Please Put Epcot Out Of Its Misery!

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

...and I'm not so sure Mission Space is a Super Headliner. Every time we've been at Epcot, it is FAR less busy than either Soarin' or TT. It typically has very short standby times.

Dan

One can't just look at wait times. Dumbo is a Super Headliner if one just looked at wait times. I look at the quality of the attraction too. But as for those wait times, on our last trip, when Soarin went over 60 and Test track did as well, we saw waits at 40 for green and 10 for Orange. So I'll still count it in the Super Headliner category for now. Besides, I think the bigger problem is the lack of Headliners to back them up as well as the lack of much of anything better than filler beyond that.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Why compare Epcot to MK or other parks? Epcot is its own entity and to me, it far surpasses all the rest!
When I daydream about being at WDW I always imagine myself just watching the fountain in FW all day.....**sigh**wish I were there now!

 

[mickeymom629]

I haven't read through this whole thread, but EPCOT has been a favorite park for me for many years, particularly because of WS and Illluminations. Though now AK (in cooler weather) has become a new favorite.

I agree, sadly, with the OP and many of the negetive comments here, however. I have hated the entrance with the Leave a Legacy. I am not a Figment fan, never liked HISTA or Captain EO. I like the change of SE. I'm not a thrill-seeker, but the rest of my family is, so I like UE with Ellen, Innoventions, the Living Seas and the Land.

I was sad when the parade ended, though I know many people were happy because it clogged traffic. I also miss the living statues. I like the dancing fountain.

I do hope Disney improves this park because it deserves it!
(Btw, we just returned from our first trip to Disneyland Resort and I am sure I might find Futureworld like walking in a parking lot, too, since many of the same attractions there are among those in DL and not so spread out. I hope not, but I'm afraid it might be the case )

 

[blainekyle]

Why compare Epcot to MK or other parks? Epcot is its own entity and to me, it far surpasses all the rest!
When I daydream about being at WDW I always imagine myself just watching the fountain in FW all day.....**sigh**wish I were there now!

I know what you mean! I have a tip for you with respect to that. If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, and a decently powerful computer, you can actually set a video of the fountain as your background (with sound even, if you like!). The trick is using something called Dreamscene.

Dreamscene was a new feature for Vista, available just in the Ultimate edition of the OS, which was removed from Windows 7 altogether due to some unresolved glitches. You can install it back, though, if you're just a little bit tech-savvy. Here's a link on how to do it:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/63841-dreamscene-install-windows-7-vista.html

Once you have it installed, to minimize glitchiness, I recommend keeping your desktop clear of icons. In Windows 7, you can just right click on the desktop and disable "Show Icons." In Vista, just don't put anything on your desktop. You may have to delete shortcuts after installing new software, or any time you update Apple software (because Apple refuses to play nice with Windows ). If you use third-party remote access software such as TightVNC or PCAnywhere, that can glitch Dreamscene, too. Also, even using the built in Remote Desktop can cause your Dreamscene to die, too, but you can always bring it back by either re-assigning the video as a wallpaper, or right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Play Dreamscene".

Dreamscene requires AVI or MPG files. If you have an MP4 file, you can just rename the extension to make it work most of the time.

For your video source, WDWLIVE.com has some great scenic videos. They are all hosted on YouTube, so you'll have to pull them from there. Here's how you do that:

Find the video you want on WDWLIVE, and then right-click on the video itself. Choose "Copy video URL." Next, go to KeepVid.com. Paste the URL into the box at the top of the page, and click "Download." It will think for a minute, and then give you some options. Download the file in MP4 format, at the highest available resolution (for most of the WDWLIVE videos, that's 720p). Save the file wherever you'd like, and rename the extension from MP4 to MPG. Then, right click on the file icon, and choose "Set as Wallpaper."

If you did everything right, you should be set to enjoy your favorite view of Disney World every time you sit down at your computer.

 

[NotUrsula]

My DS thought that the Leave a Legacy area was a memorial garden. At age 8, he commented to me that it was "so sad, that all these kids died."

It needs to be moved. Preferably to an open garden space near a resort, with a lot where people can park for free to visit their "tile". The open area near Fantasia Gardens would probably be a good spot, and there is a large parking lot there already.

As to the "Future World" area, rename it so that the name is not self defeating, and perhaps invite universities in to do rotating interactive exhibits, rather than asking companies to sponsor rides. Disney is a for-profit company and the parks are a proven concept; I've never figured out why park rides need corporate sponsors in this day and age.

