EPCOT days gone by

[Robo]

What was the Odyssey Restaurant like? Was there a specific theme? Type of food? I always liked the look of the building, but never got around to trying it before it was gone.

Just your standard WDW "counter service" like the Electric Umbrella in FW.

 

[Robo]

do you know the web site where theese pics are from

One of the many satellite image sites found on-line.

 

[Peter Panic Attack]

That guy was Dreamfinder, and it was in the top level of the Imageworks after the JIA ride. It was an "acting school."

This is the area I really miss....the rainbow tunnel...the stepping tones...there was a bunch of cool stuff. I think I read somewhere it's all still up there gathering dust.

 

[W.E.D.]

Thoughts about WS pavilions and adding more rides:

I've heard many times that the idea of a coaster was being tossed around, maybe at Japan (Mt. Fuji?). Do you think the pavilions are really big enough to handle the lines that would be associated with an "E-ticket" ride going in? I can envision lines stretched from the castle clear out to WS Lagoon, blocking a lot of foot traffic. I don't know. Maybe there is more space back in there than I am aware of.

 

[clc053103]

Ok, I know I'm a geek when it comes to WDW - but I just finished a book Realityland - that has a lot of the info that the OP was talking about. The countries that were supposed to be in WS, sponsors, rides, etc.

If you're interested - it's a great read . . .

read this too and loved it....yes, a fellow geek.

 

[MonorailDriver]

Thoughts about WS pavilions and adding more rides:

I've heard many times that the idea of a coaster was being tossed around, maybe at Japan (Mt. Fuji?). Do you think the pavilions are really big enough to handle the lines that would be associated with an "E-ticket" ride going in? I can envision lines stretched from the castle clear out to WS Lagoon, blocking a lot of foot traffic. I don't know. Maybe there is more space back in there than I am aware of.

I think if they were going to put in a ride they would have thought about where to put the people. Plus I know there is a lot of space behind the scenes so speak, I always thought if they added countries the bulk of anything new would actually have to be behind some things...which is why I think it would be cool to see something like Egypt added as the pyramids could be built to house a coaster or something and be behind something but still be visible and fit in with the overall theme.

Plus my dad who is an engineer actually explained to me once that the way the develop ride lines is actually a fairly simple engineering equation. It looks like a series of barriers placed to make you walk back and fort arbitrarily but there is actually a purpose to it. They actually go out of there way to determine the best way to fit say 100 people into a space that would normally only fit 50...its actually pretty cool.

 

[bcrook]

I developed a cool research project at my middle school. The spanish classes had to research different Spanish speaking countries, find out what the people of that nation value and treasure about their country, and then put together a proposal for a new EPCOT pavilion. The students were totally got into this project. Their ideas were fun and interesting enough they came up with some of the same ideas have been reading on this thread.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful and nostalgic information on this thread. Robo that picture of the buildings and "potential" space for rides is very interesting.

 

[Friendly Frog]

I agree with you. Horizons* really did go nicely with Walt's fondness of nostalgia and futurism. I still love Epcot, but it boggles my mind that they tore out the heart of Future World. World of Motion and Communicore are also sorely missed by me.


*There are a couple of crazy guys who obsessively documented Horizons durings its last days by sneaking off the ride and wandering around the building. They have a fascinating blog called Mesa Verde Times. I love checking out their photos and videos. If you enjoy original EPCOT Center attractions, you'll get a kick out of it.

Ditto-and I love that blog and the behind the scenes photos!

 

[bcrook]

With Harry potter going berserk across town, is there any plans to give epcot an upgrade, add a ride in WS or add another country?