Epcot is sad

[AmyB2006]

Hey when you're alive I guess it's still ok to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. But once you're dead you're guilty of everything any money grubbing freak parents might accuse you of because you happened to be outside the norm and loaded.

I think you're missing my point. I couldn't care less about Michael Jackson. Never was a fan. Don't know if he was ever found guilty, not guilty, whichever. You're getting all defensive about MJ for no reason.

What I do know is that Disney took his movie out of Epcot right around the time he was in the news and accused of being a child molester. So it was important enough to Disney execs to remove the film because of what was going on, but yet ok to bring it back once he's dead?? It just doesn't make sense. They should have put a new movie there altogether. Makes whoever made that decision look like an idiot IMO.

 

[CyForDisney]

I know. It's also sad that the Universe of Energy hasn't been updated in 18 years. There have been a few advances since that point.

You know Universe of Energy is old when Alex Trebek has a mustache in it. But as much as I like the current U of E, I couldn't agree with you more. There have been so many advances in energy that they could really do a major overhaul of the ride and increase it utilization a day. Every time I go on it now there is hardly anyone on it. The only time it appears to be over half full if it's raining outside. I think one of the reasons why I like the the current version so much is because I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy in school. I am fairly certain they don't show those videos in school anymore so kids of today have little to no interest in Bill Nye the Science Guy. I think since Ellen has only gotten more popular since they made the first version, they should get her to do a remake and recreate the videos explaining all of the newest energy sources.

 

[Robo]

I know. It's also sad that the Universe of Energy hasn't been updated in 18 years. There have been a few advances since that point.

I think since Ellen has only gotten more popular since they made the first version, they should get her to do a remake and recreate the videos explaining all of the newest energy sources.

We have new energy sources?

 

[magicbob]

We have new energy sources?

Hot air reclamation.

 

[crazymomof4]

To the OP- If you are going to see WDW through hyper-critical glasses, you really COULD find flaws in everything in every park!
Just one example- Main Street USA Is that REALLY how it was for everyone in Victorian era USA? Is it a true representation? I don't recall seeing an exhibit showing children working in sweatshops and only white males having any real political and social rights. Reality is, that time period found many persons in the US living in very difficult situations. But that's not the stuff that your average person would want to experience while visiting "The Happiest Place on Earth".

In the same vein, I don't think people would enjoy a TRUE depiction of each country in the WS. There are things about the "culture" of every country that if added would make it more "real" and true, but would not make for a good entertainment value.

Each year since opening, WS has employed young people from each respective country. They of course, have 1st hand knowledge of their own culture. If these employees found the pavillions so terribly "offensive" I doubt that WDW would be able to maintain the numbers of employees that they do.

 

[teach22180]

I'm one of those people who just don't "get" Epcot. Perhaps it's because when I visited WDW as a teen, it was only Magic Kingdom, so I don't have any nostalgic memories. But, I tend to think it's because all I enjoy doing there is eating!

I love Food and Wine and enjoy visiting Epcot each day on my way "home" from the other three parks to eat. I tried to like it, but I have finally let myself off the hook and said it's okay to want to spend more time the other places. One of the reasons I will always get park hopper tickets.

 

[polineedyan]

My impressions after doing epcot a few times?

Spaceship Earth never gets old. Jammitors are amazing (and Im a musician..)
Test track is overrated. Figment is ridiculous. Michael who?
MINE MINE MINE!!(love that..)
thats just Canada..
Holy Crap its raining WHERES CANADA!
i hate kuskus sp?
look honey, italy!
USA USA USA
nice choir
face paint? fun..
these drummers are amazing..
those are kids up there balancing like that..
holy cow thats a strong margarita.
the ball says siemens..graphic and cheesey advertising.
spaceship earth before we go?
crap where did we park.
im hungry.

Im about 50/50 on epcot.

 

[BrianL]

You know Universe of Energy is old when Alex Trebek has a mustache in it. But as much as I like the current U of E, I couldn't agree with you more. There have been so many advances in energy that they could really do a major overhaul of the ride and increase it utilization a day. Every time I go on it now there is hardly anyone on it. The only time it appears to be over half full if it's raining outside. I think one of the reasons why I like the the current version so much is because I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy in school. I am fairly certain they don't show those videos in school anymore so kids of today have little to no interest in Bill Nye the Science Guy. I think since Ellen has only gotten more popular since they made the first version, they should get her to do a remake and recreate the videos explaining all of the newest energy sources.

Yes, UoE could do with a refurbishment. At least new videos. They can even keep Ellen if they want, but update the theme and possibly make it shorter. I don't think a 45 minute attraction fits into most people's touring style these days. If they shorten the movies, and keep the dino diorama, it would improve things a lot.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

I remember HATING Epcot as a kid in the 80's. Being dragged from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot was TORTURE, barely any rides, the sterile architecture, the sneaking suspicion that even on the rides there were, they were trying to force some kind of learning on me. . .(Even the characters in Epcot were off-putting, Mickey in that weird space suit? Ack!) It has vastly improved since then, either because I'm more mature. . .or has something to do with me hitting the legal drinking age.

