Please Put Epcot Out Of Its Misery!

[jhaig]

OP I have a feeling you've just been to Epcot too many times.

That being said it may just be that Epcot isn't your cup of tea.

For now bypass Epcot and let us Epcot lovers continue to frequent the park.

That was my whole point of starting this thread. Epcot WAS my 'cup of tea' and to watch it slowly degenerate over the years is sad. Disney doesn't seem to be doing anything to restore Epcot to its rightful place of glory. Instead we're making Avatar-land, watching dead pop singers in 3D movies, and laughing at the 'Test Track 5'.

I do believe Epcot will eventually be given its due by the Disney upgrade wizards, but not in the next 10 years or so.

 

[Greenfield1984]

That was my whole point of starting this thread. Epcot WAS my 'cup of tea' and to watch it slowly degenerate over the years is sad. Disney doesn't seem to be doing anything to restore Epcot to its rightful place of glory. Instead we're making Avatar-land, watching dead pop singers in 3D movies, and laughing at the 'Test Track 5'.

I do believe Epcot will eventually be given its due by the Disney upgrade wizards, but not in the next 10 years or so.

Fair enough.

I was reading through the many, many, many....MANY posts and I might be coming around to your point of view. While I still think it is good it could and should be great.

There is a lot of potential that isn't really being invested in. They went cheap and kind of ruined figment. I agree with previous posts about test track and mission space being neither imaginative nor particularly thrilling. And while Soarin is still good, the film is starting to show a little wear and tear and at this point it would be really nice if it had multiple movies like Star Wars.

And they could do some big improvements, IMO, just by adding some themeing. Futureworld doesn't really make me feel like i'm in any kind of future. It's actually kind of sad that I look forward to the evening so that I can see the butterflies in the trees and some LED lights in the cement. They could do so much more to immerse me into an environment where I feel like i'm in the future.

In conclusion, i'm starting to agree with you . Epcot is good but could be great.

But honestly my opinion isn't really valid because I still really enjoy Ellen!

 

[Fantasmic23]

You know what I personally would LOVE Epcot to add to Future World? A House of Tomorrow, kind of in the style of that old Tex Avery cartoon. I've always loved that cartoon and I think a house like that would be perfect for Future World. Here is the YouTube link for the cartoon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZuF1ONFT8

Or, I would love a House of the Future, in the style of the old Monsanto house in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, updated, of course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VowfYuhx1-o&feature=related

You know, a Jetsons style house. It could be an attraction that could go along with Spaceship Earth.

If nothing else, clean that dirty Soarin' screen and do some updating.

 

[MrRob]

The loss of Horizons, World of Motion, Wonders of Life, (The Original) Journey Into Imagination, and (The Original) The Living Seas combined is likely one of the biggest tragedies in the history of The Walt Disney company. Epcot just doesn't feel the same without everything being connected with over overall narrative of education through entertainment.

That being said, it shouldn't be "put out of its misery". As bad as we all think it may be now, it was great just a mere 15 years ago. So, by my math, it may take only a mere 15 years to get a shred of its former greatness back.

Or it may get worse. We'll see.

I have to agree. Though I don't think the loss of those rides are tragedies. Epcot was (and maybe one day again will be) about progress and clinging onto 20 year old rides is the anthesis of progress.

In fact the real tragedy wasn't those rides going, but their replacements not living up to the spirit of Epcot.

I loved Horizons as much as the next Disney fan and missed it when it closed, however I would have been ok with it being replaced had the replacement been as equally interesting and future focused. It wasn't until I rode Mission Space that I really started to miss Horizons.

I also agree that we shouldn't write the park off. For one, that just makes zero business sense so it's kind of pointless to entertain the idea. The real discussion here is "How does Disney go about fixing Epcot, and where do they start?"

My 2 cents: start small and revamp Innoventions completely. Make it a Disney version of CES, showcasing mock ups of consumer electronics we might see in the next 10-15 years and show us how they might change our lives.

