiration for his dreams. Not just a replica; the Silicon Valley Park is themed around Disney Video Games! Kingdom Hearts: Elegant Examination is the new coaster on the block.
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Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
The youngest of Walt Disney World's park, Animal Kingdom is also the largest Disney park, home to some Disney's most gorgeous and detailed lands, lively creatures big and small, and has all the problems of a major theme park and a major zoo. That is why, I have decided to switch from MK and tackle the theme park aspect of Disney's wildest park.
Africa
- Kilimanjaro Safari has seen many changes in its years of operation. From removing Little Red's deceased mother before it officially opened to removing the subplot of Little Red and the poachers entirely in 2012, KS has all but lost an impactful story. So this remedy this; and to give it some pluses; I would have the Warden Wilson Little Red/Big Red storyline reinstated with an improved rough, speedy end and an abbreviated version of the poacher encounter. The Wild Africa Trek is removed entirely as it took away the immersion factor of the Safari tour. The man-made fences that can seen in the tour will be either removed, hidden or disguised. Up north, the flood canal is reshaped to look like a part of the Masai River and where the acclimatization paddock currently sits, large herds of elephants, antelope, giraffes, and other grazers can be seen in the distance. This allows for guests to . When the safari trucks turn Southward after this view of herds on the far riverbank, an even greater visual appears, a giant, snow-capped volcano - Mt. Kilimanjaro - and forms the distant backdrop to the Rhino paddock and Lion Kopjes:
Asia
- In the place of Caravan Stage sits a large, abandoned temple being slowly reclaimed by the jungle. This is the home of The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Journey. A trackless dark ride retelling the 1967 classic; featuring nods to it the dark ride's predecessors. This will also be Disney World's version Pooh's Hunny Hunt, where the vehicles interact with the environment.
- The Kali River Rapids will be removed as the attraction not only sits on a big expanse of land but is a downgrade of what could have been; Tiger River Rapids, which would have house live animals. The queue of the line will be reused as an extended part of Maharajah Jungle Trek and will house more animals from southern Asia; Indian elephants, orangutans, sloth bears, clouded leopards, etc.
- Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain will finally be given the extensive overhaul it needs. Such changes include rockwork being added to the interior of the caverns, added mist and chill effects being added to the peak of the mountain, and most importantly; fixing the Disco Yeti!
South America
- This is one of two new lands that Animal Kingdom will get from the expansion. Set in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, this new land is based around a riverside village where students from a local university have set-up camp to study the creatures and plant life of the rainforest as well as the negative effects of the logging companies that have been chopping down trees at an alarming rate. Thus the message of conservation is very strongly tied with the attractions in this area. The village is home to an open-air market, where guests can buy snacks, refreshments and souvenirs, as well as a couple of food trucks. Also here can be found the land's major shop; with South American themed merchandise; and major restaurant; where guests can have a beautiful view of the rainforest while they feast.
- The nature trail here will be very lush and vibrant thanks to the vegetation and little rivers flowing past them and will be home to a variety of animals ranging from jaguars and tapirs to tree frogs and caimans.
- This land will also be home to two attractions. The first of which is the replacement for KRR, a new river rapids attraction that combines elements from Tiger River Rapids with Kali River Rapids. The ride will be build up into two parts, one slower and showcasing wildlife and one faster and rougher where guests are confronted by lodging companies, are taken away by strong currents and whirlpools, soaked by waterfalls and even attacked by piranhas. The second attraction would be a suspended roller coaster that would make you feel as though you were zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest. The coaster would not be heavy on thrills in terms of loops or drops, but riders would whip narrowly around trees, through caves, and past water falls. The experience would be more of a family coaster, along the lines of a Big Thunder Mountain in terms of thrills.
- The Wildlife Express is given an extensive refurb and rerouting. The backstage areas are hidden by dioramas; going from Africa to CS, guest can see the Nile River flow by as thirsty animals come to drink and of the Nile's more amphibious residents float by; Planet Watch station is closer to Conservation Station, and now the railway stops at South America and goes through Australia.
