The EPCOT wand is coming down: It's official.....

[civileng68]

In a contract proposal from WDW Imagineering and Ermco Of Florida, the wording spells for the removal of an "Electrical System on Spaceship Earth". Obviuosly this COULD mean "something" else but, in looking at what Ermco has done for WDW before, this is very likely the first move in the removal of the wand as a refurb of Spaceship Earth begins.

However, before jumping to any conclusions (as I'd love to do), there is no specific wording about the wand, and this could very well be nothing more than the internal updating that is scheduled to take place.

The reason one could think about this being the wand is because of what Ermco has done for WDW in the past. This is right up their alley (or down, or whatever).

Here is the actual contract image:

http://officialrecords.occompt.com/...id=29022461&file_num=20070394319&doc_status=S

 

[bradk]

specifically, one of their many projects at WDW...

http://www.ermcoofflorida.com/index/icon.htm

 

[civileng68]

Yep: Here is a magazine article about the installation of the wand by Ermco.

http://www.ermcoofflorida.com/index/ERMCO Fla (EPCOT AND HAT Icon) electrical Contractor Sept 03.pdf

 

[David R]

It seems like the budget for removing the wand has been approved and allocated. Now it's just a matter of time before Spaceship Earth returns to its classical beauty.

 

[nbodyhome]

It's been more than a rumor for a couple of weeks at least now (I was told it was definite, but you never know anything 100% with Disney!)

I can't wait. Now if they could just destroy the BAH, I'd be very happy.

What I don't know is about the stones. Does anyone know if those are going to be allocated elsewhere?

 

[civileng68]

It's been more than a rumor for a couple of weeks at least now (I was told it was definite, but you never know anything 100% with Disney!)

I can't wait. Now if they could just destroy the BAH, I'd be very happy.

What I don't know is about the stones. Does anyone know if those are going to be allocated elsewhere?

It's not known yet. They currently have the LAL area in front of SE walled off for construction. I have a feeling the stones will stay at least a few years. After that, they may be moved. However, unless they plan on really putting something else out there, I dont think they'll move them.

 

[bradk]

word is they've only stopped selling photos on the tiles. i dunno what the agreement is in terms of display time is, but i have a feeling the graveyard will remain in tact for a bit longer.

 

[Missus Toad]

That would be awesome. If they could take the stones with them, I'd be doubly glad!

 

[nbodyhome]

It's not known yet. They currently have the LAL area in front of SE walled off for construction. I have a feeling the stones will stay at least a few years. After that, they may be moved. However, unless they plan on really putting something else out there, I dont think they'll move them.

The old area before the stones was nice. I just don't know what the terms on the tiles are (and whether it states the tiles will be placed in the front of Epcot for the entire term). I imagine Disney expected them to be much more popular, I remember for a year or more they were given free with Disney packages.

Perhaps they can move them to the Haunted Mansion.

It will be nice to be able to take a photo next year of the topiary up front in Epcot without a giant, ugly arm in the way!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

I can't wait. Now if they could just destroy the BAH, I'd be very happy.

The BAH ruins the ambiance of 1940's Hollywood and needs to go.

If they can get rid of the wand and the BAH I will be one happy Mouseketeer!

(it may have been edited out, but i saw it )

Edited back into add that I used brad's new acronym finder to figure out what BAH meant. It's really cool!

 

[bradk]

heh.. thanks.. i was secretly hoping for that moment.. it actually wasn't in the database until denise mentioned it and i was like.. oops, i need to get this one in there NOW (that's emphasis, not an acronym).

also added LAL

what's interesting is I relied on a lot of sources to make sure my list is complete as possible and many of mine don't exist on other sources, so i'm quite proud... just gotta finish working on the back end

(it may have been edited out, but i saw it )

 

[CarolA]

word is they've only stopped selling photos on the tiles. i dunno what the agreement is in terms of display time is, but i have a feeling the graveyard will remain in tact for a bit longer.

I think the agreement was you remain on the tombstones for 20 years (from 2000) and the tombstones stay SOMEPLACE on property.

I actually am fine with the hat and the wand. REMOVE THE GRAVEYARD!!!!

 

[brandt79]

When I ordered a LAL tile a couple of weeks ago, I was told they would stop taking orders for those June 17 (yesterday), and that the stones would stay in place until 2020, the 20th anniversary of the LAL program. Of course, this came from a CM, so take it with a grain of salt

 

[nbodyhome]

Actually, I coined the acronym BAH on RADP back in the day. (I am looking it up now on Google). I am still proud it's being used!

Just looking - I actually named it in full, someone else in our group shortened it for ease. On RADP you can actually say a**, not sure about here!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I like the wand but if they could take down those monoliths and install a transfer station to the buses for when we leave EPCOT I would think I done died and went to heaven!!

Slightly Goofy

 

[jazzgirl]

The BAH ruins the ambiance of 1940's Hollywood and needs to go.

If they can get rid of the wand and the BAH I will be one happy Mouseketeer!

Agreed!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

heh.. thanks.. i was secretly hoping for that moment.. it actually wasn't in the database until denise mentioned it and i was like.. oops, i need to get this one in there NOW (that's emphasis, not an acronym).

also added LAL

what's interesting is I relied on a lot of sources to make sure my list is complete as possible and many of mine don't exist on other sources, so i'm quite proud... just gotta finish working on the back end

(it may have been edited out, but i saw it )

I fixed my post...it's a cool site, Brad...thanks for creating it!