New pavilion coming to Epcot and it's not a real country

[DanBoris]

Is this the same as the Frozen thing that is taking The Maelstrom spot? #RIP

No, this is in addition to the makeover of Maelstrom.

 

[circus4u]

Nothing really new, but the graphics might make things a little more clear.
http://wdwnt.com/blog/2015/01/froze...case-expansion-pad-between-mexico-and-norway/

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I agree that Disney abandoned the concept. However, I stand by my statement that new generations are not interested by that anymore. It was impressive back in the 80's when it opened. Nowadays children are not impressed by that. They want to ride attractions and meet characters. Entertainment/media/culture has changed, and being quite honest, most kids nowadays don't want to go to Disney to learn about hydroponics and new energy sources. Not saying that many kids aren't interested in that, but out of 20 kids, 5 want to learn the history of France, 15 want to ride Test Track and Soarin over and over.

With the right investment, Epcot could still be a great park in its original form even though children interests are very different if compared to the 80's. However, just like Tomorrowland, Epcot would have to update its rides every 5 years, given the rate at which technology is changing and the fact that we are reaching the future we once thought was still pretty far away.

That doesn't mean that the entire concept of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow should be dropped though.

It isn't that kids only want characters...is this the 50's? So the "frozen is a good idea" is still bunk.

It's that the Internet and digital media allow access to much more information to kids age 0-30 than was ever out there in the EPCOT era.

The Internet killed the idea of EPCOT... Why have a "showcase" when nothing is hidden?

I think more concrete things may be needed. The living seas is just an aquarium...but I can't see a dolphin or a manatee from home.

The land is just a greenhouse...but I can't get close to that.

The world showcase would retain its appeal...we are a LONG way away form transporting ourselves easily around the world...so more representative things there is still something to see. Mainly because the Saudis still like oil.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

To me, it's not even worth arguing whether the changes at Epcot are because

A) The public isn't interested in the concept of the park as it existed at opening (let alone in the mind's eye of a certain someone)

or

B) Disney decided not to spend cash/imagination on upkeep/improvements.

The truth is that both of those realities make me sad.

x2

And it's telling on a societal level.

The interest in science and invention ( and frankly - public/ government good will and investment in it) is what made America great and allowed it to dominate the 20th century...

Now we don't care for those things...and where has the road turned?

I'll take it one further
knowledge = EPCOT
Recreation and lightheadedness = New Fantayland.

Interesting, huh?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I do, and I realize that they redid the Mexico ride to add Donald, and the world still spins on its axis.

Saludos amigos was made by Walt Disney as a partnership with Latin America business and government interests to develop tourism, cultural exchange, and business between the US and neighbors south.

In 1947...they saw the future to be closer ties...and we're still heading that way.

Elsa doesn't Have a damn thing to do with Scandanavia

 

[Spacedog1975]

I'm curious how they'll repurpose a massive M&G building when the Frozen lines fade. That's a huge facility for new characters.

 

[Suger Mag]

I'm curious how they'll repurpose a massive M&G building when the Frozen lines fade. That's a huge facility for new characters.

Really... can't you see a Princess Meet and Greet dessert party soiree with special seating for Illuminations?

 

[Andipandi]

Epcot has always been my favorite park at Disney. I remember when it first opened and all the trips we took as a child and teenager. Then as an adult it still remains my favorite. However, I haven't been to Disney since 2005 and now it seems things have changed a lot. My husband loves the Norway ride. It was one of his favorite. We have a Disney trip planned this December and he will be disappointed it will be gone. Frozen is nice and all but I agree with the other poster that said the idea of it being a world showcase is being lost. Now it is turning into a cartoon area. Very sad. I don't mind change but some things need to be left alone. That is the magic of Disney being able to bring your kids back and show them your favorite ride as a child.

 

[Planogirl]

Come on Planogirl, this is awesome news! Now I don't have to shell out all that cash to visit the real Arrendale.

Have you seen what round trip airfare costs just to get there....??!!

While you make a valid point about the airfare , Disney has in effect just slammed a massive weight on the back of my poor struggling camel and he couldn't take any more. In other words, no way.

 

[Planogirl]

To me, it's not even worth arguing whether the changes at Epcot are because

A) The public isn't interested in the concept of the park as it existed at opening (let alone in the mind's eye of a certain someone)

or

B) Disney decided not to spend cash/imagination on upkeep/improvements.


The truth is that both of those realities make me sad.

Hasn't Epcot been the number 2 US themepark for a very long time? Where did this notion that Epcot was somehow failing come from?

I think that B) is the likely answer.

