EPCOT to become “more Disney”

[JC1984]

Hey, I try to visit both frequently, so no trading with me. I like DCA tons though. I'd trade all of it thoguh I think for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, but nobody's taking that deal!

I will go to DCA if I am there. Definitely a park I can do in a day. I guess I am just sour because I was alive to remember the WestCot pitch and the Port Disney/DisneySea pitch and then we get SuperStar Limo.

 

[Pooh's World]

Please don't make the Land, some Disney IP the Land.

 

[jessiegirl1982]

My only complaint about Epcot is the monster parking lot (love the Mickey and Friends structure at DL), and the crap 80's bathrooms at Epcot. DL/DCA bathrooms are so much nicer.

 

[BrianL]

I will go to DCA if I am there. Definitely a park I can do in a day. I guess I am just sour because I was alive to remember the WestCot pitch and the Port Disney/DisneySea pitch and then we get SuperStar Limo.

Yeah, but they fixed it. I'm sure a lot of folks would liek to see Carsland at WDW!

 

[JC1984]

Yeah, but they fixed it. I'm sure a lot of folks would liek to see Carsland at WDW!

I liked CarsLand and think they did a good job. My beef...ToT to GoG and Pixar Pier. I am on the fence about Marvel in the parks.

 

[BrianL]

I liked CarsLand and think they did a good job. My beef...ToT to GoG and Pixar Pier. I am on the fence about Marvel in the parks.

You know, I was against GotG but it really is pretty dang fun! I would not want them to change the ToT in WDW, but as long as we have both, I'm good with it. Man, I haven't gotten back to DL in FOREVER. Ugh.

 

[Tink-osophy]

FYI... The jumping water is still there, just turned off. I'm told it's due to Covid. Budozing FoN was a big loss for EPoT Center. But, hey, we're getting giant tacos in the WS lagoon!

Giant tacos!

I feel really mixed about the changes at Epcot. I loved all the old stuff - it was so unique and I really appreciated the details. Then, they started removing lots of FW (for various reasons) and now that we're faced with change anyway, I am interested to see what they do. I just really hope they strike a good balance between the old Disney perspective and the new one.

The giant tacos(!) aren't the best start, for me, because I liked the views across the lagoon. However good the fountains and the nightly show turn out to be, I'll still miss the open lagoon. (Plus, the open space across the water gave a sense of space when the crowds filled the land areas!)

Glad to hear that the jumping fountains may return one day, though.

 

[Tink-osophy]

Yes, it's hard to explain why a re-theme on a bathroom would make me sad. Sometimes, I re-read my posts and I sound like an old curmudgeon shaking my fist at the kids on my lawn. I just want everything like it was on our first trip. (Selfish much??) I can't think of one thing I would change. And, even then, IP was incorporated into my experience, but for some reason I didn't mind as much. When I first heard about SWGE, I was concerned. Mostly that funding would be shifted towards shiny new simulator rides and away from things that made WDW special to us. I often feel that if our last trip was our first trip, I don't know if we would have become regulars. It would have been a great time, but, there was something special about the place we chose that year. Maybe the parks changed too much or maybe I changed too much. But, I don't have much interest in 'theme parks.' Which is what I think of when I think about purchased IP.

Disney created something so special in the first place, it's no wonder we're reluctant to see them change it this much. We're lucky we got to experience something that made us feel this way, I guess. As you suggested, though, I wonder if it would have been so unique and the market-leader it became, if they had started with the approach they have adopted now.

Similarly, I'd love to go back in time and spend a day in the old Buena Vista Village. ...Where are Marty McFly and Doc Brown when you need them?!

I also agree about SWGE. It doesn't help that I'm not particularly into Star Wars (I'm not a hater, just not a lover either!), but I really liked the movie making focus of HS (MGM!) and lament the loss of the Backlot Tour, the Great Movie Ride, the drawing class (I never got to do) etc. etc. (however good the new Mickey ride). These things all opened my mind up to new ideas and possibilities; they didn't just create a few minutes thrill - though I liked those attractions, too. Disney had such variety. I hope new Epcot still does.

 

[Tink-osophy]

Yeah, but they fixed it. I'm sure a lot of folks would liek to see Carsland at WDW!

You know, I was against GotG but it really is pretty dang fun! I would not want them to change the ToT in WDW, but as long as we have both, I'm good with it. Man, I haven't gotten back to DL in FOREVER. Ugh.

Yes, Carsland at WDW! I'd be on board with that. Depending on where it might go????

I don't think I could persuade myself back on ToT, though. Can't believe I did it the once. A parachute drop attraction in Knott's Berry, as a kid, did not set me up well for those unknown plummets on ToT!

 

[NickC]

Disney created something so special in the first place, it's no wonder we're reluctant to see them change it this much. We're lucky we got to experience something that made us feel this way, I guess.

Yes, we are very fortunate.

 

[BrianL]

Yes, Carsland at WDW! I'd be on board with that. Depending on where it might go????

I don't think I could persuade myself back on ToT, though. Can't believe I did it the once. A parachute drop attraction in Knott's Berry, as a kid, did not set me up well for those unknown plummets on ToT!

The issue with Carsland is that Radiator Springs Racers is bacically a beefed-up Test Track, so I'm not sure if they need that. It has a gigantic footprint too! Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is also the same as Alien Swirling Saucers. If they did it I think it would need all different attractions, so I think Carsland stays out west for now.

 

[Tink-osophy]

The issue with Carsland is that Radiator Springs Racers is bacically a beefed-up Test Track, so I'm not sure if they need that. It has a gigantic footprint too! Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is also the same as Alien Swirling Saucers. If they did it I think it would need all different attractions, so I think Carsland stays out west for now.

