Epcot is sad

[blbrodger1]

Epcot is by far my favorite park! We spend more time there than any other park. My twins always enjoy getting their passports stamped at each country and the Kidcot activities are wonderful, too. The interaction with people from different countries in the world showcase is also amazing...but it's what you make it.

One of our favorite experiences is the Sum of All Thrills!

We lived in Mexico for 12 years. The Mexico pavilion is not stereotypical. It's a representation of a real pyramid, has a restaurant that is considered to be one of the best in Mexico City, and hosts visiting artists from small villages in rural Oaxaca. It's a showcase of the country's treasures! And mariachis happen to be one of those treasures.

 

[kbelle8995]

I find it humorous that some are referring it as a Lame Jetson park.

Especially since I remember as kid making our restaurant reservation talking to a CM through a television (pre-skype) and thinking it was the coolest thing. But I was 10 and it was the
80's. It's hard to be futuristic because the future catches up pretty darn quickly.

I like Epcot it just needs a some attention and TLC. And bring back Dreamfinder.

Then again I think that DHS needs a lot more love than Epcot. TSM is still difficult to get on. They need more family friendly attractions over there. Either a East coast version of Carsland or a Star Wars Land. Something to spread the crowds around so they don't all just run for TSM

 

[RabFlmom]

Nope
Me thinks you may have some relatives who reside in the Maelstrom pavilion?

I so wish there was a like button on this forum!

 

[Annadesu]

Epcot... easily my favorite park. World Showcase is awesome. Mariachi bands are a part of Mexican history. They started around the 18th century in Cocula, Jalisco. Furthermore, it started off as a more "rural" tradition, but when it started migrating into the cities around the 19th century, it evolved. So the version you're seeing at Epcot is the more "modern" version, in some regard. They also sell a LOT more than maracas.

All the "future" things in Disney could use an update, that's for sure. But technology changes really fast, so I can't imagine they want to throw millions into something that will be "outdated" in a few years. I can't blame them, but it would be nice to see some updates.

 

[Borishack]

Is this a serious question? Do you think that Mexican Culture is limited to what you can find at a Taco Bell in Omaha?

China has several provinces each with a unique cultural identity

I travel to China frequently and love the country and people. That stated, if it's true, riveting authenticity you want, Disney should put a huge smog machine in there.

 

[Skjhjb]

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.

Same here....my only disappointment with the Canadian pavilion? Where is the Tim Hortons?? Lol

 

[JUANOLAS]

I so wish there was a like button on this forum!

Me too the troll hurted deep in the disquizofrenics.

I dont know about much of american american culture so i will try to be politicaly correct.

I am native american continent. Mexican mexican mexican from 5000 generations all the way to the bering crossing.

And i think the mexico pavillion food is horrible... but the good mexico food wouldnt be edible for most gring... sorry americans americans.. to spicy.

I hate mariachis but i recognize for some reason most of mexicans love them. But you know im weird i dont like gardening or fence jumping.

MARGARITAS I HAVE NEVER MET A MEXICAN IN MY WHOLE LIFE WHO DRINKS MARGARITAS... dont know why gring.... sorry americans americans love them, most theories of how it was created involves a white americans.. or some tijuana history with a burro.

I also think that it really doesnt matter if its cool or not the 3 rides they have in epcot.... you just can ride one per day with the tiering so...

I would like a amsterdam land... with coffe shops where you can smoke pot in a windmill with toulips all around ...thats a ride.

Or better what about Arizona land..... que chingooon.... weed and bourbon festival. they can even put some migras and minute men cast members and do some interactive shows.

 

[wfjny]

This is totally my opinion, but I love the old favorites. The rides, shows etc. my kids are grown now but when we are there it brings back all of the fun times we had visiting when they were younger. I wouldn't mind a few new things, but I would hate to see some of the older stuff go. Count me as one of those people who like the movies.

Well, good point.

A few months back, I had a dream that they brought back Horizons and put it right next to Mission Space. The really cool part was that they had these glass sky walks where you could walk between the two attractions. It was stinkin' cool! Unfortunately, I woke up, there was no more Horizons, no glass sky walk, and Mission Space still makes me a little sick.

