Spaceship Earth Rehab (Update)

[elwise1966]

I hear from a friend that lives in Florida that Spaceship Earth got a new sponsor (AT&T he thought) and that the ride will close December 2007 for refurbishment for the new sponsor. :sad1:

Has anyone else heard this or can confirm it? :confused3

[DancingBear]

The new sponsor is Siemens. Other than redoing the area at the exit of the ride (behind SE as you approach it from Epcot entrance), and changing the end of the ride where the sponsor is highlighted, I'm not sure what else is known about changes resulting from the new sponsorship.

[MJMcBride]

I hear from a friend that lives in Florida that Spaceship Earth got a new sponsor (AT&T he thought) and that the ride will close December 2007 for refurbishment for the new sponsor. :sad1:

Has anyone else heard this or can confirm it? :confused3

The new sponsor is Sieman's and I believ they are already redoing the plaza after you disembark. As for closing the ride, I do not know.

[elwise1966]

Just found an older thread discussing this. Sorry...I should have searched first.

So it looks as if it will remain basically the same ride, with maybe a few scene changes then.

[tww369]

I was there in August and along with the obvious signs of work being done to the ride part ofthe exit hallway was blocked off, a CM told me that engineers had been showing up daily they are working to update to ride. none of the CM's have been told what is was planned so far

[OnceUponAStar*]

Siemens is the new sponser and they are re doing the area by the exit. AT&T was the sponser of Spaceship Earth before Siemens.

[mitros]

We were there last Monday, no start date as of then........

[2angelsinheaven]

Correct it's Siemens and I've heard they will redo everything from the room with the two kids on the laptops till the end of the ride and into the exit area.

[Luv2Roam]

Love the ride. But the update is a welcome change! :banana:

[genealle]

Didn't SE get a remodel just a couple of years ago?

[mitros]

Correct it's Siemens and I've heard they will redo everything from the room with the two kids on the laptops till the end of the ride and into the exit area.


Just wondering where you heard that. :confused3 :)

[Luv2Roam]

IF there was a remodel, wasn't it basically the removal of anything relating to AT&T? :confused3

[crazy4wdw]

The following info. is from Walt Disney World's media site. It's rumored that the ride portion of Spaceship Earth will be closing in June for an extensive rehab and then reopening sometimes in November. There is nothing on the Disney web site that confirmes this info. yet.

Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Presented by Siemens is Transformed with a “Re-Imagined” Time-Travel Adventure and a New Finale

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 11, 2007) -- Inside the Epcot icon, remarkable changes will be taking place over the next several months. A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures.

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.

Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.

This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future.

The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

Opening to Epcot guests later this month, the first completed phases of Project Tomorrow will include:

An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.

Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.

Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008.

[bartleby1]

I just read about this on another site too. I'm so disappointed. I realize that rides need updating and refurbs, and I am excited to see what they will do for SSE. However, there are so few rides in Epcot that little ones can go on so I'm a little sad for my 2 year old. I know she would have enjoyed it. SSE was also a favorite of my 4 yr old last year.

We'll still have a great trip, but SSE will be missed!

[WI_DisneyFan]

Thanks for the info. I'm with bartleby1 - SSE is one of my favorite rides in all of WDW, and it looks like I'll be missing it this September. But what are you going to do? You won't see any "Haunted Mansion" type outcry from me. I know they aren't scheduling this to mess with me, so I'll just enjoy the rest of my trip and look forward to seeing the changes the next time I'm there.

[ChrisFL]

This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

That is reminsicent of Horizons, sounds quite interesting!

[kjkcool]

As long as I never get stuck in it again while the car is going down a hill backwards and all the blood gushes to my head for 15 minutes strait making me almost unconcious, it's all good!:thumbsup2 :lmao: Update it as much as you want!:thumbsup2 :lmao:

[mrsR123]

I'm in favor of keeping Epcot attractions up to date, so I'm cautiously optimistic. (Well, I'd like to be, but really, I'll just fervently hope that they don't screw this up!)

I hope that this "picture yourself in that reality" is more than just a stupid photo sales gimmick. I don't have much hope that it will be.

I'm also not too sure that I like this shift from communication to the emphasis on "each generation influencing the next." It seems like just a good excuse to include Siemens technology that isn't communications related. (As in, what do accident avoidance systems-- although important innovations-- have to do with communication?)

I'll be sad not to hear Jeremy Irons.

[DancingBear]

I still miss Walter Cronkite.

[raidermatt]

I'm not opposed to updating, but it is scary when they mess with the biggies.

If they screw this up it will get a lot more negative reaction than Stitch's Great Escape ever could.

I'm also bummed if Jeremy Irons isn't going to be doing the narration, but it did only say there would be new narration, not a new narrator. Perhaps they will bring him back for the update?

The rumored timing is a concern as well. The HM is already closed all summer, now they might close SE all summer? Those are two of the most popular rides on property.

[MJMcBride]

I still miss Walter Cronkite.

I'm with you. The ride hasn't been the same since good old Walt left.

[DC7800]

I'm not opposed to updating, but it is scary when they mess with the biggies

I can think of a lot of attractions in WDW which need updating far worse than Spaceship Earth, and the summer closure doesn't seem like such a good time to do this anyway. While there have been many changes to the ride experience, SE is one of the few Future World attractions which is still recognizable as the same attraction which was there on opening day. Actually, I particularly liked some elements of the current SE descent, so any changes are going to have to meet high expectations.

Indeed, fears of the Journey into Imagination redo immediately come to mind, which probably says a great deal about my level of confidence that Disney won't mess this up.

[DigitalMermaid]

Wow, its great that its getting a rehab thing, I love that ride!

[Donaldsfan176]

First they close the Haunted Mansion for extensive rehab during the summer months NOW Space Ship Earth will be down for the Summer? :mad:

If any Disney Suits monitor this board.. Your timing on rehabing major attractions STINKS!!!!:mad:

[ChrisFL]

I can think of a lot of attractions in WDW which need updating far worse than Spaceship Earth, and the summer closure doesn't seem like such a good time to do this anyway.

I agree about the ride not really needing updating except the track really needs to be smoother, it's showing its age...it makes a lot of noise and takes away from the experience now.

Naturally Siemens thinks they need to make the ride showcase more of their stuff, like AT&T used to, so its no surprise that they're updating it.

[EUROPACL]

Maybe the wand removal has something to do with the timing. Didn't someone (AV Maybe?) say it was basicly falling down?

[DC7800]

Didn't someone (AV Maybe?) say it was basicly falling down?