Australia
- The other new land, Australia is home to some of the most diverse animals and ecosystems found anywhere on the planet. Thus the area will be divided between The Outback and The Great Barrier Reef. The Outback is where the nature trail where guest can see Australia's native animals; kangaroos, emus, koala, Tasmanian devils, and the like, as well as a gift shop, TS restaurant, and QS restaurant; serving seafood since its proximity to the other subland. The Great Barrier Reef takes a note from Mermaid Lagoon by being indoors and giving you the illusion of being underwater. Here Finding Nemo: The Musical makes its new home in a coral alcove. Also here can be found a little play area, an underwater exhibit, and Crush's Coaster, from Walt Disney Studios Park, to fill in the void left by the removal of Dino-Rama.
The Dino Institute
- I don't think I need to tell you how low Dinoland U.S.A. is for Disney standards. So pretty much everything that is not part of Chester and Hester's stays to be part for The Dino Institute.
- Restaurantosaurus will be remodeled to better fit the Dino Institute theme. Inside are murals and mosaics of dinosaurs and their contemporaries from various parts of the Mesozoic era.
- Dinosaur will be renamed to Countdown to Extinction and will be given some needed improvements; such as enhancing the environment, touching up the queue, and returning the original soundtrack.
- The final thing I want to talk about are the new rides and shop. Replacing the Theater in the Wild is a new slow boat ride, similar to the Jungle Cruise, where guest can see some of the Dino Institute's rescued dinosaurs; such as Corythosaurus, Nasutoceratops, Ornithomimus, Guanlong, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, Coelophysis, Plateosaurus, and Liliensternus. Over where Triceratops Spins used to be is now Pterosauria, a new flyer where guest can test out models of various pterosaurs to see how they fly. And where Primeval Whirl sits will become The Boneyard, where guests can board old mine carts as they race around the digsite. Guest can get their souvenirs and trinkets in Morrison Merchants. Named after the most productive and fertile digsite in North America, Morrison Merchants is just as diverse in terms of paleontology related merchandise, ranging from toys to apparels to souvenirs.
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FireMountain
Well-Known Member
Hollywood Studios Revamp:
- Frozen Singalong gets demolished and becomes a stunt show based on the 2008 Disney-published racing game Pure
- ABC Soundstudio and Red Carpet meet and greet are demolished and replaced with an arcade/preview theater
- ABC Commissary becomes a more traditional food court
- Pixar Place gets replaced with a Nightmare Before Christmas walkthrough attraction (only open August-January)
- The backstage area behind TSL + Walt Disney Presents gets replaced with an expanded Pixar land with:
- The Green Army parachute ride from the other TSLs
- The RC Racer ride from the other TSLs
- A good Pizza Planet
- A Monster's Inc trackless dark ride
- An Incredibles E-Ticket using the SFX Coaster design by Dynamic Attractions
- A clone of Radiator Springs Racers
- Animation Courtyard gets demolished and replaced with a large Indiana Jones themed temple complex with:
- An EMV mover ride (similar to DL but different plot)
- Heavily themed Mine Cart coaster
- Ropes course
- Indiana Jones stunt show + Backlot Express demolished and replaced with a Marvel land (using the properties Disney can actually use) :
- Doctor Strange dark ride
- Captain Marvel roller coaster
- Ben & Jerry's with special flavors
- Star Tours is demolished and replaced with a museum dedicated to Walt
- Has a theater that shows One Man's Dream
- Carousel of Progress is moved into the museum from MK
- A clone of the old Midget Autopia from DL is outside the museum
- Everything in Muppet Courtyard (except Muppet-Vision) is demolished and replaced with:
- Omnimover dark ride through a Muppet studio
- Family coaster based on Gonzo
- New counter service restaurant
- Beauty and the Beast Live is demolished and replaced with a Roger Rabbit themed simulator
- Rock and Roller Coaster + Sunset Theater are demolished and replaced with a replica of Mickey Mouse Park, the park Walt envisioned before building Disneyland on the 3 acre plot near the studio.
- Has a carnival area with Disney-themed flat rides + carousel
- A small shopping district
- Railroad
- Lagoon with wild bird sanctuary (boats go around it that you can ride on)
- River boat ride
- Picnic area (many food stands)
- Farm
- Table service restaurant near MMP that's themed after Disney's studio
Outbound
Well-Known Member
Here's my take on DCA:
- Hollywood Land: Remove some of the cheesiness, and replace the following attractions:
- Disney Junior Dance Party becomes an old fashioned Silent Comedy club - still family-friendly, but now timeless.
