What do you think of the EPCOT Central Spine redesign?

[HauntedPirate]

So... "Epcot World Center"? Does this mean we could have Magic Kingdom (which is what many people still think is "Disney World"), Epcot World Center, Disney's Movie World, and Disney's Animal World in a few years? That would tie all the theme parks together with a nice, synergistic bow, plus make merchandising's job easier...

I don't have a problem with a movie IP being used in the parks, as long as it's done well and done correctly. Slapping "Frozen" on top of the former Maelstrom is NOT an example of that, nor is Guardians replacing UoE (or MMRR replacing GMR, but that isn't for this thread). The Living Seas with Nemo is probably the best example, and even that wasn't done with a great deal of success (as was mentioned earlier this thread). 'Inside Out' would fit quite well at WoL along with 'Big Hero 6' (or at least Baymax). But also let the Imagineers come up with new things instead of having them confined to the management mandate of "gotta use movie IP". Who knows, maybe they'll create something magnificent. It's been known to happen a time or two.

The nail in EPCOT Center's coffin, and the ideas and ideals which created it, came the day 'Horizons' closed permanently. IMHO.

 

[wdisney9000]

It's not misplaced. Why do you think it's misplaced?

It is misplaced because the "IP's are ok as long as they are done the right way" belief has already been proven as something that is not going to happen. The problem with the opposing views on Epcot is that the "I accept it" crowd feels that people such as myself are holding out some type of belief that the glorious Epcot Center will someday return. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do believe Epcot should change and not remain in the past. The key word is "change". Becoming a second Magic Kingdom is not change. It is a copy.

Martin said it best a few posts ago. It is just wishful thinking to desire that Epcot be unique.

 

[wdisney9000]

New leadership may give you more of what you are looking for. You are right, the imagineers and creative minds CAN make things work. Even a poorly placed IP they can figure out. But in the past when have they been allowed to do so? Thats about to change.

The first that comes to mind when I think of an IP being used in the past in a non-fantasy way isthe old Honey I Shrunk the Kids experience on the original Studio Backlot Tour at MGM. You entered the room with the huge bumble bee. A person was chosen to "ride" the bumble bee and then you learned how they applied it to the film. It was amazing and as a child I was blown away. They did the same with Star Wars when they showed how different angles in a scene allow for a more dramatic effect. Both IPs, both were extremely enjoyable and it kept in tune with the theme of a working studio and you actually learned in a fun way. IP's do not have to be a ride that spins or goes upside down to be enjoyable

 

[ProjectXBlog]

Futureworlds footprint will not be growing aside from the Guardians gravity building. And perhaps a smaller building elsewhere.

i’m assuming the smaller building is a piece of the SPACE restaurant?

 

[marni1971]

i’m assuming the smaller building is a piece of the SPACE restaurant?

That’s kind of in the existing footprint. There may be something small elsewhere too. Maybe.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

My response was wishful thinking. In five years original content will be in the minority. The castle parks were meant to be predominantly IP. Epcot was something fresh. But it’ll be the MK 2.0 with a few attractions that wouldn’t fit in a Kingdom.

That’s the best news I’ve heard!!! Thank you !!!!

 

[tirian]

That’s the best news I’ve heard!!! Thank you !!!!

It’s good news that Disney is no longer interested in having separate themes for its theme parks?

 

[marni1971]

That’s the best news I’ve heard!!! Thank you !!!!

If that’s meant to be funny, it isn’t.

 

[wdisney9000]

If that’s meant to be funny, it isn’t.

 

[jpeden]

New leadership may give you more of what you are looking for. You are right, the imagineers and creative minds CAN make things work. Even a poorly placed IP they can figure out. But in the past when have they been allowed to do so? Thats about to change.

About to change in a good way if you’re a fan of the old EPCOT Center? Or in a bad way?

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

If that’s meant to be funny, it isn’t.

it wasn’t. I’m being realistic.

 

[marni1971]

it wasn’t. I’m being realistic.

Oh. It seemed like an attempt at sarcasm trying to elicit a response.

 

[wdisney9000]

That’s the best news I’ve heard!!! Thank you !!!!

I have to ask.., what makes it "the best news"?

 

[marni1971]

I have to ask.., what makes it "the best news"?

Lack of understanding?

 

[Bender123]

Lack of understanding?

I was leaning towards a mountain of opioids...

 

[Kman101]

@marni1971 , I know it's long been "rumored" about Inside Out being the replacement for Figment, if they should choose to go that route, but are there actual blue sky plans that exist for a ride? (For me, Inside Out better fits the idea of Cranium Command)

Has there ever been true, serious consideration of adding Inside Out or even Big Hero 6 to the park? I know you have to be careful what you say but I'm just curious if they've been the topics of real discussion. This isn't meant to be an IP debate, but personally, I think they could fit the current direction of "IPcot" and I'm surprised they aren't more in a hurry to implement them. IPs that "make sense" (like Coco) and there's no real urgency there with them. It's kind of bizarre. But I guess they have other priorities ... lol

 

[larandtra]

About to change in a good way if you’re a fan of the old EPCOT Center? Or in a bad way?

We have to face the facts that IPs are going to become a norm in every park. Maybe not every attraction, but, the majority of them. So it becomes choosing the right IPs and using them in the right manner creating great attractions. "Old" Epcot will never come back. But, the direction it is in currently is bad as well. So if we can bring back a bit of the nostalgia feel and incorporate new attractions, most using IPs, then Im good with it. We have a lifelong Disney man making decisions now. One who understands one voice, one vision. And one who can bridge the gaps between the top and the creative. One who can help take a look at tons of ideas and plans, and with the help of some very creative people, choose the right direction and then get everyone behind ONE plan. I have no idea which plans will be moved forward, which ones will be modified, etc. I dont even know what 1/4 of the "choices" are, but, what I do have trust in..the right people will be making the choices.

 

[marni1971]

@marni1971 , I know it's long been "rumored" about Inside Out being the replacement for Figment, if they should choose to go that route, but are there actual blue sky plans that exist for a ride? (For me, Inside Out better fits the idea of Cranium Command)

Has there ever been true, serious consideration of adding Inside Out or even Big Hero 6 to the park? I know you have to be careful what you say but I'm just curious if they've been the topics of real discussion. This isn't meant to be an IP debate, but personally, I think they could fit the current direction of "IPcot" and I'm surprised they aren't more in a hurry to implement them. IPs that "make sense" (like Coco) and there's no real urgency there with them. It's kind of bizarre. But I guess they have other priorities ... lol

Inside out was a proposal for the pavilion a while back. Where things stand regarding actual theme at the moment I don’t know.

Both that and Big 6 are considered suitable IP for the park. Amongst others.

 

[Mainahman]

im fine with any IP as long as They Dont take my figment away...

 

[HauntedPirate]

We have to face the facts that IPs are going to become a norm in every park. Maybe not every attraction, but, the majority of them. So it becomes choosing the right IPs and using them in the right manner creating great attractions. "Old" Epcot will never come back. But, the direction it is in currently is bad as well. So if we can bring back a bit of the nostalgia feel and incorporate new attractions, most using IPs, then Im good with it. We have a lifelong Disney man making decisions now. One who understands one voice, one vision. And one who can bridge the gaps between the top and the creative. One who can help take a look at tons of ideas and plans, and with the help of some very creative people, choose the right direction and then get everyone behind ONE plan. I have no idea which plans will be moved forward, which ones will be modified, etc. I dont even know what 1/4 of the "choices" are, but, what I do have trust in..the right people will be making the choices.

Who is this "lifelong Disney man making decisions now"?