Epcot is sad

[Laketravis]

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[Yellowstonetim]

Parts of World Showcase are fun....parts are little more than a shopping opportunity. I'd love to see more movies a la China, or interactive exhibits showcasing the culture of a nation. Why not do a country's history of dress (even ours...) from the middle ages to the present? Hair styles throughout history in one nation or around the world? There are so many cultural subjects that could be explored via film, exhibit, and/or demonstration.

How many people really want Moroccan brass lanterns?

Morocco is my favorite pavilion. I love the narrow street feel and it has the best shops with the most interesting goods. Didn't see the lanterns though, I'll have to look next time.

And I highly recommend the restaurant!

 

[HorizonsRIP]

Guys, I'm in wdw right now with a rapid fill mug in one hand and a baby stapped to my chest. Will respond to the many substantive points raised when I can.

Btw Aerosmith coaster rocks.

 

[kidd_freeper]

Your description applies to the EPCOT that was built in 1982. Does the Future World statement fit with Soarin'? The curent JII or Seas with Nemo and Friends? The Character Spot? Mission Space? Test Track?

I agree with your points about what EPCOT was originally but not its current form. The problem is that it hasn't been updated nearly enough since the mid-'90s.

Your response applies to someone who has expectations that are based on previous visits. Someone who has expectations of how the park should be operated will be "sad" because EPCOT doesn't fit their own pre-conceived ideas.

A new visitor to EPCOT will see Soarin' as a feeling to experience free flight, JII as a demonstration of how anyone can apply themselves, Nemo as a fun introduction to an exhibit on oceanography, Mission Space as an opportunity to experience what future space travellers will experience and Test Track as an exhibit on what is done to improve auto safety. Optimism.

Again, if you want updated exhibits, go visit a tech show. They're fun and much less expensive than a day at EPCOT.

And park characters tucked away in a building so those who want to can have a picture with them (not my cup of tea) under comfortable conditions...How do they make anyone sad?

 

[Laketravis]

A new visitor to EPCOT will see Soarin' as a feeling to experience free flight, JII as a demonstration of how anyone can apply themselves, Nemo as a fun introduction to an exhibit on oceanography, Mission Space as an opportunity to experience what future space travellers will experience and Test Track as an exhibit on what is done to improve auto safety. Optimism.

LOL! Talk about pre-conceived expectations.....

 

[jade1]

Refurb FW with new WS countries, can integrate Soarin, TT, SE and the aquarium somehow if they want. But WS is our fave now, esp with BC and BW right next door to stay at.

Like others, more countries for dining and drinks for us.

 

[dwheaton]

Your response applies to someone who has expectations that are based on previous visits. Someone who has expectations of how the park should be operated will be "sad" because EPCOT doesn't fit their own pre-conceived ideas.

A new visitor to EPCOT will see Soarin' as a feeling to experience free flight, JII as a demonstration of how anyone can apply themselves, Nemo as a fun introduction to an exhibit on oceanography, Mission Space as an opportunity to experience what future space travellers will experience and Test Track as an exhibit on what is done to improve auto safety. Optimism.

Again, if you want updated exhibits, go visit a tech show. They're fun and much less expensive than a day at EPCOT.

And park characters tucked away in a building so those who want to can have a picture with them (not my cup of tea) under comfortable conditions...How do they make anyone sad?

Of course my visit is going to be affected by "pre-conceived" notions! Am I supposed to forget that EPCOT was awesome? Should I just accept the fact that I'm spending more for less?

It's not about having exhibits that are constantly updated to match the future technology. It's about the theme park actually evolving and having new experiences. If they made new things that actually even came close to the creative success of the original rides, I'd be thrilled.

The Universe of Energy hasn't changed since 1996. Soarin' is still on a scratchy film (I know it's being upgraded) from its original incarnation of more than 10 years ago. Journey to Imagination is less than half as long as the original ride, and the effects aren't any better than 30 years ago. The Wonders of Life pavilion had multiple attractions and exhibits that could occupy hours of your time. Now it's vacant. Mission Space has some thrills, but do people really visit it repeatedly?

Even successful rides like Spaceship Earth have issues. The descent is fun for a laugh, but it's basically a JibJab card instead of its former show scenes. The characters are fine, but they replaced a section that once had cool exhibits. Nemo is cute, but it blocks what once were stunning cool views of the aquarium.

It's cool if you disagree about the merits of the attractions. I just don't see why it's wrong to hope for more from my favorite theme park. I grew up going to EPCOT in the '80s and '90s and still love going there. But it's hardly controversial to say that it needs a bunch of upgrades.

 

[Wackdawg]

I have always viewed EPCOT as a daily world's fair that would entertain you in future world and give you a slice of each countries culture in world showcase. I never felt that any of the countries were misrepresented nor was there any implied offense to any of the cultures. I think pagoda's are just fine for China. Besides...what else are they gonna put up there? A wall.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Your response applies to someone who has expectations that are based on previous visits. Someone who has expectations of how the park should be operated will be "sad" because EPCOT doesn't fit their own pre-conceived ideas.

A new visitor to EPCOT will see Soarin' as a feeling to experience free flight, JII as a demonstration of how anyone can apply themselves, Nemo as a fun introduction to an exhibit on oceanography, Mission Space as an opportunity to experience what future space travellers will experience and Test Track as an exhibit on what is done to improve auto safety. Optimism.

