Epcot and Magic Kingdom looking dated?

[Grumbo]

Without starting a flame war here, a group of us were at WDW last week and had a great time. However we all commented while in Epcot as well as the Magic Kingdom how dated and tired a number of the buildings are becoming.
In their day yes they were cutting edge. Most newer North American shopping malls are more indicative of Tomorrow or Futuristic than a lot of these buildings.
Is there any plans of doing something with these buildings? I have always enjoyed WDW but for the first time really noticed that building appearance and upkeep is lacking.
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[jctwizzer]

We were there last month, and have been regular visitors for several years, and did not notice the things you mention....not sure how futuristic MK is expected to look. Did notice a few mtce. items, but nothing consequential. And we have reservations for three more trips this year.

 

[Grumbo]

Guess my explanation of our feelings wasn't that great. The futuristic appearance was more for Epcot, but also in MK where they have the magnetic people movers (Tomorrowland?). The Contemporary Hotel is another example.
Don't get me wrong. We enjoy visiting and have for years but DO find that while newer items like Fantasmic in 2000 and Buzz Lightyear back then were great, a number of things (Its a Small World) just are getting stale.
My feelings anyway.
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[Hayley]

Well, I can only speak for myself, but
I sort of rely on some continuity at the parks - particularly the MK. I am nostalgic about it - I want to see my old favorites. I can barely stand it when they do away with an old ride, let alone change the appearance of the park.

This is what makes WDW special for me - it's the reason I keep going back. If I wanted new improved stuff all the time I'd go someplace else.

To me it's not dated - it's familiar and full of memories.

 

[Fantasmic303]

I agree with both sides. We were there last week too, and while I love the consistency of MK, I think Epcot and even MGM could use a little updating. MK, for me, is all about the nostalgia. What makes it special for me is riding through the buildings and walking along the same sidewalks as I did 20 years ago and taking pictures in exactly the same places as my family has over all those years.

Parts of Future world, I guess, could use a little bit of a renovation to bring it more 21st century, but not so much that it takes away from anything for me. In fact, I think certain portions of it (Innoventions sidewalks, Wonders of Life. etc.) are pretty well done on the modernity scale, and I believe that changes in store for Epcot (Test Track's addition a few years ago, Mission: Space, Ice Station Cool) are helping to evolve the park as well. Things we thought needed a bit of work? Well, the Living Seas, for one - my sister was appalled at the state of the tanks, just in appearance, not even in specimen.

MGM on the other hand...I love the Studios and always have because I'm a big ol' movie buff. However, we decided that some of the props and attractions there are a bit dated for return visitors and young guests alike. My sister commented on Residential Street that Golden Girls and Empty Nest and even Ernest Saves Christmas are ancient fossils that a lot of the younger generation doesn't get the thrill out of that we used to. The props on the backlot tour, from The Rocketeer, Roger Rabbit, Black Jack Savage, etc. are even more rusted than they were intended to be and, again, a lot of people don't remember even seeing those films in the first place.

I wish the Studios were still an active production facility on the backlots. I still love to visit the park, but it was an extra bit of magic for me to get to tour through the soundstages as if I was on the catwalk. While I love the memories of MK and appreciate the architecture of Epcot, I do wish they could update the Studios a bit.

Just my two cents - I still love WDW!!

 

[markºoº]

There have been many rumors that Disney has plans for a major redo of Futureworld at EPCOT. Although better for the rumor board, here is a link to the rumored changes.

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/nav4/index.htm?../articles/02192003.1.htm~contentFrame

 

[Matty_Disfan]

When asked about the future, Michael Ei$ner made the good point that the future won't be chrome and neon, that people are returning to simple and clean ways of living, and that the ideal future accomodationa would look more like a Montana ranch than Times Square. They also knew that they had to redo tomorrowland at WDW, that's why they chose to redo it as a vision of the future from the 1950s-60s, sort of a tongue in cheek and magical version of the what we used to think the future would be...... An over the top version of what tomorrowland already was.

Food for thought.

 

[Synonymous]

I agree that Future World in Epcot needs alot of attention. Hopefully, Disney will follow through on its plans to do a major rehab of the whole area. As much as we enjoy going to Epcot, I have to say that there is not much in Future World, besides Test Track, that we consider a "must do" anymore. We don't even consider going to the "Life" pavilion (jeez, it's been so long I can't even remember the real name) and why anyone would want to spend time in The Land is beyond me.

Most times we spend a little bit of time in FW and head through to World Showcase.

 

[Talinthor]

I really like Disney's solution for Tomorrowland. By giving it that 1950s sci-fi look, they no long have to worry about keeping up with the current vision of tomorrow. Pretty clever on their part.

As for Epcot, I agree. The buildings always remind me of 1982 (or thereabouts). However, they have spruced it up some by adding some trimmings like the fiber optic lights in the sidewalk and those funky looking canopies.

They even fixed up It's a Small World recently with some new paint and new glitter. Check out the "good-bye" room at the end of the ride. Much more colorful than it was.

I am such a geek. I notice all these strange little details whenever I go.

Tal

 

[PatriciaH]

I think the Magic Kingdom looks great for 30 years old and the number of people that go through it each day. Some minor paint chips, etc.. could be kept up with better but Disneyland's MK (50 soon!) and WDW's are still going strong!

Wonders of Life is dated so is the Living Seas and The old Oddesey restaurant-yuck. I feel bad for the fish, dolphins and manaties with no sunlight in the Living Seas- and the fake coral-yuck again

The Land however I LOVE! Dito for Spaceship Earth.

 

[Synonymous]

Patricia, what is in The Land that you love? We haven't gone in so long. What do you feel is worth giving a new try?

 

[chrisp]

Synonymous:
The Land: Try the "living with the land" attraction and the "behind the seeds" tour of the same attraction. Very interesting.

 

[PatriciaH]

We really like the "Behind The Seeds" tour. It is $6 and you sign up in the gift shop on the lower level. Well worth it. You get to walk behind the land ride and see things close up. I love how they grow some of the plans and veggies. Hydroponics, sand, etc.. The section on the insects WDW uses to keep pests in check is great too! I also just love the smell in the ride part of things growing. I love plants