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What's wrong with EPCOT?

martinthesparta

Member
Original Poster
I absolutely love Epcot and am not sure of the direction it's heading in. The park needs a lot work in my opinion regardless of it's attendance. There I so many people that say it needs help and I just wanna know what people think is wrong with it and how to fix it, here are a few of my thoughts:

SSE needs a serious lengthy rehab to update effects and AAs ect

Turn UOE into a real dark ride (keep dinos but add other scenes, maybe even have a 3d section) but keep ellen as the narrator only and maybe create a character to share those duties

Take out WOL and build new horizons with updated technology and make the ride more immersive

Move cranium command and other worth while exhibits from WOL to innoventions and do something with innoventions that doesn't make a overhaul nessisary every 10 years or less.

Redo JIYI and bring back dreamworks as muppet labs with many muppet AAs and interactive exhibits

move speedway to test track...

more later

now it's your turn
 

Yenfid

Active Member
Those are good Ideas. I love the one about the Muppetts for JITI! I think something needs to be done with the outside of LS. It is so Early 80's. Nemo is nice but it isn't enough. Maybe do some stuff about sea monsters, mythical ones and some stuff from 20K. Like hang the big pink squid from somewhere. Maybe even have a sub. But that won't happen since the subs are gone. Bring back the Sea Cabs!
 

martinthesparta

Member
Original Poster
Yenfid said:
Those are good Ideas. I love the one about the Muppetts for JITI! I think something needs to be done with the outside of LS. It is so Early 80's. Nemo is nice but it isn't enough. Maybe do some stuff about sea monsters, mythical ones and some stuff from 20K. Like hang the big pink squid from somewhere. Maybe even have a sub. But that won't happen since the subs are gone. Bring back the Sea Cabs!

Agreed. What I would like to see for TLS first is either keep nemo contained or get him outta there because I don't think he belongs in epcot. Give the pavillion some kind of story and not just an aquarium. And I would like to see the original idea for the sea cabs realized with bubbles through the water, you could do it like TDS 20k. I can get a better idea when I go there in Aug.
 

Expo_Seeker40

Well-Known Member
Well presonally, my ultimate EPCOT Center would take so long to rebuild and cost wise, that I'm gonna scratch that off my wish list. :cool: :lol:

Personally, the park should be renamed EPCOT Center. No, I heard a different story that "Center" refers to the park's ideas and themes based on the "Center" of both cultural and futuristic understanding. Therefore I heard that "Center" does NOT refer to the parks geographical location on WDW Property.

While EPCOT was the community/city that never became, EPCOT Center was the park dedicated in remembrance of Walt's love for Utopia, and World's Fairs, and I feel the park needs to do that again.

EPCOT, an acronym that actually means something, shouldn't be "Epcot" a word with no true meaning. If the copy right theory on acronyms is correct, than I can atleast settle for what the park was called in the mid 90s "Epcot Center".

The symbol of EPCOT Center, which I don't know it is officialy called, but was/is quite a symbol. When I went to EPCOT Center in 1995 the symbol was everywhere. Going to Epcot in 2004, the symbol was in less than five places, let alone I could only find three pavilions in Future World that still use their unique symbols. So each pavilion should either regain it's original symbol or a new symbol like for Mission: Space. Test Track could easily addpt the World Of Motion symbol, but I feel that would be dishonest to the ride, just like so many feel if Mission: Space were to officialy addopt the Horizons symbol.

Landscaping is another thing. I HATE the current post 99 Epcot entrance. The should move leave-a-legacy to a landscaped park between future world and world showcase. They should improve upon the original 1982 scheme, and add more rows of intricate trees, and exotic plants, with of course fountains, and benches. How tranquil the entrance could once be, rather than a barren brown wasteland.

The entrance I think should atleast be 1980s, this is only acrhitevture we're talking about folks, you can always add the latest gagets and gizmos for use, but atleast remmeber the old EPCOT Center through it's architecture.

The wand and stars HAVE to come off of SSE. They have outdone their time. That is a beautiful sphere, and the whole entrance was ment to look geometric in respect to the sphere, now the entrance, and sphere looks smaller and off balance.

I think the Land, and Leaving Seas will do well. I wish they had room for a pavilion called "Air" and would have put Soarin and other rides like being iside a tornado or hurrane in that pavilion.