Seeing mock ups of devices we might actually use one day may just excite people enough to put back some of that thrill for the future that Epcot was founded on.

 

[lugnut33]

Not sure if anyone posted this yet, but here's a link to the Test Track All-Stars extravaganza:

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

The show itself appears cheezy, but there is no way I can deny those guys and gals have some serious singing talent.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

Soarin does need updating but the problem for Disney is that Soarin is probably a make or break attraction for a lot of folks. I wouldn't go to Disney if Soarin was going to be shut down and I would probably cancel a trip I already planned if I found out about it.

 

[richmo]

Soarin does need updating but the problem for Disney is that Soarin is probably a make or break attraction for a lot of folks. I wouldn't go to Disney if Soarin was going to be shut down and I would probably cancel a trip I already planned if I found out about it.

Wow, that seems drastic. Soarin' is a must do for me too, but I wouldn't cancel a trip for one specific attraction undergoing rehab. But, maybe thats just me...

 

[CamoMama]

Soarin does need updating but the problem for Disney is that Soarin is probably a make or break attraction for a lot of folks. I wouldn't go to Disney if Soarin was going to be shut down and I would probably cancel a trip I already planned if I found out about it.

I think you're actually in the minority on that one. Soarin', while a good ride, is not on the level of PotC or HM, and I know I wouldn't cancel my trip even if one of those was going to be out of commission. Disney isn't about one ride, it's about an experience, and I think most people, while being slightly disappointed about a favorite ride closure, aren't going to cancel their whole trip because of it. Remember, most folks aren't like DISers. This may be their one and only trip to Disney and they save up and get vacation time set up in advance, it's not easy for people to cancel once their plans are set in motion. And it would be silly to do so for one ride.

And really, would you rather it be down for a couple of weeks or continue to degenerate so that it's not even an enjoyable ride?

 

[mcd2745]

Wow, that seems drastic. Soarin' is a must do for me too, but I wouldn't cancel a trip for one specific attraction undergoing rehab. But, maybe thats just me...

Funny how some people want everything to be pristine and in perfect condition, but do not want anything to be shut down for a refurb...well, at least not during THEIR trip.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

I think you're actually in the minority on that one. Soarin', while a good ride, is not on the level of PotC or HM, and I know I wouldn't cancel my trip even if one of those was going to be out of commission. Disney isn't about one ride, it's about an experience, and I think most people, while being slightly disappointed about a favorite ride closure, aren't going to cancel their whole trip because of it. Remember, most folks aren't like DISers. This may be their one and only trip to Disney and they save up and get vacation time set up in advance, it's not easy for people to cancel once their plans are set in motion. And it would be silly to do so for one ride.

And really, would you rather it be down for a couple of weeks or continue to degenerate so that it's not even an enjoyable ride?

Absolutely for that family that ones to take a once in a lifetime trip, they wouldn't cancel. But for me, we spend mst of our time at Epcot so it just wouldn't work for us and although probably in the minority, there are probably still quite a few folks who share the same view.

And yes I would rather Soarin get refurbed and fixed but I wouldn't plan any trips during that down time.

 

[Planogirl]

I have to agree. Though I don't think the loss of those rides are tragedies. Epcot was (and maybe one day again will be) about progress and clinging onto 20 year old rides is the anthesis of progress.

In fact the real tragedy wasn't those rides going, but their replacements not living up to the spirit of Epcot.

I loved Horizons as much as the next Disney fan and missed it when it closed, however I would have been ok with it being replace had the replacement been as equally interesting and future focused. It wasn't until I rode Mission Space that I really started to miss Horizons.

I also agree that we shouldn't write the park off. For one, that just makes zero business sense so it's kind of pointless to entertain the idea. The real discussion here is "How does Disney go about fixing Epcot, and where do they start?"

My 2 cents: start small and revamp Innoventions completely. Make it a Disney version of CES, showcasing mock ups of consumer electronics we might see in the next 10-15 years and show us how they might change our lives.

Seeing mock ups of devices we might actually use one day may just excite people enough to put back some of that thrill for the future that Epcot was founded on.

