News Spaceship Earth Refurb - 2 Year Closure

[marni1971]

I'm trying to figure out if this is the Project Tomorrow building with a lot of work done, or a new building entirely... It seems to fit the shape of the existing building.

So far as I know - which is limited so far with this - a new build.

 

[marni1971]

am I the only person that finds it funny that in all of the concept art there is at least one person taking a selfie...

It’s the new twins!

(Someone will get it I hope)

 

[mikejs78]

I'm not thrilled and have been mad regarding SSE. As soon as I saw the Polynesian scene...that's the freaking eagle ray that is Moana's grandmother reincarnated. They aren't kidding me, they're going to ruin it with freaking IP.

@marni1971 correct me if I'm wrong - but I thought you said somewhere else that this light thingy wasn't IP being added to SSE and that you'd elaborate... Any insights you can share?

 

[marni1971]

@marni1971 I remember you saying that you were concerned about this refurb. Are you still concerned now that it's been officially announced?

Not as much as I could have been. I found out about the redressed scenes a few weeks back.

@marni1971 correct me if I'm wrong - but I thought you said somewhere else that this light thingy wasn't IP being added to SSE and that you'd elaborate... Any insights you can share?

I don’t know a lot about this. I understand the light thingy is more like a new host as opposed to an IP infusion.

It could even be I/O

 

[gustaftp]

I don't see the light being a big problem. If it's representative of a new host, it can be used to draw your attention to different parts of each show scene instead of only being directed by a disembodied host. This could be a neat effect and even helpful for the hearing-impaired. I'm imagining some sort of fiber optic effect like what the 1994 version used at the end of the descent, but instead being more of a ribbon linking each scene together. This would have the effect of showing how human history is a progression.

 

[sedati]

Fixed that for you. It`s one of the more interesting images from the presentation.

View attachment 401988

It's my own personal big blue box only they put it right smack in the middle of the park to obscure their greatest icon. Of all the structures that should have been been set below ground, this is it.

Question remains- is this an indoor queue or just exit only?

 

[sedati]

So far as I know - which is limited so far with this - a new build.

Certainly looks different here:

Also notice there are two parallel paths along side it. Outer for park, inner for Spaceship Earth?

 

[Horizons '83]

Certainly looks different here:
View attachment 402014
Also notice there are two parallel paths along side it. Outer for park, inner for Spaceship Earth?

Perhaps that is will load and unload will be relocated to? The back of SSE in this new building?

 

[sedati]

Perhaps that is will load and unload will be reacted to? The back of SSE in this new building?

There were rumors of expanding the track, perhaps for a new scene one, final scene, or both. With the losses Epcot has had I mentioned long ago how this ride could easily become a sort of mission statement attraction that loosens its theme and incorporates some bits from UOE and Horizons which still seems possible from the new storytelling perspective.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Reading about the purported changes coming to Spaceship Earth. Why do I feel like a dagger was just stuck in my heart by a certain lunatic running a theme park division while having only a merchandising background bald man?

 

[Tha Realest]

Is there any idea *when* this is to begin? I know the poster mentions October 1, 2019. I ask because we're going in January ...

 

[rle4lunch]

Is there any idea *when* this is to begin? I know the poster mentions October 1, 2019. I ask because we're going in January ...

From all the insiders, should be closed by then,.

 

[marni1971]

Question remains- is this an indoor queue or just exit only?

An earlier design circa 2016 had the queue entrance at the rear - that would be about where the pathway in the shade is. This led directly to today’s entrance. However I now understand there should be an interior preshow and queue for the new version. Where this actual entrance will be I don’t know.

 

[mikejs78]

Pure speculation, but I could see them pivoting away from communication as technology and changing the emphasis to the global community, the world coming together a la world Showcase. It seems like (based on interviews I've seen) they still somewhat understand that element of the park, even if the whole future world concept is lost in them.

Seems I wasn't too far off the mark here...

 

[Oddysey]

I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve been around here long enough to be able to translate Disney PR bull$#!+ into reality.

For example, from their Epcot Press Release talking about the new 3 story platform l: “It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular.” Actually means “it will provide an economical way for us to maximize the revenue from unannounced fireworks dessert parties”

Back to SSE, they are gently breaking the news that they will be changing the theme of SSE to make it more palatable to add IP.

Communication to storytelling is an easy step and hey you know what goes with storytelling? Our library of movies!

I think you are absolutely on to something with the dessert parties, and if not dessert parties, I suspect the top floor will be monetized in a way that encourages exclusivity in its use.

Not sure about TDO adding IPs to SSE. I didn't see that in the presentation, and am slightly optimistic about the project. However, I took note that Chapek was very cautious while talking about changes to SSE and used encourable language to preface any change he was about to announce. His uncomfortable vibe with that portion of the presentation made me a little cautious about the future of SSE. In other words, I didn't see IPs in the presentation, so I will not jump to conclusions until I see more evidence; however, I would not be shocked in the least if there is IP inclusion.

 

[GeneralKnowledge]

I think you are absolutely on to something with the dessert parties, and if not dessert parties, I suspect the top floor will be monetized in a way that encourages exclusivity in its use.

Not sure about TDO adding IPs to SSE. I didn't see that in the presentation, and am slightly optimistic about the project. However, I took note that Chapek was very cautious while talking about changes to SSE and used encourable language to preface any change he was about to announce. His uncomfortable vibe with that portion of the presentation made me a little cautious about the future of SSE. In other words, I didn't see IPs in the presentation, so I will not jump to conclusions until I see more evidence; however, I would not be shocked in the least if there is IP inclusion.

Trust me that they may not have plans to add IP on this iteration but it’s a stepping stone. This was an easy transition and down the road it’ll be an easy transition to add IP to a ride that’s about storytelling.

 

[Oddysey]

Trust me that they may not have plans to add IP on this iteration but it’s a stepping stone. This was an easy transition and down the road it’ll be an easy transition to add IP to a ride that’s about storytelling.

In all I think you have made some strong and reasonable observations. Maybe my optimistic approach is just me hoping against hope.

 

[HauntedPirate]

In all I think you have made some strong and reasonable observations. Maybe my optimistic approach is just me hoping against hope.

Maybe they should erect a sign at the entrance to Epcot - "Abandon all hope, ye who visited this park before 1999..."

 

[SteamboatJoe]

My gut instinct is the attraction will culminate with Walt, the greatest storyteller of them all (as far as the company is concerned), and all of the things he achieved or inspired.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

The screen technology and projection mapping can make this ride great again!!