Wonders of Life photo post

[Coastercameron]

Wow... that pavillion looks like a dead shopping mall from the 80's. Most stuff just closed up, and sealed off. From all the recent construction going on at Epcot, I'd say this pavillion is EXACTLY what Disney doesn't want Future World to look like.

 

[OmegaKnight]

Epcot's attendance today was somewhere in the 37,000 range, which was still short of estimates. I don't know how busy WoL was today but the rest of Epcot was really crowded.

 

[DizWhizKid]

WoL was slightly more crowded Monday than Sunday, but not enough that any attraction ever generated a line.

From this Friday to next Saturday, Epcot should have 60,000+ guests every day, so maybe attendance at Wonders will pick up slightly.

 

[Empress Room]

Originally posted by HURRICANE: WoL is part of a dying breed of multi component attractions, to see it demolished and replaced with another Mission Space debacle would be a true tragedy



Just curious. On what do you base your statement that M:S is a "debacle" and creating a new, similar attraction would be a "true tragedy?" I'm assuming that it's pure personal opinion, because there are no attendance stats or overall guest survey responses that would support that characterization of which I am aware.

Clearly, Horizons, its predecessor, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many here - possibly you. I enjoyed it as well. However, Disney would not have demolished and replaced that attraction if attendance and guest survey responses had been positive. For whatever reason, Horizons became unpopular.

M:S has brought absolute 21st century new life to Future World and overall guest flow (and overall rider response) to it have been very positive. As other posters have noted, Epcot is being refreshed, becoming less cerebral and more accessible to a wider variety of guests. To fail to recognize M:S's role in that transformation would be shortsighted indeed. Moreover, it is such a unique attraction experience that it sets Disney apart from all others. Gosh, the queue area boasts an actual lunar rover - one of only two that has actually been to the moon - on loan from the Smithsonian. What other theme park or theme park attraction can say that?

WoL, even in its heydey, was a smaller, almost "afterthought" pavillion - built later and not with the detailed theming or impact of FW's original pavillions. It had two very nice attractions - CC and BW. Unfortunately, BW suffers from the fate that all motion simulators do - the technology isn't any longer cutting edge and their stories and experiences do not necessarily stand the test of time (see ST, Universal's BTTF etc.) CC is and was a cute show - but it cannot sustain an entire pavillion. I would much prefer to allow 21st century imagineers create a new and unique pavillion - one that will be attractive to today's guests.

 

[MKCP 1985]

Originally posted by HURRICANE: WoL is part of a dying breed of multi component attractions, to see it demolished and replaced with another Mission Space debacle would be a true tragedy



Just curious. On what do you base your statement that M:S is a "debacle" and creating a new, similar attraction would be a "true tragedy?" I'm assuming that it's pure personal opinion, because there are no attendance stats or overall guest survey responses that would support that characterization of which I am aware.

Clearly, Horizons, its predecessor, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many here - possibly you. I enjoyed it as well. However, Disney would not have demolished and replaced that attraction if attendance and guest survey responses had been positive. For whatever reason, Horizons became unpopular.

M:S has brought absolute 21st century new life to Future World and overall guest flow (and overall rider response) to it have been very positive. As other posters have noted, Epcot is being refreshed, becoming less cerebral and more accessible to a wider variety of guests. To fail to recognize M:S's role in that transformation would be shortsighted indeed. Moreover, it is such a unique attraction experience that it sets Disney apart from all others. Gosh, the queue area boasts an actual lunar rover - one of only two that has actually been to the moon - on loan from the Smithsonian. What other theme park or theme park attraction can say that?

WoL, even in its heydey, was a smaller, almost "afterthought" pavillion - built later and not with the detailed theming or impact of FW's original pavillions. It had two very nice attractions - CC and BW. Unfortunately, BW suffers from the fate that all motion simulators do - the technology isn't any longer cutting edge and their stories and experiences do not necessarily stand the test of time (see ST, Universal's BTTF etc.) CC is and was a cute show - but it cannot sustain an entire pavillion. I would much prefer to allow 21st century imagineers create a new and unique pavillion - one that will be attractive to today's guests.

Empress-ive post!

 

[wannab@dis]

They just don't need to turn into another thrill ride is what I'm trying to get across here with my point. If every ride becomes a thrill ride, then what happened to Walt's vision of Disney World?

