Two Spirited Quickees...Imagination closing

[doctornick]

Was there actually a plan to reimagine the pavilion or was the design process itself halted?

It's an excellent question. If Imagination was going to be closed in Jan 2014, then either (1) plans are already completed for a redo and is good to go (but postponed) or (2) the plan was to just close the pavillion and leave it unused until plans are developed.

If it was #2, I'm pretty happy it remains open even in its lame form -- it's better than nothing replacing it (i.e. WoL). If it is #1, I'm intrigued about what was developed -- I don't think we've heard any rumors except for the possibility of a Phineas & Ferb/Doofensmirtz overlay of some sort.

 

[aladdin2007]

It's an excellent question. If Imagination was going to be closed in Jan 2014, then either (1) plans are already completed for a redo and is good to go (but postponed) or (2) the plan was to just close the pavillion and leave it unused until plans are developed.

If it was #2, I'm pretty happy it remains open even in its lame form -- it's better than nothing replacing it (i.e. WoL). If it is #1, I'm intrigued about what was developed -- I don't think we've heard any rumors except for the possibility of a Phineas & Ferb/Doofensmirtz overlay of some sort.

I believe it was more #2, except with already developed plans that would not be used. Instead they were going to close it to save on costs and basically let it sit there and nothing happen for who knows how long. But it looks like everything is postponed like tirian said, it will continue to run as is for now instead of being a shuttered pavilion.

 

[tirian]

Was there actually a plan to reimagine the pavilion or was the design process itself halted?

Closed to save money until plans were finalized.

But there were legitimate plans—including an extended track.

 

[aladdin2007]

Closed to save money until plans were finalized.

But there were legitimate plans—including an extended track.

and I thought they had finilized plans, I guess they didnt totally decide on which one or how etc.

a sponsor sure could do wonders for the project huh?

 

[Clamman73]

Closed to save money until plans were finalized.

But there were legitimate plans—including an extended track.

An extended track, or reuse of the covered up portion?

 

[tirian]

An extended track, or reuse of the covered up portion?

I don't know what the front runner was.

 

[ford91exploder]

I don't know what the front runner was.

Wearing my Curmudgeon hat I'd guess whatever one was cheapest...

 

[harlock2977]

If they shutter this attraction under the guise of a refurb while having no true intention of doing anything but leaving it be. That will be the death knell of Epcot's Future World. This park has become an eembarrassment. I'm really tired of the sponsorship issue too. With admission nearing $100 a head, I believe that's sponsorship enough ( the folks down the road are building like Japanese beavers with no sponsorship, that I know of). At the current rate this park is being developed, they may just replace Ellens UOE into Iger's Universe Of Apathy.

 

[The Duck]

If they shutter this attraction under the guise of a refurb while having no true intention of doing anything but leaving it be. That will be the death knell of Epcot's Future World. This park has become an eembarrassment. I'm really tired of the sponsorship issue too. With admission nearing $100 a head, I believe that's sponsorship enough ( the folks down the road are building like Japanese beavers with no sponsorship, that I know of). At the current rate this park is being developed, they may just replace Ellens UOE into Iger's Universe Of Apathy.

Japanese beavers?

 

[harlock2977]

Japanese beavers?

A metaphor for industrious activities...as a Disney themepark fan, I can see where this may be a hard concept to understand

 

[marni1971]

Was there actually a plan to reimagine the pavilion or was the design process itself halted?

I know of three legitimate plans alone.

 

[marni1971]

An extended track, or reuse of the covered up portion?

Both were proposed.

 

[SirLink]

Both were proposed.

Now it is sitting on a shelve until Iger walks out the door ...

 

[NoChesterHester]

I know of three legitimate plans alone.

I've seen you post similar info before and I appreciate it. What a shame.

My question really was focused on the rumors that the pavilion would be shuttered for some time. That tells me that either they really had no plan or the actual full design wasn't complete and they needed more time to wrap it up. Either scenario is very disappointing and illustrates not only poor planning, but the mindset of management that it could even be considered for a theme park that costs $100 to enter.

 

[marni1971]

I was told last fall the pavilion would be mothballed in the near future until someone could be found who would pay for a refurb.

As if they don't make enough profit in a few weeks to afford it.

 

[Magenta Panther]

I was told last fall the pavilion would be mothballed in the near future until someone could be found who would pay for a refurb.

As if they don't make enough profit in a few weeks to afford it.

Robert Iger cares about stockholders, not park-goers. They're just geese to be plucked.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I was told last fall the pavilion would be mothballed in the near future until someone could be found who would pay for a refurb.

As if they don't make enough profit in a few weeks to afford it.

I know they don't think so, along with many others, but seeing how major companies that we knew and relied on for years are now gone, I think it is a real possibility that they could mothball their way right out of existence.

Advertising is a mythical process anyway. There is only speculation as to how well it works. Buying TV or media space is much easier to track then a theme park. Up until the late 90's companies thought that the mere masses of people that they were exposed to could justify the expense. Since then, I fear, that they have figured out that they can reach more people with one ad during the Superbowl and it is more cost efficient and measurable then, having their name on a pavilion. I think Disney has to completely change their thought pattern concerning that. Large scale Theme park sponsorship is no longer thought of as a no lose investment.

 

[ford91exploder]

I know they don't think so, along with many others, but seeing how major companies that we knew and relied on for years are now gone, I think it is a real possibility that they could mothball their way right out of existence.

Advertising is a mythical process anyway. There is only speculation as to how well it works. Buying TV or media space is much easier to track then a theme park. Up until the late 90's companies thought that the mere masses of people that they were exposed to could justify the expense. Since then, I fear, that they have figured out that they can reach more people with one ad during the Superbowl and it is more cost efficient and measurable then, having their name on a pavilion. I think Disney has to completely change their thought pattern concerning that. Large scale Theme park sponsorship is no longer thought of as a no lose investment.

Now they slap their name on some sports venue instead

 

[jdmdisney99]

Now they slap their name on some sports venue instead

I was just talking about that.

TV - "The 100th Rose Bowl Game..."

Me - "Wow. Neat..."

TV - "Presented by Vizio"

Me - "[facepalm] and why do I care?"

 

[tirian]

I know they don't think so, along with many others, but seeing how major companies that we knew and relied on for years are now gone, I think it is a real possibility that they could mothball their way right out of existence.

Advertising is a mythical process anyway. There is only speculation as to how well it works. Buying TV or media space is much easier to track then a theme park. Up until the late 90's companies thought that the mere masses of people that they were exposed to could justify the expense. Since then, I fear, that they have figured out that they can reach more people with one ad during the Superbowl and it is more cost efficient and measurable then, having their name on a pavilion. I think Disney has to completely change their thought pattern concerning that. Large scale Theme park sponsorship is no longer thought of as a no lose investment.

It works for Siemens and IBM.