I certainly hope so, and yes, AV did comment (as I recall) that with increasing maintenance costs the wand would be coming down.

But would they have to close the attraction to do that? Perhaps it is just convenient (translation: cheaper) to do both jobs at the same time - maybe the wand won't wait until fall or something.

[CanadianGuy]

I had actually heard that the wand had potentially damaged the integrity of the Spaceship Earth structure in someway.

One rumor indicated that removing it might actually be more problem than better supporting it ...

So many rumors...

Knox

[crazy4wdw]

We have liftoff
The Epcot ride is evolving via 'Project Tomorrow.'

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 12, 2007

The first changes are in the post-show area (reopening this month) including:
20-foot-high globe offering an ever-changing collage of images of the future.
3-D game called "Body Builder" enabling visitors to assemble a digital human body.

Walt Disney World and Siemens AG are giving Epcot's Spaceship Earth a new spin, updating the ride and its technologies.

Work already has begun in the attraction's post-show area, which is now closed as Disney installs new interactive features to transform it into "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow." Broader changes, including updates throughout the ride, will be phased in over the next few months, forcing a closure of the ride later this year.

Spaceship Earth, housed in Epcot's signature structure, a 180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles, offers visitors a slow, circling, indoor train ride past a series of panoramic scenes depicting the march of time, technology and creativity from cavemen through the late 20th century.

The ride has had minor updates since it opened with Epcot in 1982, but no major overhauls until now.

"We're building on Spaceship Earth's existing attractions and taking it to the next level," said Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez.

The first changes take place in the post-show area, which will reopen late this month with three of several planned new exhibits. The new features will be a 20-foot-high globe offering an ever-changing collage of images of the future; a 3-D game called "Body Builder" enabling visitors to assemble a digital human body; and a driving simulator showcasing motor-vehicle accident and avoidance systems.

Those features and others that will be wired into the ride are based on technologies developed by Siemens. The Munich, Germany-based company with operations in Orlando is involved in a variety of technology fields including automobiles, high-speed rail, water, wind energy, medical equipment and light bulbs. Siemens and Disney signed a sponsorship deal in late 2005, in which Disney pledged to spend $100 million on Siemens' technologies over 12 years.

Cara Allen, another Disney spokeswoman, said the globe renovations will take place later this year, updating everything from the lighting and audio effects to the exhibits themselves. There even will be interactive touch screens installed in ride cars, enabling visitors to create their own visions of the future.

Spaceship Earth's overhaul is not expected to affect the controversial, giant Mickey Mouse arm and wand structure that was added in 1999. The structure has been the target of heated criticism from some Epcot fans who say it clashes with the park's architecture.

Allen said all the changes will be on the inside.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

[croach]

I never rode it when Walter Cronkite was the narrator but I sure hope they don't get rid of Jeremy Irons - I can hear the start now "Like a grand and miraculous spaceship (I think it is spaceship). I guess they probably will though.

I also hope the changes to the scenes aren't drastic. I know alot of people probably find it boring but I think it is a great attraction.

[YoHo]

Dang, no way to get down there before they change it.

[vancesmom]

I just wish they would have timed this better with Epcot's Anniversary. It would have been a great way to celebrate - versus having it down for the count during October.

[All Aboard]

Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome

From Walt Disney World's media site??? Dome, eh? Have they had a look at the structure?

[MJMcBride]

http://www.mouseextra.com/

[°O°Joe]

Here's an interesting take on the reported planned Spaceship Earth changes by EPCOT Central: (http://epcot82.blogspot.com/)

Back to being critical, I'm sorry to say.

Siemens and Disney have announced that Spaceship Earth will be getting a major overhaul soon. That should be good news. Why do I feel it’s not?

With this renovation of Spaceship Earth, it appears Imagineering is putting the final nail in the coffin of EPCOT’s once-grand theme – exploring our world and our place in it by examining overarching subjects.

No one reading this needs a history lesson, but to put it in context, EPCOT Center was designed to take guests on journeys through subjects that are critical to our understanding of our world: energy, health, transportation, imagination, the land and the seas. When the much-missed Horizons was added, it served to bring all of these concepts together – we could see how all of these coalesced into a whole, and what they might mean to our future.

Central to all of it was the idea that communication – both in concept and application – was vital to our lives. Spaceship Earth was the literal and figurative centerpiece of EPCOT Center. It reminded us that as much as man strives to better himself and his world, nothing can be accomplished without effective communication systems.

EPCOT Center took the idea of a “theme park” to new heights. The theme was the whole reason for the park. Even if World Showcase seemed like a separate concept, it wasn’t – after we learned about the ideas of the world we live in, we had a chance to meet the people with whom we share our planet and our hopes.

Over the years, EPCOT’s theme has eroded, and the description of the “new” Spaceship Earth degrades it further. At this point, EPCOT Center is truly gone; Epcot is all that’s left. Here’s the description:

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.

So much for communication. So much for helping us understand how everything at EPCOT fits together. So much for the dream (no matter how wild) that the brilliant theme of EPCOT Center might ever make a comeback.

“Innovation” is the new theme, and it feels wholly generic, as if there is no passion left anywhere for EPCOT, as if Disney and Siemens are simply struggling to find something interesting to put in the attraction – an attraction that, even as it is now, is something of a classic. (Remember what Dear Abby used to say, “If it ain’t broke ...”)

They seem to have seized on the idea of “time machines” (which is, funnily enough, what the vehicles have always been called) and the oh-so-trendy idea of allowing riders a level of interactivity.

There’s not a lot to go on from the reports, very little that’s concrete, other than the loss of the “communication” concept and, by extension, the effective end of the ideas, concepts and vision that originally brought EPCOT Center to life.

This was an opportunity for Imagineers to look deeply at EPCOT and say, “How can we revive some of what made it so special, some of that theme that was such an intrinsic part of the park’s creation?” They did have that opportunity, and it appears they didn’t take it, that they opted instead for something that can be easily marketed (“travel into the past – and into your future!” – wait, didn’t they shut down a ride like that, called Horizons?) and easily sold as an “adventure.”

I guess I can’t fault anyone for taking the easy way out, because, hey, it’s the easy way. But they had an opportunity here. And they missed it.


(P.S. Guess what? Disney appears to say the wand's not coming down, either.)

It's interesting to note that EPCOT Central's article points out that the wand will Not be coming down with these updates:

Spaceship Earth's overhaul is not expected to affect the controversial, giant Mickey Mouse arm and wand structure that was added in 1999. The structure has been the target of heated criticism from some Epcot fans who say it clashes with the park's architecture.