I still wish Disney would design a ride similar to the simulators you sometimes see at a mall (10 or 15 passenger, enclosed), or like the two person roller coaster (exposed seats, looking at a screen) I have seen in quite a few places.

The idea would be to grab all those videos floating around on youtube, load them into the simulators, ands let people choose to "go on a ride".

You could install one at Mall of America, charging people $5 to ride a simulated space mountain, and then let them use the ticket as a coupon off a Disney world/land entrance ticket.

In the parks, they could install these things at the parks, or even at some hotels, allowing you to ride the "Rides of the Past". Disney could easily simulate say the Skyway to Fantasyland, Or CGI a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea simulator, or even the old Horizons (or figment) shows.

 

[richmo]

If I had only one day to spend at Disney, I would pick Epcot. And, its almost always the last park I'll visit before going home.

That said, I would agree that Epcot needs some work. I would pretty much disagree with the OP on World Showcase; I think it's the most beautiful and unique park area in all of Orlando. Where I feel the work needs to be done is from the main entrance and throughout Future World.

- The main entrance itself looks very dated. Leave a Legacy was a rare Disney mistake. I would guess that Disney expected all the stones to be filled with Leave a Legacy plaques. Nowhere even close. I'm not sure if they're still legally obligated to keep them displayed, but the area is an eyesore and to have that as the main entrance is kind of embarrassing. Even to rip it all up and put in gardens would be a huge improvement.
- Something should be done with Wonders of Life. It's a prime piece of property that could be used for something else. Its current existence as a headquarters for Flower and Garden is a waste.
- Something needs to replace Captain Eo (and HISTA). I never thought much of Eo when it was new, and I appreciate that it was brought back as a limited run perhaps in tribute to Michael Jackson, but its been long enough now. For that matter, its also sad to see what has happened to the Imagination center once Kodak pulled out. Once a cool place with all kinds of interactive activities, most of them are gone. Revitalization is definitely needed here. The Imagination pavilion as a whole has turned into an afterthought.
- Related to the two points above, Epcot needs another "E" ticket attraction. Whether that's a rebuild of Horizons, or something new, its necessary. Epcot really has only two true FastPass attractions, and because of that, getting FP's for them is difficult.
- Soarin': A few things on my wish list: - go digital, - vary the experience (much like Star Tours did at DHS), - reconfigure the building to have an outside entrance for Soarin'. The escalator clogging in The Land is definitely not optimal, and sometimes not safe.
- Universe of Energy: Although Ellen and the Jeopardy theme is good, it's getting old. I've said this before, and I know they're on a different network, but having the Big Bang Theory cast reimagine the attraction would be hilarious.
- Another prime piece of available property is the Odyssey restaurant. I'm aware that it is still used for private and corporate events, but I would think those events could be moved to the Millennium tent between Canada and England. If a more rigid structure is required, it could be built there.
- Finally, my only comment with World Showcase would be to add another country, perhaps near the Outpost. I'd also love to occasionally see a Tapestry of Nations type parade, but I realize there were many challenges with that and the additions of the lakeside restaurants at Mexico and now Morocco would make it even more difficult.

That all being said, I still love Epcot!

 

[ethanwa]

As someone who lives near the park (so close, in fact, that I can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from my front porch and windows nightly) and we go AT LEAST 1-2 per week, Epcot is one of our favorite parks!!

I don't understand most of the criticisms.

 

[KNovacovschi]

Same here....my only disappointment with the Canadian pavilion? Where is the Tim Hortons?? Lol

Agree with this however am I the only Canadian that could do without the Toronto Maple Leaf stuff. Lol

 

[NORMA MUNOZ]

Epcot Is my favorite park. I'am part Mexican and Salvadorian and I dont find It offensive at all I love the Mariachis It symbolized our culture. I think the Imagineers did a great job In that pavillion.

 

[bcrook]

As for World Showcase, I can't speak for people from other countries, but as an American, I am not offended by The American Experience.

I do think the food options are a little embarrassing.

 

[tina.tina]

I think the people who are offended by the retro vibe of future world are like Tim Wilson and wondering where their jet packs are.

Warning: If you don't like Future World, stay away from Carousel of Progress.