I was just in WDW for 8 days. That included a couple of late nights at MK and the MVMCP. We took our 20 month old little girl for her first trip. We decided going in that this was HER trip and we wouldn't make her wait for us to do child swaps at the thrill rides. That's exactly what we did and we still filled our days full of rides, attractions and shows.

We had a blast and still didn't hit any of the major thrill rides except Soarin. Since it was new, we did do fastpass/child swap and loved the ride. As you can see, 8 days were filled with family attractions. I don't think you have to worry about the thrill rides taking over any time soon.

 

[Hurricane]

Just curious..... [ommitted to save space].... I would much prefer to allow 21st century imagineers create a new and unique pavillion - one that will be attractive to today's guests.

You missed my point, i'm all for a new pavillion, from the ground up; but I want Disney to retain the multiattraction pavillion format. MS is a debacle because as packwingfn aptly put, their mother wouldn't ride. From all I've read MS has poor rerideability and alienates a not insignificant portion of Epcot guests. Guests who would have ridden Horizons. I'm not even going to touch on the tragedies. I'm not saying parks shouldn't change, but when they change they should be updated to target the same (wide) demographic the previous attraction served.

Further, recall the initial criticism of Test Track (not even the late arrival and huge cost) -- that it replaced a family attraction with a "thrill" attraction (though it's kind of a strech I admit to call TT a thrill ride, it still alienates some of those who would have ridden the docile WOM). It's the same old song and dance, and I don't want to see WOL replaced entirely with a thrill ride without including other educational/family type attractions. Yes I'm aware BW is a thrill attraction, but again my comment is that the pavillion should not be replaced entirely with a single attraction pavillion

 

[Empress Room]

You missed my point, i'm all for a new pavillion, from the ground up; but I want Disney to retain the multiattraction pavillion format. MS is a debacle because as packwingfn aptly put, their mother wouldn't ride. From all I've read MS has poor rerideability and alienates a not insignificant portion of Epcot guests. Guests who would have ridden Horizons. I'm not even going to touch on the tragedies. I'm not saying parks shouldn't change, but when they change they should be updated to target the same (wide) demographic the previous attraction served.

Further, recall the initial criticism of Test Track (not even the late arrival and huge cost) -- that it replaced a family attraction with a "thrill" attraction (though it's kind of a strech I admit to call TT a thrill ride, it still alienates some of those who would have ridden the docile WOM). It's the same old song and dance, and I don't want to see WOL replaced entirely with a thrill ride without including other educational/family type attractions. Yes I'm aware BW is a thrill attraction, but again my comment is that the pavillion should not be replaced entirely with a single attraction pavillion

Here's my friendly response:

M:S is a "debacle" because someone's mother wouldn't ride it? That's quite a harsh word to use, don't you think? I know of people who won't ride Splash Mountain because they fear the log ride drop. I know of people who won't ride SM because it's a dark roller coaster. I further know people who won't ride SE because it's slow and boring to them. Would you categorize any of these attractions as "debacles" because these certain guests won't experience them? Obviously not. They are Disney classics. The point is, not every attraction will appeal to every guest. As to "poor rerideability" and "alienation" of many Epcot guests, I've never seen any such report or seen any fact to support that rumor. I would hazard to guess that such "reports" are personal opinions spun by those who preferred its predecessor. As to the "tragedies," we both now know (having read the official report) that M:S did not cause the death of the child with the pre-existing health condition. There is simply no evidence that M:S has, in either design or execution, harmed anyone at any time.

In terms of "multi-attraction" pavillions, have you ever spent any time in M:S's post show? It's really quite interesting and one could bypass the ride and still experience some very innovative attractions in the pavillion. I don't think the same could be said for Horizons (or SE, or UoE) - it was basically a one attraction pavillion - the ride.

I guess it all comes down to one's definition of "family attraction." If you mean a slow-moving omnimover experience, than I would agree that M:S is not that. But I know plenty of families whose definition of "family attractions" involves riding roller coaster after roller coaster. We're in the 21st century and I believe what was attractive to families in the 60s, 70s and 80s is not necessarily attractive today. More and more "families" (and that word itself has a new meaning today) opt for a more intense, stimulating day at the theme park. M:S delivers that and more.

 

[Cynderella]

Thanks for the pictures!! We just got back from over Thanksgiving and it wasn't open and I was upset because I wanted to get pictures. I was surprised it wasn't open since that is a semi-busy time.

 

[LongballMG]

Body Wars FASTPASS

Any news on the Body Wars FASTPASS?

