Rumor Wonders of Life getting an attraction soon?

[aladdin2007]

The answer is balance. And I have some ideas on how to do it. 2 of those ideas being, the original Journey into Imagination ride brought back with upgraded technology and enhanced effects (ala the upgrades done to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Disneyland’s Fantasyland rides). While Inside Out gets a new attraction in the Wonders of Life pavilion in the old Cranium Command space. In regards to the rest of the park (with the exception of SpaceShip Earth and Living with the Land). I say, do whatever. But all I hope is that there’s a balance between things that’ll appeal to both audiences. Attractions done in Epcot’s original spirit of inspiration and discovery *and* some film IP based attractions. That’s the best way to go. Infact, that’s why Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom still work so well today. Balance. Without that balance, the park is screwed.

just to sort of add to that....another problem with the park is they keep taking away, the park has the most wasted spaces and underutilized attraction locations. the 3d movie theater, wonders of life, circle of life theater, the odyssey. Entire pavilions and parts of, that they just gave up on. Yes some are still seasonal for this and that but for the most part all are wasted space and should be permanent something or other by now, not just shuttered to save operational expenses. Its sad. Instead they spend insane amounts on a colossal coaster so mammoth that its mind boggling... when they should have been fixing/using whats there first. I realize energy needed updating but they dont have a vision or anyone with a game plan, just chapeks ip obsession and short sighted paths. How about restoring and actually using whats already there? Its ridiculous there is a not a new 3d movie attraction in imagination's theater. Did they ever think that maybe people dont like the park as much as anymore because they have taken away the inspiration and so many different things that use to be well thought out in design and spaces?

 

[Kman101]

You’re very right, though I find it to be an exception in Imagination’s case. Unlike other old Epcot attractions, The original attraction works fine as is. As not only is the the theme and message still completely relevant and not dated. But there are already completely timeless, lovable characters in it already. Thus why that attraction in particular doesn’t need a movie IP attached to it to make it work. This has been proven twice already with both Journey into Your Imagination and Journey into Imagination with Figment, both utilizing the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Institute ride. That is perfect proof they don’t need a movie IP shoved into it to make it relevant. If we look at Figment & Dreamfinder merchandise sales alone. That ought to be a clear sign of this.

It did work fine as is. They never should have changed it (or demo'd Horizons or replaced World of Motion - Test Track could have been an expansion on the idea)

 

[EricsBiscuit]

Am I the only one still trying to figure out how Martin ended up with that Body Wars Pre-Show Source Footage?

I guess you could say it's a wonder of life

 

[BalooChicago]

I feel like it needs a DCA fix. 5 years of fixing up sections of the park. I don’t mean like theming wise but how they decided to shut down parts and completely revamp.

They need a fifth gate so they can rotate a park out every few years for maintenance.

"Sorry folks. Parks closed. Moose out front should have told you."

 

[Princess Leia]

They need a fifth gate so they can rotate a park out every few years for maintenance.

"Sorry folks. Parks closed. Moose out front should have told you."

A counter idea- more attractions are added to all of the parks so that when things have to be renovated, there’s still plenty to do.

 

[TJJohn12]

You’re very right, though I find it to be an exception in Imagination’s case. Unlike other old Epcot attractions, The original attraction works fine as is. As not only is the the theme and message still completely relevant and not dated. But there are already completely timeless, lovable characters in it already. Thus why that attraction in particular doesn’t need a movie IP attached to it to make it work...

JII might have still worked at its close, but I wager had it lasted until now (and been neglected) that we’d all be singing a very different tune. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

We are not going to get the original JII back - that’s a pipe dream that’s not worth even having, frankly. The turntable is inoperable, the track is truncated, the props are long gone. In Imagination, we can hope for a reinvestigation of the concept staring Figment (and perhaps Dreamfinder). But the idea that it will ever “come back” is something we need to let go. And this from someone who literally listens to the ride thrus on loop for hours.

Where this leads me is to hope that Inside Out migrates to Wol and gets a nice deep buildout, if for no other reason than to eliminate the “logical” alternative to Figment in Imagination Pavilion. If the brain crew can be installed on the east side of the park, that means Figment has fewer competitors for ownership of Imagination in a future refurb/revamp.

 

[Inspired Figment]

JII might have still worked at its close, but I wager had it lasted until now (and been neglected) that we’d all be singing a very different tune. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

We are not going to get the original JII back - that’s a pipe dream that’s not worth even having, frankly. The turntable is inoperable, the track is truncated, the props are long gone. In Imagination, we can hope for a reinvestigation of the concept staring Figment (and perhaps Dreamfinder). But the idea that it will ever “come back” is something we need to let go. And this from someone who literally listens to the ride thrus on loop for hours.

Where this leads me is to hope that Inside Out migrates to Wol and gets a nice deep buildout, if for no other reason than to eliminate the “logical” alternative to Figment in Imagination Pavilion. If the brain crew can be installed on the east side of the park, that means Figment has fewer competitors for ownership of Imagination in a future refurb/revamp.