Makes sense.

An RSR beefed-up Test Track sounds good, though. Since they went and changed it from the original I loved! Not that I think they should, let alone will, change it from the current futuristic version.

How about they bring Electrical Parade/ Paint the Night out of storage? ...Once we're all free again. I'd love that. (Sorry, this is off-topic from Epcot!)

 

[BrianL]

Makes sense.

An RSR beefed-up Test Track sounds good, though. Since they went and changed it from the original I loved! Not that I think they should, let alone will, change it from the current futuristic version.

How about they bring Electrical Parade/ Paint the Night out of storage? ...Once we're all free again. I'd love that.

I don't htink RSR fits in Epcot and it would require a total teardown of Test Track as is - it is way bigger!

I LOVE MSEP and Paint the Night!

 

[CaptAwesome]

Disney created something so special in the first place, it's no wonder we're reluctant to see them change it this much. We're lucky we got to experience something that made us feel this way, I guess. As you suggested, though, I wonder if it would have been so unique and the market-leader it became, if they had started with the approach they have adopted now.

This is a great way to look at it. Appreciate what has been rather than lament what can never be again.

Similarly, I'd love to go back in time and spend a day in the old Buena Vista Village. ...Where are Marty McFly and Doc Brown when you need them?!

I'll take that time machine back to EPCOT in the mid-80s. The first time I visited the parks was on my honeymoon in '96 (loved the pink castle) and EPCOT was by far my favorite park. Would love to see it in all its "edutainment" glory.

I also agree about SWGE. It doesn't help that I'm not particularly into Star Wars (I'm not a hater, just not a lover either!), but I really liked the movie making focus of HS (MGM!) and lament the loss of the Backlot Tour, the Great Movie Ride, the drawing class (I never got to do) etc. etc. (however good the new Mickey ride). These things all opened my mind up to new ideas and possibilities; they didn't just create a few minutes thrill - though I liked those attractions, too. Disney had such variety. I hope new Epcot still does.

Here's the thing. I'm a massive SW fan. I read most of the old books and have grown up with SW. SWGE holds zero interest for me because it's not the Star Wars I grew up with. It's based on a world and a time period of the sequel movies, most of which I don't like. I think Disney missed the mark greatly on this by not focusing on the original trilogy. However, that's just a personal preference. I'm sure many would disagree with me.

 

[JC1984]

This is a great way to look at it. Appreciate what has been rather than lament what can never be again.


I'll take that time machine back to EPCOT in the mid-80s. The first time I visited the parks was on my honeymoon in '96 (loved the pink castle) and EPCOT was by far my favorite park. Would love to see it in all its "edutainment" glory.


Here's the thing. I'm a massive SW fan. I read most of the old books and have grown up with SW. SWGE holds zero interest for me because it's not the Star Wars I grew up with. It's based on a world and a time period of the sequel movies, most of which I don't like. I think Disney missed the mark greatly on this by not focusing on the original trilogy. However, that's just a personal preference. I'm sure many would disagree with me.

I agree on SWGE. Great concept I wish they would of focused on a more broad SW concept. Could of really made it cool to incorporate the entire Skywalker Saga into it. And that is my concern with the use of IP in parks. Yes, I understand they need to keep it relevant but they can’t leave all the fans out case in point SWGE. I guess we can be happy they didn’t make a Jar Jar Binks land.

 

[Eric Smith]

I wonder if it's Covid-related or, maybe, to do with the new structures they're putting up for the fountains/Harmonious?

ETA: It's nice to catch your breath for a minute and enjoy the views of WS from the water, isn't it?

I think it's something to do with adding the Harmonious structures to the lagoon. When we were there in December, the friendship boats were running from near Canada to Morocco so it wouldn't be COVID related.

 

[BrianL]

I agree on SWGE. Great concept I wish they would of focused on a more broad SW concept. Could of really made it cool to incorporate the entire Skywalker Saga into it. And that is my concern with the use of IP in parks. Yes, I understand they need to keep it relevant but they can’t leave all the fans out case in point SWGE. I guess we can be happy they didn’t make a Jar Jar Binks land.

I do like SWGE (and the newer Star Wars Movies), but I do agree that the strict adherence to "immersion" and a timeline was a hinderence. I would have called it Star Wars Land and there would be a spinner with Star Wars ships on it right in the middle. That's more fun for kids, and to me really.

Oh, and there absolutely would be a Jar Jar meet and greet!

 

[Eric Smith]

On a different note, I'm glad MouseGear still lives.

But I've lost track of what happened to the jumping fountains???

They were off in December, but the area where they're locating shouldn't have any work being done.

 

[bffer]

I agree on SWGE. Great concept I wish they would of focused on a more broad SW concept. Could of really made it cool to incorporate the entire Skywalker Saga into it. And that is my concern with the use of IP in parks. Yes, I understand they need to keep it relevant but they can’t leave all the fans out case in point SWGE. I guess we can be happy they didn’t make a Jar Jar Binks land.

Although....Naboo would be quite beautiful.

 

[JC1984]

I definiely liked Rogue One a lot, and also Solo. Well, really, I liked the ST and even Rise of Skywalker. I can be unconventional when it comes to my Star Wars preferences, that's for sure. I still like Phantom Menace the best or Return of the Jedi (they can flip flop but I usually lean toward Ep I). I thought ROS was an absolutel blast and am less concerned with it "fitting" in anywhere. Any excuse to see Ian cackling it up works for me. We're getting off topic. Maybe they should add some Star Wars to Epcot?

I was going to add that. Star Wars in EPCOT? You know over near the new Moana themed area. A better Endor?