Soarin' Ahead of Schedule: WoL 90% Confirmed Reopening

[General Grizz]

Soarin is way ahead of schedule. In fact, February seems like the time that Disney will finish the attraction. But what does this mean for The Land and Wonders of Life?

As we know, Wonders of Life is seasonal (put on this status to gain Disney a tax write-off of sort). In order to fill its seasonal quota, although it certainly doesn't HAVE to in management's eyes, (i.e., Disney closed 20,000 Leagues "seasonally" in 1994, and only 2 years after was it under rehab status) it should reopen at least once more.

So rumor has it Wonders of Life will reopen for the holiday season, potentially staying open through the duration that the Land is under rehab (beginning January 2, 2005). However, if Soarin' is ready, it may be rideable in February, thus being open before the rest of the Land is with some kind of entrance. (Who knows? Entrance through the Land? Through that area by Imagination? The latter sounds more probable.)

Thus, Wonders of Life would probably have a premature closing if it does reopen for the "duration of the Land rehab" if Soarin' is open for guests to ride.

But this is good news in hope that the pavilion may open at least one more time. Bad news in that it may be the last time before it could potentially sit dormant for several more years. Whether your glass is half empty or half full, bring your video cameras!

 

[DarkMeasures]

Is it just me or does WoL scream 80's every square inch of the pavilian?

Anyway, it would be nice to see WoL open but what it really needs is a sponsor.

And good news on Soarin. I hope I can enjoy it in 2006. (I might or might not go on a band trip, I will however, have a chance to go to Disneyland in 2006, I will go crazy if I do both).

 

[General Grizz]

Is it just me or does WoL scream 80's every square inch of the pavilian?

Yes, it really does. If Disney would only update the computers, bring in a couple appealing characters in a couple sections, and reupdate the information presented, a lot of the problems would be solved.

Anyway, it would be nice to see WoL open but what it really needs is a sponsor.

I agree. *sigh* Add LIVING SEAS and UNIVERSE OF ENERGY to this! Hopefully SE will get a sponsor sooner.

And if you can't make it to Soarin' here, enjoy the original (~duplicate) at DCA.

 

[Trainee031589]

I know Grizz is big on Cranium Command I know Ive seen it once a while back but I dont quite remeber it. All I rember is being scared of it. Did it have any in theater effects?? Grizz or anyone please answer!

 

[DarkMeasures]

Well I am not sure. My friend has a Timeshare in Orange County and he wants me and all his friends to go there for a Senior trip. Kinda like how my brother and his friends went to Cancun for their senior trip.

If I were to go on the trip, I would have to get myself to Disneyland by myself. Hopefully my friend's timeshare is nice and close.

 

[DarkMeasures]

I know Grizz is big on Cranium Command I know Ive seen it once a while back but I dont quite remeber it. All I rember is being scared of it. Did it have any in theater effects?? Grizz or anyone please answer!

Oh, it is mostly theatre effects. Smoke, AAs and other stuff. It's really really cool. Plus, 90% of the actors are SNL stars which makes the attraction awsome to this day. I really like who operates the heart in the show...

I would never like to see CC go. (wouldn't be awsome if the live action, viewing outside of kids body video segments be redone to today but all the SNL stars and body parts remain the same?).

 

[dxwwf3]

Good to see Soarin' is coming along. I'll get to see it next summer, but the sooner the better for all of you locals.

I love the feel of Wonders of Life. To me it doesn't feel 80's to me as much, as it reminds me of when I was young (during that time). Everywhere I turn in there reminds me of the first few years of operation where this was the biggest thing at Disney World. Waiting an hour to hit a baseball off of a tee and hear Gary Carter give me advice, waiting over an hour to ride Epcot's first thrill ride Body Wars (I still think it's the best thrill in the park), and buring a few calories while riding around Disneyland park.

Ah those were the days. This is why we come back to WDW every year. To see things that bring back all of those great memories of being with loved ones. I know WoL is almost dead and alot of people on here are always in favor of change, but I certainly will miss the feeling of that place (and not to mention the best thrill ride in the park, IMO). Hopefully something will happen there after WoL does die.

Leaving for Knoxville in T-Minus 12 hours. I can't sleep.

 

[General Grizz]

I know WoL is almost dead and alot of people on here are always in favor of change, but I certainly will miss the feeling of that place (and not to mention the best thrill ride in the park, IMO). Hopefully something will happen there after WoL does die.

As WoL is a Future World attraction, it is in extreme need for change. But this change means modernizing Wonders of Life while keeping its family-fun, simple, and heartfelt atmosphere (and a cool ride!). But this change is not possible if Disney wants to keep it closed.

As for Cranium Command, there is a lot of noise in it at points with red flashing lights and smoke, but by no means is the show scary. It's extremely entertaining and is even one of Leonard Maltin's favorite Disney attractions!

 

[TinkerBell9988]

Good to see Soarin' is coming along. I'll get to see it next summer, but the sooner the better for all of you locals.

I love the feel of Wonders of Life. To me it doesn't feel 80's to me as much, as it reminds me of when I was young (during that time). Everywhere I turn in there reminds me of the first few years of operation where this was the biggest thing at Disney World. Waiting an hour to hit a baseball off of a tee and hear Gary Carter give me advice, waiting over an hour to ride Epcot's first thrill ride Body Wars (I still think it's the best thrill in the park), and buring a few calories while riding around Disneyland park.

