The Future of Epcot

[morningstar]

I don't see the next big project is for Epcot, but DHS instead.

I expect you are right, though it is a disappointment to me. DHS is regarded (by some) as a half-day park, while Epcot has enough attractions that are just good enough to keep you there for a day. They seem to regard upgrading parks from half- to full-day status as a way to up revenues.

 

[BobConnor]

I took at look at Martins videos of the World of Motion and now I wish that I had gone back then to see it. As another person here said, it seemed to be no thrill ride but "unique and fun". MIght it be possible to place a modified World of Motion into the Wonders of Life building? Since most of the props must be somewhere it would not cost that much. And it would be an option to "eat people" and handle the crowds.

 

[BobConnor]

I expect you are right, though it is a disappointment to me. DHS is regarded (by some) as a half-day park, while Epcot has enough attractions that are just good enough to keep you there for a day. They seem to regard upgrading parks from half- to full-day status as a way to up revenues.

To be truthful, it seems like if you get the fastpasses for soarin, TT and Mission space and do SSE and maybe Figment and then just take a fast look at the coutries Epcot could be half day park. Oh, and I am glad I'm not the only one who notice all the dust in the queue for Soarin'. That area needs a lot more theming badly.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I expect you are right, though it is a disappointment to me. DHS is regarded (by some) as a half-day park, while Epcot has enough attractions that are just good enough to keep you there for a day. They seem to regard upgrading parks from half- to full-day status as a way to up revenues.

And were I making the decision, that is exactly what I would do. Epcot needs some love, no doubt, but it is still sustainable the way it is. DHS and DAK are dying on the vine. They need more then love, they need EMS crew to get there STAT.

 

[ChrisFL]

What I don't get, to get off topic a bit and address DHS (park planning and its execution), is what the heck happened to DHS after Tower of Terror? They were on the right track. Same thing with MK and Splash in a way. Both attractions are perfect. They have it all. They enhance the "Land" or area they are in. They give props and pride to the park they are in. And I think after they opened that they are going to go in this very right direction and then they don't.

So they correctly ascertain that they need a strong anchor to support the old Hollywood theme of the park. They design a ride that is just beautiful and unique from the moment you set eyes on it, a scenic queue that is heavily themed, to the entrance, conception of the actual ride, and the exit. The ride is thrilling, the movie clips, cast member costumes, merchandise; just perfect.

Why not keep going now? Also, on Sunset Boulevard, NY area, etc. how many useless facades are there? I know parks needs some, but DHS has way too many that could be utilized better I would think.

The time around 1995 is when the quality began to decline...not coincidentally, it was also around that time that one of the great creative minds in Disney passed away unexpectedly, Frank Wells. That marked a large change and downturn in direction.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

The time around 1995 is when the quality began to decline...not coincidentally, it was also around that time that one of the great creative minds in Disney passed away unexpectedly, Frank Wells. That marked a large change and downturn in direction.

Thanks for that. There is no way I know as much park history as others on here.

Something to wrap my brain around, because those two attractions are wonderful and I could never figure out, why not some more in their brilliant veins/image?

 

[MikeTaylorSound]

You could tastefully have character meet n greets throughout Future World that wouldn't offend me.
THE LAND: Turn the Lion King film into a stage with similar seating and have an interactive presentation with Avatar guy (or whoever) every 20 minutes, just like TTw/C @ TSw/N&F, but more like MI,LF to help get kids familiar with the new characters Disney has absorbed. I get the theme they're trying to connect with the Circle of Life, so it would be an easy transition. Since there's already character dining at the Garden Grill, it wouldn't be weird seeing characters running around the Land (even though it's already crowded enough with families pushing and shoving to get to Soarin' and all).

INNOVENTIONS: Have a photo pass opp next to WALL-E and EVE. Through magnetic technology EVE could easily hover and have a battery-operated hand function that would amaze children. This could also be a respectful tribute to the old Communicore days with SMRT1.

(I voted for new rides, by the way... Just wanted to make that clear)

 

[Figments Friend]

I would be willing to wager that no matter what camp you are in, *purists*, *modernists*, *futurists*, etc, we can ALL agree on one thing:

EPCOT is sadly underdeveloped in many areas, and i am not just talking about attractions.
I am talking about the direction of the Park in many areas/departments.