- Disney Animation building becomes the location of the Great Movie Ride or Runaway Railway, depending on which is better.
- Animation Academy relocated to a smaller area.
- Despite the GOTG being a great attraction, the old Tower of Terror is restored for thematic purposes.
- Monsters Inc becomes Tony Stark's Malibu mansion, featuring a ride themed to the MCU.
- Morro Bay Aquarium: Instead of an Avengers land, we get a new land themed to Finding Dory (which is located in California) about the importance of conservation in California's oceans.
- If possible, real fish would be present in the park.
- Turtle Talk is moved here.
- A new e-ticket water ride (less intense than Splash or Grizzly) which tells the story of the film.
- A kiddie coaster themed to Becky the crazy bird.
- A number of small flat rides - on the queue would be lots of marine science facts.
- Cars Land: A new 4D show about the adventures of Finn McMissle, themed to a Drive-In Movie Theater.
- Pacific Wharf swallows up most of "Paradise Gardens" to become San Fransisco.
- A mini Golden Gate bridge replaces the current bridge connecting the regions.
- (Not my idea) a thesis statement ride showing the history of California. Possibly in the Little Mermaid's current location?
- Coronado Square: The rest of Pacific Wharf becomes a small Mexican-American land.
- Goofy's Sky School becomes an indoor, Neon Coco wild mouse.
- Pixar Pier reverts to Paradise Pier and is given a nicer aesthetic, like Mike Sheet's ideas in his Planco series.
- Grizzly Peak is great as is, with one change...
- Soarin Over the World returns to Soarin Over California.
DisneyManOne
Well-Known Member
I'll do EPCOT. Although the park is being overhauled already, here's what I would do to "plus" such an overhaul.
World Celebration
World Celebration
- Electric Umbrella--or whatever restaurant replaces it--is removed to make way for Mouse Gear, which moves from its old quadrant for reasons explained in the next bullet-post.
- New Horizons takes up the space formerly held by the old Mouse Gear shop. New Horizons is a 21st-century update of the beloved EPCOT Center ride, showcasing how much has changed about the future in just a short span of time. Prominent scenes from the original are added to an expanded "Looking Back at Tomorrow" segment, and this new ride showcases modern updates to the four cities (ex. how climate change has given us new places to grow crops in Mesa Verde; fusion power--power of the stars--in Brava Centauri).
- The EPCOT Experience in the Odyssey turns into a new Innoventions, showcasing the latest technologies.
- The flamingos return to the pool nearby Odyssey.
- The original Journey Into Imagination and the upstairs ImageWorks make their triumphant return to the park.
- The Magic Eye Theater is gutted and turned into Food for Thought, an innovative restaurant where guests can create their very own meals. (This is why I have removed Electric Umbrella -- this will serve as the new child-friendly restaurant for the front half of the park.)
- Shanghai Disneyland's Jet Packs are set up nearby Mission: SPACE to add some kineticism to the area.
- Likewise, a second PeopleMover is established here in World Discovery, fittingly enough nearby Test Track. The PeopleMover travels through the front half of the park, with an additional stop in-between Journey Into Imagination and The Land.
- With the notable exception of the loop around the building, Test Track's iconic speed portion is completely enclosed. Notably, as a tribute to the building's former tenant, the big loop behind the building goes around a large replica of CenterCore, the city of the future as seen in World of Motion. The awning in front of the building is also removed.
- Living with the Land sees the return of the original theme song, "Listen to the Land"; albeit with slight lyric changes. ("Let's listen to the land we all love" turns into "We're living with the land we all love.")
- A new pavilion is built in-between The Land and The Seas: The Changing Skies, focusing on the sky and weather. This is to complete the triptych of "Land, Sea and Sky." Chief among the attractions in this pavilion is StormRider, the former favorite from Tokyo DisneySea reborn for a new generation.
- The Seas once again become The Living Seas as the Nemo theme is removed from the pavilion, and the original Seabase Alpha theme is restored. "The Seas" film returns; as do the Hydrolators and Seacabs. However, Turtle Talk with Crush remains, with the premise that the show is used as a testing method for the hydrophone.
- A huge planter is set up in Showcase Plaza, containing flagpoles for all the countries represented in World Showcase. When World Showcase opens for the day, each flag is raised on the poles one by one as their country's anthem plays.