I definitely see your point... and again, like I had previously mentioned. You’re right that the technology was indeed dated and would have to be completely revamped and upgraded, as it was indeed problematic. Personally though, I didn’t find the content of the ride itself dated. The story/message, characters, soundtrack, and the actual scenes themselves, No. The technology, lighting, and animatronics however, Yes. That could be vastly improved. But again, I see what you’re saying. In all honesty, if we can’t get a technologically remastered/enhanced OG Imagination with an updated ride system. I could go with a new attraction that’s very close to the original spirit (creativity) with Dreamfinder & Figment.

 

[Inspired Figment]

Also, while again, I completely see where you’re coming from @TJJohn12 , I don’t think it’s exactly impossible to bring back the original attraction if it’s upgraded to today’s technology standards. Like for instance, the turntable (the main controversial issue with this version). Considering that ride was being run with primitive 1982 computers running an incredibly sophisticated system like it was, it’s no wonder it had so many issues syncing up, etc. But I feel like, with today’s technology, these problems could easily be fixed now. Again, not saying you’re wrong with the points you’re making. I just don’t think it’s exactly “impossible” to both restore it and modernize it a bit at the same time to today’s standards. For instance, let’s look at the update done to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland. That’s a completely new animatronic and sound/video system. But the original audio is still utilized, digitally remastered of course. But still. Disney definitely had the money and rescources to do it.
But, as I said before. If it for some reason truly isn’t possible or chosen. I’d accept a new ride about creativity, Dreamfinder, and Figment done in the same spirit in a heartbeat.

 

[Goofyernmost]

JII might have still worked at its close, but I wager had it lasted until now (and been neglected) that we’d all be singing a very different tune. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

We are not going to get the original JII back - that’s a pipe dream that’s not worth even having, frankly. The turntable is inoperable, the track is truncated, the props are long gone. In Imagination, we can hope for a reinvestigation of the concept staring Figment (and perhaps Dreamfinder). But the idea that it will ever “come back” is something we need to let go. And this from someone who literally listens to the ride thrus on loop for hours.

Where this leads me is to hope that Inside Out migrates to Wol and gets a nice deep buildout, if for no other reason than to eliminate the “logical” alternative to Figment in Imagination Pavilion. If the brain crew can be installed on the east side of the park, that means Figment has fewer competitors for ownership of Imagination in a future refurb/revamp.

It's true that it is more likely for hell to freeze over then JII coming back, but, they built it once everything that was there can be redone and in the case of the turntable, made better so it didn't have as many problems as the original. That said, they are never going to rebuild the original show. It is history and they would better spend their time doing something new and different while keeping the imagination theme. They could keep the "one little spark" song, return Figment to his original childlike innocent personality and maybe even include the Dreamfinder, but, to redo the old one... not a chance. However, there is no harm in dreaming about it. That turntable part was awe inspiring.

 

[TJJohn12]

Also, while again, I completely see where you’re coming from @TJJohn12 , I don’t think it’s exactly impossible to bring back the original attraction if it’s upgraded to today’s technology standards. Like for instance, the turntable (the main controversial issue with this version). Considering that ride was being run with primitive 1982 computers running an incredibly sophisticated system like it was, it’s not wonder it had so many issues syncing up, etc. But I feel like, with today’s technology, these problems could easily be fixed now. Again, not saying your wrong in the points your making. I just don’t think it’s exactly “impossible” to both restore it and modernize it a bit at the same time to today’s standards.

Impossible was likely the wrong word. More fitting would be “impractical”. EPCOT - we are entering informed speculation territory - is suffering one of its worst summers in terms of attendance in quite a spell. The park needs a refresh and some new blood - things that can be marketed hard. It’s why WoL is catching so much management attention - it’s fallow ground that could easily be plowed to both increase capacity and draw into the gates.

But a revamp of the Imagination pavilion won’t really accomplish either of those with a general audience. It’s already functioning capacity - taking it down for a massive refurb actually hinders the park at this stage. And a selling a recreation of an ancient and largely forgotten ride is not an easy marketing feat to accomplish.

Mr. Lincoln was still in (relatively - save for the Walt Disney Story solo period) continual operation and as a MK show with 1964 cred, a genuine legend in a largely unusable space. JII has been gone longer than it existed and sits on a heathy chunk of real estate.

Still, it’s much easier to renovate an empty house than kick out a paying tenant just for a refurb. So there *should* logically be no movement on Imagination until WoL is operational, handling capacity, and able to be advertised on “Must Do Disney.”

I will gladly eat my words if this is wrong, but we’re a very long way from anyone raising a hammer on the west side of the park at all.