SO much more could be done in the Park that can capture what is being missed from the past.
EPCOT is supposed to be future-orientated, and i for one would love to see some development in that area.
There is a lot that could be showcased that touches on future tech or future living, but i can understand the challenging logistics involved.
Keeping it updated and ahead of the current world is a challenge in itself as we know.
Also, futurism may not be for everyone, so a balance is needed.
A balance the original EPCOT Center succeeded well in.
Today, the balance is off a bit.
It could be shifted back but it would require some real effort to do so by a team dedicated to see it through.

Regardless of if you miss the past attractions or not, it is the tone and presentational aspects of the IDEAS being expressed in those old Pavilions that is sorely missed.
Those forward thinking, unique presentations that inspired, empowered, and provided ( for the time ) spectacular new experiences and ideas.
THAT is what many miss at EPCOT.
THAT is what some fans are yearning to see a return of.

I am not saying that EPCOT needs to have all it*s old attractions put back.
As much as i enjoyed them, they had their time to shine and did it wonderfully.
Today however we have the tools to present similar experiences, but in a new cutting edge way to capture the minds of today*s Guests.
Experiences that will spark their interests and bring their own energy to inspire the next generation.
Do not confuse the desire for the past to return with what the underlying yearning is - for a similar tone/experience, not necessarily a carbon-copy rebuilding of WoM.
There is a difference.

The problem is...no one seems to want to come forward within the Company and invest any serious money into developing anything of any real substance to achieve this.
It is always the *quick add on*...or *retheme*.
No BOLD moves...no real *direction*.
No *moving forward* into a brighter future, or even into a alternative thought process.
Where are today*s grand experiences?
This is what is often lamented ....nothing of any real substance.


This is where a lot of the frustration comes from with us serious EPCOT Center *purists*.
We experienced the Park when it was in it*s original form. We remember those experiences and those ideas.
Where are today*s ideas...and aspirations...for today*s Guests and tomorrow*s ?

Back then, after visiting EPCOT Center, you were inspired by the experiences you had to go out into the world and make a difference.
Today after visiting EPCOT, it seems Guests are only inspired by the experiences they have to go into the closest shop and buy merchandise they were reminded of while riding on the latest character rethemed/overlaid attraction.
A sharp contrast indeed.

With today*s tech, there is no excuse.
We have the tech, but now we need the creative minds to put such tech to good use...and not be afraid to do so.
Take a chance!
Dare to dream big!
**** the bottom line!
All three sentiments used to be mantras, but today these seem to be shunned.

SO much could be done at EPCOT to bring up the bar to a new level.
And yet....EPCOT sits as is....and waits....for hopefully a Renaissance that may never come.

Of course...i would like to think otherwise.
It could happen....it could.....but BIG changes will need to happen internally for that to become a reality.
My faith in that has weakened at times....but i am not totally tossing in the towel just yet.
There have been some positive steps taken over the last few years, which is promising, but we do indeed have a long way to go.

It all starts with a idea....

 

[Goofyernmost]

I would be willing to wager that no matter what camp you are in, *purists*, *modernists*, *futurists*, etc, we can ALL agree on one thing:

EPCOT is sadly underdeveloped in many areas, and i am not just talking about attractions.
I am talking about the direction of the Park in many areas/departments.


SO much more could be done in the Park that can capture what is being missed from the past.
EPCOT is supposed to be future-orientated, and i for one would love to see some development in that area.
There is a lot that could be showcased that touches on future tech or future living, but i can understand the challenging logistics involved.
Keeping it updated and ahead of the current world is a challenge in itself as we know.
Also, futurism may not be for everyone, so a balance is needed.
A balance the original EPCOT Center succeeded well in.
Today, the balance is off a bit.
It could be shifted back but it would require some real effort to do so by a team dedicated to see it through.

Regardless of if you miss the past attractions or not, it is the tone and presentational aspects of the IDEAS being expressed in those old Pavilions that is sorely missed.
Those forward thinking, unique presentations that inspired, empowered, and provided ( for the time ) spectacular new experiences and ideas.
THAT is what many miss at EPCOT.
THAT is what some fans are yearning to see a return of.

I am not saying that EPCOT needs to have all it*s old attractions put back.
As much as i enjoyed them, they had their time to shine and did it wonderfully.
Today however we have the tools to present similar experiences, but in a new cutting edge way to capture the minds of today*s Guests.
Experiences that will spark their interests and bring their own energy to inspire the next generation.
Do not confuse the desire for the past to return with what the underlying yearning is - for a similar tone/experience, not necessarily a carbon-copy rebuilding of WoM.
There is a difference.