- In Norway, Frozen Ever After closes to make way for a new Viking adventure, where we mortals get the opportunity to travel to Valhalla. The new ride expands the building and stretches it out behind the Royal Sommerhus, thus allowing for more scenes...and more thrills.
- One thing to say about my ideal overhaul of EPCOT is that World Showcase will be getting some new faces. First of which is South Africa, which takes up one half of the large expansion pad in-between China and Germany. A Dutch colonial area makes up the front half of the pavilion, whilst the back half is devoted to the continent of Africa as a whole, with attractions including a replica of the Cradle of Man, where the first human remains were discovered; and a puppet theater re-telling African fables.
- Next is Greece, one of the most famous, and most historical, countries on this earth. Learn how wine is made; enjoy the sweet tastes of gyros and baklava; and even go on an adventure of epic proportions as you scale Mt. Olympus and join Helios on a quest to stop Hades from stealing the sun! Of course, for all the character-lovers out there, you can meet Hercules and Megara here.
- In Germany, Rhine River Cruise is finally built; and the famous train model is moved to the edge of World Showcase Lagoon to make way for...
- Peru, another country rich in history. The main attraction here is a dark ride/roller-coaster based around an archaeological journey to uncover an underground Incan civilization.
- Italy finally gets a ride in the form of a gondola excursion (Another boat ride in World Showcase--who'da thunk?). These gondolas take guests on a romantic ride through the many places and faces of Italy--Rome, Naples, Pisa, Venice, you name it.
- The American Adventure's bathrooms (the ones to the right-hand side of the main building) are demolished to make way for a new table-service restaurant, featuring the finest foods representing all the regional tastes of the United States.
- Japan finally gets a ride in the form of the Mt. Fuji roller-coaster originally slated to be built there. Now that Kodak no longer has a deal with Disney (they didn't want to have something named after their rival, Fujifilm, in the park), it can be built.
- Another new pavilion: India. The rich, exotic culture of India comes to life. The staple is an Omnimover dark ride inspired by the book of Hitopadesha, plus there's live entertainment, musicians, and all sorts of unique food and merchandise opportunities. And for character-lovers, this is the place to go to meet the gang from The Jungle Book!
- Morocco sees the arrival of Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, the wonderful attraction from Tokyo DisneySea.
- Yes, there will even be a new pavilion in-between Morocco and France. Given that Ratatouille has taken up the back-half of the expansion pad, it needs to be a small country. And what could be a better fit than the island nation of Jamaica? Jamaica's main attraction comes in the form of an outdoor live show celebrating the culture of the island nation. Other attractions include a replica of Dunn's River Falls, and all sorts of bungalows offering food and merchandise.
- Finally, we have Egypt, replacing the former Millennium Village. An outdoor marketplace leads towards an opulent pyramid, wherein you can hop aboard Secrets of the Pyramid, an EMV for an adventure to uncover the mysteries of Egypt.
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
I was originally going to just focus on the WDWRR, but now I have decide to the whole of Magic Kingdom, so stay tuned for more additions to come.
Pi on my Cake
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
Loving all of these! And this concept for a mini-contest! I'll definitely be typing one up before the due date,!
Sam Magic
Well-Known Member
I'll do an EPCOT overhaul. I personally have always been intrigued by the park's original premise to be a kind of permanent World's Fair. World Fair's are notoriously difficult to get right; it's an ambitious idea. The fact the last American World's Fair was in 1984, makes the concept of any kind of World's Fair, permanent or not, difficult to conceive. So with this project, I want to bring EPCOT back to basics and really restore the original idea.
I'm assuming this prompt is unlimited in budget and ambition. Two things severely limited in the WDC these days. So without further delay, here's my proposal:
Entrance: The biggest addition to the entrance is a new futuristic hotel/transportation center. Paying homage to the original EPCOT concept, the hotel will feature shops and restaurants for hotel guests and a conference center. Garden courtyards will be located in each wing, adding a secluded point of nature for hotel guests. The monorails to the Magic Kingdom area and the new line to Disney Springs will pass through the park-side lobby of each hotel. Additionally, the new Epcot People Mover system will pass through the parking lot-lobby of each hotel (there will not be a people mover station in the hotels for security concerns).
