What Happend to Project Gemini???

tirian

Well-Known Member
I would say these were band aid fixes rather than long term solutions. Even with Soarin, I can see the Land pavillion changing. I think Nestle has pulled out of the Land sponsorship. Whoever Disney gets to be the next sponsor of that Pavillion may want something totally new to build on the success of Soarin. Many factors will drive the changes in Epcot, not just long term goals like Project Gemini.

If Disney has some viable ideas for Innoventions (Communicore), Imagination Pavillion and the Wonders of Life, then I'll believe were actually doing things in line with Project Gemini. Otherwise, I think we just have temporary fixes.

These aren't quick fixes; they were parts of Project Gemini in the first place. Research what the original plans involved.
 

Spike-in-Berlin

Well-Known Member
Interesting that the price tag was only 500 Million for all of Project Gemini. The California Adventure Extreme Makeover budget is 1.2 Billion Dollars for 2009 to 2012. :eek:

You're kidding. Really? DCA must be an even larger failure than I imagined if they invest such an enormous amount of money in the smallest Disney-Park in the United States. What a waste of money compared to the necessary improvements in WDW. Imagine(er) what they could do with 1.200.000.000 $ in WDW. Fire Mountain and other major additions for MK. Both new Nations and new rides in WS. A reimaging of FW. An Indiana Jones Adventure in DHS and finally Beastly Kingdomme in DAK.
 

Spike-in-Berlin

Well-Known Member
I don't think tha time Racers can physically happen. I think the only way we'll ever see Time Racers is if they build it somewhere that isn't inside of Spaceship Earth. I think SSE in its current format (meaning a dark ride) is pretty safe from deestruction. Now the content of the ride is up for grabs in the future I guess, but I don't think the ride system itself can really go anywhere (from an engineering standpoint).

Oh it can, it definitely can. That's no engineering problem. The hull and the ride inside are completely different constructions. You could build a thrill ride inside, take a look at the sections and floorplans. Especially if you include some outdoor track sections.
 

EPCOT Explorer

New Member
Um... it looks like the old Epcot. How is it "new?"

Spaceship%20Earth%20JLDVDcopy.jpg
epoct-original-spaceship-earth-jwl.jpg

You posted the same exact image from the same exact year.:dazzle:


When I said I wanted a visually pleasing EPCOT,I meant removal of the LAL tombstones(they look grim and depressing to most) and the removal of the "circus" coverings in Innoventions Plaza.The whole point of having a big open area behind SSE is to see it...The tarps obstruct the view.

The overgrown trees are a bit gross too.
 

EPCOT Explorer

New Member
Holy cow, that's nit-picky.

I see palm trees framing the golf ball in both.

I see a light shade of blue in both (because light gray and powder blue are SO different).

No, sculpture... sure... but you said that you would like one just like before.

Blue and blue instead of blue and orange.

The trim is the biggest difference! Woah! It's like Epcot is replacing a chair rail! It will make it a whole new park!
New lights? Yawn.Did you ever see SSE color change?It looked way better than the current Purple/Orange static projection we have now.

Smaller plants? Yawn.

New benches and trashcans? That's a major selling point. :rolleyes:

I thought the merf reaction to the addition of a new pinstripe on a wall was over.

Wake me if Epcot decides to do something that isn't retro.So you want to keep defending mediocrity? Why would these changes hurt? The whole idea of keeping the plaza the same is retro-it's been there for almost 10 years.

Retro isn't ALWAYS bad or fanboy-ish.Overgrown plants and faded colors are.
 

uklad79

Member
I was at Epcot last Wednesday, and it struck me... Wasn't space ship earth going to be revamped into a thrill ride? and what about discovery land re-theming?

I'm guessing budget cuts? or they're just not wanting to get rid of a classic? more expensive than just building it somewhere else? age ride ability?

if you don't know what i'm talking about, look here: http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2003/02/18/218.aspx

and here: http://www.wdwmagic.com/project_gemini.htm

Create a thread that will turn into a monster then run off why don't you :animwink:

I am happy with the changes that have been made in the past few years but a couple of updates are need to the entrance, the signage, the Electric Umbrella and the fountain plaza area and I think I will be happy with everything.
 

EPCOT Explorer

New Member
Create a thread that will turn into a monster then run off why don't you :animwink:

I am happy with the changes that have been made in the past few years but a couple of updates are need to the entrance, the signage, the Electric Umbrella and the fountain plaza area and I think I will be happy with everything.

Exactly,FW just needs some touch up.;)
 

Legacy

Well-Known Member
Retro isn't ALWAYS bad or fanboy-ish.Overgrown plants and faded colors are.
The idea of going back to something like what was there before the current version is even more retro and fan-boyish.