The problem is...no one seems to want to come forward within the Company and invest any serious money into developing anything of any real substance to achieve this.
It is always the *quick add on*...or *retheme*.
No BOLD moves...no real *direction*.
No *moving forward* into a brighter future, or even into a alternative thought process.
Where are today*s grand experiences?
This is what is often lamented ....nothing of any real substance.


This is where a lot of the frustration comes from with us serious EPCOT Center *purists*.
We experienced the Park when it was in it*s original form. We remember those experiences and those ideas.
Where are today*s ideas...and aspirations...for today*s Guests and tomorrow*s ?

Back then, after visiting EPCOT Center, you were inspired by the experiences you had to go out into the world and make a difference.
Today after visiting EPCOT, it seems Guests are only inspired by the experiences they have to go into the closest shop and buy merchandise they were reminded of while riding on the latest character rethemed/overlaid attraction.
A sharp contrast indeed.

With today*s tech, there is no excuse.
We have the tech, but now we need the creative minds to put such tech to good use...and not be afraid to do so.
Take a chance!
Dare to dream big!
**** the bottom line!
All three sentiments used to be mantras, but today these seem to be shunned.

SO much could be done at EPCOT to bring up the bar to a new level.
And yet....EPCOT sits as is....and waits....for hopefully a Renaissance that may never come.

Of course...i would like to think otherwise.
It could happen....it could.....but BIG changes will need to happen internally for that to become a reality.
My faith in that has weakened at times....but i am not totally tossing in the towel just yet.
There have been some positive steps taken over the last few years, which is promising, but we do indeed have a long way to go.

It all starts with a idea....

When they changed the name from EPCOT Center to Epcot. The entire mission changed. EPCOT was about the future. Epcot was just a name of a park. It no longer has the mission of showing the future. They kept some of the names, like Future World, so that they could still showcase some of the things that fit in, but, for all intent and purposes, it no longer is the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It's isn't even of Today. Although it seems like a nice argument, it is no longer relevant it is just a Theme Park with some futuristic stuff, but, mostly not.

 

[rct247]

I agree with what @Figments Friend said about substance and being educational, interesting, and inspiring. With today's knowledge, global community, and technology, we should be able to revitalize Epcot AND still provide the thrills and theme park substance that many others yearn for.

I've always been a huge fan of the concept of The Land pavilion. It is a destination much like that of the countries or a world's fair pavilion that discusses a topic and has different avenues to immerse the guest into it through rides, shows, food, & merchandise. Wonders Life was in the same concept with The Living Seas & Imagination close behind, but some pavilions just lack that substance. Universe of Energy (Ellen's Energy Adventure) at least still tries to provide that epic yet educational approach to a topic. Mission: Space & Test Track have really lost their substance and are more or less just attractions themed to a topic. Giving each pavilion more to do in one place is also great for educational purposes, more experiences, more merchandise/food opportunities, and also great for Florida's rainy seasons.

If I could revitalize (not redo) Epcot, it wouldn't necessarily backtrack to what Epcot used to be, but evolve into what it should be today using the same principles of yesteryear.

As you enter, Leave-a-Legacy will be gone, but perhaps with the right technology and incorporation with a natural environment, something similar could be erected along the plaza's sides that serves less like maze of tombstones with poorly etched images. Spaceship Earth is great still, not perfect, but really could use something to help bring the timeline from ending in 1980s to ending in the future. I feel like there was a backtrack over the years from mentioning the internet and it's global neighborhood to just ending at personal computers in garages.

Universe of Energy could really benefit from a complete overhaul. The building is huge enough to house a ride or two and perhaps an information film or kids play area exhibit at least. There is so much more that we know and or could discuss/present with energy these days. Not only in what I call "classic" energy sources, but definitely all the new renewable energy sources.

Wonders of Life, er I mean... the Festival Center has been serving good purpose as a Festival Center, but I feel like the old Odyssey Restaurant might also be just as useful. There is so much opportunity (and risk) with bringing back a pavilion on health and the human body. Even with a topic that is very personal and delicate as health, exercise, & the body, there are still way to present information. While I think that some aspect should be dedicated in nutrition, exercise, and taking care of your body, there are more adventures that can be had with the topic. Body Wars (although not ideal) really did present the body & modern medicine in a more thrilling & futuristic way. Also although The Land pavilion was home to Food Rocks and growing food, Wonders of Life has a great opportunity to introduce many guests to delicious but extremely healthy meals and brands.

