News for The Land @ Epcot

[Hippychickali]

Well, I think it's apparent that the Land Pavillion is going through some major changes to make way for Soarin'. Many people, however, have suggested that the Land will be no more. I've just heard some news that contradicts this suggestion. I have heard that the Land Pavillion is receiving a makeover to become the Land Travel Agency. The post I read on another mb said that Disney plans to rip out the existing Sunshine Fun Fair and all the decor including the famous balloons hanging from the ceiling. Living with the Land will not be removed but recieve a cruise line overlay instead.

What do people think of this idea? Has anyone heard anything else about this?

Ali

 

[Chuck S]

The "Travel" themeing sounds interesting, but I'll really have to see it before I know if it was an "improvement" over the ecology themeing of the pavilion. I've heard the balloons are disappearing, too. It seems they would fit into a "travel" theme better than the current theme...go figure.

Either way, Soarin' will be a wonderful addition to EPCOT.

 

[wtg2000]

I just hope that the Land ride stays basically the same, especially the depictions of the rain forest, prairies, etc.

 

[rocketriter]

For years I considered the boat ride--with real science--to be one of the best things at Epcot. But when we went on it a couple of months ago, the narration had been hopelessly dumbed down ("There are some pumpkins. There are some tomatoes.") and the intellectual appeal was gone. I'd rather see them screw a measurable IQ back into the ride than demolish it.

 

[ChrisFL]

Hearing directly from a CM who works at the Land about a year ago, he was upset that the balloons were in great disrepair and the way they used to "float" up and down was maintained so badly that the state forced Disney to stop using the mechanisms.

Because of this, I would not be surprised at all if they are removed entirely.

 

[CrazyaboutMickey]

I've seen a lot about this re-do of the land pavillion. I'm not sure what to make of the "travel agency" theming. I'm having a hard time picturing this. I just hope they focus on the beauty and diversity of the planet and I'm with Rocketriter in hoping they will maintain/restore the Land boat ride itself. This is a special ride and I think it carries an important message. It would be a shame to "dumb it down" or commercialize it in any way. While we're on this subject..I seem to remember a different theme song or different rendition a number of years ago. Am I wrong in that?

 

[Chuck S]

CrazyaboutMickey,

The song for the Land boat ride used to be Listen to the Land, back when the pavilion was sponsored by Kraft/General Foods.

When Nestle took over sponsorship, the pavilion went through a minor rehab, and the boat ride was renamed Living with the Land, and the original theme song was dropped.

Kitchen Kaberet was replaced by Food Rocks about this time, as well.

 

[CrazyaboutMickey]

YES! Thanks for clearing that up! I knew there was another song. We really liked that. I guess we're a little corny, but I thought it was better then. Was it a copyright issue or something that required them to change the song when they changed sponsors?

 

[Chuck S]

I doubt it is a copyright issue, Disney (or one of their operating companies) should own most of the in park music rights...in fact Listen To The Land was featured on several Park cassettes and CD while it is being used at the Land. It was just part of the overall makeover for the new sponsor.

 

[safetymom]

The Land is supposed to be themed like a travel agency. Soarin will be themed like an airport where you will "go" to the areas mentioned in the bldg and shown on the screen.

Not sure what will happen to the ride but I had heard that the Behind the Seeds tour was supposed to come back.

Soarin is a great ride.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

you are not alone. I used to like that song also. It really stuck in your head!!

 

[Donald's#1Fan]

What am I missing in trying to figure out how a travel agency is supposed to make me think of "the Land" and the agricultural theme, don't get me wrong, I'm not down on a change, one is sorely needed, but just how does this fit and if they are going to make the entrance area a cruise ship overlay, wouldn't that fit better over at the living seas not the land. Sorry, just very confused with this proposed theme change.

 

[safetymom]

Not sure how they are going to make Living with the Land fit in. It isn't going to be a cruise ship overlay but themed like an airport.

 

[daber]

I really hope they keep the Sunshine Fair. It's one of the best spots to eat in Future World.

 

[All Aboard]

Just make believe, you're a tiny little seed...

 

[dmfuru]

a tiny little seed that’s reaching up to meet your need

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

What am I missing in trying to figure out how a travel agency is supposed to make me think of "the Land" and the agricultural theme, don't get me wrong, I'm not down on a change, one is sorely needed, but just how does this fit and if they are going to make the entrance area a cruise ship overlay, wouldn't that fit better over at the living seas not the land. Sorry, just very confused with this proposed theme change.

Yes, I agree completely. I've read the travel agency and travel port rumors, but I think these rumors are either wrong or at least incomplete.

Sure, you experience the "Living with the Land" ride from a boat -- but the point of the ride has nothing to do with boats, and certainly nothing to do with cruise ships. It's about plants and farming. The ride could just as easily have been an Omnimover ride (although I like the sensation of floating through the ride).

Yes, I believe the parts of the rumor that say that there will be major changes to the interior of the Land pavilion. For one thing, the pavilion will need to be able to handle the large crowds that Soarin' will attract. And I won't be surprised if there's an effort to improve the flow between levels, tie the three attractions together better, and replace the food court with a more efficient quick service facility. But the "travel agency overlay" doesn't make much sense.

 

[wtg2000]

I hope that if it is indeed themed like an airport, that it is a very special airport and not like the one many of us have just come from in downtown Orlando! One rumor said it would have faux-security gates. If true, I don't think that's a fun idea. Do we have to show I.D.?

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Cranium Command is one of our favorite shows. Please tell me it is staying!

 

[safetymom]

Cranium Command is not in the Land. CC is open on a seasonal basis in the Wonders of Life pavilion.