The hotel frames the entrance plaza and the planned flower/gardening renovation goes through. No major changes are made to Spaceship Earth aside from a new script and updated music. The ride will still send the general thesis and concept behind the park.
World Expo Plaza: The former Communicore Plaza becomes World Expo Plaza, a global neighborhood. The four separated communicore buildings are replaced by two semi-circular buildings with a shared pathway under each building. This pathway, providing access to World Discovery and World Adventure (collectively World Expo) will be three stories tall and covered with a mix of interactive screens and hanging gardens. The pavilion styled buildings that frame World Expo Plaza will be called Terminal East and Terminal West. Inside will be three floors of shows, restaurants, and shops. The rooftops will feature immersive gardens like those found on the Highline in New York City. The EPCOT People-Mover will pass through each terminal on the second floor. Each terminal will have its own People-Mover station. A total of ten restaurants (five per-terminal) will feature cuisine from nations not present in World Showcase. The shops, twenty in total, will feature prominent global/futuristic brands. A set of two annually rotating shows will be in the terminals. Live shows, they will offer guests the opportunity to see a Disney broadway-style show.
Park Transporation: Now would be a convenient time to discuss Epcot's expanded transportation options. In this rebuilt EPCOT there will be a people-mover system, ferry, Skyliner, and monorail. There are two loops to the people-mover system, one encircling World Expo (formerly FutureWorld) and the other World Showcase. Set a floor above the mainland (like in Tomorrowland), the people-movers will go through each major pavilion and nation in Epcot. A central station will be constructed at EPCOT Plaza (formerly Showcase Plaza).
World Adventure: Formerly Future World West, World Adventure explores the different landscapes of the earth and celebrates the human imagination that has inspired mankind to explore the world. Three pavilions fill this land
Sklar-Hench Plaza: Currently known as Showcase Plaza, Sklar-Hench Plaza will be remodeled, renamed, and improved overall. Named after the two late Disney Legends responsible for developing the concept of what would become EPCOT Center, it only makes sense to honor them by renaming the plaza in their honor. This is the point where the two separate concepts of EPCOT become one; an innovation Hench and Sklar were responsible for. Companion statues of the two men stand at opposite ends of the square; one coming from World Expo; the other coming from World Showcase. A new central station for the people-mover system will be located here. This building will be sleek, modern, and feature a new version of Rolly Crump's famous Tower of the Four Winds from the 1964 World's Fair. Along the World Showcase Lagoon side of the plaza, national flags from all the showcase nations will be on display.
World Showcase: Personally, I believe that World Showcase is actually the most ambitious part of EPCOT. Centered on the idea that you could build accurate or at least faithful recreations of multiple nations was unique. Even the Worlds Fair's that EPCOT is partly inspired by are not as ambitious. With this in mind, World Showcase has been retooled to better reflect the countries it has showcased for over 30 years and expanded to feature new nations/regions.
I'm assuming this prompt is unlimited in budget and ambition. Two things severely limited in the WDC these days. So without further delay, here's my proposal:
The hotel frames the entrance plaza and the planned flower/gardening renovation goes through. No major changes are made to Spaceship Earth aside from a new script and updated music. The ride will still send the general thesis and concept behind the park.
World Expo Plaza: The former Communicore Plaza becomes World Expo Plaza, a global neighborhood. The four separated communicore buildings are replaced by two semi-circular buildings with a shared pathway under each building. This pathway, providing access to World Discovery and World Adventure (collectively World Expo) will be three stories tall and covered with a mix of interactive screens and hanging gardens. The pavilion styled buildings that frame World Expo Plaza will be called Terminal East and Terminal West. Inside will be three floors of shows, restaurants, and shops. The rooftops will feature immersive gardens like those found on the Highline in New York City. The EPCOT People-Mover will pass through each terminal on the second floor. Each terminal will have its own People-Mover station. A total of ten restaurants (five per-terminal) will feature cuisine from nations not present in World Showcase. The shops, twenty in total, will feature prominent global/futuristic brands. A set of two annually rotating shows will be in the terminals. Live shows, they will offer guests the opportunity to see a Disney broadway-style show.
- The Land: Emerging from a sunken tropical garden, the Land pavilion invites guests to explore four exciting biomes of the earth.
