Spaceship Earth Changing?

[tjkraz]

I can't independently verify this, but some astute viewer recently reported that ALL of the footage of SE in the new WDW planning video is quite old and does not contain the wand and "Epcot" signage on the exterior. Perhaps the removal of these items is the "change" to which the OP refers...

 

[gregpaul]

<<The only think that bothers me is the new safety warnings they added a year or two ago. They're distracting and overkill.>>

I assume you mean the nonsense when the ride vehicle starts it descent backwards?

No kidding! I couldn't agree more!! Anyone have any idea why the x@1$#@ they did that? the usual lawyers?

Greg

 

[mitros]

Yes, this is very true. We have every WDW video ever made, and as we go through them, we realize that a LOT of the stuff in the videos has been from older videos. I'm sure it is a lot cheaper for them to re-use old footage as opposed to filming new stuff. {can you say,skinflint greedy Eisner?}

 

[tjkraz]

Yes, this is very true. We have every WDW video ever made, and as we go through them, we realize that a LOT of the stuff in the videos has been from older videos.

True. But if you've seen the new video, you have to admit a very high percentage of the footage is brand new. Gone are many of the old errors like the Toontown and Space Mountain shots from Disneyland.

Since my post this morning, I've seen further comments indicating that the Epcot footage may actually be fairly recent, but the signage may have been digitally removed. Admittedly that seems a little far-fetched; it would be awfully expensive given that you could get largely the same effect from 5 yr old shots of SE.

I may have to take a look tonight and see if I can spot any recent landmarks.

 

[sarhenty]

SE is a classic and the flagship of Epcot. Changing it would be a SIN. Now refurbishing it is a totally different story...

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

I Love Spaceship Earth and would be very sad if they changed the ride. Even though it isn't a 'thrill ride'...I just love the setting and being inside the 'big ball'!

 

[rocketriter]

Each time our kids go through Spaceship Earth they've had another grade or two of school and they see its history through different eyes. It never grows old for them. I'd like to see the ride significantly spiffed up, and modified technically so it can board wheelchair-bound people without the constant stopping. But that "world's fair" educational theming can be very effective at building a sense of wonder in kids--and it's a kind of wonder with much more mental nourishment than the empty "magic" baloney that's recently been taking its place.

 

[4forthemouse]

I'm so glad so many people feel like me about SE! My kids can't ride it enough (which surprised me at first) and it is my husband's favorite. I feel a sense of relief that noone here has heard of any definite changes. I hope the CM was incorrect, or that it is some minor renovating or the wand as some of you've suggested. I don't think we'd feel the same about Epcot without SE as the history of communication!

 

[G00fyDad]

Where did you hear that? Not saying it CAN'T be true, but it would shock me if it really is the most popular ride at Disney. Judging by anecdotal factors such as lines, it's not even the most popular ride at Epcot. Perhaps it has a high capacity, and thus puts more people through? I dunno...

I think she means that it is the most recognizable ride. I remember hearing about Spaceship Earth long before ANY other ride at the World.

 

[rwodonnell]

I think she means that it is the most recognizable ride. I remember hearing about Spaceship Earth long before ANY other ride at the World.

You must be a fair amount younger than me! Epcot wasn't even around when we first went. No question, the ball is very recognizable. I still think other rides come more quickly to most people's minds, but that's hard to back up. If for instance you were to do the Family Feud type thing with "Disney World" as the category, my guess is the top few things would be Space Mountain, Cinderella's Castle and the monorail. Would be fun to find out though!

 

[dbm20th]

I like it just the way it is, a great place to nap on a hot August afternoon.

No offense, but that sounds like the exact reason they are thinking about changing it.

I like it too, but if it is going to be an informative ride, which was the point of it and every other EPCOT attraction, than it REALLY needs to be updated. They can keep the first half, but everything from the TV display on needs to be updated. Right now it belongs at tomorrowland and not Future World.

 

[DVC-LEROY]

I miss Walter's reference to the Sistine ceiling after smelling the ashes of Rome... and the space ship/satelite? and astronaut that were taken out of the night sky. They used to be there, right? - or is my memory already foggy. And now with no sponsor info at the end - and speakers that don't work like they used to - it seems pretty stripped down. The ride is already gone for me. Sigh. Time for somethin new for my son to remember.