Spaceship Earth---Major Overhaul

[Dumbo]

WESH TV2 in Orlando has reported that by February 2005, Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s icon and centerpiece attraction will be closed for a major overhaul. Disney plans to take the ride offline for two years to create a whole new attraction called “Time Racers,” set to debut in 2007. This is no cosmetic facelift, but a complete redesign of the ride contained within the geodesic sphere that is so easily recognizable. Insiders believe that that the new ride will be a “moving theater type ride” that will be able to handle 2,400 guests per hour. Disney has declined to comment on the documents WESH uncovered, stating that they do not discuss attractions until they are formerly announced. A former Imagineer, however, believes that Disney will incorporate some of the cutting-edge technology currently employed at Tokyo DisneySea. There is no information on the ride concept at this time.


http://www.newschannel2000.com/travelgetaways/1792966/detail.html


Dumbo

 

[OnWithTheShow]

isnt there already an attraction called time racers in innoventions or somewhere else?

 

[Another Voice]

By my recollection, plans and designs to replace ‘Spaceship Earth’ go back at least 15 years. No doubt you can find them written on paper somewhere, just like you can find plans for Chinatown off Main Street, the Dick Tracy shoot’em up ride and Beastly Kingdom.

Plans don’t mean a thing until Bill signs the check.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

I've heard a few rumblings about this lately.

The refurb does tend to follow Disney's current MO of making sure no ride is over 7-10 minutes. Perhaps a gift shop at the exit is in the works as well.

But as AV says, it all comes down to a signed check or not.

Now, if only we could get someone (maybe that wacky nut-job Perot) to foot the bill we'll finally get that park here in Texas.

 

[kamgen]

I sincerely hope they DO NOT change Spaceship Earth! It is one of my favorite rides at WDW and I do not understand why they would change it......

JMHO.


Kamy

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok, at least not major changes. Spaceship Earth is the "comfort food" of Epcot. We ALWAYS end our day with it.

The Professor

 

[Demosthenes]

Please change it...back. I miss Walter and "Tommorrow's Child."

 

[larworth]

I'm sure there are plenty of internal proposal documents that could be misconstrued by an outsider. However, the story is sure consistent with the rumors about Project Gemini that have surfaced over the past several months. A report about a possible 'Time Racer" attraction, a potential Microsoft sponsorship, and a timeframe around 2006.

I know this doesn't make it a "go", but given how unusual it is to see a rumor actually hit the press, it does make the smoke seem a little thicker than usual.

 

[HusbandAlwaysWorking]

After being in WDW last week, I started thinking: how does WDW decide when it's time to refurbish a ride (other than obvious reasons)? Most of us like revisiting older rides and resist any change. But, at some point, Disney decides that it's worth the $$ to re-do. I'm sure they MUST take into account that they'll lose those of us who liked rides as-is. It must be more cost effective to invest in something new, and assume you'll attract more people than those who are attracted because a ride hasn't changed.

I'd love to know Disney's formula for change. Everything is driven my the all mighty dollar (sponsorship). An example is the Living Seas ride!

 

[Bob O]

I would like to see Spaceship Earth changed. I dont want a thrill ride, would want a family attraction but it hasnt changed
alot since the park opened and has IMHO become stale.
As for when rides are changed/renovated i would assume it would be when the rides no longer have long lines and problems arise over maintence issues.

 

[scooby-the-doo]

Construction headaches? Building an entirely new attraction within an existing structure, and one which is somewhat unique would limit their ideas? Or do you think they'd just tear a hole in the ball for the construction phase?

 

[DC7800]

Plans don’t mean a thing until Bill signs the check

And that is one check I don't want signed! Losing this attraction would be a tragic mistake for Epcot, and the current attraction has yet to run it's course (and it should be updated when that day finally comes - not gutted). Besides, WDW has far too many attractions which are seriously in need of attention (just in Epcot, The Living Seas and Wonders of Life come to mind). The money could just be better spent elsewhere - anyone seen that empty submarine lagoon?

How much faith can we really put in rumors some four and one-half years before the fact, especially given the (hopefully) impending ouster of Michael Eisner and Disney's notorious relunctance to spend money on the parks? Merely leaking (or announcing) such plans gives the appearance of park investment without having to actually do very much (spend significant money) for two years yet. Unless a sponsor with deep pockets steps forward, Spaceship Earth may yet have a future (world).