Allen said all the changes will be on the inside. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disney1207apr12,0,3948558.story?track=rss)

[DancingBear]

Can't say I buy into that article on a couple of points.

First, "innovation through time" sounds like a concept that would have fit into original EPCOT just fine. The loss would be that in the original EPCOT Future World arrangement, communications was a specific focus of SE, and all of the pavillions dealt with innovation in particular areas. But given the current state of Future World, that doesn't seem like a big issue. Horizons is gone; if SE is to be the new Horizons, so be it.

Second, I'm sure it's not just a funny coincidence that they "seized on the idea of 'time machines'"; rather, they knowingly retained the concept.

Third, the "oh-so-trendy idea of allowing riders a level of interactivity" is so trendy they had it back in Horizons.

[°O°Joe]

Can't say I buy into that article on a couple of points.

First, "innovation through time" sounds like a concept that would have fit into original EPCOT just fine. The loss would be that in the original EPCOT Future World arrangement, communications was a specific focus of SE, and all of the pavillions dealt with innovation in particular areas. But given the current state of Future World, that doesn't seem like a big issue. Horizons is gone; if SE is to be the new Horizons, so be it.

Second, I'm sure it's not just a funny coincidence that they "seized on the idea of 'time machines'"; rather, they knowingly retained the concept.

Third, the "oh-so-trendy idea of allowing riders a level of interactivity" is so trendy they had it back in Horizons.

Good points! You should post those on his/her blog...

I don't personally like the direction Future World has been heading but I'm not one to sit around and complain about it. I'm actually looking forward to seeing these changes. As long as they don't touch too much of the "classic" scenes, I'm OK with it...

[ASilmser]

Third, the "oh-so-trendy idea of allowing riders a level of interactivity" is so trendy they had it back in Horizons.


I agree here. When I first read about the concept for the renovation, I immediately thought that they were trying to revive the themes that existed in the original "Horizons" attraction. It makes sense to me to work those into EPCOT's iconic centerpiece. The concept of future innovations in the center of future world? Sounds like a thematic fit to me. I'm going to do my best reserve judgment on it until I see this one.

[Horace Horsecollar]

First, it makes sense that Siemens would want to tell a story that goes beyond the narrow confines of "communications." That was AT&T's game. But Siemens has a different (and broader) story to tell.

Here's the description of Siemens from their website:

Siemens, headquartered in Berlin and Munich, is one of the world’s largest electrical engineering and electronics companies and holds leading market positions in all its business areas.

The company has approximately 475,000 employees working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of services for individual requirements.

Siemens provides innovative technologies and comprehensive know-how to benefit customers in over 190 countries.

Founded 160 years ago, the company focuses on the areas of Automation and Control, Power, Transportation, Medical, Information and Communications and Lighting. In fiscal 2006 (ended September 30), Siemens had sales of €87.325 billion and net income of €3.033 billion.

Actually, I'm thrilled that Disney's re-do of Spaceship Earth for Siemens will build on what is already there. I'm glad that "Time Racers" appears to be completely dead.

[raidermatt]

First, it makes sense that Siemens would want to tell a story that goes beyond the narrow confines of "communications." That was AT&T's game. But Siemens has a different (and broader) story to tell.

I guess we should be glad Roto Rooter didn't pony up the dough for a sponsorship.

Nah, I pretty much agree that this particular blogger has a strong overall point about Future World's abandonment of its original theme and concept, but that the SE example isn't really a good illustration of that point.

It might turn out to be, once we learn more about the changes, but I don't see anything that jumps out at me as being an abandonment of the theme.

My concern is primarily about execution at this point.

I do agree that it's a plus it isn't "Time Racers", or "Goofy's Wacky Tour on Spaceship Earth", but that's not enough to allay my concerns about how it will actually turn out.

[YoHo]

Gee, if this concept is so popular that they're rebuilding Epcot's signature attraction for it, then maybe, just maybe, they should have rebuilt Horizons which would have been cheaper and gosh, I don't think anybody has frackin died on it the way they have on Mission:Puke.

[ChrisFL]

Gee, if this concept is so popular that they're rebuilding Epcot's signature attraction for it, then maybe, just maybe, they should have rebuilt Horizons which would have been cheaper and gosh, I don't think anybody has frackin died on it the way they have on Mission:Puke.

Cheaper? Maybe, unless that rumor about there being a massive sinkhole that appeared under the structure is true.

[YoHo]

Uh huh, and where was the budget to fix that sinkhole in Mission:hork? cause most of that money was spent on the super fancy spin-n-hurl.

[raidermatt]

Is that like the rumor about the massive sinkhole that appeared under DL's lagoon, which was why they had to close the subs and could never reopen them or even empty the laggon?

[MJMcBride]

I guess we should be glad Roto Rooter didn't pony up the dough for a sponsorship.



Maybe. But think of the possiblities with a re-themed Mission Space

[EUROPACL]

Cheaper? Maybe, unless that rumor about there being a massive sinkhole that appeared under the structure is true.

The sinkhole occured after Horizons was torn down...its called Misson Space.

[vancesmom]

I understand that some of the changes in Epcot over the years haven't been all good. However, I have a hard time when people keep spouting about the "original theme". When in fact, Walt's theme was quite different than what it ended up. I think Walt would have been proud though - Happy with the changes to his original idea of a Prototype City of Tomorrow. And since the world changes all the time - I don't know if it's all bad for Disney/Epcot to change a little along with it. As long as it trys to keep integrity.

[YoHo]

Walt's theme was quite different than what it ended up.

In a word, no.
That's corporate propaganda. E.P.C.O.T. Center certainly wasn't as grand as what Walt wanted, but conceptually WDW was on tract with Epcot. If you do a search through these forums, you'll find a couple excellent posts explaining exactly what Walt's plans were and how the as built Epcot represented them.

[kstinw19]

That is reminsicent of Horizons, sounds quite interesting!

That is exactly what came to my mind when reading it...Horizons :)

[vancesmom]

Walt’s words: "EPCOT...will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry. It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed, but will always be introducing and testing and demonstrating new materials and systems. And EPCOT will always be a showcase to the world for the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise."
His original EPCOT was for a model community, home to twenty thousand residents, which would be a test bed for city planning and organization. The community was to have been built in the shape of a circle, with businesses and commercial areas at its center, community buildings and schools and recreational complexes around it, and residential neighborhoods along the perimeter. Automobile traffic would be kept underground, leaving pedestrians safe above-ground. Disney said, "It will be a planned, controlled community, a showcase for American industry and research, schools, cultural and educational opportunities. In EPCOT, there will be no slum areas because we won't let them develop. There will be no landowners and therefore no voting control. People will rent houses instead of buying them, and at modest rentals. There will be no retirees; everyone must be employed."

