Soarin' Closed Jan 4, 2016 through Summer 2016

[Jennygt]

I guess this would eliminate RD for us here? We would either have a FP for TT or not. I don't think I can handle the stampede that it will be for TT at RD. I have to take a closer look at the tier for epcot, but I think we wont even need to do RD at all.

 

[d1gitman]

did anyone notice the word "complimentary" FastPass+ service on WDW website per link in post #1? sounds like we are being prepped for two types of FP+ offerings in the future

 

[Praying Colonel]

I guess this would eliminate RD for us here? We would either have a FP for TT or not. I don't think I can handle the stampede that it will be for TT at RD. I have to take a closer look at the tier for epcot, but I think we wont even need to do RD at all.

I think we'd treat DHS and EP as 1 park. Do RD @ DHS, then take the boat to EP for WS, TT single rider and maybe 1-2 other small things.

 

[JimmyBean42]

What cracks me up about the Soarin' closure is most of the people who want to ditch doing a full day at Epcot now (b/c of one attraction being shut down) b/c it takes away from something for kids to do are the same people who do not like the Frozen being in the World Showcase. Can't please everyone.

 

[kyle3423]

This is disappointing. Our group that is going in late Feb/early March (all 1st timers) is not big on rides. We do plan to ride a few of the slower ones and Soarin was one that I was sort of getting the other members of the group excited about. And now I find out it will be down for refurb.

 

[Praying Colonel]

What cracks me up about the Soarin' closure is most of the people who want to ditch doing a full day at Epcot now (b/c of one attraction being shut down) b/c it takes away from something for kids to do are the same people who do not like the Frozen being in the World Showcase. Can't please everyone.

For me, it's really the same issue. EP does not have enough attractions. WDW does not have enough attractions.

I would've preferred not to have the Frozen attraction in WS for various reasons, not the least of which is it required the closure of an attraction beloved by many (Maelstrom). Guests get a net 0 increase in attractions--Maelstrom goes, Frozen in its place (eventually).

It would've been better for us guests if they left Maelstrom running, then build a Frozen attraction in DHS. From a theming perspective it fits better there (fictional country from an animated movie in a park devoted to Hollywood and movies), adds an attraction to a park badly in need of attractions and doesn't take an attraction away from EP for a long period of time before the Frozen attraction eventually opens.

Now they compound the loss of Maelstrom with the loss of arguably its most popular attraction (Soarin) for months. Easy to see why people now consider EP to have less going for it than it used to.

 

[crazymomof4]

Has it been confirmed that the new movie will be installed during this refurb period? I know it would make sense that this switch will be part of it and everyone is assuming that they are doing that but I've not yet read specifically that this will take place. Has anyone?

 

[DoingDisney]

Other than soarin, what else is closed at epcot? I don't see anything on the refurbishment list for HS. Am I missing something? People keep talking about cancelling/rescheduling their trip, but is there ever a time when every single ride/attraction is open?

As a PP noted a lot of HS is now closed for the addition of Pixar and Star Wars worlds, both of which I am excited to see.

At EPCOT, really there are only 2 honest major rides, Soarin and Test Track, Frozen will certainly be a third and many people included maelstrom as the third as it was. So if Soarin and Maelstrom are closed 1/2 or 2/3rds of the major rides there are closed.

Test Track is going to be absolutely RAMMED ... not going to be pleasant. That being said world show case will be open I am sure.

 

[DoingDisney]

What cracks me up about the Soarin' closure is most of the people who want to ditch doing a full day at Epcot now (b/c of one attraction being shut down) b/c it takes away from something for kids to do are the same people who do not like the Frozen being in the World Showcase. Can't please everyone.

I don't think these are mutually exclusive positions to have ... a) world show case does seem different, like its not really the place for rides (I don't really care, but I can see how some people would think this, and maelstrom was already there)

b) I think a lot of people are upset that rather than adding a new ride, they are just taking one away to replace it with another. So nothing is actually gained by bringing frozen to Norway.

c) You also are talking about how things are, now. Right now, closing Soarin, REALLY has am impact on how much there is for kids to do. Its one of 2 major attractions at EPCOT ... 1/2 the majors. This means its not only going to offer less for kids to do, but it also means doing the other major, test track, is going to require a massive wait, its going to be flooded by people no longer doing Soarin.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't like Frozen going into Norway and don't think it's wise to close Soarin' when there's so little to do. The two have nothing to do with one another.

 

[JimmyBean42]

I don't think these are mutually exclusive positions to have ... a) world show case does seem different, like its not really the place for rides (I don't really care, but I can see how some people would think this, and maelstrom was already there)

b) I think a lot of people are upset that rather than adding a new ride, they are just taking one away to replace it with another. So nothing is actually gained by bringing frozen to Norway.

c) You also are talking about how things are, now. Right now, closing Soarin, REALLY has am impact on how much there is for kids to do. Its one of 2 major attractions at EPCOT ... 1/2 the majors. This means its not only going to offer less for kids to do, but it also means doing the other major, test track, is going to require a massive wait, its going to be flooded by people no longer doing Soarin.