Even though from the pics it does not appear needed, I'd like to know the logistics of how they plan to enforce it.

Mike

 

[PlaneJane]

If you dont like Mission Space, can't ride it, or have flashbacks of horizons GO ride Soarin. As for me I will do about 4 walk ons

 

[dizneycrazy09]

Here's my friendly response:

M:S is a "debacle" because someone's mother wouldn't ride it? That's quite a harsh word to use, don't you think? I know of people who won't ride Splash Mountain because they fear the log ride drop. I know of people who won't ride SM because it's a dark roller coaster. I further know people who won't ride SE because it's slow and boring to them. Would you categorize any of these attractions as "debacles" because these certain guests won't experience them? Obviously not. They are Disney classics. The point is, not every attraction will appeal to every guest. As to "poor rerideability" and "alienation" of many Epcot guests, I've never seen any such report or seen any fact to support that rumor. I would hazard to guess that such "reports" are personal opinions spun by those who preferred its predecessor. As to the "tragedies," we both now know (having read the official report) that M:S did not cause the death of the child with the pre-existing health condition. There is simply no evidence that M:S has, in either design or execution, harmed anyone at any time.

In terms of "multi-attraction" pavillions, have you ever spent any time in M:S's post show? It's really quite interesting and one could bypass the ride and still experience some very innovative attractions in the pavillion. I don't think the same could be said for Horizons (or SE, or UoE) - it was basically a one attraction pavillion - the ride.

I guess it all comes down to one's definition of "family attraction." If you mean a slow-moving omnimover experience, than I would agree that M:S is not that. But I know plenty of families whose definition of "family attractions" involves riding roller coaster after roller coaster. We're in the 21st century and I believe what was attractive to families in the 60s, 70s and 80s is not necessarily attractive today. More and more "families" (and that word itself has a new meaning today) opt for a more intense, stimulating day at the theme park. M:S delivers that and more.

I agree 150%!!! Perfectly put :sohappy:

 

[Gepettotrevor]

I wouldnt mind seeing a high tech Body Wars and them giving the pavilion a facelift and a more modern touch. Keep the same type of attractions there, just updated and using the new technologies and such. If they demolish it, atleast have a few attractions in the pavilion instead of just one!!! (Dont make fun of my spelling!)

Thanks For Posting The Pics

 

[mikeymouse]

Awesome pics!!! Thanks!!! :wave:

 

[maxime29]

Thank you for sharing the photographs! We will be experiencing WOL for hopefully not the last time when we are down there next week!

For a pavillion that isn't open year round anymore, why would Body Wars even get consideration for Fastpasses?

I highly doubt this dream will get accomplished.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Thank you for sharing the photographs! We will be experiencing WOL for hopefully not the last time when we are down there next week!

For a pavillion that isn't open year round anymore, why would Body Wars even get consideration for Fastpasses?

I highly doubt this dream will get accomplished.

Body Wars most likely will not get FP machines. People using fastpass for TT, MS or Sorin and possibly others will be getting a FP for the desired ride and an extra for BW

 

[dxwwf3]

I spent alot of time here during my trip and the way I would describe the crowds is that the Sensory Funhouse usually had quite a few people there, the Making of Me was usually about half full, Body Wars never had a line, but there was always people there filling up two simulators, and Cranium Command was usually 75% full. Not great numbers, but I didn't think it was bad considering how the attraction wasn't even listed on the map (it was there in appearance only) and it is sort of tucked away to regular guests. I would love to see these attractions updated, but that doesn't change the fact that I really appreciated the pavilion this trip. Everything there is well done and it is all entertaining as much as it is educational. There was a perfect blend of that at WoL. It was almost an honor to be allowed to experience WoL one last time.

And yes I can remember waiting about 90 minutes for Body Wars back in the early 90's. I can also remember waiting an hour to get batting advice from Gary Carter in the Coach's Corner.

 

[stingrock23]

I definitely remember waiting an hour for Body Wars. It's just crazy.

 

[surfsupdon]

Last year at this time, those learning 'pods' of heated coils and whatnot were not operational. They were not covered up, but there was a sign taped to them that said that the equipment was out of water, please enjoy something else. But there wasn't much to do.

Those fun exercise bikes were open, and had people waiting to ride on them. I always enjoy riding fast through Disneyland park.

 

[dxwwf3]

I definitely remember waiting an hour for Body Wars. It's just crazy.

Can you remember when people were lined up outside the pavilion for Body Wars?