[ChrisFL]

In a word, no.
That's corporate propaganda. E.P.C.O.T. Center certainly wasn't as grand as what Walt wanted, but conceptually WDW was on tract with Epcot. If you do a search through these forums, you'll find a couple excellent posts explaining exactly what Walt's plans were and how the as built Epcot represented them.

I disagree. I've been researching Walt's EPCOT for a few years now, there isn't much material out there on it as much of the design was not finalized and there is still a lot of questions that remain unanswered....but to call the theme park Epcot anything similar to the city plan of EPCOT is really a stretch.

In my mind the only thing that the two have in common are the World Showcase, because the shops that were to be in the city project would resemble different countries, and the idea of having futuristic things.

[disrailfan]

Has anyone found out when in June this is happening? My trip is June 8th through 16th and I would really hat to not be able to go on this attraction one last time before they potentially ruin it. lol

:cloud9:

[DancingBear]

I disagree. I've been researching Walt's EPCOT for a few years now, there isn't much material out there on it as much of the design was not finalized and there is still a lot of questions that remain unanswered....but to call the theme park Epcot anything similar to the city plan of EPCOT is really a stretch.I don't think Yoho said it was similar to the city plan, but rather "conceptually," by which I think he meant "thematically." Original Future World was all about how much humans had accomplished and how much more we could achieve.

[donald...really]

After the Disney company realized they couldn't (or didn't want to try to) build Walt's dream for EPCOT, they realized that WDW as a whole was realizing some of the Walt's original plans for EPCOT (take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging, always be introducing and testing and demonstrating new materials and systems, EPCOT (read WDW) will always be a showcase to the world for the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise, etc). The Disney company dubbed ALL of WDW as EPCOT and then created EPCOT Center the theme park in the middle of it. Personally, I think that is a little bit (or a lot) of company spin, but I think that is what Yoho is talking about.

Danny Kaye explains it at 3.28 in the following video from the Disney special when EPCOT Center openned.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EZBqbeRGuzw

[jimmytammy]

Our DD loves this ride! I just hope they pad the seats and headrest.

[YoHo]

I don't think Yoho said it was similar to the city plan, but rather "conceptually," by which I think he meant "thematically." Original Future World was all about how much humans had accomplished and how much more we could achieve.

This is essentially it.

E.P.C.O.T. was never supposed to be a fully functioning city. It was always supposed to be a resort community. The goal being to both encourage engineering and scientific development AND showcase such development.

While there certainly is no spire centered community, there was significant engineering and scientific development. WDW's supporting services being the most obvious.

The fundimental difference is that Disney Corp never managed to create the technology campus idea that was at the heart of the city. So outside companies didn't directly participate in the development aspects of E.P.C.O.T. They simply use it as a showcase for what they were doing in their existing facilities.

So, yes, Epcot embodies or rather Embodied exactly what Walt wanted. WDW has a huge permanent and seasonal population. It's a resort, it showcases incredible new Technologies.

What Epcot doesn't do is illustrate the level of cooperation Walt envisioned. Which is really a shame when one looks to Silicon Valley, RTP etc etc etc.

[YoHo]

After the Disney company realized they couldn't (or didn't want to try to) build Walt's dream for EPCOT, they realized that WDW as a whole was realizing some of the Walt's original plans for EPCOT (take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging, always be introducing and testing and demonstrating new materials and systems, EPCOT (read WDW) will always be a showcase to the world for the ingenuity and imagination of American free enterprise, etc). The Disney company dubbed ALL of WDW as EPCOT and then created EPCOT Center the theme park in the middle of it. Personally, I think that is a little bit (or a lot) of company spin, but I think that is what Yoho is talking about.

Danny Kaye explains it at 3.28 in the following video from the Disney special when EPCOT Center openned.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EZBqbeRGuzw


Yes, this is reenforced in the book: Since the world began.

There is certainly some spin there. You don't go around admitting that you didn't have the Cajones to build Walt's vision, because his idiot nephew had been nipping at your heels.

But fundimentally, this is true. EPCOT Center and WDW were I'd say 80-90% what Walt wanted.

[sasmmb]

Just rode SSE today and talked with one of the CMs she said that one of the post ride attractions is going to open in the next few days with the remaining ones opening in a month or so. Then she mentioned about the SSE rehab and said the only changes being made are starting with the TVs and forward. Basically so "the future" doesn't look like 1994 (her words).

[DC7800]

...the only changes being made are starting with the TVs and forward...

Well, if there is any truth to this (no offense, but not all CM rumors are exactly accurate...), that would encompass the entire ride. Those TV's, which remind us that our ride vehicles will be turning around, are immediately after boarding.

Or do you/she mean the set near the apex where the two kids are conversing?

[vancesmom]

I do see what you all are saying regarding Walt's vision. I agree with the basic concept. There are however some very big differences.

Basically (to stay on topic), I feel it's a shame that rides that many of us already love have to change. However, I do see that changing with the times should be done to keep up. If they didn't make some changes then there were giggles from young/new Disney fans and I don't think that's the right effect.

Let's just cross our fingers that it will be all good!:thumbsup2

[YoHo]

Changing with the times was part of the point. That's not what they did. They completely scrapped the Epcot ideas. Epcot is a sham.

And quite frankly, corssing your fingers and hoping for the best Died for me years ago.

Disney's been doing it wrong for some time now. It's a little late to just think happy thoughts and hope for the best.

[vancesmom]

I guess I just find it a shame that so many who float around these forums are so cynical towards Disney. I love Spaceship Earth. I love Disney. And I'm willing to go with the flow and then form my opinions. I can't say I'm unhappy with an updated ride when I still really don't know what's going to happen.

[ChrisFL]

I guess I just find it a shame that so many who float around these forums are so cynical towards Disney. I love Spaceship Earth. I love Disney. And I'm willing to go with the flow and then form my opinions. I can't say I'm unhappy with an updated ride when I still really don't know what's going to happen.

It's a shame that we have to be cynical in the first place. If they hadn't replaced Horizons with a Spin'n'puke or the original Journey into Imagination with a few really bad versions, or actually added to World Showcase in the past 2 decades we might be more optimistic...

Let's face it, most of what created Epcot as a place of future technology and getting educated in a fun way has been lost. There's nothing futuristic about Test Track, or Soarin', or The Seas with Nemo....they're not bad but they're not what Epcot was made for.

[DancingBear]

Well, if there is any truth to this (no offense, but not all CM rumors are exactly accurate...), that would encompass the entire ride. Those TV's, which remind us that our ride vehicles will be turning around, are immediately after boarding.

Or do you/she mean the set near the apex where the two kids are conversing?I assumed it was near the apex when there are several tvs running clips on the right side of the cars.

[cristen]

I guess I just find it a shame that so many who float around these forums are so cynical towards Disney. I love Spaceship Earth. I love Disney. And I'm willing to go with the flow and then form my opinions. I can't say I'm unhappy with an updated ride when I still really don't know what's going to happen.




AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!


REDRUM! REDRUM!

[vancesmom]

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

[All Aboard]

I think we can all agree that Epcot-1986 was a heckuva lot closer to Walt's vision than Epcot-2007 is.

[Ariel Mae]

*twitch*

The Horizon's theme aspect is okay, but, please, keep it true to the original as much as you can!

[MJMcBride]

here's the latest from dbm20th's site

http://www.mouseextra.com/

[suzimar57]

we love SE - especially DH (who considers it one of his "nap" rides) - guess it will be "down" when we're there in october, right?

[coasterj]

we love SE - especially DH (who considers it one of his "nap" rides) - guess it will be "down" when we're there in october, right?

yep it will be closed in october, sorry.
imagineering has told us it will be down from july 7th to at least the week before thankgiving, and if they don't finish before thanksgiving it could not reopen til the week before x-mas.

[DisneyExplorer]

I do see what you all are saying regarding Walt's vision. I agree with the basic concept. There are however some very big differences.

Basically (to stay on topic), I feel it's a shame that rides that many of us already love have to change. However, I do see that changing with the times should be done to keep up. If they didn't make some changes then there were giggles from young/new Disney fans and I don't think that's the right effect.

Let's just cross our fingers that it will be all good!:thumbsup2

your absolutly right. the robotic characters rewind me of past eingineering like Pirates of the Caribean ride but i suppose we need to move with the times.:hippie:

[DisOrBust]

Can someone in Denver follow the screaming and resuscitate Cristen,;) !

[mitros]

we love SE - especially DH (who considers it one of his "nap" rides) - guess it will be "down" when we're there in october, right?

Nap ride? that's a shame........:sad2:

[raidermatt]

Nobody said Epcot shouldn't change with the times. In fact, one of the biggest complaints is that it HASN'T changed with the times. That the changes that were finally made had nothing to do with changing with the times.

How many times does that have to be said before some will stop saying "You know, Epcot can't stay the same and has to change with the times. Let's just sprinkle some pixie dust and think happy thoughts!"

It's easy to see why Cristen went Shining on us.

[mrsR123]

For example, stupid, ill-conceived, poorly executed, and/or gift shop driven changes are far worse than no change at all.

Changing Spaceship Earth solely to appease its new sponsor and/or to sell photos of us riding on it would not be preferable to stagnation.

[primax]

**sigh**

[raidermatt]

...

[raidermatt]

,,,,

[DisOrBust]

[QUOTE=mrsR123;18233743]For example, stupid, ill-conceived, poorly executed, and/or gift shop driven changes are far worse than no change at all.

Nemo in a clamshell, enough said.

[DisneyExplorer]

what does ... and ,,, mean?
:confused3
d.

[raidermatt]

what does ... and ,,, mean?
:confused3
d.

Its like .. but taken to another level.

[YoHo]

...,,,sigh

[crazy4wdw]

WDW has officially announced that Spaceship Earth will be closed on the following dates:

May 7-10
June 22-23
July 9-November 1, 2007

[Mickey76]

This bums me out. SPaceship Eart is one of my favorite rides. I'm going to be on my Disneymoon July 10-19 and we obviously won't be able to go on it if it's going to close July 9-November 1. Bummer...

[Another Voice]

Naturally, EPCOT Center's signature attraction won't be open on October 1 - the park's 25th anniversary.

If Epcot was a dog, Disney would have kicked it to death by now.

[Horace Horsecollar]

Naturally, EPCOT Center's signature attraction won't be open on October 1 - the park's 25th anniversary.

If Epcot was a dog, Disney would have kicked it to death by now.
Shhhhhhh.... Nobody is supposed to know about the 25th anniversary of the opening of EPCOT Center.

That would draw attention away from the magnificent Year of a Million Dreams.

[Another Voice]

All across America families are receiving their tax refund checks and family meetings are called...

"So, what should we do with the money - buy that widescreen plasma TV set we want...or blow it all on a trip to Disney World where there's a chance we could WIN A FREE CHURRO!!!!!!!!!"

I wish someone would point out to Rasulo that he could make more profit by selling that hideous wand-o-idoits for scrap than he'll make from his inane Year of a Million Diet Cokes.

[raidermatt]

This also means that two of the biggest "people eaters" on property will be closed during most of the summer.

[MasterShake]

All across America families are receiving their tax refund checks and family meetings are called...

"So, what should we do with the money - buy that widescreen plasma TV set we want...or blow it all on a trip to Disney World where there's a chance we could WIN A FREE CHURRO!!!!!!!!!"

I wish someone would point out to Rasulo that he could make more profit by selling that hideous wand-o-idoits for scrap than he'll make from his inane Year of a Million Diet Cokes.

Do not underestimate the power of free churro's!

[WebmasterCricket]

Do not underestimate the power of free churro's!

The only thing better than churros are free churros ;)

[KSoda]

:confused3 :confused3 OHH SURE...Disney takes my $8000 and then decides to close two of my favorite attractions, Haunted Mansion and now Space Ship Earth? Then I learn my favorite restaurant (4 YRS AGO) Alfredo's is going belly up in August, what else is next?:confused3 :confused3

[CanadianGuy]

So cancel now while you still can.. and get all your money back..

And then go when these things are open... Just understand that something else might be closed then. ;)

Knox

[Donaldsfan176]

Whats next? they will announce the parks will be closed all summer to refurbish all the attractions at the same time. (Just like the first Vacation movie with Chevy Chase) Oh, and that money you gave them? Gone too!:lmao:

[SimonV]

The real kicker, though, is Diney's 'special website' to highlight all the changes at Spaceship Earth, which turns out to be a major free commercial for Siemens with nothing about SE at all. What a joke.

[ChrisFL]

The real kicker, though, is Diney's 'special website' to highlight all the changes at Spaceship Earth, which turns out to be a major free commercial for Siemens with nothing about SE at all. What a joke.