Again, if you want updated exhibits, go visit a tech show. They're fun and much less expensive than a day at EPCOT.

And park characters tucked away in a building so those who want to can have a picture with them (not my cup of tea) under comfortable conditions...How do they make anyone sad?

I have always viewed EPCOT as a daily world's fair that would entertain you in future world and give you a slice of each countries culture in world showcase. I never felt that any of the countries were misrepresented nor was there any implied offense to any of the cultures. I think pagoda's are just fine for China. Besides...what else are they gonna put up there? A wall.

 

[jimmysmom74]

I found on my last trip really appreciating the nostalgia of Epcot as well as many of the classic rides. My DS 6 y/o was fascinated by the fact that some rides and esp. the WS was just like it was the first time his mom saw it. We came home and pulled out old pictures from when I was 8 y/o at Epcot World Showcase. My parents took me to Epcot the first year it was open. It was fun to see the things that were different and what was the same. If they do it right the first time, it doesn't need a redo. I think WS is pretty perfect, adding a few countries would be great, updating is fine, but culture of a country doesn't change, it is part of that county's history. No one wants them to fix the Roman Colosseum.

 

[rt2dz]

It's one pavilion. They can't put all of China's cultures and identities in there. They're just giving a representation for each country.

If someone wants to deeply explore a country and culture I'd suggest traveling there instead of Epcot.

Ooooo! Oooo! (Mr. Kotter! Mr. Kotter!)

Can I just agree with that 500%?

I will also add that, living in Texas, I know many Hispanic families. Many first, second or third generation. Whenever you go to a big event, no expenses spared, there is always a mariachi band (it's there culture). As grade A, wonder bread myself, I always thought that was a degrading stereotype. Turns out, it is a massive, important part of the Mexican culture.

 

[mcoaddict]

Well, I'm Canadian and I love the Canadian pavilion. I like the way it looks with hints of the Parliament buildings, Maritimes and the Victoria gardens. The new movie with Martin Short is very funny, and paints a fair picture of my country. And Off Kilter playing Canadian rock is FANTASTIC, even if only one member of the band is actually Canadian.

I don't find anything about the Canadian pavilion offensive, in any way. The CMs lumberjack styled costumes are a leetle dorky, but hey... lumber is still a major export. And it's no worse than the Colonial get ups the American pavilion CMs have to wear.

I'd like to hear from people from other countries, what they think of Epcot's representation of their homeland.

I am a Canadian too and I have no issue with how they represent us. I don't personally wear plaid but I do like Jos Louis which they have in the Canadian pavillion lol.

You have to remember it's all a little out of date but they can't update it every year. Just enjoy the good and know the rest was well intentioned.

And EPCOT is my second favourite park. I see nothing wrong with it.

 

[rt2dz]

There are actually major problems with Epcot as I see it.

It's been around 31 years and quite simply Disney has not done a lot of upgrading to the park. If you think about the World Showcase section very few things have been updated from when it opened, unless it's a restaurant. Maybe a lot of it is "timeless" like the architecture, but nothing has really been added to that section over the years. At one time there used to be a parade, but that's been gone for years. Unfortunately WS has become a glorified mall.

If you go over to the Future World section it pains me to say that area has really fallen behind the times. You have one the Bodyworks pavilion sitting empty, the Energy pavilion has need an update for the past 10 years, the Imagination pavilion might as well be empty with it's old video and weak ride, the aquarium part of the Seas pavilion is really showing its age (I like the Nemo ride and Crush) and Communicore just doesn't attract like it should.

One of the huge problems is lack of headlining ride capacity, which has been exacerbated by the new FP+ (tiering is a direct result of the capacity issue). Really you only have Test Track, Soarin', and Mission Space. It's not enough for the crowds that are coming to Epcot.

Due to Disney not keeping Epcot fresh and up to date, it needs a billion dollars of love. Disney will never spend that as it's always shown that the parks at WDW don't get the attention and care that DL gets.

There is so much potential there at Epcot that it makes me angry Disney doesn't tap into it. They are content pulling in the dollars that Epcot generates without giving some love back to the park.

This!

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I'm Mexican American and I don't find it offensive. I love looking around at the little shops and the boat ride is one of m favorites which does show different parts of Mexico.
Mexicans love Mariachis we celebrate with them for all occasion wedding, quinceanera's, birthdays, Mother's Day. I also love the rest of the WS and always look forward to it on our Disney trips.

 

[ekendall2]

Reducing every world culture to its most obvious stereotypes?

Considering that many of the countries were designed by architects sent from their respective countries, i find them all to be pretty neat.

I do think that the future world looks pretty nostalgic, but i like it.

 

[Rosebud123]

Your are certainly entitled to your opinion, but me and my 9 year old DS and 11 year old DD rank Epcot #1, #2, and #1, and MK #4, #4, and #4!

 

[prudence64]

Epcot is my favorite and MK my least favorite. I love future world with the exception of energy. Won't go back to that one until it's updated and not such a commercial for oil companies.

 

[kapoof]

To the op if you don't like Epcot then don't go. Shorter lines for the rest of us who aren't so easily offended....what a joke...get over yourself.

 

[disney1990]

Hands Down, our favorite park.

 

[Damien2213]

All I can say is.....