 

[DinoInstitute]

JII might have still worked at its close, but I wager had it lasted until now (and been neglected) that we’d all be singing a very different tune. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

We are not going to get the original JII back - that’s a pipe dream that’s not worth even having, frankly. The turntable is inoperable, the track is truncated, the props are long gone. In Imagination, we can hope for a reinvestigation of the concept staring Figment (and perhaps Dreamfinder). But the idea that it will ever “come back” is something we need to let go. And this from someone who literally listens to the ride thrus on loop for hours.

Where this leads me is to hope that Inside Out migrates to Wol and gets a nice deep buildout, if for no other reason than to eliminate the “logical” alternative to Figment in Imagination Pavilion. If the brain crew can be installed on the east side of the park, that means Figment has fewer competitors for ownership of Imagination in a future refurb/revamp.

I think Inside Out would work just fine also as a new show for Magic Eye. And that way WoL can be free to use a new (better) theme.

 

[huwar18]

I think Inside Out would work just fine also as a new show for Magic Eye. And that way WoL can be free to use a new (better) theme.

Inside Out was "made" for Epcot. Especially, if they want more IPs in the park. The characters remind me of old park exclusive characters that use to be in Epcot.

 

[Inspired Figment]

Inside Out was "made" for Epcot. Especially, if they want more IPs in the park. The characters remind me of old park exclusive characters that use to be in Epcot.

Correct, they just don’t need to be in Journey into Imagination is all. That home belongs to Figment & Dreamfinder, period.

 

[huwar18]

Correct, they just don’t need to be in Journey into Imagination is all. That home belongs to Figment & Dreamfinder, period.

I completely agree! They need to actually add to the park. I hate when they close rides to add. Figment has always been one of my favorite Disney characters. I just wish he had a ride that did him justice.

 

[matt9112]

There seems to be a growing realisation. The worry is who’s allowed to "fix" it.

you......why dont you sign a contract if they want to blow money might as well get something from it haha

 

[smile]

I completely agree! They need to actually add to the park. I hate when they close rides to add. Figment has always been one of my favorite Disney characters. I just wish he had a ride that did him justice.

of course, the crazy thing is he had one...
imagine the shortsightedness of the mid-90's to just up and scrap him and dreamfinder out of nowhere for no good reason.

yeah, that went over well
... and the scars still remain for all to see

- which also proves how important it was to rectify... sometimes i think burbank forgets that epcot's a thing, tbh lol

 

[P_Radden]

At the moment it’s by committee. There’s still people there who "get" "EPCOT" but aren’t in the majority.

Is this committee made up of folks from TDO, higher ups at P&R, brainstormers at Imagineering, or a little of all? Not sure who I'd trust the most (if any) of those choices.

 

[sedati]

Another great video Martin!

Not at all surprised to see that they eventually cut down Body Wars. I was disheartened by all the "never agains" from my group. Unlike the very similar Star Tours, this ride had many scenes that used an undulating back and forth motion that did not sit well with many. (While the incredibly lackluster theming in the queue didn't sit well with me.)
Sad to find out that a legend like Hench was responsible for the initial interior look of this pavillion- I get that they were going for fun and exciting, but it just became Epcot's version of Mickey's Birthdayland.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Inside Out would be really cool as part of a larger pavilion. It’s no EPCOT Center, but it would be a huge step in the right direction.

 

[Kman101]

JII might have still worked at its close, but I wager had it lasted until now (and been neglected) that we’d all be singing a very different tune. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

We are not going to get the original JII back - that’s a pipe dream that’s not worth even having, frankly. The turntable is inoperable, the track is truncated, the props are long gone. In Imagination, we can hope for a reinvestigation of the concept staring Figment (and perhaps Dreamfinder). But the idea that it will ever “come back” is something we need to let go. And this from someone who literally listens to the ride thrus on loop for hours.

Where this leads me is to hope that Inside Out migrates to Wol and gets a nice deep buildout, if for no other reason than to eliminate the “logical” alternative to Figment in Imagination Pavilion. If the brain crew can be installed on the east side of the park, that means Figment has fewer competitors for ownership of Imagination in a future refurb/revamp.

It's not about having the exact same ride back. It's about capturing the spirit of the original in a new attraction. But in all honesty we all know they shouldn't have gutted it to begin with. Sure we may be singing a different tune but let's not act like the current ride is in that great of shape either. They could have easily invested and upgraded the attraction when they changed it out in 1998 instead of total replacement.

I get what you're saying though.

I think we need to set ourselves up to accept some sort of movie and hope for the best with a new attraction starring Figment.

Figment's Wonders of Life? anyone? LOL (it'd be right up their alley)

We know Figment doesn't seem to be getting touched, still, anytime soon. I know there aren't upgrade plans greenlit - as far as I'm aware - (they keep getting pushed off, which is probably for the best, actually; who knows what we'd have by now?) but have we ruled out total replacement?

Sounds like Epcot's plans are up in the air still. We all know plans exist that could restore Figment. But what will the cheapskates dictate? Clearly nothing right now.

They could just be delaying things like Figment and Coco for Epcot's 40th? I know, wishful thinking.