Frozen ride in Epcot

[rteetz]

If a May 27th opening is in fact happening, when should we expect soft openings to start? How long before 'opening' do soft openings typically happen? We leave on May 11th. I'm wondering if there's any chance?

I wouldn't expect much soft openings before the 20th if at all.

 

[eXo]

My mom, who has never been to Disney before, recently told me she wanted to go to Epcot. This is coming from a lady who has not only never been to Disney (any of the parks), but also doesn't generally go to theme\amusement parks of any kind.

Why does she want to go?

To drink, eat and shop.

I have to laugh when I hear people talking about the educational aspects of Epcot. You can learn more about any one of those countries from a little golden book on the topic.

 

[bebe88]

I wouldn't expect much soft openings before the 20th if at all.

Thanks rteetz. Love your thread.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

My mom, who has never been to Disney before, recently told me she wanted to go to Epcot. This is coming from a lady who has not only never been to Disney (any of the parks), but also doesn't generally go to theme\amusement parks of any kind.

Why does she want to go?

To drink, eat and shop.

I have to laugh when I hear people talking about the educational aspects of Epcot. You can learn more about any one of those countries from a little golden book on the topic.

I disagree to some extent ... while certainly there is a big push for shopping and drinking and eating, the fact they have people working there from those countries can give you access you won't get just from reading a book. Also the architecture is super accurate with tones of critical details that is much more meaningful to see in person vs a book

It's still entertainment, but you can learn quite a bit if you are open to it

 

[LiaNWillsmom]

I wouldn't expect much soft openings before the 20th if at all.

Ok. We will be at disney May 20-26th. Please explain "soft openings"... its just opening without advertising, right?

 

[rteetz]

Ok. We will be at disney May 20-26th. Please explain "soft openings"... its just opening without advertising, right?

It's an opening that may not have everything working, it is unadvertised and it may not last long. It's essentially testing the ride.

 

[Magickingdomprince]

I just saw on wdwthemeparks.com that the opening date for Frozen Ever After is May 27, 2016!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

[Eoghann]

I disagree to some extent ... while certainly there is a big push for shopping and drinking and eating, the fact they have people working there from those countries can give you access you won't get just from reading a book. Also the architecture is super accurate with tones of critical details that is much more meaningful to see in person vs a book

It's still entertainment, but you can learn quite a bit if you are open to it

I'll give you the architecture is detailed and generally accurate. Beyond that though it's an extremely shallow portrayal of the countries. Let's take the UK for example. What does one learn about the history or society of the UK in the World Showcase? Well you can buy some Doctor Who merchandise at an exorbitant price. Come to think of it, if it's the UK... where are Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in this representation?

And it's really not that hard to find people from other countries to talk to. You hardly need to go to Disney World for that.

 

[Planogirl]

I'll give you the architecture is detailed and generally accurate. Beyond that though it's an extremely shallow portrayal of the countries. Let's take the UK for example. What does one learn about the history or society of the UK in the World Showcase? Well you can buy some Doctor Who merchandise at an exorbitant price. Come to think of it, if it's the UK... where are Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in this representation?

And it's really not that hard to find people from other countries to talk to. You hardly need to go to Disney World for that.

Becoming even more shallow doesn't solve anything. And for what it's worth there are usually products from Ireland in the Twinings shop.

 

[Eoghann]

Becoming even more shallow doesn't solve anything. And for what it's worth there are usually products from Ireland in the Twinings shop.

The ability to buy a handful of overpriced Irish items isn't what I'd call significant cultural representation. World Showcase is every bit as much a manufactured fairytale world as the Magic Kingdom.

 

[nco91590]

LOL. How do you think America is portrayed in other countries? I mean, have you ever been overseas and eaten at an "American Fried Chicken Restaurant" or "American Hamburgers" or "American Pizza". They are generally NOT good places to eat and are covered with American flags and Hollywood signs.

I mean, WS has transformed from a "world's fair" type concept, but it's no more shallow than how the US is represented in other countries.

 

[adam.adbe]

LOL. How do you think America is portrayed in other countries? I mean, have you ever been overseas and eaten at an "American Fried Chicken Restaurant" or "American Hamburgers" or "American Pizza". They are generally NOT good places to eat and are covered with American flags and Hollywood signs.

I'm a hundred percent certain no-one ever walked into a Dixie Fried Chicken, or even an actual KFC, with the intent to gain a cultural understanding of America. Equally, those places hardly sell themselves as being the cultural equivalent of the Morocco pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.

 

[Eoghann]

LOL. How do you think America is portrayed in other countries? I mean, have you ever been overseas and eaten at an "American Fried Chicken Restaurant" or "American Hamburgers" or "American Pizza". They are generally NOT good places to eat and are covered with American flags and Hollywood signs.

I mean, WS has transformed from a "world's fair" type concept, but it's no more shallow than how the US is represented in other countries.

Um.. I'm originally from another country. I am very well aware of how America is portrayed in the UK and Europe. It's also why I know how shallow their representation of countries is in World Showcase.

And your argument doesn't even make sense. The point I was disputing is the claim that World Showcase has educational or cultural value. Saying "but other people do it badly too" changes nothing.

 

[nco91590]

Um...that's my point. WS is no longer a place where someone goes to learn about other cultures, but rather to get souvenirs or a watered down version of that country's "cusine". Maybe my reading comprehension is off, but it seems silly to hold up Disney World's World Showcase to a standard that other places aren't willing to do either.

 

[nco91590]

I'm a hundred percent certain no-one ever walked into a Dixie Fried Chicken, or even an actual KFC, with the intent to gain a cultural understanding of America. Equally, those places hardly sell themselves as being the cultural equivalent of the Morocco pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.

I'm 100% convinced nobody goes to WS to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Morocco either.

 

[adam.adbe]

I'm 100% convinced nobody goes to WS to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Morocco either.

No. They go to get trashed on over-priced alcohol. So I guess we're in agreement then: American fast food joins around the world succeed in their basic mission, and Epcot is increasingly failing at its.

 

[Eoghann]

Um...that's my point. WS is no longer a place where someone goes to learn about other cultures, but rather to get souvenirs or a watered down version of that country's "cusine". Maybe my reading comprehension is off, but it seems silly to hold up Disney World's World Showcase to a standard that other places aren't willing to do either.

Clearly it is off because that's what I've been saying. Others have been disputing the notion that it is somehow a source of culture and education. I think you're arguing with entirely the wrong person.

However it is legitimate to hold it to that standard because it's the standard that Disney themselves claim for it unlike KFC.

 

[Planogirl]

Um.. I'm originally from another country. I am very well aware of how America is portrayed in the UK and Europe. It's also why I know how shallow their representation of countries is in World Showcase.

And your argument doesn't even make sense. The point I was disputing is the claim that World Showcase has educational or cultural value. Saying "but other people do it badly too" changes nothing.

I'm also from another country (partially in fairness) and I do find some cultural good in the WS. It's far from perfect but I'd rather see improvement over fantasy.

Have you ever been to a World's Fair? I have been to a few and talk about a rah-rah experience.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm 100% convinced nobody goes to WS to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Morocco either.

Morocco is pretty nice but mostly because of the gorgeous artwork. At least there is that.

 

[jhaig]

So will WS begin opening at 9am once this new ride is ready?