Spaceship Earth-time for a change? (bit long)

[Mikelly1221]

I have heard rumors that Disney is planning on changing the ride inside Spaceship Earth. When I first heard that, I thought "Sacrilege!! Why don't they just blow up the Castle while they're at it!" But, I rode it for the 50 millionth time yesterday, and now I'm not so sure.

Overall, it is a great ride. But, I HATE all the safety things in it. The entrance tunnel is terrible with the videos and audio telling you about your car turning around (gives away the ending, don't you think?), and the space experience is completely ruined by the silly audio telling you "Please remain seated, your vehicle is rotating backwards for your return to earth". Now, I am not anti-safety, really I'm not. We need audio and signs to warn people, but I really think this is overkill.

Also, the ride system is very loud and bumpy. When going backwards I have to hold my head off the back of the seat, or else I end up with a headache.

All things being equal, I wouldn't mind if they changed it, IF the ride length was the same, not shortened, and IF the quality of the different scenes was maintained. But, considering the changes made in the recent past to classic rides (think JIYI), maybe they should just leave it alone. I'm torn! What do you guys think?

 

[donna in Oz]

I love this attraction just the way it is !!

Although I have to agree with you about holding your head up away from the seat back while you're coming down . . . it really is uncomfortable after the first few seconds.

I'm one of those who just have to ride Spaceship Earth first thing after entering the gates . . . just doesn't seem like EPCOT without that.

 

[B&WMickey]

I for one would hate to see Spaceship Earth removed from Epcot. It truly is one of the last original Epcot attractions. I do agree that all the safety warnings are a bit much but that wouldn't be a reason I'd use for scrapping the entire attraction. The worst thing about the whole talk of removing Spaceship Earth is that the ride overall is in pretty decent shape. It hasn't wound up looking outdated like other attractions where everyone has bad 70's or 80's hair styles. Horizons seemed like a perfect example of a ride that needed a complete overhaul or replacement, very outdated. I'm still torn about the fact that the original Imagination ride has been redone. As long as Disney does frequent maintnance and update the audioanimitronic characters clothes in the modern scenes of the ride I see no reason why this ride shouldn't be kept for years to come.

 

[pt415999]

I'm a Brit and have been to Florida six times now and the ride I most look foward to is always Spaceship Earth. It's concept is so unique and ahead of it's time, it just "hits the spot" as to what Disney means to me. Please don't change!

 

[IowaGirl]

When I went 10 some odd years ago, WDW was so packed, that we did not get into Spaceship Earth, there was a 1 1/2 hour wait. I'm glad we did not wait for it, for I'd been really mad that I'd waited that long for that. With that said, we finally went on it this last May, and it was full of kitsch. I still thought it droll, but was happy that I did not even wait 10 seconds in line to go on it.

The one we did wait forever 10 years ago was 'The Land.' It was sponsored by a food company and was the most boring thing I'd ever seen. A trip through the history of agriculture. After that ride, we blew out of EPCOT.

 

[ead79]

I would hate to see Spaceship Earth changed. I think that ride rehabbing is fine and necessary from time to time so any of the attractions at WDW don't look worn out, but I would hate to see an overhaul of Spaceship Earth. It's my favorite attraction at WDW, and I love it just the way it is. I certainly wouldn't want to see it replaced with any sort of thrill ride. Spaceship Earth is a great example of Disney at its best, IMO.

 

[Dznefreek]

Sentinel<a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bizepcot11011103jan11,0,1508427.story"> article</a> on the end of AT&T/WDW partnership.

 

[erikthewise]

My impression (not sure why) is that they are not upgrading, but rather planning to replace the current attraction with something very different inside the same geodesic sphere. If so, Spaceship Earth will the best attraction ever to bite the dust at WDW. Even if the replacement is great, something very worthwhile will be lost. I plan to ride it several times in the next couple years.

