EPCOT 30th?

[dronein7g]

Does anyone know if there is anything special planned for the 30th of EPCOT in 2012? I think it would be great to see some new stuff or a show or well anything to celebrate the 30th of EPCOT with my 30th B-day! Just wondering if there is any news or rumors.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

As far as I'm aware there is nothing planned. I also believe nothing big will be planned. They don't seem to celebrate anniversary's anymore.

 

[crazy4wdw]

D23 is planning a celebration of Epcot's 30th anniversary. Nothing specific has been released at this time.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year, including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. All events and dates are subject to change.

 

[dronein7g]

you have to be a member of D23 in order to go to the events though dont you?

 

[ThurlFan]

We were in Epcot on the actual day of their 20th anniversary/birthday. Nothing then, and I expect nothing now.

 

[skier_pete]

Actually I was reading something about how Disney has dialed back the anniversary celebrations partly because they had gotten to making such a big deal out of them, that these "celebrations" were actually starting to be diluted to the point that guests weren't interested in them. As such, they've made an effort to really keep them on a smaller scale, with the intention to look forward to making a HUGE deal for the 50th anniversary in 2021. So, they keep the celebrations to smaller in park celebrations on the day of.

 

[nytimez]

Actually I was reading something about how Disney has dialed back the anniversary celebrations partly because they had gotten to making such a big deal out of them, that these "celebrations" were actually starting to be diluted to the point that guests weren't interested in them. As such, they've made an effort to really keep them on a smaller scale, with the intention to look forward to making a HUGE deal for the 50th anniversary in 2021. So, they keep the celebrations to smaller in park celebrations on the day of.

I recall reading something like that too -- and I'd have to agree, it seemed like every year was a birthday or anniversary for a while there. It did feel diluted.

That said, "Let the Memories Begin" ain't exactly an award-winning concept either, IMO.

 

[crazy4wdw]

you have to be a member of D23 in order to go to the events though dont you?

Yes, you do. You can join as a silver member which is not as expensive as the gold membership, maybe $35? You don't get the quarterly magazine but you can attend any of the events.

One issue that bothers me about the D23 events is they don't announce the details until several months or weeks before the event. I don't know how members plan to attend some of these events where you would need to book airfare, hotel room, etc.

 

[crazy4wdw]

We were in Epcot on the actual day of their 20th anniversary/birthday. Nothing then, and I expect nothing now.

Disney did plan and have a celebration of the 25th anniversay of Epcot. What was planned was influenced by the Disney fan community that scheduled several events on 10/1/2007 when Disney annoucned they were not going to have a celebration.

If I remember, there was an appearance by Marty Sklar, an opening ceremony, and merchandise celebrating the event.

There was also an exhibit in one of the Communicore buildings (sorry, innoventions) that had props from some of the closed attractions, (Horizons, Imagination), old cast costumes, tickets, and other neat stuff. The exhibit stayed open through 2008.

 

[Figment632]

Should happen.

JII overhaul
Finish SSE
UOE overhaul
New Country

What will happen

Program
Shirt
Pin!

 

[Oglet]

Should happen.

JII overhaul
Finish SSE
UOE overhaul
New Country

What will happen

Program
Shirt
Pin!

Don't forget wristbands

 

[Golf4food]

Don't forget wristbands

And RFID.

 

[Oglet]

And RFID.

RFID Wristband lottery for select merchandise. everyone who enters gets a wristband however you can only buy "limited" items if you get one of the lucky activated wristbands.

That would certainly help with long long lines prior to opening and give people arriving later in the day a fair chance at merchandise as well.

 

[Figment632]

To be honest EPCOT lol as much as I complain about it being in bad shape is too good for its own good. I think it is still the second most visited park in the world.

This is why Disney takes so long to do anything at EC they don't have to. With FLE and Avatarland EC is on the back burner again.

Pray for a fire that doesn't hurt anyone that's what changed the tiki room.

 

[lions1995]

I think I heard they weer going to change the color of the water in one of the fountains, but only for the first few hours after opening.