Ah those were the days. This is why we come back to WDW every year. To see things that bring back all of those great memories of being with loved ones. I know WoL is almost dead and alot of people on here are always in favor of change, but I certainly will miss the feeling of that place (and not to mention the best thrill ride in the park, IMO). Hopefully something will happen there after WoL does die.

WOW! I agree with you 110%!

All WoL needs is a little updating, and I think it will be fine... at least to me it will. I think its perfect right now, but that is just my 2 cents.

Glad to hear the news, Grizz! Thanks General!

 

[CaptainMichael]

I've only been in Wonders of Life one time in my life and that was a good 8 years ago. The only thing that I remember from it is Body Wars. The rest of the pavillion is quite a blur. In my opinion, that whole side of Future World is in dire need of help. I'm embarrassed to say this, but my family forgot about that entire side during our last trip in December 2003. When I realised we had missed it, it was too late. That whole entire side of Future World was closed for the night. Say what you want about Mission: Space and Test Track, but they do get your attention.

As for Soarin', that is great news. Makes me more confident that it will be open during our Senior Trip at the end of April!

 

[Little Mermaid]

I love the feel of Wonders of Life. To me it doesn't feel 80's to me as much, as it reminds me of when I was young (during that time). Everywhere I turn in there reminds me of the first few years of operation where this was the biggest thing at Disney World. Waiting an hour to hit a baseball off of a tee and hear Gary Carter give me advice, waiting over an hour to ride Epcot's first thrill ride Body Wars (I still think it's the best thrill in the park), and buring a few calories while riding around Disneyland park.

I couldn't agree more. That is exactly how I feel about WoL.

Leaving for Knoxville in T-Minus 12 hours. I can't sleep.

Good luck and have fun. GO VOLS! :sohappy:

 

[marni1971]

Hey Grizz - hope you will get the chance to video anything you havn`t already (I know where you stand and feel about WoL)
I have the complete BodyWars ride on video from 1990 (still relativley new, so the print quality is good - I`m not sure how it is today) plus all the queue videos (there was a BIG wait back then). If you manage to vid the ride and the quality is not too good I can always throw the BodyWars section together in an edit - to supplement your wonderful tribute of course!

 

[NemoRocks78]

Leaving for Knoxville in T-Minus 12 hours. I can't sleep.

GO GATORS! :animwink:

Back on topic....

Glad to hear WoL is going to reopen for the final time. I'll be sure to take my video camera and document everything. Plus, I need to see The Making of Me. :lol:

 

[General Grizz]

I've only been in Wonders of Life one time in my life and that was a good 8 years ago. The only thing that I remember from it is Body Wars. The rest of the pavillion is quite a blur.

Be sure to check out this tribute video then: click here

And what a wonderful avatar.

 

[Lee]

However, if Soarin' is ready, it may be rideable in February, thus being open before the rest of the Land is with some kind of entrance. (Who knows? Entrance through the Land? Through that area by Imagination? The latter sounds more probable.)

About 6 weeks ago, I was told that Soarin' wouldn't open until the Land refurb was complete. March-ish.

 

[General Grizz]

About 6 weeks ago, I was told that Soarin' wouldn't open until the Land refurb was complete. March-ish.

That makes sense, but this info comes from 2 days ago. Again, I'm not saying its confirmed or anything.

P.S. Hear anything more about Travel Agency? I've been told this wasn't the plan, but have no idea what is. . .

 

[Lee]

Travel Agency? Nah...at one time I was hearing that from a few folks.
Lately though, I hear that is not the plan. Don't know exactly what is. My inquires about it are met with "Wait and see."

Our Land info seems to be about even.

Thoughts on Soarin.
True, it is ahead of schedule, and as I said some time back the ride will be ready before the pavillion. The plan I heard was to only open the whole pavillion, Soarin included, together in March.
There is really no good way to get guests to Soarin without using it's queue. I really don't see them taking guests in through a backstage area. Doesn't make sense, just to get people on the ride a couple weeks early.

 

[JoeyJoe]

Forgive me if I'm behind on my information. But Soarin is going to be EXACTLY like the one at DCA?? So basically in the final scene we are going to fly over Disneyland?? That makes very little sense. If they are going through the time and money to completely rehab an entire pavilain, building a huge show building, and re-themeing an area, why couldn't they shoot a new video that shows FL maybe. I know that sounds a bit corny flying over Fl when your in FL, but thats exactly what you do at DCA. The only thing worse is flying over another state and another amusement park.

It reminds me of that silly commercial this summer filmed in DL trying to promote Disney World.

 

[Lee]

Yes, they are using the same film at Epcot as at DCA. And a great film it is.
Using the same film saved both time and money, allowing Soarin' to be built in the shortest possible time (less than 2 years from greenlight to opening), and with a reasonable budget.

Expect a new, unique to Epcot, film at Soarin in time for Epcot's 25th birthday.

 

[Trainee031589]

Oh, it is mostly theatre effects. Smoke, AAs and other stuff. It's really really cool. Plus, 90% of the actors are SNL stars which makes the attraction awsome to this day. I really like who operates the heart in the show...

I would never like to see CC go. (wouldn't be awsome if the live action, viewing outside of kids body video segments be redone to today but all the SNL stars and body parts remain the same?).

Ok now I remember why it scared me haha. In theater effects really freaked me out when I was little