I think World Showcase is a lovely snapshot of each country. There is no way to fit in everything. Like a PP said, if you want to learn more about that country, actually go there.

 

[bcrook]

Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros are actually pretty important pieces of history for Disney so I'm OK with that even though it is a bit dated. If your kids want to get into the history of Good Neighbor policies and government using cultural icons for influence, it's pretty interesting. If they're too young for that or just not interested, it's a nice cool boat ride for a nap.

The documentary Walt & El Grupo explores this time period. I enjoyed that movie quite a bit. Although, I tried to watch the Saludos Amigos and Three Caballeros collections not too long ago, and I couldn't make it through them.

But, I do appreciate the historical aspects of both movies, and I like the tie-in in the parks.

 

[bcrook]

Hmm. Rethinking my last post in response to Jillian. it occurred to me that while I love the Mexico pavilion and I feel it is a nice sampling of our colorful culture, I always feel badly when in the France pavilion. I always feel guilty that the DCP French students there have to sell berets and macarons and Eiffel tower trinkets because their culture is so much more than that. I don't feel that way in the Mexico pavilion. There is a market downtown in the city where I was born that is a LOT like the Mexico pavilion. Hmm. Something to think about.

VP

Good observation - thoughtful.

I will be making my 4th trip to France in March, and I agree with your feelings of about the French pavilion. I do think the Morocco pavilion captured the essence of what I briefly experienced in a Tetouan Medina in Morocco.

 

[Disneylover99]

I love Epcot. It's my favourite park. But I only went to Epcot for the first time three years ago. Maybe I would feel differently if I went to Epcot in the early eighties and then just visited for the first time again.

 

[North of Mouse]

It is really hard to find a starker contrast than between the timeless charm of MK and the sad, outdated 1980s retro-futurism of Epcot. The place looks like it came out of a bad Jetson's episode. I felt insulted by the choose your future ending of spaceship earth. Horizons at least treated the issue seriously.

As for the World Showcase...does anyone else find it borderline offensive? Mariachis in Mexico. Pagodas and forbidden palace architecture in China?

Your first post is all that I have read of this thread and I will go no farther.

What is sad is that you feel this way, but Epcot has been/always will be our favorite park and I know many others that feel the same way. Have been going there since they opened.

I also really enjoy 'choosing' my future on Spaceship Earth - what could possibly be insulting about that? World Showcase - borderline offensive??? Wow and wow!! You must be having a bad day!

Oh, well, to each their own, I suppose!

 

[disneylovin24]

I find it humorous that some are referring it as a Lame Jetson park.

Especially since I remember as kid making our restaurant reservation talking to a CM through a television (pre-skype) and thinking it was the coolest thing. But I was 10 and it was the
80's. It's hard to be futuristic because the future catches up pretty darn quickly.

I like Epcot it just needs a some attention and TLC. And bring back Dreamfinder.

Then again I think that DHS needs a lot more love than Epcot. TSM is still difficult to get on. They need more family friendly attractions over there. Either a East coast version of Carsland or a Star Wars Land. Something to spread the crowds around so they don't all just run for TSM

I agree with this! I think there is so much that could be done with DHS and Disney should get on that!

 

[North of Mouse]

Maybe I'm being a wee bit cynical...i think it was the 90 minute bus ride from Wilderness Lodge to Boardwalk last night that put my mood off.

Sorry, it would take more that a long bus ride to make you 'that' cynical.

I think the replies on this thread would respectfully disagree. And, it sounds like the bus ride wasn't really your issue after all. If Epcot doesn't appeal to you, by all means skip it.

Do yourself a favor OP, I agree!!

I think if the person who had the questions wanted an honest discussion, and not just to stir the pot, they wouldn't have phrased their thoughts in a manner designed to get people upset. Who but the OP would compare Epcot to a bad Jetsons episode?

The OP didn't want honest discussion. They wanted to get people upset.

Yep!

All I can say is.....

Great contribution to the thread.

What did you expect?? I wasn't planning to read more of this thread but decided to anyway. If you aren't a troll, you sure do enjoy

Do you actually think 'everybody' is 'out of step but Johnny'???

Have a nice day at Disney, but please, do everyone around you a favor and stay away from Epcot! I hope you don't inflict on your child all your cynicism.