Yeah... I've seen the color change on Spaceship Earth. But can throw some color mixers on top of the surrounding buildings, spend thousands of dollars in the process, and it not make a lick of difference.

I do lighting, and I'm happiest when color changes aren't noticed. I think it's best when a person glances up and thinks, "wasn't it a different color before?"

Now, if they're do LED tubing trim, where the entire complex can change colors with the push of the button, then I am so there... but maybe that's too much of a change, since it isn't a static trim like what was there in the 80's.

I'm not trying to defend mediocrity, but I don't see how painting the walls are going to make anything less mediocre. If they're going to change the entrance plaza... then frickin' CHANGE the entrance plaza. Make it look futuristic, since it is "Future World." Make the trim change color. Give everything a pearlescent coating that makes the walls look like they change color. Put LED along the monorail track that changes with the movement of monorails moving overhead. In other words, do something completely different that isn't like what we had before or what we have now.

I'd be happy with metallic trees framing Spaceship Earth. Personally, I think palm trees are just too "Florida" to fit within Future World.

(And personally, I like the Leave a Legacy monuments.)
 

kingslyZISSOU

New Member
Original Poster
Create a thread that will turn into a monster then run off why don't you :animwink:

I am happy with the changes that have been made in the past few years but a couple of updates are need to the entrance, the signage, the Electric Umbrella and the fountain plaza area and I think I will be happy with everything.

heh, sorry guys. Ive been really busy lately.

Ive been doing a lot of thinking about the awful look of future world, and the suggestions you all have made. They REALLY need some "weenies" (as wdi call them) to draw the visual focus away from all the concrete, and take away from the feeling of being in a parking garage or an airport.

I think what would be a great addition for many locations around future world area would be LARGE modern 3-d art art pieces (most likely metal) that could correspond to the section they are in. They could even be modern art from around the world to add to the motif of unity. It would contribute to the sophisticated feel, and be dazzling to the young and old. (you don't have to be older to appreciate art.). And above all, it would be rather inexpensive. So many artists (non Disney too) would jump at the chance to have their work seen by that many people, that they would most likely donate their work. They could even have different "shows", by switching out all the pieces every so often, to keep it fresh, and people interested. It could even be listed as a NEW ATTRACTION on the maps. It would get a lot of press from culture society's around the country.

They just need to get rid of that empty feeling. The vast void of concrete that is future world just feels so cold, and not very welcoming.
 

kingslyZISSOU

New Member
Original Poster
The idea of going back to something like what was there before the current version is even more retro and fan-boyish.

Yeah... I've seen the color change on Spaceship Earth. But can throw some color mixers on top of the surrounding buildings, spend thousands of dollars in the process, and it not make a lick of difference.

I do lighting, and I'm happiest when color changes aren't noticed. I think it's best when a person glances up and thinks, "wasn't it a different color before?"

Now, if they're do LED tubing trim, where the entire complex can change colors with the push of the button, then I am so there... but maybe that's too much of a change, since it isn't a static trim like what was there in the 80's.

I'm not trying to defend mediocrity, but I don't see how painting the walls are going to make anything less mediocre. If they're going to change the entrance plaza... then frickin' CHANGE the entrance plaza. Make it look futuristic, since it is "Future World." Make the trim change color. Give everything a pearlescent coating that makes the walls look like they change color. Put LED along the monorail track that changes with the movement of monorails moving overhead. In other words, do something completely different that isn't like what we had before or what we have now.

I'd be happy with metallic trees framing Spaceship Earth. Personally, I think palm trees are just too "Florida" to fit within Future World.

(And personally, I like the Leave a Legacy monuments.)

I agree, I dont think painting the concrete is the answer, but i think some metal work is. Think like a very light version of the wdw redo of tomorrow land, but less sci-fi. It probably sounds like im obsessed with metal work or something, but i think it would fit perfectly. Everything about the area should shout progress at guests, and I think metal designs dripping down the buildings would really set the mood. yes it would be more expensive, but it would really turn some heads.

I really like your LED idea for the monorail, that would be really cool. And some changing colored lights from behind metal work would look rather stunning at night.

