Some Changes at Epcot I didn't like...

[ChrisFL]

Yes, and Club Cool as of yesterday STILL did not have the best soda in the world, Smart Watermelon....Im getting pretty peeved that it's never there anymore when I go.

Norway also used to have Legos IIRC and I didnt see those yesterday, kinda went past the other Disney merchandise and noticed they blocked off the other gift shop doors so you're forced to go through the whole thing to get to the end...lovely

 

[WDWorld2003]

We miss Ice Station Cool, also. We were so excited to show it to my DD's friend this year and were so disappointed.... it was one of our favorite things at Epcot. I wish they would bring it back.

However, I don't miss the line into Living Seas - I felt this was a change for the better. Maybe it's because we usually go Spring Break and it takes forever to get in there.

I also noticed the standardization of items and I am really disappointed in this. I don't want Disney trinkets in the World Showcase - it's the only break we get from all of the WDW stuff. I love shopping in World Showcase and it's where I generally spend money. If they bring in all the WDW merchandise it would really take away from the whole atmosphere of Epcot.

(I am disappointed that I can never seem to find an Epcot t-shirt I like in any of the gift shops!)

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I've noticed a trend in the past few years of more and more stores carrying the same stuff-- the shop in the castle, for instance, used to have stuff that felt like it belonged in a castle, but now they just sell Disney themed stuff. I really hope the WS shops don't go the same way!

Agreed about Ice Stn Cool, too- I can't figure out why they took all of the story out of it! Rumor has it that the reason they've been out of certain flavors lately is that they're preparing to switch to new ones, but then we all know how rumors go!

 

[bicker]

In all seriousness, though, I am bugged by the standardization of merchandise all across Disney now.

Blame all those guests who simply weren't buying what they were selling. You know that if folks were buying that stuff, it would still be there.

 

[Leota]

Yes, that area is still there. I think that's The Fjording (sp). All the Helly Hansen gear is still there. I didn't include this in the previous post because that was just the Puffin's Roost. But yeah, it's still there!

Club Cool is indeed a disappointment. But heck...it's free soda. Where else in WDW can you get anything for FREE? Sure the charm of Ice Station is gone, but seriously, the free soda giveaway is not something WDW has to do.

Thanks Mick! I love my Helly's. I know I paid about $10 more on my last 2 jackets than if I bought them online - but I got to try them on before I bought them & that is worth the extra couple bucks to me. Last trip, I got a free LIFA shirt with my purchase. Love that - great underlayer for snowshoeing.

Ilovedale3 I doubt they'll still be on sale or left when I get there (still over a month to go). Man, I wish I could pop down now......

I got a pair of Helly deck shoes from Sierra Trading Post for $25. I was happy with that. I'll have to check Overstock. Thanks for the tip, IwasatWDWforamonth.

 

[Bill From PA]

When Restaurant Akershus was strictly Norwegian we used to just walk in for a late lunch on our March trips without PS. Now that it's All Princesses, All the Time that ain't happening. That, plus replacing Ringnes with Carlsburg has reduced our desire to spend time in that neck of the Epcot woods.

Bill From PA

 

[bicker]

Now that it's All Princesses, All the Time that ain't happening.

Yup: Putting the princesses ahead of authentic Norwegian cuisine has definitely been a major boon for Akershus. Back before, we never had to wait for a table. Now the place is so much more popular.

 

[MinnieMommy]

We were very disappointed on our last trip that we could not purchase some of the Norwegian folk art. DH's family has Norwegian roots, his Grandfather emigrated to Canada from Norway. So, we liked being able to purchase authentic Norwegian items for gifts for family (buy ahead for Christmas etc.).

We also made it a family "tradition" to purchase a painted "rosmaling" wooden plate each trip. They each have Norwegian sayings on them. The CMs were nice enough to translate for us. One translates to "A stranger is a friend we have not yet met" and another is "We all smile in the same language".

I know these were a lot of high ticket items, but it's too bad they couldn't keep some of the smaller things.

 

[magicforever]

In reaction to believing the hydrolators never took you under sea base alpha:

I have to tell you, when I was 9 and 11, I thought they worked. I questioned it as I got older. Then I figured it out by the time I got to college. I know that seems lame, but, that is magic at work.

 

[Daryl]

In reaction to believing the hydrolators never took you under sea base alpha:

I have to tell you, when I was 9 and 11, I thought they worked. I questioned it as I got older. Then I figured it out by the time I got to college. I know that seems lame, but, that is magic at work.

I thought they worked when I was 30

 

[ShannonRT]

The Hydrolaters Don't Work??????????????

Wth??????

 

[kimberh]

The Hydrolaters Don't Work??????????????

Wth??????

I know, I was disappointed this past Aug when we went in. I thought they were real too. As far as Norway, we loved to eat there, Now? I find other places. We used to eat there every trip. Our kids just loved Norway and this was way before the Princess's. Our first cruise was on NCL because of Norway.