- The Atrium: The central gathering point for the pavilion, this serves as the core entrance and exit to the pavilion. three stories tall, the atrium soars above the pavilion. Featuring the relocated Sunshine Seasons restaurant on the "ground level", the portals to each biome on the entrance level, and on the third level an immersive garden (and people-mover station), the Atrium is an exciting spot filled with energy and life.
- The Desert: The first biome is one of the hottest! Sponsored by the Tourism Commission of Dubai, the environment of one of the earth's many deserts are recreated. This biome's attraction is "Through Sands of Time" and takes guests on a journey through the science behind a desert, and explains how humans; plants; and animals, have all found ways to thrive despite the difficult conditions.
- The Arctic: Sponsored by Iceland and Canada, the Arctic biome invites guests to explore the always winter wonderlands of the arctic poles. A circle-vision show by Canada's Inuit people teaches guests how humans have inhabited the arctic. In the aftershow area, guests are taught how to make traditional survival tools used for generations by the Inuit. In a boat attraction, guests are taken on a journey to Antarctica where they experience its unique environment and species.
- The Rainforest: Sponsored by Brazil, this biome features the diversity and beauty of the rainforest. Boarding a paper airplane, guests will fly through the Brazilian rainforest, exploring its biodiversity and importance to the world's ecosystems.
- The Forest: Where a majority of us live, the Temperate Forest biome will explore how human civilizations have come to inhabit the planet. Soarin will be relocated to this biome and receive a new film that features important global locations on every continent.
- The Sea: This Pavilion returns to its original concept. The front of the pavilion gains a new entrance called Port Mare. This entrance is two stories tall and contains the people-mover station. From here guests can choose to either ride the original attraction planned for the Sea pavilion, or take a "Sea-Elevator" to Seabase Alpha. All elements of Disney Character is stripped, aside from the Turtle-Talk With Crush which instead becomes themed around Dory and is located in Seabase Alpha. Seabase Alpha becomes much more of a "Seabase".
- The Imagination: A favorite of fans, The Imagination Pavilion gets a proper overhaul. Encouraging adventure of the mind and intended to inspire kids and adults, this pavilion becomes the heart of EPCOT. The lower half of The Imagination Pavilion is repainted purple, and the grounds are covered with new interactive water elements (like those proposed for the Moana thing). The lush greenery provides shade, ties the pavilion to the rest of World Adventure, and helps the iconic pyramids stand out. Spread-out on three floors, the newly renovated pavilion offers many exciting experiences:
- Ground Level: Located in the former Captain EO theater, a new Inside Out interactive walk-through attraction brings guests through the inner-workings of the mind. Combining smart technology, guests will be able to explore how the mind/imagination works. This attraction will bring guests up to the first, main level.
- First Level: The original "Journey into Imagination" ride is back with updated graphics, audio-animatronics, and scenes. Aside from slight script changes, the ride remains the same as it once was, all 14 glorious minutes of it.
- Second Level: ImageWorks is revived but with a distinctively modern twist. More interactive technology is used and new creative experiences are offered. The showpiece will be a real-life virtual reality Minecraft station. New art-making spaces are added, sponsored by Adobe Creative Suite; from drawing spaces to music-making activities, to even video making. For younger guest's there will be plenty of sensory experiences. This peak of the pavilion will allow guests of all ages to create, play, and explore their imagination.
World Discovery: Formerly Future World East, World Discovery has three large pavilions that celebrate and encourage synergy between the worlds of; Energy, Space, and Transportation.
- Energy: Vital to the continued development of human civilization is access to renewable sources of energy. The only Exxon sponsored celebration of fossil fuels is out. Replacing it is a more interactive pavilion that explores the exciting world of energy production and imagination. Spread across two levels, this pavilion features two attractions, one show, and one interactive exhibit.
- Level One: On the entrance to the first level guests will find the first attraction and show. The key attraction here, "Power Through" takes guests through the history of human energy. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the ride begins with the first hunter-gatherer tribes, then continues to the first known uses of water as a source of energy, continuing through history until concluding with the Industrial Revolution and looking towards what the future may hold for energy. Across the way from the attraction is the show "Here's the Deal". This circle-vision film narrated by Ellen Degeneres (because of duh), explores the reality of climate change and how renewable forms of energy can not only help the earth but push humanity forward.