Oh, and make Energy Adventure just a dinosaur ride with some narrative re: Fantasia. Kids LOVE the dinos, but parents don't want to do it because it is so long and because the "big bang" scares the bejeezus out of small kids. Cutting out all the extra narrative and moving the cars faster will hugely increase the load factor AND the popularity of the thing.

 

[blainekyle]

My DS thought that the Leave a Legacy area was a memorial garden. At age 8, he commented to me that it was "so sad, that all these kids died."

 

[mesaboy2]

My DS thought that the Leave a Legacy area was a memorial garden. At age 8, he commented to me that it was "so sad, that all these kids died."

DD8 asked the same question about the bricks in front of MK a couple of months ago.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Watching that musical performance outside of Test Track was the last straw. Epcot needs help, STAT! The evidence is overwhelming:

- Soarin' is still good, but it's a shell of what it was. A grainy film on a dirty screen does not compel me to stand in line for an hour. In this age of HD and digital, there's no excuse why this film has to look like garbage

- The whole Test Track refurb fiasco, punctuated by the hastily thrown-together Test Track singers - somewhere Up With People is laughing hysterically

- Mission Space, while still cool, makes people vomit

- Ellen's Energy Adventure is now the best place to catch an air-conditioned nap in all of WDW

- Habit Heroes shut down in less than a month - wait, you mean mocking kids isn't what we do here at WDW?

- The Imagination Pavilion is a complete waste of space

- Body Wars Pavilion is still empty

- When you ask you kids what they enjoyed most at Future World, and they say Living With the Land, it's time to re-evaluate things


The ONLY thing that has been consistently interesting and worth-while at Epcot over the last few years has been the World Showcase. When your park has the name "Future World", you shouldn't ever be outdated.

Either Epcot needs a complete makeover, or it should be plowed under and become a giant World Showcase. Add in some countries like Russia, Australia, Brazil, etc. That's at least more interesting than watching Alex Trebek banter with Bill Nye the Science Guy.


Epcot - time to step up. Universal has Harry Potter. You have Figment and the Test Track Five. Think about it

I wouldn't 'put epcot out of its misery' but I would agree that future world needs some fresh attractions. I actually find Soarin to be one of the best rides though. I still find that Epcot is my favorite 'evening' park because I love walking through World Showcase with the unique acts in each country.

We also tried the Land tour and that was so cool. And yes, we find the Land to be a neat ride. But being farmers/ranchers, that's just fine with us. Maybe you need more bling?

I completely disagree with the WWOHP comment though - LOVED the books, thought the portion of the park was neat looking but the rides were HORRIBLE. Castle was so cool and the ride was like something from a traveling carnival. In general, we didn't like Universal but our kids were 7 & 9 at the time. I think when they are teenagers, it will be a better park for us - but I digress.

 

[Brit17]

Nope, just the fact that Epcot is falling behind everything else. Epcot used to be a highlight. Now we blow through it on our way to World Showcase. We too, love Maelstrom and can waste hours at WS and still not see everything. It just seems like other parks, both in and out of WDW, are progressing and Epcot is still stuck in the 80's wearing its leg warmers listening to Duran Duran

Hey, what's wrong with listening to Duran Duran? ... I still enjoy visiting Epcot & listening to Duran Duran and I don't feel like I'm stuck in the 80's one bit ... Just sayin' ...

 

[CathrynRose]

Found via Google:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY5AjWmw8Z8

Thanks.

I YouTube searched - couldn't find it. I was using Test Track Five or something, I dunno.

O M G

I'm embarrassed for them. This is awful. Really bad. Good grief.

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

Nope, just the fact that Epcot is falling behind everything else. Epcot used to be a highlight. Now we blow through it on our way to World Showcase. We too, love Maelstrom and can waste hours at WS and still not see everything. It just seems like other parks, both in and out of WDW, are progressing and Epcot is still stuck in the 80's wearing its leg warmers listening to Duran Duran

All they have to do is bring out Ken and Barbie...Whole new attraction: Barbie's Dream House, Fun-Sized!!!

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

Epcot was never my fave park...MK is always tops. However, I LOVE Illuminations and the World Showcase! Hopefully I'll be able to Test Track next time...

 

[micknpluto]

I didnt read past the first page..

but.. just my 2 cents..

I LOVE Epcot.. I spend most of the time in WS.. but I do love this park.. my 2nd fav with MK being #1 and personally I think studios is worse.. besides TOT and RNR... ok and TGMR. HS kinda blah

Im good with futrure world.. ONly complaint is SOarin and TT waits can be frustrating.. just have to FP and do them early in the AM.

I need 2 days to do WS.. time fliessss! <3

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

I didnt read past the first page..

but.. just my 2 cents..