And what would really be bad is if the ride itself turns into one big Siemens ad as well...I shudder just thinking about it

[KSoda]

My daughter just reminded me that Spaceship Earth was closed the last time we went as well as the big pool at the CBR.

[raidermatt]

And then go when these things are open... Just understand that something else might be closed then. ;)


I understand the frustration. When you book a summer trip, there are certain negatives you expect, like the heat, thundershowers, crowds, etc.

But one of the positives is little to no refurbs going on. We were there last summer and the only thing I remember being down was part of the lazy river at TL for unexpected maintenance.

Now, for a significant portion of this summer, two major attractions will be down, HM and SE. Besides just not being able to experience them, the people there are also going to hit longer lines at other attractions. Given the number of people that go through these two attractions, as well as the length of these attractions, it will actually be a fairly significant impact.

I'm not saying I'd cancel, but like I said, I understand the frustration. We're going in June, and fortunately for us, SE will still be up (except for 2 days), but HM will be down. I'm not cancelling, but I would like to have a little chat with whoever made the decision to not refurb HM during a slower period sometime over the last 2 years. Its not like the need took them by surprise.

[CanadianGuy]

I'm not cancelling, but I would like to have a little chat with whoever made the decision to not refurb HM during a slower period sometime over the last 2 years. Its not like the need took them by surprise.

Unfortunately, I almost expect the next few years is going to see two and three ride closures a season if they actually do the maintenance and service that's REALLY required right now.

Knox

[KSoda]

So cancel now while you still can.. and get all your money back..

And then go when these things are open... Just understand that something else might be closed then. ;)

Knox

With all due respect, and I'm not trying to be a wize guy here, but try and tell that to my three kids after investing not only a huge sum of money for probably a once in ten year vacation, but after investing the last nine months, if not the last year planning every detail of our trip, and after we first investigated Disney's plans and operating hours for closings and rehabs, making special note of Disney having little if any closings when we made all our plans. My beef is that these rehabs were dropped upon us suddenly, we were not warned by Disney and her website in "a reasonable amount of time," but only until we were well into our planning stages and multiple reservations and c/c deposits, which included many, many hours, weeks and days making dining reservations. A good example of what makes these WDW closings unacceptable to us is we had also planned on viewing the Space Shuttle STS118 launch on June 28th, which ended up getting rescheduled because of STS117 repair delays from a hail storm in March while on the launch platform. Although this was a huge part of our plans and excitement, but now disappointment, we can understand and accept that no one could have forseen this hail storm and it's damage to the external fuel tank. Sure, we had already rescheduled and paid the difference in our flights, spent time finding a motel in Titusville, reserved a car and changed our Disney reservation and dining plans around the Shuttle date, but, what happened to STS117, which affected STS118 and operational schedules was UNFORSEEN, UNPLANNED and an act of nature upon NASA and every associated flight control centers, I can understand this, I accept this, but I cannot accept large rehabs and closings to what was to be some of our favorite attractions, and after even speaking to Disney many times about "planned or scheduled" rehabs, they stated there were none, and the Haunted Mansion was not noted on their website until the last couple months, I just learned of Spaceship earth this week, and I only learned of Alfredo's (once or fav restaurant) downfall and closing only through the DISboards. So, to cancel our plans and get our money back now is out of the question, we came too far, worked too hard and waited too long to back out now. Doing so would only cause "great" dissapointment to my children, not to mention cost me more money to change flights again, thus defeating any savings we had in Jetblue's low cost; we'd have to rebook within a year or loose out. Another reason I cannot plan another trip is because I face major cervical spine surgery which is scheduled when we return from WDW, it would be a long time before I'd be able to travel again. My disappointment is not only the closings and rehabs of major attractions, it is the lack of "timely" information especially and poor planning on the part of Disney, these rehabs should begin in value season and not when parks will be at peak attendance in summer. Historically, it is true that holidays WDW is at peak, but summer season has the longest stretch of high attendance. I understand repairs need to be done, but WDW, please don't inform us in the last couple of months before our vacation, visitors should be informed well enough in time in order to adjust vacation plans and schedules. Do we think Disney would compensate us in the slightest for major closings, NOT! I only hope there won't be anything else coming up that they aren't telling us. I'd like to say this...I am greatful to these DISboards and members for all the posts and updates to everything going on in WDW, without DISboards, we'd be unable to rely on any valuable information being volunteered by Disney in a reasonable amount of time, and a reasonable amount of time does not mean two or three months before our arrival dates, and after ALL our plans have been carefully planned out, and after paying our phone bills for the many hours of long distance calls to Disney for reservations. So, in my opinion, and I'm only one man with one opinion, notifying the public of plans for rehabs should mean the year before, because in many cases, it takes that long to carefully plan everything out. So, in ending here, we'll make the best of it and still look forward to a wonderful trip, I'll just suck it up and plan for different attractions, but we'll miss the ones that we are fond of, because it'll be another five years before we can return pending the outcome of surgery.

[ursijam]

Unfortunately, I almost expect the next few years is going to see two and three ride closures a season if they actually do the maintenance and service that's REALLY required right now.

Knox

I agree with Knox. I fully expect to see a lot of major closings to get things a little better up to snuff. Instead of berating Disney for having things closed, I think that we need to encourage them to invest the record park profits back into the attractions.

I do feel bad that some people will miss out on these, but I don't think that HM can stand to not be refurbished for too much longer. We had waaaay too many times in March where rides stopped while we were on them (including HM).

[raidermatt]

I agree with Knox. I fully expect to see a lot of major closings to get things a little better up to snuff. Instead of berating Disney for having things closed, I think that we need to encourage them to invest the record park profits back into the attractions.



Some of us have been encouraging them to keep up with refurb schedules for years. Waiting until things are falling apart, as they did with HM, and then scheduling a refurb during peak season is not something that should be encouraged.

I understand the idea that doing it eventually is better than never doing it, but waiting so long that its necessary to take rides down in the summer peak is just not an acceptable policy, imo.

We had waaaay too many times in March where rides stopped while we were on them (including HM).

Just fyi, when the rides stop for a few minutes and start again, its usually to accomodate a guest who needs assistance getting on/off the ride, as opposed to there being a mechanical problem.

[ursijam]

Just fyi, when the rides stop for a few minutes and start again, its usually to accomodate a guest who needs assistance getting on/off the ride, as opposed to there being a mechanical problem.

That could be the case for some of the instances, but I know that wasn't the case on Maelstrom. Unless all of the maintenance guys with flashlights were the ones helping the guests get on the ride. ;)

[Another Voice]

Instead of berating Disney for having things closed,...
Why?

