Epcot sign gone from ball...

[tatooed goofy]

Okay, this really bothered me badly. I had not been to Disney since 2006 and I guess I never really paid attention if anyone talked about this. We were taking a picture our first day in Epcot in front of the ball and I almost died. Where were the words that are on the ball? They are gone!!!! I asked a CM and she said people complained about it. So, they took it down. Is this true? Who would complain? Why would Disney cave in like that? I was so so sad. It made the ball Epcot IMO. Anyone else know what was up?

 

[catherines_mama]

The sign was nto classic Epcot. I believe it was added back form Mickey's bday celebration or a Disney Anniversary. It wasn't put on to be there forever. Spaceship Earth, the original, didn't have any ornaments and I personally like it that way. I wouldn't complain about it b/c it does not make or break my vacation if its there or not, but I like the nice clean ball much better.

Everyone has their opinions.

 

[KristinU]

The structure was put up for the Millenium Celebration and originally had '2000', after that was over I guess they felt that since the structure was there they'd leave it for a while and changed it to 'Epcot'. I'm guessing that initially is was meant to be as short lived as the castle done up as a cake, but was slightly better received than that and they left it up. Personally, I don't feel stongly either way on this one.

 

[kalc12345]

Yes, it is not on there anymore. I am one of the one's that was glad to see it go. I did not complain to anyone about it but glad it is gone now!!

 

[Laurabearz]

The "ball" is Spaceship Earth.

And it deserves to be unencumbered, and to stand alone in it's Majesty.

 

[trennr]

Spaceship Earth is a remarkable piece of Architecture.

I'm glad to see the addition removed!

 

[maxiesmom]

the "ball" is spaceship earth.

And it deserves to be unencumbered, and to stand alone in it's majesty.

ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[xipetotec]

Okay, this really bothered me badly. I had not been to Disney since 2006 and I guess I never really paid attention if anyone talked about this. We were taking a picture our first day in Epcot in front of the ball and I almost died. Where were the words that are on the ball? They are gone!!!! I asked a CM and she said people complained about it. So, they took it down. Is this true? Who would complain? Why would Disney cave in like that? I was so so sad. It made the ball Epcot IMO. Anyone else know what was up?

It's a funny example of different people, different opinions. Lots of people ( and I admit I'm one of them, but have no problem with people who believe the other way around ) felt that the ORIGINAL incarnation of Spaceship Earth was what said "Epcot" so that the big hand and wand with the words Epcot did not go with what they/we felt Epcot was about. I did not complain to Disney myself, but I do prefer it WITHOUT it for sure.

With an emphasis on technology and the future, I was never sure what a Mickey hand and magic wand had to do with Epcot.

 

[Doc CW]

I was personally not a fan of the decorations on Spaceship Earth I was glad when they came down, but I wouldnt complain about it, it didnt ruin my vacation to see it.

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

The "ball" is Spaceship Earth.

And it deserves to be unencumbered, and to stand alone in it's Majesty.

This.

Times a thousand.

 

[teresajoy]

Okay, this really bothered me badly. I had not been to Disney since 2006 and I guess I never really paid attention if anyone talked about this. We were taking a picture our first day in Epcot in front of the ball and I almost died. Where were the words that are on the ball? They are gone!!!! I asked a CM and she said people complained about it. So, they took it down. Is this true? Who would complain? Why would Disney cave in like that? I was so so sad. It made the ball Epcot IMO. Anyone else know what was up?

I tell you, my family literally cheered and leaped about the living room with joy the day they took that sign down from "the ball"!

To me, it was like leaving the castle hot pink.

 

[coreyjune12]

Now that our battle has been won on the "ball" (aka Space Ship Earth) we now need to start complaining about those huge atrocious pieces of rock blocking the view and majesty of SSE as you enter the park. They remind me of gravestones.

 

[kalc12345]

Now that our battle has been won on the "ball" (aka Space Ship Earth) we now need to start complaining about those huge atrocious pieces of rock blocking the view and majesty of SSE as you enter the park. They remind me of gravestones.

I could not agree more. I HATE those things and they just take away from the view of Spaceship Earth. They really need to get rid of them!!!!

 

[crisi]

It's a funny example of different people, different opinions. Lots of people ( and I admit I'm one of them, but have no problem with people who believe the other way around ) felt that the ORIGINAL incarnation of Spaceship Earth was what said "Epcot" so that the big hand and wand with the words Epcot did not go with what they/we felt Epcot was about. I did not complain to Disney myself, but I do prefer it WITHOUT it for sure.

With an emphasis on technology and the future, I was never sure what a Mickey hand and magic wand had to do with Epcot.

I didn't complain, but I thought it was the ugliest thing Disney had done - we own at Boardwalk for DVC and that darned thing kept me away from my balcony. I threw a small party when I heard it went down.

Second ugliest - the gravestones are worse.

 

[liznboys]

I post on another forum and back when this happened, there were threads upon threads upon threads (long threads, lol) with people overjoyed that the wand was coming down.

I didn't hate the wand, but I do prefer to see Spaceship Earth in it's original form.

 

[LadyDi13]

The "EPCOT" sign and wand were removed in 2007 as part of an agreement between Siemens (the current sponsor of Spaceship Earth) and Disney.

 

[tatooed goofy]

Thank you for your honesty. I never went as a child and so I guess I was alone in my world. I only knew it as Epcot with the wand. I went in 2003 then in 2004 and in 2006. That is how I had only known it and loved it. Now, in 2009 I was sad. I still am very sad but I guess if you knew it a different way before I could see where you would want it down.

 

[jessica52877]

I was fine with the wand and the word. It wasn't something that I really thought either way about. Now the big stones I do not like. I assume they'll never take them down but I think it makes it feel cluttered.

I LOVED the birthday cake castle! I thought it was clever and well done but would not want it to stay. I also think if I didn't go all thet time and that was my first time that I would probably want to see classic disney. Going to DL for the first time I waited until the castle was normal and no construction or anything going on. To me that is a HUGE part of what DL is and I wanted to see it in all it's glory! I assume some feel that way about WDW.

 

[MichelleVW]

My family liked and misses the wand, so you're not alone

 

[bicker]

I was definitely sad to see the hand and wand go. I much preferred Spaceship Earth with that special touch above, rather than the stark and boring appearance it has now.