SSE in All Its Former Glory

[tirian]

I know this has been discussed countless times, and I've been among the most vocal calling for a particular structure's removal, but...when, if ever, do you think that SSE will return to its former glory? WDI is currently weighing its options to redesign or refurbish the attraction itself (and nearly every Disney fan is horrified that WDI might replace the AAs with screen technology or--worse yet--a roller coaster). The arm/wand thing remains tacked onto the side of SSE; while it was once a magical reminder of the millennium, the structure is now a tacky, cardboard-cutout eyesore that rivals only Looney Tunes cutouts at Six Flags.

Spaceship Earth has happily existed--and been the most popular attraction at Epcot--for years without a cheap thrill factor or Lisa Frank-like sparkles slapped onto its surface. Do you think Disney will ever again let SSE be the postmodern, architectural, educational icon it once was; or is it doomed to modern Disney sparkles that slap the word "magic" onto everything and ignore the company's vast scope? It should be noted that when Walt was alive, the company carefully avoided referring to everything as "magic," since the Disney company's works ranged from Cinderella to True Life Adventures and Davy Crockett.

...and while we're considering SSE, ponder this question: does the modern Disney company have the guts to create Epcot again, or would it regress to slapping over-advertised Disney characters and pixie dust onto everything?

Just think about it.

 

[Slosh]

while not particularly excited by it, I do have to say I welcome any thorough and extensive changes to a ride - SSE is one of my favorites, but I wouldn't be opposed to a new vision of it. Now I'm not saying some cheezy tacked on junk like the giant arm or some complete deconstruction like a rollercoaster. --Maybe I'm alone in thinking that something like Test Track is a worthy successor to WoM because it is still true to the teaching spirit of my beloved EPCOT Center. I don't see it as just some cheap thrill ride, its not like that short high-speed excursion outdoors is anything I can't do with a rented convertible on I-4 :animwink:

 

[barnum42]

its not like that short high-speed excursion outdoors is anything I can't do with a rented convertible on I-4 :animwink:

Apart from the fact that if you are at a forty five degree angle in your rented convertible on I4 you will know that something is not right

 

[grandmath]

I can see people horrified by screen technology... I'm not. If it is done right. Imagine a bunch of AA scenes that we love, that blend seemlessely with real sets AND 3D live backgrounds projected on different-sized screens (from a TV to an Imax-type screen, such as in Spiderman)

Imagine yourself "floating" above the city of the future at the end of the ride instead of passing by a model mounted with cheap lights. Imagine passing trough the Pyramids scene, with behind the AAs on the left a "living", deep background full of majesty, animation, people... Imagine passing through the "sea" scene with the regular boat on your left and on your right, a vision of a real ocean with boats passing far away, complete with surround sound and sfx.

Imagine to not just watch the scenes go by, but really be a part of the story, buy making it more real. Nothing will replace Audio Animatronics. But screen and 3D technology can add much to the ride. To that, add a louder narration, noiseless state-of-the-art vehicles, refurbished animatronics, and you have the perfect ride, both inspiring but still spectacular and up to date.

 

[General Grizz]

I agree that screen technology can enhance the sets; I do not think they should replace them or the Audio-Animatronics, however. (My gut feeling is that Disney would want them out if they were doing a complete rehab as, through looking at the past ten years, I have reason to believe they wouldn't. . .)

 

[marni1971]

grandmath - this is the point I made recently in the SSE screen technology v`s AA`s thread (a very passionate thread too!)

Screen tech is fine when used properly - as an enahncement to Audio Animatronics, NOT as a substitute. I`m glad other share my feelings!

 

[joel_maxwell]

(My gut feeling is that Disney would want them out if they were doing a complete rehab as, through looking at the past ten years, I have reason to believe they wouldn't. . .)

im satisfied with the bears gut. hip-hip hurray

i agree with most things said about ST addition. just keep the AA and the 45 degree decent (favorite part)

 

[Master Yoda]

I have never cared for the screen technology for several reasons. First it seems too easy. One of the best things about the old school Disney is that it always left you wondering “How did they do that?” Second the screens just seem flat and lifeless. SSE does need a rehab but I don’t think it needs a complete overhaul. I would love to see some more advanced AA and an update to the end sequence. Before TT EPCOT really needed an E-ticket ride when Soarin is complete the will have 3 and that’s plenty. EPCOT really needs to get back to its more educational roots which in my opinion would be more popular now then it was when EPCOT opened. Right now the best networks on TV are all educational channels like Discovery, TLC and Animal planet.

 

[TomorrowlandTyler]

I think they should leave SSE the ride ALONE.
I think if there going to remove something from SSE it should be some of the Queuing Area. For the past 4 years, I have never waited more than 20 sec. to board. I have never seen any of those turnstiles used EVER when visiting.
(I've been going in Oct. and Dec.)

 

[Laura]

I like SSE for the same reasons I like TTA. It's a long, relaxing ride with no wait time. As the years go by there's fewer and fewer rides like that. Also, all the educational rides and slowly being replaced by thrill rides. That makes me sad. I think I've learned more about history from riding Epcot rides my whole life than I ever learned in school. If they take the educational experience away from Epcot then it will be just another theme park - only cleaner.

 

[BeachClubVillas]

I think they should leave SSE the ride ALONE.
I think if there going to remove something from SSE it should be some of the Queuing Area. For the past 4 years, I have never waited more than 20 sec. to board. I have never seen any of those turnstiles used EVER when visiting.
(I've been going in Oct. and Dec.)