Disney got themselves into this situation in the first place. They ignored basic maintenance because they wanted to take our park money and spend it making shows like Am I Hot? and investing in airplane leases for United Airlines. Had WDW been run as a real business, none of this would have been required.

And just to make things worse, they're still treating guests badly to save money. The reason rehabs are happening in the summer and other busy periods is because of budget cuts. It's cheaper to have a smaller maintenance department perform work year round than a have a larger maintenance staff working only during the off-times and a night.

I think everyone has a right to expect that Disney maintain their standards, that they live up to the reputation they say they have. I see no need to give them kindergarten gold stars for the simple act of not screwing up as much. It's time for Disney to get things right, not just "better than it used to be".

[ursijam]

Had WDW been run as a real business, none of this would have been required.

And just to make things worse, they're still treating guests badly to save money. The reason rehabs are happening in the summer and other busy periods is because of budget cuts. It's cheaper to have a smaller maintenance department perform work year round than a have a larger maintenance staff working only during the off-times and a night.


You cannot have it both ways. Disney is being run as a business, and the best use of their (admittedly) lowered maintenance budget is to perform the maintenance during the cheapest time possible. It isn't very Magic, but I hope that we will see more improvement possible as a result. I agree that they got themselves in this mess to begin with, but I am happy to see that they are taking measures to get out of it.

[mrsR123]

You cannot have it both ways. Disney is being run as a business, and the best use of their (admittedly) lowered maintenance budget is to perform the maintenance during the cheapest time possible. It isn't very Magic, but I hope that we will see more improvement possible as a result. I agree that they got themselves in this mess to begin with, but I am happy to see that they are taking measures to get out of it.

I think what AV was alluding to was the practice of taking nearly every dime of profit that the parks generate and throwing it at ABC. If the parks could be treated as a self-standing entity instead of a cash cow, things might be handled differently.

(He'll come along again soon to say if I'm right or not.)

[raidermatt]

You cannot have it both ways. Disney is being run as a business, and the best use of their (admittedly) lowered maintenance budget is to perform the maintenance during the cheapest time possible. It isn't very Magic, but I hope that we will see more improvement possible as a result. I agree that they got themselves in this mess to begin with, but I am happy to see that they are taking measures to get out of it.

That justification only holds up if you assume the maintenance budget has to be lowered to the point that refurbs can't happen during slow periods even when show elements are falling apart.

Not an assumption I'm willing to accept under any business plan.

[DisOrBust]

Just asking but does ABC still suck out so much cash? I would think the bleeding has improved with their lineup being popular.

[Another Voice]

I think what AV was alluding to was the practice of taking nearly every dime of profit that the parks generate and throwing it at ABC. If the parks could be treated as a self-standing entity instead of a cash cow, things might be handled differently.
Exaclty - I could not have said it better.

Corporate sees the parks as nothing but ATMs to fuel the other businesses in Disney. Where did the seven billion dollars to buy Pixar come from, sales of Cinderella 3?

Disney has forced financial burdens onto the parks that can not be sustained. The cash demands can only come from hurting the parks themselves - cutting expenses beyond what is prudent, delaying investment, setting prices and margins higher than what the market will accept. Worse, Disney's one recent failures in Attractions area has put further pressure on the numbers.

[ChrisFL]

I think what AV was alluding to was the practice of taking nearly every dime of profit that the parks generate and throwing it at ABC. If the parks could be treated as a self-standing entity instead of a cash cow, things might be handled differently.

(He'll come along again soon to say if I'm right or not.)

At least they aren't trying to persuade guests to spend part of their time at a theme park to watch upcoming TV shows like at Universal now...dang NBC taking over.

Both Disney and Universal are now suffering from TV execs in power, I dont know what we can do except stop watching TV :confused:

[Another Voice]

At least they aren't trying to persuade guests to spend part of their time at a theme park to watch upcoming TV shows like at Universal now
You don't remember that ABC Show they put in the old SuperStar Televsion theater a couple years ago - a place where guests could watch upcoming "highlights" on new ABC series?

[ChrisFL]

You don't remember that ABC Show they put in the old SuperStar Televsion theater a couple years ago - a place where guests could watch upcoming "highlights" on new ABC series?

No, must have missed that, I do miss SuperStar TV though, I was in it once as the millionaire on Gilligan's Island

[CanadianGuy]

You don't remember that ABC Show they put in the old SuperStar Televsion theater a couple years ago - a place where guests could watch upcoming "highlights" on new ABC series?

Right.. so in the Disney thinking .. they did it 'first' and 'better'... ? :confused3

Uh oh.. this is twice in two days we've agreed.

If you'll excuse I'm going to read up on signs of the apocolypse...

Knox

[mitros]

No, must have missed that, I do miss SuperStar TV though, I was in it once as the millionaire on Gilligan's Island

I got to be be a detective on the "Golden Girls". I could never understand why they eliminated that show and put in that ridiculous "ABC shows preview" in it's place. { I'm reasonably sure that was one of Ei$ners ideas} To the best of my recollection, the Superstar Theater seemed to always draw a huge crowd........

[Another Voice]

It was mostly cost. A large show staff to run the show, a technical staff to run the cameras and edit the film, royalties for the clips and shows they used, and the cost of updating the show - how many more years could they use "Golden Girls" footage. When the park first opened everywhere you turned there were clips featuring "big name" talent. All those people got paid. So when Disney went to nickel and dime everything to death after Euro Disney it was real easy to cut out Tom Selleck and Carol Burnett yucking it up while you waited for the tram tour.


And Mr. Guy - perhaps you're just beginning to sense the power of the dark side...

[CanadianGuy]

And Mr. Guy - perhaps you're just beginning to sense the power of the dark side...

Oh no.. I am familiar with the dark side of which you speak ...

I worked in the interactive group for network television for a period of time in the 90's.. I was hired and quit at ABC on the same day.. (Jake Weinstein was running BVIG at the time and was PISSED at 'wasting time' on me) I was hired to do the themepark websites and quit before I started because I decided to stay at the peacock network.

And a close personal friend was a production manager in Animation and he was part of the Katzenberg (spelling?) exodus to DreamWorks.

I have at least a passing acquaintance with the dark side. And yes.. I give in to it from time to time. :darth:

Knox

[mitros]

It was mostly cost. A large show staff to run the show, a technical staff to run the cameras and edit the film, royalties for the clips and shows they used, and the cost of updating the show - how many more years could they use "Golden Girls" footage. When the park first opened everywhere you turned there were clips featuring "big name" talent. All those people got paid. So when Disney went to nickel and dime everything to death after Euro Disney it was real easy to cut out Tom Selleck and Carol Burnett yucking it up while you waited for the tram tour.