And I HIGHLY agree with your comments about palm trees being to Florida for future world. They need to make it feel like future world, without having to read the map to understand where they are. The landscaping in the area is just to plain, it makes me feel like I'm in my neighborhood. theres just too much grass, around future world. They should add some rock work, or winding hills, or something. It may have looked futuristic in its beginnings, but its just too plain now. maybe I'm just too used to the landscaping down here in Florida, but it just seems to plain to me.

and just in case anyone miss understands what I'm saying, it shouldn't be so radically futuristic looking that its outdated in 20 years. It just needs to be more interesting, more 3d. Not just some big field of grass and concrete.

and inoventions... Just really needs some plussing, or the boot. Its way to 90s. If i were a father, i would hate to take my family in there. Its like chucky cheeses, its a zoo. way too many groups get accidentally separated in there. They should do something about the chaotic feel to it. I really hate that product testing section with the hard hats, and slamming doors. Its like a crappy pointless version of mosi. They should focus more on companies showcasing their new technology (plus Disney gets paid alot buy those companies). But maybe its just me, I haven't seen any company surveys about inventions.
 

kingslyZISSOU

New Member
Original Poster
...And as for that rain forest coaster, I think It would be better for animal kingdom as well. As long as it blends into the landscape, and doesn't look like six flags. I think it would be awesome if all the track was in the ground, so it feels like your just flying through the forest with no track exposed. They could also figure something out with fake grass sticking up from the ground so that the track wouldn't be seen. Does that make sense? think about the cheap effect at animal kingdom in the Kilimanjaro safari ride at animal kingdom. They planted really tall grass in the middle of the road, so the passing cars push it over, and then it springs back up again. I.m sure they could make it so it doesn't get caught in the wheels. I just like the concept of a fast ride in the jungle. It wouldn't have to be just a coaster, it could also have show elements. It could even be an Indiana jones chase. Something like the mummy's revenge, but outdoors.
 

wickedfan07

Member
@ Legacy and kingslyZISSOU:

I really like some of the ideas you both mentioned. Legacy, I really like your idea for LEDs on the monorail track. That would really add pop to the otherwise bland track at night. As far as color changes on SSE go, I think the color changes would be a very nice addition to the nighttime ambience of the plaza. Like you said, it would be best if they aren't so noticable. It would be very cool of the color was constantly changing throughout the night, but slowly enough that it wasn't terribly noticable. In a way, that's kind of symbolic of the Earth rotating on its axis. It moves, but we don't notice it.

kingslyZISSOU, I like what you said about the wide grassy expanse of future World. I agree with adding features like rockwork, elevation changes and water to make the landscape more interesting. The 3D art could be very interesting as well, but I'm not sure how well it would fit. the artpieces would have to be placed carefully so not to distract guests' attention from the pavilions and their themes. Art that tied each pavilion's thematic elements together, like a piece representing the connection between the Land and The Seas would be a nice additon. right now, each of the Epcot pavilions is fighting each other for popularity and attention. I think the real success will come one each pavilion is designed to be a functioning part of the whole and complement each other. Our energy needs affect everythin we do on the planet, for example. cWe can't farm, drive cars or fly in space without energy. Why then does The Land not mention energy and Universe of Energy not mention The Land?

I also liked your ideas on the rainforest rollercoaster. I don't know how Disney could get grass to actually cover the tracks of high speed roller coaster, but they can camouflage the track in other ways to make it almost invisible. I think a mostly or completely outdoor roller coaster that isn't on a mountain would be very cool. just because it's disney doesn't mean an outdoor roller coaster is out of thr question. It just takes a little more effort to hide the nuts and bolts of the ride, that's all. While I would love to see a roller coaster in epcot, I think this particular idea for an attraction belongs in Animal Kingdom. an impessive ride like this could be would be a perfect anchor for a South American/Amazon section.

And yes, Innoventions does need some help. A story or some guiding principle beyond "Hey, here's some exhibits!" would be a good start!
 

akika666

New Member
I agree with the LEDS on the tracks idea. Sort of "tron" ish but cool. I would not be too hip on outlining every structure, though... that would look sort of kitschy, or "world showcase-y" in other words.

The BEST idea of all of these mentioned has been getting rid of those heinous monuments lined up depressingly in the entry plaza. I hate them with a passion. They don't even look like cool gravestones. When I was there last week I finally realized what they reminded me of - holocaust memorials I saw when I traveled europe.

What of those who actually "left a legacy," however? Did they pay for the privilege? Would their "legacies" be relocated more tastefully?
 

kingslyZISSOU

New Member
Original Poster
I have a book called "Walt Disney's Epcot Center Creating the new world of tomorrow" which was released the year the park opened. I was looking at a photograph of the building of space ship earth, and the structural steel only allows for any ride system to spiral up, then back down the sphere. Personally, I think the reason they canceled the time racers ride to replace space ship earth is...
1. It would close a major e-ticket with a large capacity
2. the cost of just gutting space ship earth would be ridiculous.
3. Another thrill ride could be located elsewhere
4. a thrill ride (who usually have low capacity) at the gate of the park (and with the new layout only one side of the original entrance being open) would cause a very large amount of people standing around talking, waiting and deciding. traffic would be awful.
5. thats the only 1 of 2 remaining e-tickets that people who don't like thrill rides (or cant go on them) can go on
 

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