Imagination Pavilion, if they could do the original justice and bring back the dreamfinder, of course figment is there, but I think it would be hallarious if the muppets played a role in it. Future World west is a great place to be in.

Future world east, well I highly doubt they [GM or disney] would dare redo the world of motion and put it on the second level. Though I disagree with test tracks purpous in future world, I like the ride, and know it will stay for years to come. I wish for two things: That the transcenter it's REALLY improved, and that they take down that huge entrance tent, and add a smaller tent. That pavilion would be so great to see again, regaurdless that it had to be glass inclosed, and has a track around it.

Mission: Space I like, and it does fit in future world, but sadly not all canm experience this ride, it's not a placid ride for many, but it is and does look 21st century futuristic. I loved Horizons, it was such a great ride, and will always be in my heart, but honestly with the current state of disney, I can't see them bringing it back, in any massive way shape or form

Wonders of life, see we have Imagination, a pavilion for phycology, and we NEED wonders of life for a pavilion of anatamoy, if they would do a huge overhall, or decide on one major attraction than I say go for it. We have so much progress in healthcare breakthroughs that there is potentional for that pavilion.

Universe of Energy would look SO much better if they repainted it in the orange scale again, there eas a reason why they did it. They should also add tiles back to the entire pavilion, and not just the visible front. I think Ellen and Bill got to go, I never have said nor think they "suck" but hello this was from 1996, and we all know how rapid the 90s changed. Universe of Energy is the most classic, World's Fair attraction, I believe one can experience at EPCOT Center. With state of the art lighting, sound, and graphics they can vastly improve the pre show, and finale, and entire ride. After watching Marni's excellent tribute video, the original theater was so much better, and of course can be upgraded by todays standards, but I still thinkl the ride vehicles are suffent, though not the most confortable. The dino scenes used to be brighter, adn had a smell to it, if they could update those AA's, maybe give it a little scarey presence, but not too much jurrasic park or dinosaur, then maybe that could work.

SSE, oh my god, where do I begin, first of all I almost stood up and appluaded after watching Marni's tribute video of walter cronkite's version of SSE. Walter Cronkite is the perfect choice to once again host the narration of the ride. Yes, they need a new track, new vehicles with all the fixings, new lighting, sounds, and updated AA's, wich I mean their insides updated. When we had the 20th century scene, it was done well. The last original scene is the family of the 1960s in their living room with all the TV's on the wall. We then saw the 1970s and the first home office. Thew 1980s and the start of the PC, then my favorite scene, the 1990s with the man and woman working at the big center, with the maps on the ceeiling, if they were to bring that back, once we go through the transparent earth, and up the ramp, on our left would be either late 90s, 2000, or dawn of 21st century scene, sure add those two kids in, but get out of 1990s version, and show the way that era really was. On our right would be as futuristic as the imagineers can think, a futuristic entertainment room with a family in it. At the climax we see astronauts working on a space vehicle, with starts blinking, and comets and other things hurlting by us, the orchestral version of tomorrows chuld begins to play. The first half way down the tunnel going backwards, we see plazmas or what ever showing children, etc. We then see a futuristic city model, the sphere floating in space, and then the sponcor sign, all done in a better high tech tunnel.

They should bring back the earth station, no not 80s looking, but maybe giant plazma screens, with the latest in sound, and lighting, new touch tone screens, and a whole no information center.

Innoiventions should once again be Communicore, and should house the latest and I mean latest and also what the future will bring in gagesta and gizoms, they should think about adding a "smart house" interactive walk through.

So, in total Future World needs the help the most, the pavilion arent really cosmetically outdated, as are their current interior attractions, I can think of only two exceptions, Wonder's Of Life Pavilion, and the Communicore/Innoventions buildings. I thought the EPCOT Center "tan era" was "far out", but they need to incorporate other colors, and textures than falt out tan, and purple, etc.

World SHowcase looks good I think, maybe just see how the rides are going, and add new ones if needed. I think a peoplemover going around the lagoon permiter would be nice on the feet and a nice aerial with certain pinoint stations. I think World Showcase is the best place for a parade, and disney characters, it just doesn't work so well with some future world attractions.

Ok I know that was long, but I had to really say how I feel about the park, and where I feel it should go. :wave: :p
 

Pixie Duster

New Member
I love EPCOT, the funny thing is it seems that people feel Future World needs help not really World Showcase. I really, really, really, really want Carousel of Progress to be moved to EPCOT... really, really, really want it there.
 