Although I miss Horizons the most of any extinct attraction, the idea of a Space pavilion is still a great idea. Let's face it, Disney has tried to lure guests away from visiting other area attractions for years. Disney's Hollywood Studios covered the movies and Universal. The Living Seas & Disney's Animal Kingdom covered Sea World & Busch Gardens. Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach covered Wet n Wild. Mission: Space / Space Pavilion were a perfect way to cover the Kennedy Space Center. Mission: Space kind of failed to really prove itself as a space pavilion though. It didn't have as much substance as the other pavilions and was focused on more thrill. It also was rocked by some unfortunate incidents. Space exploration shouldn't be kept to sci-fi Tomorrowland or to thrill junkies. Space is full of beauty, mystery, adventure, and opportunity. How cool would it be to have a space pavilion that had rotational exhibits & attraction exeriences based on different planets for different times of the year? There is so much on space travel, but what about space living or life on another planet?

Test Track 1998 was an innovative way to bring the transportation topic into a more thrilling manner. It still was educational to an extent while fulfilling the need for more exciting rides. While I love and praise the current Test Track for its refreshing looks and futuristic aesthetics, it has lost some of it's substance. I'd love to see more of that substance return to provide more history and more exciting possibilities that don't just focus on cars, but also on planes, boats, and trains. As much as I agree that Epcot doesn't need more Pixar characters, adding Cars characters in a subtle way, would be a great way to get kids interested in the future of transportation.

Imagination is very lost right now. While Wonders of Life can focus more on the body and health and The Land can focus on scenic beauty, natural resources, and food, Imagination is purely about the mind and the 5 senses. With all the new ride technology out there these days, there is so many ideas that can come together to create a truly inspriring imaginative ride. There are also many great characters including Figment that can tell the story of imagination and what you can achieve with your mind. Imagination can also be a new home for a crazy snack bar that features imaginative selections that are outside of the box. Foods that taste like something completely different or foods that look like something completely different. This is more than purple ketchup and apples that taste like grapes, this would be a fun way to really excite the imagination and even dare I say please the profit gods.

The Land is the most perfect pavilion if there was one, but still has room to improve. Circle of Life needs to go and something with a similar message about recycling and being evironmentally friendly would still be welcome. Soarin' just needs to be updated despite it's already immense popularity. Living with the Land is perfect. Sunshine Seasons is perfect.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends has lost something in it's transition from The Living Seas. I love that Nemo & his friends are brought in to help educate young guests about the Seas and all the animal life in them, but the ride has lost it's futuristic wonder. Hydrolators are dearly missed. With many aquariums around the world being newer and more impressive, it's time that Disney takes theirs to the next level.

World Showcase is also pretty perfect in a lot of ways, but is starting to get greedy on profit and stray from substance. While I don't think every pavilion needs a ride or a character, I do think that a few should be added to help tell the story of many of these countries. Mexico could have a better ride. Norway could have a more updated ride. China has a wonderful film. A new country should replace the outpost that features a new ride, show, merchandise, AND restaurant. I feel Germany needs more cultural performances in a more public (less restaurant) setting. Italy would have a great chance to have a ride based on Roman mythology. The American Adventure is a perfect show, but more uniquely American food offerings would be great. Japan would also be a great location for a ride. Morocco could be home to a new show perhaps. France needs an updated film. The United Kingdom would be perfect for a dark ride about British literature. Canada has a great film, but still lacks substance in the rest of the pavilion.

So that's my lengthy opinion on the future of Epcot.

 

[OnyxNine]

Yup, disney is missing the futuristic aspect of the park. Technology have changed so quick, the park looks a little way behind in their shows, technology wise. Show where our tech is today, like advances in medicine, for example.
If they want something for the kiddies, tho i don't mind seeing old disney characters around, i think it should be some room for new ones. Like Wall-E, and Eva, they are perfect futuristic characters .

 

[Figments Friend]

When they changed the name from EPCOT Center to Epcot. The entire mission changed. EPCOT was about the future. Epcot was just a name of a park. It no longer has the mission of showing the future. They kept some of the names, like Future World, so that they could still showcase some of the things that fit in, but, for all intent and purposes, it no longer is the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It's isn't even of Today. Although it seems like a nice argument, it is no longer relevant it is just a Theme Park with some futuristic stuff, but, mostly not.

Indeed.
Thus why some have a issue with the Parks direction.

It would be nice to see some of that previous spirit return...in new forms.