Try going in June. You'll get up close and personal with every turnstile in the place! :lol:

Seriously though, I think screen technology coud be a great enhancement to SSE, if it is used right. It should be used to enhance the AAs, like others have said on this thread and others. SSE is the Cinderella's Castle of Epcot. People go to Epcot expecting to see it and the ride in it. The only problem I have with the ride is the way down. The first half is so detailed and alive, and then the second half is just nothing. But that's just my opinion.

But they have to lose that wand! :fork:

 

[Thelazer]

Personally. I'd like to see SSE updated to include the technology used at "Spiderman" at IOA. Using 3D projections, AA figures, and a moving motion base vehicle. Combine all of it with a compelling storyline about going thru the past/present/future of technology and innovation.

It could be pretty kick ______.. If done right.

 

[grandmath]

I have never cared for the screen technology for several reasons. First it seems too easy. One of the best things about the old school Disney is that it always left you wondering “How did they do that?”

That's why Spiderman is nowadays recognized as the most amazing ride ever, while recently at Disney, be it Dinosaur, Test Track, Soarin... no ride made you wonder how did they do that (besides perhaps Mission:Space). And Spiderman uses screen technology. What counts is HOW it is used. It should enhance the story and global experience, not be THE experience.

 

[OliveMcFly]

Back in 2000 the wand thing was actually cool. Now it's like "yeah I know I'm in Epcot. I don't need a giant want to remind me". I myself now find ways to photo around it. I would really like to see it back to the original.

 

[tirian]

Back in 2000 the wand thing was actually cool. Now it's like "yeah I know I'm in Epcot. I don't need a giant want to remind me". I myself now find ways to photo around it. I would really like to see it back to the original.

I wholeheartedly agree. When I first saw the wand, I thought, "Wow, what a great way to bring Disney magic to the millenium!" Now, I can't wait for the structure to come down...

--I'm sorry. What was that again? I'm in Epcot? Gee whiz, and I thought I was in Sea World all this time.--

I can't wait to see the undisturbed geodesic sphere again, the one that Mickey used to stand atop and wave to us on old WDW commercials. What Disney doesn't realize is that the sphere itself is a complete icon--it has become "magical" on its own merits--and the cheap arm/wand thing isn't necessary. (In fact, it isn't even aesthetically pleasing. It's downright tacky.)

As for screen technology, I enjoy seeing it used correctly; and I would love for WDI to refurb the Figment ride (again) by using the original storyline, characters (both of them), and Spiderman technology. THAT would be something! Regarding SSE, however, the AAs have such a timeless, classic feel that maybe WDI should use screens only in the more contemporary scenes. Although the technology looks great in Spiderman, that attraction isn't supposed to be taken seriously--it's basically a fun joy ride. Just like CGI animation fails to evoke the same fairy-tale charm as its hand-drawn counterpart, screen-technology rides have an edge that look too modern for ancient settings.

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

I'm not sure if Disney mangament care about SSE and bringing it back to its former glory. Maybe some of them do, but don't have the authority to speak up.

I think the wand and stars effect me somehow now when I ride SSE. It makes me feel like I'm riding on some cartonish and fun-to-poke-at ride. SSE could certainly use a sprucer upper no doubt about that. I am all for a refurbishing and "glorification" of the ride. A new track, new omnivmovers, new sound and lighting techniques. A new script and new narrator [Preferably/maybe if I can handle listening to Walter Cronkite :wave: , Tom Brokaw, or Howard Stern ]

If money can be spent on this, and also rehabing or improving the AA's, sets, and cosmetic appearence of both the inside and outside of SSE, then you will have a more respected and well recieved ride than the current state of SSE. Yes people will still find it boring, but for those who like it like myself won't feel as if it is being neglected someway like it is now.

I do wish they can try to bring back some of the original ending. Where the two kids are on their computers , used to be the gradual progression of the computer. From the 1970s, 1980s, to the network operations center of the 1990s. I wish that could come back. When we head up the tunnel past the transparent earth into the tunnel of lights maybe they can add two new scenes. One depicting the dawn of the 21st century to today, and a new futuristic scene.

Then the climax could once again feature the astronauts and satelite dish, and here would be great for some new screen technology and effects. As we head back down this would be another great place for new sets and screen technology. I wish somehow they could bring a newer version of "tomorrow's child" and integrate in someway for the finale, while still passing the city of tomorrow and God only knows what.

The ideas are endless. The ride needs a sponsor and help that can keep its nastalgia but can technology wise respect the AA's but integrate new technology in other parts of the ride that can bring it into today.

Oh heck now I got tomorrow's child stuck in my head. "Tomorrow's child, tomorrow's child, shining a brand new [way?] and our future world is born [again/today?}

 

[PeeplMoovr]

I don't see it as just some cheap thrill ride, its not like that short high-speed excursion outdoors is anything I can't do with a rented convertible on I-4 :animwink:

With all the construction on I-4 these days, I'm surprised anyone can ever have a "high speed" excursion on that road. :lol:

 

[marni1971]

..Oh heck now I got tomorrow's child stuck in my head. "Tomorrow's child, tomorrow's child, shining a brand new [way?] and our future world is born [again/today?}

-Today :animwink:

 

[monorail_man]

In the words of a well known band...

"It's the end of the world as we know it."

 

[PurpleDragon]

With all the construction on I-4 these days, I'm surprised anyone can ever have a "high speed" excursion on that road. :lol:

Depends on what your idea of "High Speed" is. For some people, 20MPH is high speed. :lol::lol::lol::lol: