I remember some EPCOT leader saying sometime that they were difficult to maintain.
So I rode Universe of Energy a few days ago, right after it had come back up from being 101. Here goes:
Pre-show: First off, the dinosaur topiaries are no longer there, to answer that question. I didn't notice that anything else was different as far as the trees goes. First thing I notice inside is that we now have a Universe of New Carpet Smell. The interior signs are gone, that used to be on either wall. Before the show, a Cast Member came out to explain that they're still in test and adjust mode, that the attraction could go down at any time. The film started okay, with just that one-second lag on that second screen from the left. Once it got to the point where Ellen announces her favorite TV show is coming on, the audio cut out for about 3-5 minutes. The CM came out and said they're trying to get it fixed, and didn't know if they'd have to close it or not. It came back on right around the "dream sequence" bit, but the audio in the rest of the room that makes it sound like the audience is throwing out suggestions was very low.
Theater 1- Six-pack! (That one's for you, Martin!) I toodled on right up front dead center. I don't think this has been there before, but on the left side up towards the ceiling near the apex/finale screen, there was what looks like a miniature football goal sticking out of the wall. I have no idea what it could be for, except to punt little footballs for a field goal right into the curtains. And there was also an arrow taped on the floor in that same general area, not sure what that's about. The turntable activated, as silent, swift, and smooth as ever. Swung around, annddd... the right screen is off. Only two-thirds of a Big Bang for me. Audio and the doors to the diorama seemed to work fine and everything.
Diorama- Not much fog this time around, probably still just an off and on thing. Ellen looks awful, terribly plastic-looking face. But, just past her was a treat... lava that was FLOWING!!! Genuine glowing, flowing, moving, rolling-down-the-hillside-coming-to-melt-your-face-off lava! It was pretty exciting. I have to wonder if that has just been another one of those off-and-on effects all along. But if they did bring it back during the rehab, that's quite awesome! Unfortunately, the geyser fountain of lava thing wasn't going over the cave into Theater 2.
Theater 2- Coming in to the theater, only some of the sparkly dots on the floor were working. The control console seems to have a brighter screen now, that is bleeding more light onto the wall behind it. The wipe up at the beginning of the movie was way ahead of the rising curtain. And no signs of the side curtains anywhere! :fork: Otherwise, the movie played out just fine.
Theater 1 Finale- Coming back in, the right screen was back on! Hooray for working vital elements of the show! Paying attention to that, I didn't notice that the curtains were in any other position, they seemed to be where they have been for the past few years. There's a possibility I could be wrong, but I think I'd like to notice something like that. The show ended as normal, no issues that I can remember.
Post-show: There is no post-show, damnit! Unless you're able travel back in time and haul your butt across over to CommuniCore East!
