Two Spirited Quickees...Imagination closing

[Admiral01]

Just the opposite for me. I loved the Hydrolators. I knew they weren't really moving but I loved the way they made it seem like they were. The ride through the aquarium seemed to be really great, but like with all animal attractions we were at the mercy of the animals to be around when we were going through. By the time you started to see something...it was over. It's not that it was awful, just less then impressive for me.

And please...Ellen and Jeopardy were a very welcome improvement over the 45 minute infomercial put on by Exxon, the self described saviors of the planet. At least Ellen, Bill Nye and Jeopardy helped to highlight the need for energy and how it fit into our everyday life in an entertaining way. The original only served to tell us just how great and beneficial Exxon was. Also this was during the time of the Valdez in Alaska mess, so credibility was not really a strong point.

I agree about The Living Seas. I personally loved the ride through the aquarium.

As for UoE, I still prefer the original, but I recognize I am in the minority. The current version with Ellen, Bille Nye, and Jeopardy seems like a glorified after school special. I like Ellen, Bill Nye, and Jeopardy all very much. I just don't care for them still being in the Energy Pavilion. We need an energy pavilion that is up to date: ie, doesn't still refer to solar energy as being too expensive, discussed nuclear power better, and really does a good job of making the audience want to know more about energy. Currently, the only real mention many good forms of energy get are when Ellen is answering the Jeopardy questions in the final montage - no detail, just names of things.

 

[doctornick]

$700 mil is an astronomical figure. If they're truly using that on AK, and Avatar is still only getting the rumored $250-300 mil, then AK would be almost a completely different park when they're done. Is there really that much to improve with AK?

I thought the Avatar budget was more like $400M. If they do a Fantasmic type theater for a WoC show, that's a good bit of money as well, I would think. And then they'd be doing stuff to set up the park for regular night time use.

But, yeah, if that's really the budget, it makes you think there's more on the way than just 2 Pandora rides and a night show. A new parade? Other rides? Pandas?

 

[DDuckFan130]

Or better yet...ground the little snot so he stays home and we don't have to go out and find him. Oh, and BTW...all of EPCOT used to be a special place, but, those days are gone for the most part. The great unwashed want to know why it's so boring at Epcot..it's like watching the discovery channel. They want to be entertained and see some regular Disney stuff. To be completely honest, Living Seas, the initial ride through the middle of the tank was basically boring, boring, boring and incredibly short, even to someone that appreciates the purpose of EPCOT. At least the Nemo connection gave us something reliable to see.

Glad I'm not the only one who found the original Living Seas BORING! I actually found a lot of old "pure" Epcot boring. But then I became of legal drinking age, and found a new appreciation Just kidding, I also appreciate the cultural aspect of WS now that I'm older, and Future World, eh whatever. Love SSE and always have (I'm a teacher, therefore a nerd). M:S got boring after a while, and I like the new TT. Soarin' is classic and holds sentimental value because it scared my 75 year old grandma when she rode it. She passed away this year and I'd like to ride it again for her...too bad lines are always long lol

But yeah, I prefer Nemo and Friends, though it's been a while since I've been on that either. And Imagination. And if I missed any attractions in Future World, I clearly don't care about them LOL

 

[StarWarsGirl]

But yeah, I prefer Nemo and Friends, though it's been a while since I've been on that either. And Imagination. And if I missed any attractions in Future World, I clearly don't care about them LOL

My family rarely went when it was non Nemo. I don't understand the hate. I don't remember original Imagination (I've seen the Youtube video) so I just take the word of my parents and countless others on here.

 

[stevehousse]

I dot understand the hate for the Nemo Seas Pavillion either??? And the only complaint for it seems to be that it retells the same story from the movie??? Doesn't every single ride in fantasyland "retell" those movies???? I don't get why nemo is singled out???

 

[Nemo14]

I dot understand the hate for the Nemo Seas Pavillion either??? And the only complaint for it seems to be that it retells the same story from the movie??? Doesn't every single ride in fantasyland "retell" those movies???? I don't get why nemo is singled out???

Because it's not in Fantasyland!!!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Because it's not in Fantasyland!!!

Neither is Under the Sea in DL and it retells the story.

 

[doctornick]

I dot understand the hate for the Nemo Seas Pavillion either??? And the only complaint for it seems to be that it retells the same story from the movie??? Doesn't every single ride in fantasyland "retell" those movies???? I don't get why nemo is singled out???

I tend to agree. IT probably isn't what I would have chosen for the Living Seas -- I would have preferred a "Nemo and friends welcoming you to the ocean" kind of ride -- but it's not a poor execution. And while I was fine with Seabase Alpha, it wasn't so special that I think it should have been kept forever.

 

[englanddg]

I agree about The Living Seas. I personally loved the ride through the aquarium.

As for UoE, I still prefer the original, but I recognize I am in the minority. The current version with Ellen, Bille Nye, and Jeopardy seems like a glorified after school special. I like Ellen, Bill Nye, and Jeopardy all very much. I just don't care for them still being in the Energy Pavilion. We need an energy pavilion that is up to date: ie, doesn't still refer to solar energy as being too expensive, discussed nuclear power better, and really does a good job of making the audience want to know more about energy. Currently, the only real mention many good forms of energy get are when Ellen is answering the Jeopardy questions in the final montage - no detail, just names of things.

I've never been able to quite put my finger on what I don't like about the new pavilion theme...but this just sums it up perfectly.

It DOES feel like an after school special!

 

[Thrill]

I dot understand the hate for the Nemo Seas Pavillion either??? And the only complaint for it seems to be that it retells the same story from the movie??? Doesn't every single ride in fantasyland "retell" those movies???? I don't get why nemo is singled out???

1. Seas was not a movie retelling. Now it is.
2. Not all Fantasyland rides are movie retellings. Mr. Toad isn - nevermind. Is Pooh a retelling of something? (Peter Pan is close enough, and Under the Sea is undoubtedly so.)

And so, here I am, not at all anticipating Finding Dory...

 

[Clever Name]

I tend to agree. IT probably isn't what I would have chosen for the Living Seas -- I would have preferred a "Nemo and friends welcoming you to the ocean" kind of ride -- but it's not a poor execution. And while I was fine with Seabase Alpha, it wasn't so special that I think it should have been kept forever.

I would have preferred, "Bruce welcomes you as a little snack". I really like to see animals eating other animals.

 

[Radok Block]

I love P&F-- it's a great show (and really, really subversive for Disney Channel fare). But it's a TV show, and a non-network show at that. As others have mentioned, it's past its peak and before long will be off-air and outdated.

There are some TV shows--a very elite few-- that stand up to the test of time and remain somewhat culturally relevant, but I think it's a safe bet that P&F isn't going to be one of them. That's not a ding on P&F; it's just a really high bar to reach and I don't see it getting there.

Future World's biggest issue has been its tendency to get outdated. Retheming an entire pavilion around a fading cable TV property? Good Lord, no no no no noooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I don't think that's what they're going to do...but sadly I don't trust them not to do it either. We'll see.

 

[NowInc]

In my opinion if a new Imagination ride is not equal to or better than Mystic Manor in terms of theme and special effects it will be a failure. This is just how I see it. If they can do an amazing ride like Mystic Manor for one park they can do it for one at WDW also. Anything else is TDO not giving this attraction 100 % of what is available for them to utilize. I'm tired of WDW aiming low. Universal Orlando aims high with their new attractions.

Except (and correct me if im wrong on this) mystic manor wasn't funded solely by disney. Granted, yes..the engineering and technology aspect of the ride are already "paid for", but it would still cost a substantial amount of money to put a trackless system with awesome effects in a pre-existing space. I agree it would be NICE to get this level of quality for a "replacement", but realistically...I understand WHY.

PERSONALLY I'd rather that much funding go to a NEW attraction instead of a re-do.

 

[Admiral01]

I dot understand the hate for the Nemo Seas Pavillion either??? And the only complaint for it seems to be that it retells the same story from the movie??? Doesn't every single ride in fantasyland "retell" those movies???? I don't get why nemo is singled out???

No, my major complaint is that the ride is in Future World at EPCOT. The current theme and execution has absolutely nothing to do with future technology, world culture, or anything that EPCOT is supposed to stand for.

My secondary complaint is that the ride is a lazy, un-original retelling of a movie. The difference between The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and the other Fantasyland rides, is that the other Fantasyland rides are IN FANTASYLAND.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I agree about The Living Seas. I personally loved the ride through the aquarium.

As for UoE, I still prefer the original, but I recognize I am in the minority. The current version with Ellen, Bille Nye, and Jeopardy seems like a glorified after school special. I like Ellen, Bill Nye, and Jeopardy all very much. I just don't care for them still being in the Energy Pavilion. We need an energy pavilion that is up to date: ie, doesn't still refer to solar energy as being too expensive, discussed nuclear power better, and really does a good job of making the audience want to know more about energy. Currently, the only real mention many good forms of energy get are when Ellen is answering the Jeopardy questions in the final montage - no detail, just names of things.

Yes, but then there is "Stupid Judy". Where would we be without that little gem? Actually, I love that part...Stupid Judy!

 

[Goofyernmost]

Glad I'm not the only one who found the original Living Seas BORING! I actually found a lot of old "pure" Epcot boring. But then I became of legal drinking age, and found a new appreciation Just kidding, I also appreciate the cultural aspect of WS now that I'm older, and Future World, eh whatever. Love SSE and always have (I'm a teacher, therefore a nerd). M:S got boring after a while, and I like the new TT. Soarin' is classic and holds sentimental value because it scared my 75 year old grandma when she rode it. She passed away this year and I'd like to ride it again for her...too bad lines are always long lol

But yeah, I prefer Nemo and Friends, though it's been a while since I've been on that either. And Imagination. And if I missed any attractions in Future World, I clearly don't care about them LOL

I don't have that excuse because I was in my late 30's when I first saw it. Can't blame it on childhood impatience.

 

[gonnichi]

Except (and correct me if im wrong on this) mystic manor wasn't funded solely by disney. Granted, yes..the engineering and technology aspect of the ride are already "paid for", but it would still cost a substantial amount of money to put a trackless system with awesome effects in a pre-existing space. I agree it would be NICE to get this level of quality for a "replacement", but realistically...I understand WHY.

PERSONALLY I'd rather that much funding go to a NEW attraction instead of a re-do.

I understand what you are saying. You are right, but I wasn't even interested in the trackless system. Just a great themed ride with great effects. Universal Orlando doesn't seem to need a partner or sponsor to build great themed attractions with great special effects. I guess I just need to keep my expectations for WDW attractions low.

If TDO is going to redo the Imagination Pavilion they need to redo Image works on the second floor as well as the Magic Eye Theater. I wonder why TDO let this pavilion get in such a sorry state in the first place?

 

[gonnichi]

PERSONALLY I'd rather that much funding go to a NEW attraction instead of a re-do.[/quote]


It sounds like you may have inside information about a new attraction being planned for Epcot, care to elaborate?

 

[Admiral01]

A high quality, creative, well executed Journey into Imagination dark ride will be welcome, regardless of track style.

 

[DDuckFan130]

I don't have that excuse because I was in my late 30's when I first saw it. Can't blame it on childhood impatience.

LOL my parents and any adult I went to WDW with back then weren't too fond of the "old" Epcot either...except WS. So it wasn't just me and my childhood impatience.