Has Epcot reached a new level of depressing?

[BlueStarryHat]

I said in another thread that Futureworld needs some TLC. Having said that, I don't find Epcot depressing at all. A bit careworn, maybe. I can see where the OP is coming from, though-I first went to Epcot in 1992. I remember Seabase Alpha and all that. Horizons used to be my favorite attraction...but you know what? It wound up I was thinking of that attraction with nostalgic rose-colored glasses on. I recently watched the attraction on YouTube, fully expecting to love it, but I found it to be less fun than what I remembered. Sometimes the past is best left to the past.

 

[A W Reezy]

Horizons used to be my favorite attraction...but you know what? It wound up I was thinking of that attraction with nostalgic rose-colored glasses on. .

Now, I will say this. While I've stated my love for EPCOT, I would be more than happy to trade Mission Space for Horizons. I appreciate what Disney was trying to do there, but I hated MS. Add Horizons to the park now, and EPCOT would be about perfect.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

Not at all. We started staying at the Yacht Club because we always find ourselves at Epcot for dinner. I love walking over to Epcot while DH takes his naps. I love it!

 

[Planogirl]

I said in another thread that Futureworld needs some TLC. Having said that, I don't find Epcot depressing at all. A bit careworn, maybe. I can see where the OP is coming from, though-I first went to Epcot in 1992. I remember Seabase Alpha and all that. Horizons used to be my favorite attraction...but you know what? It wound up I was thinking of that attraction with nostalgic rose-colored glasses on. I recently watched the attraction on YouTube, fully expecting to love it, but I found it to be less fun than what I remembered. Sometimes the past is best left to the past.

I always felt that Horizons needed updating but not gutting. Even it's old worn self is vastly superior to Mission Space IMO.

 

[atricks]

Not so much depressing as stale, but that can be said for much of WDW today. (Especially every park that isn't Magic Kingdom) They have just done a poor job of keeping things updated in some of the parks over the last 15 years or so. That said there are less entertainment and attractions now open at DHS and Epcot than there were 10 years ago.

 

[Bay Max]

I'd like to see future world transformed into a constant trade show. Companies spend hundreds of dollars to be part of shows that introduce new technologies, new games, new everything, why not let them come to disney and do it to the tune of 40,000 people a day... I think it would fit with the "feel" of world showcase, with companies sponsoring booths.

They can at least use the Innoventions buildings for this purpose. Maybe on a somewhat smaller scale.

 

[tjevans]

Fact:

Journey into Imagination was changed due to Kodak's contract with Disney. The second version, Journey into YOUR Imagination was rated so poorly by guests it was changed in less than 2 years to the version we see today (With Figment)

Opinion:

The second and current versions of the attraction are VERY poorly done compared to the original.

I know there are people who love the current version, but is there anyone who experienced the original who thinks the second or current version is better than the original?

I'm not saying such a person would be wrong; they're entitled to their opinion. I just know of no one who has seen the original and thinks the newer versions are better or even on par.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

I know there are people who love the current version, but is there anyone who experienced the original who thinks the second or current version is better than the original?

I'm not saying such a person would be wrong; they're entitled to their opinion. I just know of no one who has seen the original and thinks the newer versions are better or even on par.

Maybe it's the same person that thinks Horizons was more technologically advanced than Mission Space.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Not at all. We started staying at the Yacht Club because we always find ourselves at Epcot for dinner. I love walking over to Epcot while DH takes his naps. I love it!

I will say we did enjoy our stay at Beach Club a few years back. It really was nice just strolling over to Epcot whenever we wanted to. And of course going over for Illuminations at night at the end of the day. And that walk is so pretty!

 

[FirstTimeDisneyVisit]

Love Epcot !!! so much to do how can it be depressing !

 

[hookedonears]

Daughter went recently and said that EPCOT looks tired.

 

[brb1006]

I find Epcot amazing, I just think Soarin at "The Land" Pavilion might need to be re-themed after The Rescuers in the future. Since The Rescuers and the sequel contain perfect flying scenes and be a continuation to the sequel where it left off.

 

[ztonyg]

Not so much depressing as stale, but that can be said for much of WDW today. (Especially every park that isn't Magic Kingdom) They have just done a poor job of keeping things updated in some of the parks over the last 15 years or so. That said there are less entertainment and attractions now open at DHS and Epcot than there were 10 years ago.

