5 Epcot Rumors (A Disney Rumors video is on pg. 6)

[rteetz]

I get the idea that Epcot is supposed to showcase the nations of the world. But I disagree that adding Disney characters is taking away from the authenticity of Epcot. I don't think the Caballeros detract anything from the Mexican pavilion, and I think they should do more incorporation of Disney characters themed to specific nations found in the World Showcase. 1)People come to WDW to immerse themselves in Disney. 2)having characters in Epcot will allow the kids to have something they can look forward to rather than walking around for miles watching their parents eat, drink, and shop around the world. Remy in France makes perfect sense, and though I would not be a fan Frozen in Norway makes sense too. Donald in Mexico makes even less sense but hey it's grandfathered in. I think it would be neat to see Wall-E in futureworld. The key would be that the character would have to be very tied into the land or the theme of the location. Muppet's...yeah I don't see the tie in there. But, once again I don't think having a Disney character in Epcot detracts from the original vision, and I think the synergy is something they should be working towards

I agree with you I don't think the three caballeros has changed Mexico much. Ratatouille would be fine in France. Now as for frozen Norway has an attraction already that is doing just fine just putting frozen overlay on that I don't like. Frozen has done so incredibly well that it deserves it's own d or e ticket attraction.

 

[rteetz]

These sound all like "Blue Sky" style rumors to me, and while I wouldn't buy any of these without a firmer source. However, I don't mean to Poo-poo rumors since they are fun, but I do like to perform a "reality check", so hear it goes: I only see this happening if they get some sort of crowd absorbing ride in WS. Until then, there's no motivation to staff this part of the park that early. The FW section is more than enough to absorb the crowds from 9 - 11 AM. Likelyhood: Low. I could see this as an outside possibility. I think they are trying very hard to come up with a concept for this building that would be a hit. The Muppets are not selling well (the first movie fared so-so, the second worse), but it's a IP that could still work. IF they really were to go all in on Star Wars at DHS - this might be a perfect location for MuppetVision 3_D and a new ride. Likelyhood - Moderate There is legitimately space for a ride here. There is space both behind the area as well as between France and Morocco, so it could be done. Any ride in WS seems well down the priority list as it seems like everything in WS has to be funded by the country of origin...but at least the locale is realistic. Likelyhood - Low There is absolutely no space in this area unless they take out the Millenium Village center, which is used for many private events. Alice has no sort of popularity right now, and is already represented with the feature attraction of the tea cups in MK as well as a dark ride in DLR. Too out of left field to be true. Likelyhood - No Way Jose This one is tough. There certainly is something that could be done with this space, but "Inside Out" is several years away, and "Bug's Life" makes little sense to go with the Wonders Of Life concept. Disney doesn't build attractions based on movies that haven't come out yet - with ironically enough "It's tough to be a bug" being the ONLY exception in 60 years. This more sounds like someone's idea of "Hey wouldn't it be great if..." Likelyhood - No Way Jose

I'm very surprised you think muppets in Epcot has a higher chance that ratatouille. I think ratatouille makes sense. Tom Fitzgerald is now in creative lead at Epcot he was at the head of the ratatouille ride that is opening in Paris this July. Putting two and two together they have room for it it seems more likely than muppets.

 

[bigskyernurse]

There are so many morning weddings in the World Showcase that I think this would be a consideration to moving the opening time to 9am. It's bringing in lots of extra $. We're getting married there in September. =)

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

1. Yea the rat is still a pretty solid concept right now.

2. Hours would go to 9 if two big attractions were added to World Showcase.

I agree that if new and *appropriate* rides were added to WS that it could ignite it's mornings(of course breakfast would need to be served at the restaurants).

Really though...it's Future World that needs major investment.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

There are so many morning weddings in the World Showcase that I think this would be a consideration to moving the opening time to 9am. It's bringing in lots of extra $. We're getting married there in September. =)

I had no idea about "morning weddings" at WS.

That is REALLY cool!

 

[WDWChloe]

That's true, Disney had no idea just how big Frozen was going to be. If they did they would have probably nixed the Dwarf ride and made a Frozen ride instead. The ice castle would look amazing on top of a mountain, it could be scaled down like Belle's Castle.