 

[mullysisters]

Here are some things that I love about Epcot that has zero to do with nostalgia.

1).Epcot is a big park. It holds a crowd well. Even when F&W is in full swing you can find areas and rides with no lines and not a lot of people. There are times when MK is so crowded that I feel like I have to leave immediately. It's a lot harder to reach that line of "I've had enough." at Epcot

2). Festivals. Food & Wine as well as Flower and Garden. F&G has become one of my favorites. With the playgrounds, mini-gardens, and art, seriously it is Epcot at it's most beautiful.

3). International CMs. People representing their nations and me trying their food and drink some of which is not available at my grocery store.

4). Characters greets seem slightly more relaxed here. In fact the park seems more leisurely and I am not counting having to run to Soarin for a FP. It can be crazy on occasion but still it can have respite even then.

Why would Disney spend money upgrading a park (or parks) when you can't move through the crowds, buy lunch in under 30mins or get on any rides without FP+s ? And I'm talking about my trip last February, it was 6C/45F most of the time and still it was unpleasantly crowded.
I'd like to see Epcot freshened up just a little too.
Nevertheless, I'll be there in may, loving every minute!

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

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?

Walt is paying homage to the 1964 worlds fair, pavilions from various nations around the world were showcased at the fair. You may consider it offensive, but the millions of people who went to the worlds fair did not. Remember " It is much easier to find fault with a persons ideas and dreams than it is to appreciate them for what they are!"

 

[pharaoh]

Epcot was my favorite park for a LONG time but after visiting yesterday, it's taking a back seat. I really noticed some details that kinda ruined the magic for me. I agree that FW needs some major love. There are areas that are just looking neglected, dirty, and sad. Would love some new stuff to look at as well. I feel like there's a lot of open space in FW that can be used for something new.

I'm obsessed with Spaceship Earth, always have been, but I dislike the new version. I do like some of the updates they made to a few of the scenes, but I hate the whole end part where you're playing with the Build Your Future thing. The end was my favorite part! Especially because of the music. Sometimes I watch old Spaceship Earth videos on YouTube so I can get my fix.

World Showcase is still wonderful. I don't find it offensive at all.

Overall, I agree Epcot is really outdated (which kinda works in WS but is a big fail in FW) and needs some attention. When was the last time something new came out for Epcot? I know this will never happen but I would love to see a new pavilion somewhere (fat chance), and a new headliner in FW at least. Also updates to a lot of the older FW attractions.

 

[bcrook]

Walt is paying homage to the 1964 worlds fair, pavilions from various nations around the world were showcased at the fair. You may consider it offensive, but the millions of people who went to the worlds fair did not. Remember " It is much easier to find fault with a persons ideas and dreams than it is to appreciate them for what they are!"

I don't think Epcot is Walt's Dream.

 

[Laketravis]

. . .or has something to do with me hitting the legal drinking age.

LOL! That probably makes a lot of things more tolerable...

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

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?

I totally agree with you, but I visited Epcot for the first time only recently. Some others who remember Epcot how it used to be in previous decades have a hard time seeing it for what it really is now and push back hard when you criticize it. As a first-timer last year, though, it was the worst time I've ever spent in a Disney park and a total disappointment. We actually blew off our ADR and headed to MK at dinnertime to cheer up. I'll never understand why people are often so willing to give WDW a pass for bad show.

 

[maxiesmom]

Because not everyone has the same taste, and what you find bad or disappointing others may like. If Epcot is not your cup of tea, fine. But that doesn't automatically make it bad or in need of a total re-do.

I love Spaceship Earth, even though I liked Jeremy Iron's voice more than Dame Judge Dench. I like Test Track. I love Mousegears. I love Malestrom and Canada, and I could go on and on. May not be your taste, but it is mine.

 

[MYD714]

I love Spaceship Earth, even though I liked Jeremy Iron's voice more than Dame Judge Dench. I like Test Track. I love Mousegears. I love Malestrom and Canada, and I could go on and on. May not be your taste, but it is mine.

I agree. I LOVE these attractions. I find myself spending lots of time in Epcot during each trip.

 

[ilovebassets]

I remember HATING Epcot as a kid in the 80's. Being dragged from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot was TORTURE, barely any rides, the sterile architecture, the sneaking suspicion that even on the rides there were, they were trying to force some kind of learning on me. . .(Even the characters in Epcot were off-putting, Mickey in that weird space suit? Ack!) It has vastly improved since then, either because I'm more mature. . .or has something to do with me hitting the legal drinking age.

I used to feel the exact same way as a kid! Epcot seemed like such a huge letdown after Magic Kingdom, and so much walking to do! Funnily enough, it's probably the park we have the most fun in now as a family with small children. Our three year old loves all the buildings in World Showcase and loves the Land and Seas pavilions. However, I can see that as he gets older and can start riding the big rides at the other parks, Epcot will become not such a favorite anymore. It's a bit of a U-shaped curve.

 

[VegasVic14]

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

I find this offensive.

Sincerely,

Peyton Manning