I don't think that Disney knows what to do with DHS and Epcot, honestly. Future World would cause a fortune to constantly update and a lot of what would work at DHS thematically has been put in other parks. MK is the signature park and has a rather timeless theme (except for Tomorrowland) but Tomorrowland still doesn't look nearly as depressing as Future World. AK has gotten some much needed love and has a rather nice mix of attractions + animals. If Disney had to do it over again, they'd probably rather have 3 gates and combine Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Mission: Space, TOT, Soarin', Star Tours, TSMM, and RNRC with World Showcase and some shows and call it a day.

 

[Buddyex]

I was there a week and a half ago, and it was my first visit in 7 years and I remember Future World feeling dated on my last visit. This time was no different, what I wasn't prepared for was how much of the space just sat empty and wasn't being utilized for anything. It really feels like Disney just don't know what to do with Epcot. They no longer attract the Sponsorship and technology that Major Sponsors can bring to the table and sadly Walt's vision for what Epcot would be just isn't that exciting anymore because that Future vision arrived has just become our commonplace daily lives. I spent 2 and a 1/2 days at Epcot of a 12 day Park Hopper Pass and only half a day exploring Futureworld, the rest was spent on World Showcase.

 

[maxiesmom]

I know there are people who love the current version, but is there anyone who experienced the original who thinks the second or current version is better than the original?

I'm not saying such a person would be wrong; they're entitled to their opinion. I just know of no one who has seen the original and thinks the newer versions are better or even on par.

I know there are people who love the current version, but is there anyone who experienced the original who thinks the second or current version is better than the original?

I'm not saying such a person would be wrong; they're entitled to their opinion. I just know of no one who has seen the original and thinks the newer versions are better or even on par.

My first trip to Epcot was almost 20 years ago. And I think most of the changes have been positive ones. I'm not at all happy that Malestrom is gone, but currently the only ride change that really bugs me is having Donald Duck in Mexico. But I also remember the old version never had any sort of line, so not much has changed there.

 

[larandtra1990]

They have to systematically decide what to upgrade and when. It runs in cycles. For years people complained that MK was getting stale, so they have addressed that and are not done yet. The attention has turned to Studios and AK, which will take some time. Epcot should have the spotlight turned on it pretty soon from an upgrading standpoint. Have to keep in mind, there are tons of "plans", but, implementing takes time and resources.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't think that Disney knows what to do with DHS and Epcot, honestly. Future World would cause a fortune to constantly update and a lot of what would work at DHS thematically has been put in other parks. MK is the signature park and has a rather timeless theme (except for Tomorrowland) but Tomorrowland still doesn't look nearly as depressing as Future World. AK has gotten some much needed love and has a rather nice mix of attractions + animals. If Disney had to do it over again, they'd probably rather have 3 gates and combine Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Mission: Space, TOT, Soarin', Star Tours, TSMM, and RNRC with World Showcase and some shows and call it a day.

I agree. I think it's because Tomorrowland is smaller in area and doesn't have any empty buildings. Future World is so big with all of these big buildings and a lot of them are empty.

 

[Patience]

We don't really like Epcot all that much. We loved it in the 90's but Future World feels stale now and the buildings sitting around empty are depressing. I agree with the other posters who said that Disney can't keep up with current technology in order to make Future World feel, well, futuristic. World Showcase is nice and I have no strong feelings about Maelstrom. We don't "drink around the world" (although that slushie thing is delicious) and we are not at all interested in shopping for souvenirs so, for us, World Showcase is a nice place to stroll, take in the sights and eat a meal but that's about it. If I was only going to one park, I would never pay $100+ per person for admission to Epcot. As part of a package deal, we'll wander around World Showcase until our ADR time and ride Soarin', Test Track, Nemo and Spaceship Earth. That's about it.

 

[maarowak]

I went to Epcot only once, on our first time last year.

I will admit, Future World was... uuuuuh... We did Test Track, and that was really fun. Soarin' was boring and so not worth the wait even with FP+ (don't hit me!), after that we had breakfast, looked around, did Mission:SPACE (bleh), and... That's it. We entered Innoventions East for Sum of All Thrills and it looked sad and the wait was too long at that point for us to bother.

We decided to go to World Showcase after that. Nothing else appealed to me (19 at the time) and my sister (14). Now I kinda wish we did Living With the Land, but besides that, nothing else caught my attention.

I had an amazing time at WS though. Loved it. Great to walk around, check the entertainment. It rained but we really had an amazing time regardless.

While going back to the entrance, we stopped at Spaceship Earth. It was kind of cute. But I don't think we would do it again.

I don't know, all the time while in FW, I had that feeling of "old amusement park/museum for kids". Maybe for little kids is interesting but next trip, we are doing Test Track, Living With the Land and running over to WS lol

 

[rickybobby]

How I miss the Tapestry of Nations parade. Very fond memories.