I LOVE Epcot.. I spend most of the time in WS.. but I do love this park.. my 2nd fav with MK being #1 and personally I think studios is worse.. besides TOT and RNR... ok and TGMR. HS kinda blah

Im good with futrure world.. ONly complaint is SOarin and TT waits can be frustrating.. just have to FP and do them early in the AM.

I need 2 days to do WS.. time fliessss! <3

Totally me...

 

[PHLtoMCO]

Watching that musical performance outside of Test Track was the last straw. Epcot needs help, STAT! The evidence is overwhelming:

- Soarin' is still good, but it's a shell of what it was. A grainy film on a dirty screen does not compel me to stand in line for an hour. In this age of HD and digital, there's no excuse why this film has to look like garbage

- The whole Test Track refurb fiasco, punctuated by the hastily thrown-together Test Track singers - somewhere Up With People is laughing hysterically

- Mission Space, while still cool, makes people vomit

- Ellen's Energy Adventure is now the best place to catch an air-conditioned nap in all of WDW

- Habit Heroes shut down in less than a month - wait, you mean mocking kids isn't what we do here at WDW?

- The Imagination Pavilion is a complete waste of space

- Body Wars Pavilion is still empty

- When you ask you kids what they enjoyed most at Future World, and they say Living With the Land, it's time to re-evaluate things


The ONLY thing that has been consistently interesting and worth-while at Epcot over the last few years has been the World Showcase. When your park has the name "Future World", you shouldn't ever be outdated.

Either Epcot needs a complete makeover, or it should be plowed under and become a giant World Showcase. Add in some countries like Russia, Australia, Brazil, etc. That's at least more interesting than watching Alex Trebek banter with Bill Nye the Science Guy.


Epcot - time to step up. Universal has Harry Potter. You have Figment and the Test Track Five. Think about it

 

[jenrose66]

Watching that musical performance outside of Test Track was the last straw. Epcot needs help, STAT! The evidence is overwhelming:

- Soarin' is still good, but it's a shell of what it was. A grainy film on a dirty screen does not compel me to stand in line for an hour. In this age of HD and digital, there's no excuse why this film has to look like garbage

- The whole Test Track refurb fiasco, punctuated by the hastily thrown-together Test Track singers - somewhere Up With People is laughing hysterically

- Mission Space, while still cool, makes people vomit

- Ellen's Energy Adventure is now the best place to catch an air-conditioned nap in all of WDW

- Habit Heroes shut down in less than a month - wait, you mean mocking kids isn't what we do here at WDW?

- The Imagination Pavilion is a complete waste of space

- Body Wars Pavilion is still empty

- When you ask you kids what they enjoyed most at Future World, and they say Living With the Land, it's time to re-evaluate things


The ONLY thing that has been consistently interesting and worth-while at Epcot over the last few years has been the World Showcase. When your park has the name "Future World", you shouldn't ever be outdated.

Either Epcot needs a complete makeover, or it should be plowed under and become a giant World Showcase. Add in some countries like Russia, Australia, Brazil, etc. That's at least more interesting than watching Alex Trebek banter with Bill Nye the Science Guy.


Epcot - time to step up. Universal has Harry Potter. You have Figment and the Test Track Five. Think about it

I disagree. I Love Spaceship Earth and the park is beautiful. Don't forget you have the Finding Nemo ride and I don't find Ellen's Energy Adventure boring at all.

 

[Peaseblossom]

You know who I think is a natural partner for Epcot / Future World? NASA. The kids visiting DW today are the ones who will actually be on the mission to Mars in the 2030s - we'll all be in the old folks' homes, or worse, the ground!

I know NASA probably can't write much of a cheque, relying on the generosity of taxpayers. Educational grants, maybe? Part of NASA's recruiting budget? But it's a natural fit, with KSC just down the road and, until recently, shuttles passing overhead.

 

[dananbethany]

You know who I think is a natural partner for Epcot / Future World? NASA. The kids visiting DW today are the ones who will actually be on the mission to Mars in the 2030s - we'll all be in the old folks' homes, or worse, the ground!

I know NASA probably can't write much of a cheque, relying on the generosity of taxpayers. Educational grants, maybe? Part of NASA's recruiting budget? But it's a natural fit, with KSC just down the road and, until recently, shuttles passing overhead.

Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner!

 

[David 1980]

I think the best thing at Epcot is Biergarten. I had to purchase Park Hopper for our next trip so we do not have to waste a full day here.Disney get real and please make some changes.

 

[flicx]

Been saying for a long time disney needs to start investing more back into the parks. The changes and new stuff has really fallen off the last decade.The only thing that changes steadily is price increases!