 

[shakespear]

I hope not, its my favorite

 

[Mikelly1221]

It is a great ride, there is so much detail in it. I think it just needs to be tweaked, and I know I'm being a bit nitpicky.

1) The safety spiels ruin the show. Somehow, let everyone know how to stay safe w/o interuppting the experience. All the other rides can do that, why can't SE? And many of them do a lot more than turn backwards!

2) Fix the ride mechanism so you aren't being bumped around. Make sure you can't hear it either-it's hard to hear the music/sound effects over the ride mechanism.

3) Keep the end updated. It is right now, and looks pretty good, but keep it going.

If they did all that, the ride IMO would be perfect!!

 

[PlutoPal]

I would change around all the things Mikelley said, but i would NOT put a different ride inside Spaceship Earth, the one in there is a classic...

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We love this ride very much, let's hope it does not change.

 

[M.K. Poppins]

I'm torn on this one - I screamed the whole way through on my first ride as a 2 year old, so there is that whole tradition and nostalgia thing (it IS a classic) but yet I do get bored with it. My BF still maintains it as his favorite, so I know what his answer is...Hey, I know! Leave Spaceship Earth alone and demolish Ellen's Energy Adventure!!! Sorry if there are any fans out there, but wow, I'd rather be riding IASW forever!!

 

[M.K. Poppins]

I'm torn on this one - I screamed the whole way through on my first ride as a 2 year old, so there is that whole tradition and nostalgia thing (it IS a classic) but yet I do get bored with it. My BF still maintains it as his favorite, so I know what his answer is...Hey, I know! Leave Spaceship Earth alone and demolish Ellen's Energy Adventure!!! Sorry if there are any fans out there, but wow, I'd rather be riding IASW forever!!

 

[eeyore0062]

Personally, I think it is time for an overhaul on this attraction, and it is not the only one in Epcot that could stand to have one.

The Spaceship Earth has become dated, and they need something new inside to attract guests. I would like to see something a little more thrilling, but still suitable for kids.

The other pavillions I nominate for overhauls include:
The Living Seas
China
Canada--- both of those films are long past needing an update.
I would also like to see more ride type attractions in World Showcase, and them to make the Spanish pavillion a permanent feature.

Can't wait for Mission Space to open!

 

[jazyjewel]

While spaceship earth is not my favorite ride, I do really like it. It is nice to sit down and relax in a nice calm ride after a day of running around the parks trying to catch all the rides and shows. The only thing I would change in it tho, is to put cushions behind the heads. It is very uncomfortable the way it is and I always end up with a strained neck.
Julie

 

[kaabost]

Why change a ride that so many people are still happy with? Everyone seems to agree that routine updates are good.......but changing the ride altogether??????? It would take quite a new ride experience to make everyone happy about loosing a classic. I must agree with eeyore0062. Don't mess with Spaceship earth, mess with the living seas or something. If new rides are necessary, put them in the countries. I assume that everyone would like to see more rides in the countries.

 

[kaabost]

Why change a ride that so many people are still happy with? Everyone seems to agree that routine updates are good.......but changing the ride altogether??????? It would take quite a new ride experience to make everyone happy about loosing a classic. I must agree with eeyore0062. Don't mess with Spaceship earth, mess with the living seas or something. If new rides are necessary, put them in the countries. I assume that everyone would like to see more rides in the countries.

 

[AmyA]

I also hope that a major overhaul of SE is not in the works. This is my favorite ride in Future World. I love the animatronic attractions that venture from past to future, and SE is sort of my "fix" since Carousel of Progress is always closed when we go to WDW.

I agree that some other FW attractions could stand to be overhauled. They really need to add something (anything) to The Living Seas. JMHO, of course.

 

[Magickndm]

Originally posted by Mikelly1221
and the space experience is completely ruined by the silly audio telling you "Please remain seated, your vehicle is rotating backwards for your return to earth"

lol...hmmm...I kinda like that part.
Actually, I love the ride the way it is. I hope they don't change it, I'm just now getting used to Jeremy.