Originally posted by Lee
2- It is possible to incorporate a new type of ride in SE while preserving it's message. Just because they add new technology and a zippier ride system doesn't mean that the story will be lost. In fact, I have been told that WDI is planning to incorporate, or at least touch on, some of the original Ray Bradbury concepts for the ride. That sounds good to me.
It does! I would absolutely LOVE to see a new style Spaceship Earth. BUT...what I DON'T want to see is a loss of drama, music, full-quality sets, and Animatronics. If it's nearly all screens. . . then we've got
major problems. Disney doesn't want to PAY for Animatronics. So why should I feel excited about EPCOT's new plans? Do I want to see another Test Track or Mission Space? No. I want to see another HORIZONS - another show with heart, full quality - and, yes. It can be appealing to guests with technology and breath-taking scenes. Wow. A 2005 quality "Horizons" - and when I say it, I only imply the strengths and quality of the show. That would redeem Disney for me!
Originally posted by Lee
4- As for nostalgia for attractions like WoM, Horizons, etc...
well, ya gotta give the people what they want.
That's a really ambitious statement. I mean, all of the teenagers I know would be blissful to have giant inverted coasters in every place at EPCOT, no matter what is destroyed.
And the thing is, there needs to be
balance. Both Mission Space, Test Track, and the Journey into Imagination pavilions are major downgrades in quality, in heart, and in EPCOT theming. Although Mission Space is a great ride, how can it compare to the classic Disney humor, heart, full-quality, and message about Horizons, along with that sprinkle of education and "fun"?
No, Horizons wasn't the most popular attraction. I can say that it's one of the most beloved attractions of all time. But what does that mean to me?
I believe that means that EPCOT should start KEEP whatever quality pavilions they have now with the sets/Animatronics (hmm...that pretty much leaves SE and American Adventure left as far as top-notch goes). THEN with
additional space, create the thrill rides. And no, no coasters with no themeing. I'm talking a Splash Mountain - Disneyesque, fitting, inspiring, and in-tune with EPCOT's message.
Test Track ALMOST got there. Problem is, it's simply focused on modern car manufactore. Okay. So let's say Test Track was built on an open field. Although I still wouldn't be appealed to it, that would have been a better situation. Why?
Because Test Track replaced one of the most in-tune, full quality attractions that Disney Imagineering had ever achieved. The World of Motion SPOKE Disney - Walt's touches could be found all over it. And more than anything else, it spoke EPCOT - education, quality - what, how many full sets/props and 188 animatroncs? Now THAT's a ride - and especially the trip into the future. If the attraction (ride) would be reopened now identically, there would be NOTHING outdated. And then, not to mention the TransCenter. "Like a Rock" is area music? What about the cartoon shows and Animatronic Bird and Robot? I mean, even the TransCenter was the most photographed spot at Disney! And how many people take photos there now?
Here's the attraction. Create a brand-new style EPCOT show - animatronics, songs (what are those?!), and meaning. Broaden the range of guests - add the latest technology, and it can be thrilling in itself. Perhaps have as a post-show, or side-show in order to use up Fast-Pass, a thrill ride. Say...Test Track pretty much how it is now.
The thing is, not only is EPCOT gradually losing its entire meaning (What the HECK does this place have to do with 'Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow'?) as well as its fundamental worth. Sure. More teenagers are having fun. But this is DISNEY. And DISNEY needs to be a bit more than just fun. Would it be fun to go to Universal for a week? Sure! That would be fun. But DISNEY has that strength, that dedication to meaning and foundation. And along with this degrading aspect as far as EPCOT goes, a park dedicated to humanity and progress (although it seems to be going downhill from that), is further losing its original fans. And that's me - a person who spends thousands of dollars on Disney a year. If this trend continues, with the meaning at EPCOT, and the classics from the Magic Kingdom changing, that could be considerably less.
Again, balance is the answer. If it were my choice in 1995, I would have closed World of Motion and redone it. But to a thrill ride narrowed down to automobiles? No. Rather, it would KEEP the message, but update the show to new heights to continue to educate guests and families - while ALSO offering maybe a thrill ride or two.
And as for the kids go. . . what about great shows like the original "Journey into Imagination" and "Kitchen Kabaret?" Not only were these kid shows - they were family shows. And imagine even these updated to new heights. That doesn't mean cutting the track in half. This doesn't mean creating card board cut outs. This doesn't mean creating black space. And this also doesn't mean cutting down Animatronics.
If EPCOT can keep with its original foundation - the only strength it can have - then I'll be happy. I don't want to see an attraction like Spaceship Earth close down because I don't want to see a repeat. If Disney could only assure it would keep the quality - and I guess meaning has been established - then I'd love for it to be brought on.
:lol: 
