What could replace Wonders of Life?

[nibblesandbits]

Since McDonald's is one this big "Let's get active" advertising kick (as a response to criticism that McD's is the root cause of obesity) and they already have a deal with Disney for food service - they should sponsor the pavillion and return it to it's former glory.

With McD's money they could certainly replace body wars with something better and maybe add in a few "active" activities for the kids.

They have more than just a "food service" deal w/Mcdonald's I believe. I watched a movie in class yesterday that said that Disney also had a contract w/McDonalds that anytime Disney releases a movie, McDonalds would feature toys in their happy meals.

This practice still goes on to this day, correct?

 

[sleepybear]

One idea is a weather pavillion which will be set up like a "weather station"(for lack of better term). QUOTE]

Totally agree with you on that one, and am actually surprised they don't have one. You could have exhibits on different measuring devices, phenomenon, etc. And for those seeking thrills, I'm certain a thrill ride could be made up out of traveling from one extreme weather condition to the next.

 

[Dayma]

Does anyone know????? I hope it's something big rather than small. I mean EPCOT could use something thrilling like Test Track or Mission:Space.

They need another darkride not another thrill ride.

 

[imagineersrock]

They have more than just a "food service" deal w/Mcdonald's I believe. I watched a movie in class yesterday that said that Disney also had a contract w/McDonalds that anytime Disney releases a movie, McDonalds would feature toys in their happy meals.

This practice still goes on to this day, correct?

That deal -just- ended actually... it was a 10 year deal if i remember correctly, and McDonalds didn't renew, so they now are not tied down to using only disney, but can still use disney when they want to

 

[marni1971]

One idea is a weather pavillion which will be set up like a "weather station"(for lack of better term).

Totally agree with you on that one, and am actually surprised they don't have one. You could have exhibits on different measuring devices, phenomenon, etc. And for those seeking thrills, I'm certain a thrill ride could be made up out of traveling from one extreme weather condition to the next.

There was a rumour of Stormrider going between Seas and the Land as a Gemini spin off - forming a 3 pavilion extravaganza. Nothing seems to have come of it, but curiously a) M:S went where it did and b) Soarin` was originally proposed to go north, not south, of The Land - thus still keeping the plot between Land and Seas empty.

 

[DarkMeasures]

I bet you that WoL will get an update before anything else.

I mean it is really an important pavilian. Health and the medical Sciences is one of the most fitting things for Epcot. It is just that the current version was done very poorly and suffers today.

See, I mean WoL was built to boost Epcot attendance by adding something more mainstream to the park. I mean look, a thrill ride (body wars), and a bunch of attractions chunk full of celebrities.

But there was a flaw to this. You see, when something is based more or less on the fads of the time, the item ages superfast. But not only that, but simulator attractions also kinda died and have never been number one attractions. (Mission Space is the only one that has a chance to still have long waits for well over a decade).

But the results were that the Wonders of Life pavilian aged very badly. I personally think that the whole pavilian needs to be gutted and the imagineers should start from scratch and create an experience that fits the theme and will not age.

I really would like to see less of a focus on personal fitness and stuff like that and more of a focus on the science of the human body. I also want to see an overhauled Body Wars. I definitly want to see Wonders of Life kept. I also really want to see it completly reimagined.

 

[speck76]

That deal -just- ended actually... it was a 10 year deal if i remember correctly, and McDonalds didn't renew, so they now are not tied down to using only disney, but can still use disney when they want to

I think it is about to end...2006 is the date....and McDonalds is not enthusiastic about renewing....

 

[speck76]

McDonald's Seeks 'Flexibility' After 10-Year Disney Pact

By RICHARD GIBSON
May 11, 2005 12:40 p.m.
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

McDonald's Corp.'s (MCD) reliance on Walt Disney Co. (DIS) for major movie-related marketing promotions may be coming to an end.

The fast-food giant raised that possibility at its annual meeting Wednesday in response to a shareholder's question about whether McDonald's was seeking entertainment-related options that don't involve Disney.

"Our deal with them expires in '06 and we are looking forward to the opportunity to have flexibility around promotional activities and products," replied Chief Executive Jim Skinner.

"Yet we continue to work effectively with Walt Disney," he added without further elaboration.

The 10-year exclusive pact between the companies has long been controversial among McDonald's franchisees, either because it prevented McDonald's from picking up blockbuster movie properties from other studios as promotional vehicles or because some animated Disney films generated disappointing Happy Meal sales.

Although McDonald's hasn't disclosed terms of the deal, published reports have said it calls for the company to pay Disney about $100 million in royalties as well as conduct a dozen or so promotions a year for Disney films, videos, television properties and theme parks.

The agreement gives McDonald's access to Disney's theme parks for its restaurants.

McDonald's shareholder meeting was broadcast over the Internet.

Shares of the company traded recently at $29.88, down 22 cents.

-By Richard Gibson, Dow Jones Newswires; 515-282-6830; ________.gibson@dowjones.com