They still have room to expand...

 

[rteetz]

They still have room to expand...

MK has a ton of room WDW has a ton of room everywhere to expand but will they is the question and most likely no. I'll be honest is saying we probably won't see major upgrades at MK for 10-15 years now that NFL is done.

 

[oldtink]

Cant see Alice in Wonderland as a ride in EPCOT. It's a small franchise. Wish they would make future world Star Wars land, and use the space in DHS as Cars Land. I might be wrong but that seems more logical.

Aren't the lines at these rides at MK, looooong, even with FP+? If just one moved to, say the country of origin, wouldn't that allow it more riders and less back log at MK? Just a logic thought. There is quite a display for both AiWL and Pooh at UK, so I don't see that as out of ordinary. As an English teacher, I see it as a very nice fit. JMO

 

[oldtink]

I thinking have Disney characters at a country is fine, if they fit these two rules:

1) Character(s) are not THE focal point or selling point of the pavilion. Characters would enhance and not distract from the country's culture.

2) Character(s) should have STRONG ties to respective country. Remy for France, Frozen for Norway, Three Caballeros in Mexico are all good examples.

Since Epcot is more "adult" in theme and for younger kids there is not that much. I like the idea of Disney characters being the bridge to the countries. Pooh and Alice in UK is a natural for me. Same for Mary Poppins.

The Princess from FROZEN have moved due to traffic flow issues, but the story is based in Norway, so again a great bridge for them to learn culture.

Sorry, I taught English for 30yrs and the historical background and understanding of the country the author was located is often very important.

 

[rteetz]

Aren't the lines at these rides at MK, looooong, even with FP+? If just one moved to, say the country of origin, wouldn't that allow it more riders and less back log at MK? Just a logic thought. There is quite a display for both AiWL and Pooh at UK, so I don't see that as out of ordinary. As an English teacher, I see it as a very nice fit. JMO

I don't think pooh fits in UK at all it should stay in fantasyland right where it is no reason to move that. And the tea cups aren't worth moving that never has huge lines. If they were to put Alice in Epcot it should be like the dark ride in Disneyland.

 

[rteetz]

Since Epcot is more "adult" in theme and for younger kids there is not that much. I like the idea of Disney characters being the bridge to the countries. Pooh and Alice in UK is a natural for me. Same for Mary Poppins. The Princess from FROZEN have moved due to traffic flow issues, but the story is based in Norway, so again a great bridge for them to learn culture. Sorry, I taught English for 30yrs and the historical background and understanding of the country the author was located is often very important.

I think Mary Poppins would work but not pooh Alice and Poppins are more fitting. Frozen deserves more than Norway for such a success it has been.

 

[skier_pete]

I'm very surprised you think muppets in Epcot has a higher chance that ratatouille. I think ratatouille makes sense. Tom Fitzgerald is now in creative lead at Epcot he was at the head of the ratatouille ride that is opening in Paris this July. Putting two and two together they have room for it it seems more likely than muppets.

I only think that it is MORE likely that they do something in the Imagination Pavillion than that they put a ride in World Showcase. They haven't put a new ride in WS since they built Norway in 1988. That's what 26 years without adding a ride to WS, an area with essentially no rides.

The Ratatoulle rumor has only surfaced because the guy from DLP moved to Epcot. There's no other indication this is happening or has plans to happen. There is no need to move him to build the ride, either.

In addition, WS is NOT designed to handle the heavy crowds that an acutal E- or D- ticket ride would create. There's no real room for a queue area. There's just a lot going against the concept, and not much going for it except (a) there is space available and (b) they've already built the ride once making it a fairly cheap drop in for a park with a lack of new stuff.

Meanwhile, there's been lots of rumors swirling around the Imagination Pavillion, and it CLEARLY needs help. I think that SOMETHING being done to the Imagination Pavillion is very likely the next thing that will happen in Epcot. Not totally convinced that the Muppets would be the choice, but there IS logic to that, so therefore I give it slightly more credence than the Remy ride.