- Level Two: Featuring the station for the People-Mover, this floor of the pavilion has a new attraction and interactive exhibit sponsored by Tesla. On "A Journey to Tomorrow", guests will board a cybertruck and go on a trip to the future. Inspired by the fan-favorite attraction "Horizons", this ride will show guests how renewable solar energy is powering human settlements on land, sea, and space. This will serve as an opportunity to showcase Tesla's groundbreaking technology in solar energy. Adjacent to the ride will be "Future-Lab", this exhibit shows Tesla's rotating technological inventions and allow guests to create their own solar-powered creations, design their home of the future, and purchase Tesla products.
- Space: Humanity's next great frontier will be celebrated in this pavilion. Mission Space is gone, replaced by a Space Port and International Space Station. Interconnected and accessible separately, these buildings will create a unique and immersive pavilion.
- Space Port: Three stories tall, this building is the largest in World Discovery. Sponsored through a consortium of; NASA, SpaceX, and the European Space Agency, Space Port features three ride attractions, two shows, and three interactive exhibits.
- 1st Floor: Upon entering the Space Port, guests are given the backstory. Created by NASA, SpaceX, and ESA, the Space Port was constructed to allow humanity to explore the universe and begin space colonization. This floor celebrates that goal by exploring the history of human space exploration. First, a dark ride attraction based on the silent film a "Trip to the Moon" will show guests how humans of just a century ago imagined space exploration would look like. The ride's finale will give-way to showing you the moment man finally reached the moon. From there, guests can attend a circle-vision show that tells the story of that first mission to the moon and chronicles the human achievements in space since. An interactive exhibit will feature a large rotating globe with projected live weather patterns, and Satelite orbits, along with smaller exhibits that have historic artifacts on display and invite guests to begin their mission to the new International Space Station, recently built above the Walt Disney Resort.
- 2nd Floor: ascending to the second level, guests will find the People-Mover Station and a key interactive exhibit that will train guests to make the trek up to the new Space Station.
- 3rd Floor: This top floor features two key attractions and a final interactive exhibit. The interactive exhibit brings guests into an observatory where they will be able to see the real-time night sky (insert Carl Sagan Blue Dot). The first attraction, "Voyager", revives the original ambitious concept for EPCOT's space pavilion, but brings it to a new level. Guests will board a Star Tours style vehicle to travel to the Mars Colony. Following the ride guests will leave the vehicle and enter the two-story-tall Mars Habitat Complex. This will act similar to Seabase Alpha. To leave Mars guests will board another Voyager vehicle. Back in the main Space Port, guests can choose to ride the third attraction, the "Space Elevator". This elevator will bring guests to the International Space Station (observatory adjacent to the pavilion). Like the elevator in Freedom Tower, this elevator will utilize screens to give guests the impression they are leaving the atmosphere.
- International Space Station: A real celebration of international cooperation, this space station, located in an observation tower-like structure will bring guests into space. Featuring an interactive exhibit focused on STEM activities and the currently planned rotating restaurant, the Space Station will be a great component of this pavilion.
- Space Port: Three stories tall, this building is the largest in World Discovery. Sponsored through a consortium of; NASA, SpaceX, and the European Space Agency, Space Port features three ride attractions, two shows, and three interactive exhibits.
- Transportation: Retaining its classic circular design, the Transportation pavilion will be retrofitted completely. Though Test-Track is an interesting ride, it can be better. The new main attraction is now a hyperloop ride. Inspired by the planned attraction for Japan, this attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey on an imaginative hyperloop journey from Disney World to New York to Beijing, this ride will thrill and excite guests. A secondary attraction sponsored by the Congress on New Urbanism will bring guests to a hypothetical America of 2100. Inspired by the legendary Futurama exhibit at the 1939 NYC World's Fair, this attraction will show guests how America's future can be one of passenger rail, public transport, walkability, and sustainability. Traveling across the country recreated in painstaking miniature guests will see the America of tomorrow.
World Showcase: Personally, I believe that World Showcase is actually the most ambitious part of EPCOT. Centered on the idea that you could build accurate or at least faithful recreations of multiple nations was unique. Even the Worlds Fair's that EPCOT is partly inspired by are not as ambitious. With this in mind, World Showcase has been retooled to better reflect the countries it has showcased for over 30 years and expanded to feature new nations/regions.