I wasn't trying to say they are mutually exclusive. I just find it extremely funny that a large majority of people who complain about the new Frozen being in WS are the same ones complaining about the Soarin' closure (and would be the same ones complaining about the Soarin' wait times. Also not saying the ones I"m referring to are posting in this particular thread). Just pointing out that no matter what is done, some people will always complain. I agree with your point that it would have been better if they just added a new ride without replacing another one but that wasn't the point I was trying to make. I think it would be great if Disney added a dozen new rides w/o replacing old ones. But you know what would happen then? A large group of people would still find something to complain about like that they had to wait 25 minutes to get on Soarin' or that all the FP+ were gone for Test Track at 1 pm the day of.

 

[horse11]

We are going in May and staying at the Poly as well! My kids have not been for a few years DD was only 12 months and DS was 5, so if I don't make an issue out of soarin and BTTM it they might not realize. Now if Kali went down we would have an issue, that is DS fave! This almost makes Epcot a non issue for us, if I get FP for TT great if not well then we will just hit nemo etc and spend more time in WS, my kids are dying to do Agent P. I am bumed about it but I guess I will try to make the best of it. Frozen would be nice, if we would get the FP

Yeah actually I think the parents are the most upset about certain ride closures but since our kids have only gone once I plan on not focusing on what is closed but rather focusing on what we CAN do. After all it is Disney World so the kids will have fun no matter what.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

That's not too bad. They're going to be able to knock down a wall and put in projectors in only half the time it took to build all of Disneyland. Pretty impressive when you think about it.

 

[Planogirl]

I wasn't trying to say they are mutually exclusive. I just find it extremely funny that a large majority of people who complain about the new Frozen being in WS are the same ones complaining about the Soarin' closure (and would be the same ones complaining about the Soarin' wait times. Also not saying the ones I"m referring to are posting in this particular thread). Just pointing out that no matter what is done, some people will always complain. I agree with your point that it would have been better if they just added a new ride without replacing another one but that wasn't the point I was trying to make. I think it would be great if Disney added a dozen new rides w/o replacing old ones. But you know what would happen then? A large group of people would still find something to complain about like that they had to wait 25 minutes to get on Soarin' or that all the FP+ were gone for Test Track at 1 pm the day of.

Since both rides will be closed at the same time it's hard to quantify what people would complain about. I see the two as in no way related except for the fact that two rides have been taken out of commission in a park that has few rides to begin with.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

For me, it's really the same issue. EP does not have enough attractions. WDW does not have enough attractions.

Hmm. We can stay entertained at EPCOT all day, even without Soarin and Maelstrom (RIP).

Is it just that you don't like what's there?

Spaceship Earth
Imagination
Energy
The Land
Nemo
Turtle Talk
Sum of All Thrills
Test Track
Mission Space
Character spot

Not to mention exploring all the countries in World Showcase - plus movies in Canada, China, France, American Adventure, ride in Mexico. Excellent dining, Illuminations ...

Personally, I don't feel that EPCOT lacks things to do at all. Not every attraction is "A list" and that's okay with me. It's not okay for others and you can't help what you like or don't. I just think it's unfair for people to say there's nothing to do when there are actually plenty of things to do. EPCOT is different, and I like it that way.

 

[Planogirl]

Hmm. We can stay entertained at EPCOT all day, even without Soarin and Maelstrom (RIP).

Is it just that you don't like what's there?

Spaceship Earth
Imagination
Energy
The Land
Nemo
Turtle Talk
Sum of All Thrills
Test Track
Mission Space
Character spot

Not to mention exploring all the countries in World Showcase - plus movies in Canada, China, France, American Adventure, ride in Mexico. Excellent dining, Illuminations ...

Personally, I don't feel that EPCOT lacks things to do at all. Not every attraction is "A list" and that's okay with me. It's not okay for others and you can't help what you like or don't. I just think it's unfair for people to say there's nothing to do when there are actually plenty of things to do. EPCOT is different, and I like it that way.

I'm glad that you enjoy these things but a lot of this we see as once and done plus we don't do characters. I agree that it depends on what you enjoy doing.

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

Hmm. We can stay entertained at EPCOT all day, even without Soarin and Maelstrom (RIP).

Is it just that you don't like what's there?

Spaceship Earth
Imagination
Energy
The Land
Nemo
Turtle Talk
Sum of All Thrills
Test Track
Mission Space
Character spot

Not to mention exploring all the countries in World Showcase - plus movies in Canada, China, France, American Adventure, ride in Mexico. Excellent dining, Illuminations ...

Personally, I don't feel that EPCOT lacks things to do at all. Not every attraction is "A list" and that's okay with me. It's not okay for others and you can't help what you like or don't. I just think it's unfair for people to say there's nothing to do when there are actually plenty of things to do. EPCOT is different, and I like it that way.

I agree!
I hate losing Norway but have accepted that it's going to Frozen- EPCOT still remains to be my favorite park. Lots still to do (for kids and adults). That being said, I am really sad that Soarin' film will change. Makes me feel like I need to go before January to see it one last time!

 

[Tigger Hokie]

Epcot needs a lot more love than this. Just rode for the first time in September and thought it was really cool. Test Track is too susceptible to weather! Will be interesting.