 

[rteetz]

I only think that it is MORE likely that they do something in the Imagination Pavillion than that they put a ride in World Showcase. They haven't put a new ride in WS since they built Norway in 1988. That's what 26 years without adding a ride to WS, an area with essentially no rides. The Ratatoulle rumor has only surfaced because the guy from DLP moved to Epcot. There's no other indication this is happening or has plans to happen. There is no need to move him to build the ride, either. In addition, WS is NOT designed to handle the heavy crowds that an acutal E- or D- ticket ride would create. There's no real room for a queue area. There's just a lot going against the concept, and not much going for it except (a) there is space available and (b) they've already built the ride once making it a fairly cheap drop in for a park with a lack of new stuff. Meanwhile, there's been lots of rumors swirling around the Imagination Pavillion, and it CLEARLY needs help. I think that SOMETHING being done to the Imagination Pavillion is very likely the next thing that will happen in Epcot. Not totally convinced that the Muppets would be the choice, but there IS logic to that, so therefore I give it slightly more credence than the Remy ride.

Idk I just got a rumor that he said has been confirmed by a Disney imagineer that frozen is coming to Norway

 

[Disneychick75]

Hello again everybody, lately I’ve been hearing some interesting rumors about Epcot. It may get new attractions in both the World Showcase and Future World. Of course you have to take the rumors with a grain of salt because it may not ever happen. These are just ideas (for the moment) that have been talked about behind closed doors.

1. World Showcase may change their opening time to 9 am

2. Imagination building maybe taken over by “The Muppets” (3d movie & a ride)

3. “Ratatouille” ride put in France

4. “Alice in Wonderland” ride put in the U.K.

5. “Inside Out” attraction and “A Bugs life” movie maybe put in the Wonders of Life building (I hope this one's true)

Love all but number 5. Bugs needs to stay in AK.

 

[disneysource]

Love all but number 5. Bugs needs to stay in AK.

It would stay, this is another attraction with Bugs. I was told it would just be a movie about the human body.

While the other attraction at this pavilion is about the brain.

 

[skier_pete]

Idk I just got a rumor that he said has been confirmed by a Disney imagineer that frozen is coming to Norway

The biggest problem with rumors - even from Disney employees - is that typically the ones high enough up to actually be "in the know" of what's going to happen aren't going to spread info about it. So, much like any workplace, possibilities filter out from imagineering, and eventually become "fact" among the CM.

Nothing is certain without shovels in the ground.

 

[rteetz]

The biggest problem with rumors - even from Disney employees - is that typically the ones high enough up to actually be "in the know" of what's going to happen aren't going to spread info about it. So, much like any workplace, possibilities filter out from imagineering, and eventually become "fact" among the CM. Nothing is certain without shovels in the ground.

He didn't flat out say it he said I'm working on a project for maelstrom and cough frozen cough. He is also the guy that did the three caballeros for the Mexico ride so it does seem very very possible.

I do agree tho that nothing is certain until construction is visibly underway. Just like these five rumors above I don't believe any of them until it's being done.

 

[marivigi]

Im all for new rides at Epcot, and more stuff for kids to do!!

But I really really REALLY hope they keep Figment!

 

[skier_pete]

He didn't flat out say it he said I'm working on a project for maelstrom and cough frozen cough. He is also the guy that did the three caballeros for the Mexico ride so it does seem very very possible.

I do agree tho that nothing is certain until construction is visibly underway. Just like these five rumors above I don't believe any of them until it's being done.

Actually, the "Frozenization" of Maelstrom is probably more likely than any of the five originally mentioned items considering the popularity of those characters, as it would be pretty low cost and give a large boost to Epcot's "Must Do" list. (They may call Maelstrom a "Tier 1", but it is only that for lack of other Tier 1 rides.)

 

[MickeyBobby]

He didn't flat out say it he said I'm working on a project for maelstrom and cough frozen cough. He is also the guy that did the three caballeros for the Mexico ride so it does seem very very possible.

I do agree tho that nothing is certain until construction is visibly underway. Just like these five rumors above I don't believe any of them until it's being done.

If he was the guy that did the Three Caballeros overlay of Mexico, I wouldn't want him touching Frozen on Maelstrom with a ten foot pole. I can't think of a worse overlay anywhere.