I was a big Horizons fan and I was so hoping that they would keep the concept at the very least. The Horizons ideal always symbolized what Epcot Future World was all about for me - the future. I don't personally see it any more.

Plus it had my favorite theme song in all of the parks. "Tomorrow's Child" was my next favorite.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Not sure if anyone posted this yet, but here's a link to the Test Track All-Stars extravaganza:

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

The show itself appears cheezy, but there is no way I can deny those guys and gals have some serious singing talent.

Ouch.

 

[eliza61]

Not sure if anyone posted this yet, but here's a link to the Test Track All-Stars extravaganza:

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

The show itself appears cheezy, but there is no way I can deny those guys and gals have some serious singing talent.

Oh God, make it stop! Almost makes me buy a ford instead. LOL. They can sing. I guess it does beat staring at a grey wall.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I just came back from Epcot's Flower & Garden show. The topiaries, gardens, garden talks, concerts & Illuminations were enough to keep me happy!

We enjoyed 2 delicious meals. Dinners at Le Cellier & Rose & Crown. The last came with a just PERFECT view of Illuminations!

 

[Nancyg56]

Soarin does need updating but the problem for Disney is that Soarin is probably a make or break attraction for a lot of folks. I wouldn't go to Disney if Soarin was going to be shut down and I would probably cancel a trip I already planned if I found out about it.

Pretty drastic IMO. I like Soarin', it is one of my family's favorite attractions but it is not the only attraction or experience in WDW. If we canceled a trip every time a favorite experience was not available we would never be able to go.

And really, would you rather it be down for a couple of weeks or continue to degenerate so that it's not even an enjoyable ride?

I think this is the issue that Disney faces when determining which attractions to refurbish. If an attraction is closed there will be unhappy guests. If the attraction needs attention there will be unhappy guests. What to do?

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Originally Posted by LongLiveDisney1 View Post
Soarin does need updating but the problem for Disney is that Soarin is probably a make or break attraction for a lot of folks. I wouldn't go to Disney if Soarin was going to be shut down and I would probably cancel a trip I already planned if I found out about

I don't think I'd cancel a whole trip over it. But with Test Track already down, I'd certainly be thinking of just skipping Epcot.

 

[skylizard]

The World Showcase is the best part of Epcot and I think they should expand on that as we become more "global". I spend more time in the World Showcase than in the rest of Epcot. Disney definitely needs to update the older rides (Ellen, Land, MJ, etc).

 

[Carbonfiber07]

Agreed that Epcot needs some major love in FW. Soarin, as much as I like the ride (do not love it) does not seem to fit the motif, but so be it - it is still enjoyable. FW was originally about the foreseeable future of mankind and its place in the world from a technology staindpoint and innovation's betterment to humanity. Food production, transportation, energy production, etc. all had a role. It was educational to this 8 year old when I was there on opening weekend and I am currently trying to impart some of that to my 8 year old now.

 

[mjallemand]

Agreed that Epcot needs some major love in FW. Soarin, as much as I like the ride (do not love it) does not seem to fit the motif, but so be it - it is still enjoyable. FW was originally about the foreseeable future of mankind and its place in the world from a technology staindpoint and innovation's betterment to humanity. Food production, transportation, energy production, etc. all had a role. It was educational to this 8 year old when I was there on opening weekend and I am currently trying to impart some of that to my 8 year old now.

I forsee my girlfriend (who's never been to WDW) telling me to **** constantly during our upcoming trip because I'll be pointing out everything that's missing that used to be there and how much better it was.

 

[ols386]

The World Showcase is the best part of Epcot and I think they should expand on that as we become more "global". I spend more time in the World Showcase than in the rest of Epcot. Disney definitely needs to update the older rides (Ellen, Land, MJ, etc).

I agree. That's where I spend most of my time while at Epcot, the World Showcase.






As far as not going if Soain was closed, I wouldn't cancel a trip because of it. I really like Soain but wouldn't cancel a trip over it.