- Mexico: This classic pavilion is not changed dramatically. The back of the show building is expanded, opening up more room for a
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Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
If it's not too late or too much, I would like to ask if the people-movers for Expo and Showcase share the the same design or if they are individualized to better fit the land they circle.Park Transporation: Now would be a convenient time to discuss Epcot's expanded transportation options. In this rebuilt EPCOT there will be a people-mover system, ferry, Skyliner, and monorail. There are two loops to the people-mover system, one encircling World Expo (formerly FutureWorld) and the other World Showcase. Set a floor above the mainland (like in Tomorrowland), the people-movers will go through each major pavilion and nation in Epcot. A central station will be constructed at EPCOT Plaza (formerly Showcase Plaza).
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
This something I would love to see you expand upon in future; even if it might not be covered here. Just as I've been captivated by new attractions, lands, hotels, water parks, shopping districts, and theme parks, I've always been interested in seeing the WDW transportation systems expanded and improved upon; especially the monorails; even if there are those opposed to it.
Sam Magic
Well-Known Member
You're too kind, haha.
So, I envision them being the same design but utilizing different car colors. The people-movers for Expo are a purple color while those in Showcase are a golden yellow color. They would all be sleek and minimalist. To prevent any thematic clashing, the people-movers in Expo will be visible between the pavilions, but the people-movers in Showcase will pass through the back half of pavilions. As a result, the showcase people-movers would not be visible from the front halves of the national pavilions.
What inspired this idea were a few key things:
- I think the People-Mover system is an innovative form of transport
- It meshes well with themes of futurism and human connectivity
- EPCOT is by far one of the largest park's and its lack shade makes it difficult to transit. The people-mover makes it easier to move around for all guests--including those differently-abled.
I'm a history and Landscape Architecture major, my history focus is cities, and my landscape focus is urbanism. Long story short, I love mass transit system and I LOVE transit system maps.
The new Skyliner is definitely a cool form of transportation, but I find it best for short-range transit. I think Disney should adopt a kind of tiered approach to transit planning:
- Tier One: Tier one is your park centric transit; think MK's Railroad or people-mover system. These forms of transit-only extend to area's within a single park and do not go beyond the park it's located in.
- Tier Two: Tier Two is your immediate range transit; think parking lot trams.
- Tier Three: Short-range transit; thinking Ferries and Skyliner. These forms of transit do not independently cover the entire resort, but instead, connect regions of the resort together.
- Tier Four: Medium-range transit. This would include the Monorail. Connecting every region of the park together through the use of a few key hubs, from the monorail every other transit tier would diverge.
- Tier Five: Long-range/personal transit; your personal car and airport shuttles that basically can take guests off and on property.
- Red Line: Connects Epcot to the Ticket and Transporation Center (North Station, MK, Grand Flo, Poly, and Contemporary
- Blue Line: Connects Epcot to its resorts, DHS, Coronado Springs, Blizzard Beach, and All-Star
- Yellow Line: Connects Epcot to Caribbean, Pop Century/Art of Animation, and ESPN WWoS
- Purple Line: Connects Epcot to Port Orleans, Key West, Disney Springs, and Saratoga Springs
- Green Line: Connects the Ticket and Transporation Center to Shades of Green, DAK, and DAK Lodge
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Voxel
President of Progress City
There is just something about the Car Park that destroy's the appeal of a park. I always wanted to design a parking garage that look and felt like a mountain entrance with parking in the cave. This would lead to the ultimate reveal as the you exit the darkness of the cave, past a small waterfall and see the resorts in front of you. Basically making it a magical/mythical reveal.
Sam Magic
Well-Known Member
I too abhor parking lots. Big fan of New/Traditional Urbanism here.
As far as WDW goes, I think all car traffic should have to park in one central location. From there they would have to utilize public transportation to get around. By expanding the Monorail system, adding people-movers, and other modes of transit, I think Disney would be able to achieve it.
A mountain would be a dope way of hiding the parking garage...maybe make a kind of mountain range? Rising from some water? That could look cool.
Voxel
President of Progress City
Hahah I would agree with this. If I had more time I would say hey wanna design a system with me. lol
A mountain range would be soo epic and soo expensive. I love it
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
This does sound like a good, eco-friendly plan but something tells me that this might not be all that foolproof.
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
I think I might have to apologize to england for this little deviation from the challenge.