And Mr. Guy - perhaps you're just beginning to sense the power of the dark side...

Sheeesh, and Lifetime, which I believe is a Disney owned channel, is STILL showing reruns of Golden Girls..................Although maybe they don't pay the cast as much any more?

[Another Voice]

because I decided to stay at the peacock network.
You have my deepest sympathies and condolences then.

The NBC people are easy to spot around town now; they’re the ones in the back booths of the used-to-be-so-trendy places, softly weeping to themselves with the occasional outburst of “Curse You Aaron Sorkin!!!” before they dive back into their Red Bull and Vodka.

Of course with the reboot of ‘Lost’ coming up (to kill off whatever fans they have left) and pilots like ‘Caveman’ (the pilot is actually worse than I had imagined when I heard the idea), they’ll have to make room for currently 3rd place ABC very soon.

[MJMcBride]

You have my deepest sympathies and condolences then.

The NBC people are easy to spot around town now; they’re the ones in the back booths of the used-to-be-so-trendy places, softly weeping to themselves with the occasional outburst of “Curse You Aaron Sorkin!!!” before they dive back into their Red Bull and Vodka.

Of course with the reboot of ‘Lost’ coming up (to kill off whatever fans they have left) and pilots like ‘Caveman’ (the pilot is actually worse than I had imagined when I heard the idea), they’ll have to make room for currently 3rd place ABC very soon.


Its not all bad. Hereos is a great show. And I still like Lost

[jeanylaser]

go to www.epcotspaceshipearth.com check this out!

[CanadianGuy]

You have my deepest sympathies and condolences then.

The NBC people are easy to spot around town now; they’re the ones in the back booths of the used-to-be-so-trendy places, softly weeping to themselves with the occasional outburst of “Curse You Aaron Sorkin!!!” before they dive back into their Red Bull and Vodka.


Yeah.. I left NBC in 2000 and haven't been back. They were doin 'ok' when I left.. but things have gone downhill steadily since.

Clearly it was my influence on their web properties, that kept them high-ish in the ratings whilst I was there. (snort,chuckle,etc)

Knox

[KSoda]

:surfweb: I'm a bit puzzed...what are the correct closure/refurbishment dates for Spaceship Earth? I checked this morning and Disney's website states June 22-23, and then July 9-31st. Why is the lapse in 15 days?

[mousermerf]

:surfweb: I'm a bit puzzed...what are the correct closure/refurbishment dates for Spaceship Earth? I checked this morning and Disney's website states June 22-23, and then July 9-31st. Why is the lapse in 15 days?

I don't post much here, but keeping the fact straight seem worth me logging in ;)

Spaceship Earth will be closed on the follow 2007 dates:

May 7-10
June 22-23
July 9 - Nov 1

It is currently 3 phases, and no one really knows why the gaps exist. It's assumedly to keep the attraction operating as much as possible, but to what extent or what types of changes will be made during the shorter closures is unknown.

[tww369]

I just got back and they just finished phase one of the ride re-design. The new exit area has interactive games where you can drive a "spy car" or build a "human body" in 3D. A CM told me the ride will be down for periods during the next six months during which they will update the ride cars (adding LCD displays) and update and/or replace half of the displays. I was going to post pics but can't. I'm not sure how reliable the info is but the ride was closed the next day so It seems true..:coffee:

[crazy4wdw]

The two threads regarding Spaceship Earth's rehab have been merged.

[tww369]

I was told by the CM's that they will be taking 1/4 of the rides cars out at a time to install the updates and shutting down the ride at times to update the displays. Due ammount of work thats planned its being done this way to keep the ride out as much as possible according to the CM's. As for a set schedule I got the impression they weren't sure, it will depend on how long it will take Disney's maintence shops to install the updates into the ride cars:surfweb:

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2233.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2231.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2230.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2229.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2228.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2227.jpg

[tww369]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x278/tww369/100_2226.jpg

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Thanks for the pics! :cool2:

That's what I love about Disney -- the continued updates, changes, and improvements. :goodvibes

[MasterShake]

The pictures do look good, I'll have to check it out when I get back in December.

[ChrisFL]

screamscape.com is reporting possible major changes to the animatronics, putting in the latest tech ones like Jack Sparrow's at POTC. I think that would really make the ride more interesting.

[mjstaceyuofm]

Any word on that creeky, rickety, herky-jerky ride system being replaced?

Shhhhh. If you're quiet enough you can hear the drive/belt system squeeking all the way up here in MI. :sad2:

[Ariel Mae]

Any word on that creeky, rickety, herky-jerky ride system being replaced?

But that's what makes Spaceship Earth interesting! ;)

I love those noises!

[DisneyExplorer]

is it Jeremey Irons who narrates?

[mitros]

is it Jeremey Irons who narrates?

Yep!:thumbsup2

Also,as you know, Walter Cronkite was the narrator before him, and the original narrator when the ride opened in 1982 was Vic Perrin, who did the "control voice" in the original Outer Limits TV show.

[DisneyExplorer]

screamscape.com is reporting possible major changes to the animatronics, putting in the latest tech ones like Jack Sparrow's at POTC. I think that would really make the ride more interesting.

sorry i'm going away from spaceship earth for a sec, whats POTC ride like now its been modernised? pirate:

[mitros]

sorry i'm going away from spaceship earth for a sec, whats POTC ride like now its been modernised? pirate:

I assume you mean at WDW. Not much, in my opinion. They have this, I don't know what you'd call it, kind of smoky cloud as you first go a little ways into the ride with the pirate ghost from the movie projected on it. They also, supposedly, changed the sound of the cannons going off in the battle at the bottom of the waterfall, but I did not think it is any better really, then the old "air" cannon sound they had before. They also added Jack Sparrow at various places on the ride route, and the last scene before you exit, which originally had soldiers held captive by the pirates, now just has Jack Sparrow sitting on a throne,and drunkenly singing Yo ho,etc., etc. Not much of a difference in my opinion, in the overall ride show.........:confused3

[ChrisFL]

now just has Jack Sparrow sitting on a throne,and drunkenly singing Yo ho,etc., etc. Not much of a difference in my opinion, in the overall ride show.........:confused3

But the big difference is that Jack Sparrow looks real, it even fooled people sitting behind me on the ride who swore he was a person and not an AA figure.

If we can see AA figures throughout Spaceship Earth that look real, that would add a lot to the ride