 

[rteetz]

Hasn't Epcot been the number 2 US themepark for a very long time? Where did this notion that Epcot was somehow failing come from? I think that B) is the likely answer.

No
MK #1
Tokyo Disneyland #2
Disneyland #3
Tokyo disneysea #4
Epcot #5

That's top 5 worldwide pretty sure Epcot has been behind MK and Disneyland for a very long time.

 

[wallrock]

x2

And it's telling on a societal level.

The interest in science and invention ( and frankly - public/ government good will and investment in it) is what made America great and allowed it to dominate the 20th century...

Now we don't care for those things...and where has the road turned?

I'll take it one further
knowledge = EPCOT
Recreation and lightheadedness = New Fantayland.

Interesting, huh?

Indeed. It saddens me that it takes the involvement of someone who made 'The Family Guy' to get a series like 'Cosmos' back on the air for an update. Thankfully my corneas weren't violated with the likes of Honey Boo Boo.

But hey, I can always watch 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' and claim that I learned something.

 

[KYMickey]

I'm going to jump in here and say that I think this is a *good* thing. We'll get both an attraction and a meet and greet.

Not really, we're not getting an attraction! We are losing one and replacing it with one, not the same thing at all especially when the one we are losing is a classic. Yes, there is going to be a new meet and greet but in reality it's not the thing most people will care about.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Indeed. It saddens me that it takes the involvement of someone who made 'The Family Guy' to get a series like 'Cosmos' back on the air for an update. Thankfully my corneas weren't violated with the likes of Honey Boo Boo.

But hey, I can always watch 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' and claim that I learned something.

To be fair... Seth macrarland and NDT did cosmos specifically to try and paddle
Up stream against the stupefying of America.

The ends justify the means there. We need way more people to do that sort of thing...
And to shut down walmart, destroy the medical system, reinvest in the space program and consider it a civic duty/public interest, and have the FCC ban programming targeted to anyone with under a 130 iq that is NOT a still developing child.

But I digress

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Really... can't you see a Princess Meet and Greet dessert party soiree with special seating for Illuminations?

They're still gonna have illuminations ?!?

 

[Planogirl]

No
MK #1
Tokyo Disneyland #2
Disneyland #3
Tokyo disneysea #4
Epcot #5

That's top 5 worldwide pretty sure Epcot has been behind MK and Disneyland for a very long time.

I meant to say number 2 American themepark but I'd still be wrong. Epcot hasn't exactly been struggling though.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I meant to say number 2 American themepark but I'd still be wrong. Epcot hasn't exactly been struggling though.

Well...that depends on your definition of "struggling"

EPCOT has "flattened" for lack of a Better word.

As Disneyland and magic kingdom have grown greatly - on an arc as Disney's domestic park numbers have grown... And the smaller, "problem child" parks of MGM, ak, and Cali adventure have ticked up over time...EPCOT had kinda been - again - flat.

EPCOT, as it moved out of its infancy in the late 80's and though 2000...was vibrant and expanding...

Disney shifted its focus... First as Eisner developed mad hatter syndrome...and then as the quickbooks crowd took over... And EPCOT was "collateral damage"

It always - as Stated - required a commitment to not only the idea/concept...but the funds necessary to sustain it.

Did that mean less direct profit and more cost? Probably...
Is letting it die/descend a lost opportunity to make money in other areas/extend the life of the whole property?
Absolutely...I have no doubt.

Visionaries are often sacrificed for accountants.
You make the judgement here.

 

[To the honeypots]

I see your point, and I'm sure the imagineers do as well.

BREAKING: Coming Winter 2018 to New Fantasyland: Frozen Fantasy, a new dark SLEIGH ride starring all your favorite Frozen friends. Follow Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Olaf, and Sven as they try to escape a rampaging Marshmallow set upon them by the evil Hans!

I heard from a bus driver they were re-theming Peter Pan into this. Kind of a sleigh/chair lift ride if you will. Io.

 

[ThurlFan]

Hasn't Epcot been the number 2 US themepark for a very long time? Where did this notion that Epcot was somehow failing come from?

I think that B) is the likely answer.

I don't claim it's failing to make money. I maintain that it's failing to live up to its own reputation with respect to quality.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't claim it's failing to make money. I maintain that it's failing to live up to its own reputation with respect to quality.

I agree completely. The park would require constant care with routine updates to stick to its original vision. Disney has failed to make even a half-hearted attempt.

When I say that Epcot is seen as failing, I have the Disney management in mind more than those of us out here who actually care. This constant desire to make money while spending as little as possible has overtaken Disney which puts a park like Epcot in a precarious place. I don't think that the old vision of Epcot has any place now and the perceived failure likely goes well beyond earnings.