General Grizz

New Member
Great ideas! I'll add some personal suggestions.

Spaceship Earth: Update the entire attraction. If possible, redo riding system. Make show scenes even MORE elaborate! And finally, give the finale a new update (using AAs, of course), with action in every direction.

Innoventions: It needs a new image. Mix in the Future World Gardens idea with bridges, etc. in Future World Central. . . but keep the general fountain atmosphere. Redo the inside with *memorable*, *Disneyesque* attractions, ala Timekeeper. If Disney is desperate, this area is ideal for the Carousel of Progress; however, that would disrupt the open "plaza" atmosphere, as well as the view of the fountain.

Wonders of Life: Keep the Cranium Command (reshoot all video footage and modernize the setting, and make the queue more "recruitment"-style and elaborate), take out Body Wars and add a new Chemistry/molecule-related thrill ride which could extend behind the pavilion and into Mission Space's backstage, add new, original characters to enhance the shows, and retheme the area, while keeping the atmosphere and area music.

Mission Space: Make this a dual pavilion. Add something more for families. If necessary, a new post-show. Make this big, with giant walkthroughs of elaborate scenes of space, ala Horizons, and unique areas.

Test Track: Gut the current post-show and retheme it to, first, a walkthrough story of the progress of motion from the ride exit, into a future city: the entrance to the main post show. Add Disney shows regarding motion (ala Bird and Robot), and bring a theme song to the exit: "Fun to be Free" would be appropriate. In other words, make it GOOD!!

Journey into Imagination: Gut the ride. Gut the queue. Redo it. Figment and Dreamfinder are absolutely necessary and add the NEWEST TECHNOLOGY AND SPECIAL EFFECTS . . . as well as a decent, all around admirable story. Make it BREATHTAKING. Make it fun. Reopen the upstairs. This place needs the most help.

The Land: Changes undergoing. Keep the spirit of the Land. . .retheme California to Soarin' over the Land - landscapes, etc. not! landmarks! BRING BACK THE BALLOONS AND FOUNTAIN if they are taken away!

The Living Seas: Reopen Sea Cabs and utilize Finding Nemo only slightly more. General retheming.

You know, Epcot doesn't need all that much - a few refurbishments in every pavilion, and two more new "E-Ticket" rides: thrill (WoL - but it would NOT! affect the rest of the pavilion) and family (JII - something that any guest at Epcot would say "Wow!" to). Otherwise, retheme post shows, making them Disney quality. . . and bring back symbols, songs, and the united feel that would strengthen the "Future World" one again!
 

Danny14

New Member
I think that Future World's main problem is that it is becoming more like the present instead of the future. First, I think that Spaceship Earth should be updated (although the ride concept should remain the same). I also think that something needs to be done with Journey into Your Imagination. It's a shame that Horizons is gone...that attraction really was perfect for the park.
 

jcraycraft

Member
Expo_Seeker40 said:
Landscaping is another thing. I HATE the current post 99 Epcot entrance. The should move leave-a-legacy to a landscaped park between future world and world showcase. They should improve upon the original 1982 scheme, and add more rows of intricate trees, and exotic plants, with of course fountains, and benches. How tranquil the entrance could once be, rather than a barren brown wasteland.
:p

I totally agree with you on the entrance.... On my first visit to EPCOT CENTER back in 1984 I loved the way the entrance looked. Today it looks like a graveyard full of tombstones. GET RID of leave-a-legacy from entrance...please. BTW Epcot is one of my family’s favorite parks...ties with MK. Even our 7 and 8 boys love Epcot. I do think updates should be done as needed, but keep the original Epcot concept going.

later
 

NemoRocks78

Seized
My "suggestions" to make Epcot a better place:

--Give Spaceship Earth a major rehab. The vehicles would be replaced, scenes updated, and new animatronics.

--Keep the Wonders of Life pavilion, but it give it a major overhaul. Fix up Cranium Command, rip out Body Wars and put in a thrill ride through the human body, add some new interactive exhibits on health and exercise, and just clean the place up.

--Redo Journey Into Imagination with Figment to include Dreamfinder, but keep the Channing character and Imagination Institute theme. Image Works would be great as a "Muppet Labs" interactive area as some have suggested as well.

