Future of Illuminations and Spaceship Earth in Question with Siemens Announcing End of Partnership

[Robo]

Is there any ride that is sacred enough not to get an new overlay one day?

I think you mean, "get a completely new show."

Spaceship Earth has already had multiple new "overlays" over the years.

 

[Robo]

And, if we're talking about iconic rides being replaced with new shows...

Just in Epcot FW:
Horizons
World of Motion
Journey Into Imagination (& the post sections)
The Living Seas
Universe of Energy

Soarin' (has a fully-new presentation.)

In WS;
Norway's Maelstrom
Mexico's Rio del Tiempo
Canada's O Canada film

OTOH, The American Adventure has remained largely unchanged, with only the "Golden Dream" section being updated periodically.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think you mean, "get a completely new show."

Spaceship Earth has already had multiple new "overlays" over the years.

Yes a completely new show with the same track.

 

[FastPasser.]

There was more than just the VIP center which was awesome

Having spent a lot of time there, I totally agree that it and the employees working there are awesome.

I am really bummed to see all of this come to an end.

The Siemens VIP center is the busiest private corporate lounge, and like the other private lounges, I doubt that whoever takes it over will utilize it as much as Siemens has. I will miss being there.

But I went online today and got pre-approved for my Disney Visa card, so I have another lovely lounge area in Epcot to chill out in.

I didn't realize that there was a Disney Visa lounge, where is it?

 

[DisneyOma]

OTOH, The American Adventure has remained largely unchanged, with only the "Golden Dream" section being updated periodically.

And if there ever was an attraction that needed changing, this one would be it, IMO. I think they should add Betsy Ross, Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, etc. And how about George Washington Carver? Frederick Douglass? Are they in it?

 

[Robo]

And if there ever was an attraction that needed changing, this one would be it, IMO. I think they should add Betsy Ross, Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, etc. And how about George Washington Carver? Frederick Douglass? Are they in it?

Frederick Douglass has a featured speaking role in the show. Always has.

 

[mossy1]

For those wondering how the partnership benefited the corporate sponsor, I just assumed this was a tax break to them. Could you write off this as an advertising expense?

I would say the advertising expense write off may have been a small part of it. Siemens as mentioned previously makes many types of building control systems, especially electronic and pneumatic air controls. Perhaps part of the partnership was some kind of exclusivity to only use their products and pneumatic valves, actuators, etc in rides and animatronics and also building temperature and lighting controls? That would be a considerable amount of money when you consider new construction as well as replacement during maintenance.

 

[NuJoy]

()

 

[goofyintoronto]

Ooooooh, where is the dislike button!?!?

Sorry but I think its time for a change. Maybe im in the minority, but im not wow'd by illuminations.

 

[Disney_and_Wine]

The Siemens VIP center is the busiest private corporate lounge, and like the other private lounges, I doubt that whoever takes it over will utilize it as much as Siemens has. I will miss being there.

This is probably due to the proximity of Siemens Lake Mary facility. Not too many corporate sponsors have an employee base as close as this.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

Illuminations is my #1 attraction in all of WDW (especially the Christmas version)!! Will be sad to see it leave!

 

[DisneyOma]

Frederick Douglass has a featured speaking role in the show. Always has.

Thanks, Robo, must occur after I fall asleep, LOL!

 

[FastPasser.]

This is probably due to the proximity of Siemens Lake Mary facility. Not too many corporate sponsors have an employee base as close as this.

I don't think so, but I never interact with day guests who stop in at the lounge for a quick visit. There aren't that many. I do interact with the dozens of attendees attending the many multi day corporate meetings and do know that they are hardly ever local.

 

[nicolej92]

That's actually exciting to me. I'm not a fan of Spaceship Earth, but I don't think they will be getting rid of it.

Illuminations is due for an overhaul. We are having an Epcot dessert party at our wedding next year, so it would be awesome if they replace it with a new show before then!

 

[Farro]

I can't imagine getting ride of Spaceship Earth. It's as much a part of Epcot as the castle is to Magic Kingdom. It's one of the last, great, long dark rides with wonderful animatronics.

I will be truly sad if it actually does go (which I don't think it will). I was so lucky to be able to ride it when it opened in 1982. I was 9 years and I still remember exactly how I felt on it.

 

[toonaspie]

What was the Jeremy Irons ending? I remember the "Tomorrow's Child" song used to play on the way down.

When you descend, you encounter several scenes combining video and animatronics (I think) of what communication could be like in the future. Combined with the soundtrack, it's a beautiful and inspiring ending. Definitely was the best version of the ride without a doubt.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I love Illuminations, but I think it's time for an update, if not a whole new show. It's older than Wishes was and from most accounts, HEA is steps above Wishes.

Reflections of Earth and Wishes will always have special places in my heart, but that doesn't mean I think that they should run forever.

 

[DLM1980]

If illuminations, or should I say When illuminations changes the one thing I hope they keep is the fire barge

Goodness gracious, I love the Great Balls of fire!!!!

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Since Siemens is ending the sponsorship, wouldn't Illuminations just be more likely to stay exactly the same than change? I think RoE lovers should actually be happy! They may not overhaul something when they don't have extra money to do so. They're not going to dump Illuminations, it just might not get an overhaul for a while. Or it might! Who knows. I just wish we could go back to old school, pre RoE Illuminations but that's another discussion for another time.

Spaceship Earth isn't going anywhere. These sponsorships are nice for WDW extra $$$ but they do not rely on them. This is all much ado about nothing. You can quote me on that (until I'm proven wrong )

 

[Tomh]

Illuminations is my #1 attraction in all of WDW (especially the Christmas version)!! Will be sad to see it leave!

I don't think we are going to be seeing Illuminations leaving. I do expect that we will see it updated, but that is something that has been rumored for quite some time anyway.

As for Spaceship Earth, I would be very surprised to see that go anywhere. It is the parks Icon. It too may receive an update, but again, this should come as no surprise, Disney has already said that EPCOT was going to be getting a lot of work, and especially Future World. I assumed when they made that announcement, that Spaceship Earth would be getting some attention.