Spaceship Earth closing in the Fall!?

[Tiziminchac]

I certainly hope they don't dramatically change it but it definately needs some updating. The animatronics are among Disney's loudest, the track is obnoxiously squeaky, and everything from the "present" to the end of the ride needs serious updating.

There are small hints of the AT&T logo everywhere towards the end even though AT&T no longer sponsors the exhibit. The neon bar lights that lead you into the view of the whole dome need to be replaced with something more modern.

The padded headrests are a GREAT idea.

And, of course, the pavilion at the end is empty right now and really needs something to go inside of it, even if it's just bathrooms or a snack stand or gift shop or something.

I totally agree! But I think the whole thing needs a overhaul. Just like IASW.

 

[Metro West]

Don't panic just yet. I was over Sunday and it was still open. I've heard they might close it once Soarin' opens but I highly doubt it. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[lclark0621]

They need to do something with that empty pavilion. It is just sad when you get off the ride & go into a room of nothing. It gives it a real rundown look & feel.

I remember the original SE. I loved it as a kid. I love the "updated" version in there now. But I can see the need to update it again.

But I really hope they put something in that big empty space at the end. It NEEDS SOMETHING!

 

[Metro West]

They need to do something with that empty pavilion. It is just sad when you get off the ride & go into a room of nothing. It gives it a real rundown look & feel.

I remember the original SE. I loved it as a kid. I love the "updated" version in there now. But I can see the need to update it again.

But I really hope they put something in that big empty space at the end. It NEEDS SOMETHING!

Yes indeed..the same can be said about Space Mountain. Does anyone else remember the RCA Home of Future Living? The "end show" is really boring now.

 

[crow11ad]

Why would they change anything rehab or close anything during the 50th celebration. It wouldn't make sense. I say don't worry about it until it happnes. Just not this year or during the 50th celebration. We are planning on our drive down from Boyenten Beach we will goto Epcot and ride that first.

 

[leebee]

I'd like to see them put a slightly modified car into SE, one that would be more handicapped accessible. My Dsis has a terrible time getting into the SE cars as they are. It would be terrific if they replaced them with ones like they have on the Figment ride, the one that goes thru the sensory lab. You can roll a wheelchair right on to the car! This would be a great improvement to SE!

 

[Dreamflight]

Wow...i really really hope they dont take out the Spaceship Earth ride or fundamentally change it. Its been a staple of Epcot and Disneyworld for years and I kinda connected with it more on my previous trip. And it really is the last remaining great Futureworld dark ride. And as I and others have posted before, I love those kind of rides and miss the ones taken away as well as the overall themes!

I think that updating the end is ok though, providing it doesnt change the fundamental directional idea of the ride...just as I feel that eventually...even the end of Carousel of Progress can be updated to reflect any changes that happen (though for now i think its a current and relevant "idea of the future").

I feel that the second worst thing (the worst thing of course is them being taken away) that can happen to some of the classic indoor dark rides (the ones that have actual Walt Disney-like messages) is for them to stop being relevant in a time sense...especially rides that focus on technology and our way of life. So i'd rather see the ending of a ride get a facelift or an update to reflect today's technologial reality (or today's idea of what tomorrow will bring) then see it be called irrelevant and obsolete and then be taken away cause of bad reviews and low attendance. If anything i think updating the end of some rides show respect to them if done tastefully and in harmony with the overall message of the ride.

And also, if the ride has technical problems or just needs maintenance to clean the whole ride, then i totally understand. I dont want to see cobwebs on any ride except for Tower of Terror and Haunted Mansion!

I also support making that final room, after the ride, more relevant. By its appearance it seems like a "cast members only" place cause there is like no entertainment or educational aspect in there. A nice showroom of communications technology would be so fitting there!

So yeah....i really really hope Spaceship Earth isnt in any danger of being taken away, replaced, or fundamentally changed...but if they added things that were in the spirit of the ride, i'm cool with that