--I'm with the General on the Mission: SPACE and Test Track post-shows; new ones for both are needed ASAP.

--Keep the Nemo project phases going for The Living Seas. Reopen the Sea Cabs with a Nemo overlay.

--Have a new film for Soarin', which would focus on all of America, ready to play by the time the Disneyland 50th celebration is over.

--Get the Carousel of Progress over here. It fits with the Epcot theme perfectly. Where to put it though......

--Remove the wand. Also, move Leave a Legacy somewhere else, and, as others have said, return the entrance of old.

--Demolish Innoventions, and bring in the Future World Gardens.
 

Redsilas

New Member
Expand the World Pavilion

So, I grew up one of those strange children that prefered to learn while visiting theme parks...and the lure of the World Pavilion too.

Spaceship Earth, albeit a kind of old-fashioned ride, is one of the many many great memories I have of Epcot itself. Most of my memories stem from being stuck on the ride during the 'Extra extra read all about it' newspaper boy and the telegraph man....seems like everytime the ride stops its in that general area.

While I like the new Imagination ride, I always love the older ride and prefered the older imagination room before remodeling happened.

What I would LIKE to see the most is perhaps another two possible country additions. I think Russia would make a really fine addition since its moved out of the communist country stage and Australia with their excellent wines and pretty good cusine (Outback Steakhouse is NOT Australian food). :lookaroun
 

martinthesparta

Member
Original Poster
Redsilas said:
What I would LIKE to see the most is perhaps another two possible country additions. I think Russia would make a really fine addition since its moved out of the communist country stage and Australia with their excellent wines and pretty good cusine (Outback Steakhouse is NOT Australian food). :lookaroun

I've always thought Egypt and Greece would make for good additions to WS and offer a variety of possibilities for attractions, but I like your ideas too.
 

WDWScottieBoy

Well-Known Member
I would personally love to see Switzerland in the WS. It is a very cultured country. There are 3 official languages (French, German and Italian). I lived in Geveva for 4 years and loved it there. I wish I could go there every year, but have never found the time to. I haven't been since I moved away, and I think it would be really cool to have in WS. You could have a mountain background, some people playing the Alphorn, yodel, etc. Sounds like an excellent idea to me.
 

TnkrBelPixiDust

New Member
I think everyone has great ideas... I espicially like the idea of bringing Muppets into JIYI... I'm not a huge EPCOT fan but I think some of the improvements that everyone has mentioned would help a lot!!! :)
 

Testtrack321

Well-Known Member
General Grizz said:
Great ideas! I'll add some personal suggestions.

Mission Space: Make this a dual pavilion. Add something more for families. If necessary, a new post-show. Make this big, with giant walkthroughs of elaborate scenes of space, ala Horizons, and unique areas.

Test Track: Gut the current post-show and retheme it to, first, a walkthrough story of the progress of motion from the ride exit, into a future city: the entrance to the main post show. Add Disney shows regarding motion (ala Bird and Robot), and bring a theme song to the exit: "Fun to be Free" would be appropriate. In other words, make it GOOD!!

Totally agree. I think that this will change Epcot tons. Also, for Spaceship Earth, I would re-do everything, as in add new sets, remove old sceans, add new sceans, update audio animatronics, heck, mabey even add an audio system like the one on Alien Encouter, where it sounds like you are in the experence, or use some of that new 'laser sound' technology to it. As for Innoventions, put more interactive exhibits, like riding a Segway, in it.
 

EpcotGrl

New Member
PLEASE rehab Spaceship Earth...it's one of my favorites and it's getting...well, painful.

Would LOVE to see Odyssey utilized for SOMETHING. I just love the friggin' building for no apparent reason :) Redo WoL and make it cool again! I *love* Cranium Command, and it deserves rehab!

Would also love to see new countries...I agree with the suggestion of Russia. I actually once had a dream of watching Illuminations from a mock-up of Red Square in the shadow of the Kremlin. *sigh*

Obsessed? Me? Naw...
 

TnkrBelPixiDust

New Member
EpcotGrl: PLEASE rehab Spaceship Earth...it's one of my favorites and it's getting...well, painful.

You really think so?? I love SSE... I think its really nice to just sit and relax and go through all the time periods... I wouldnt change a thing... well maybe some seat padding but thats irrevelant!
 

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