Unfinished rides in World Showcase???

[k5thbeatle]

I came across this in another thread and it peaked my curiousity.

The line was "...unfinished boat ride at German pavilion"??? Was there a ride at Germany that is unfinished for lack of $$$ or other reasons?

I know the original plans were for Italy to have a gondola ride but they were permanently scrapped.

This thread I was reading referred to the German boat ride like it is still in the plans but just kinda on hold?

Anyone know the truth and for that matter are there other Showcase rides that are on hold for whatever reason?

 

[kilee]

That is interesting to know. I think a gondola ride in Italy would be just about perfect.

 

[MickeyMantleMouse]

I don't know about Germany, but the Italian pavilion is the one country that seriously needs...something. And the gondola ride would be awesome.

 

[meeko_33785]

There was indeed supose to be boat rides in Italy and Germany. There was also supose to be a Carousel of Progress-esque rotating theater show in the Japan Pavillion called "Meet the World" (which latter showed up at Tokyo Disneyland, but not EPCOT) and an entire pavillion for Africa where the outpost is. There was also supose to be a theater show in the UK pavillion.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

The German boat ride isn't on hold, but the building was constructed many years ago. It's behind Germany, and is used mostly for storage these days (though I do believe Entertainment used it as a rehersal space as well). The building exists, but unfortunately it doesn't look like we will be getting any new rides in WS any time soon.

aw:
N.E.D.

 

[SnackyStacky]

The gondolas in Italy weren't supposed to be a "ride" in the traditional sense - but rather working gondolas. ie: no track, and powered by man (or woman).

The German boat ride was supposed to be a ride down the Rhine River.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

If you walk straight to Germany towards Akerhaus to what looks like a Grey Brick wall and its covered in a tarp. If you knock on that wall you can hear its hallow. A while back there where blue prints somewhere on one of these boards of the ride I will see if I can find them again and post the link.

 

[k5thbeatle]

So this wasn't just a Disney legend. I wonder why they don't add these rides and update some of the countries unless of course it has something to do with $$$?

 

[k5thbeatle]

The German boat ride isn't on hold, but the building was constructed many years ago. It's behind Germany, and is used mostly for storage these days (though I do believe Entertainment used it as a rehersal space as well). The building exists, but unfortunately it doesn't look like we will be getting any new rides in WS any time soon.

aw:
N.E.D.

Do you know why they scrapped it??? Especially after building the building for it?

 

[meeko_33785]

Most of these unfinished rides were scrapped because EPCOT was extremly over-budget. Things were put on the back burner, but the only things that seemed to make it to completion were rides the remaining planned Future World pavillions that did not open on opening day (Journey Into Imagination, Horizons, and Living Seas) and pavillions with more thrilling or marketable attractions (Norway, Wonders of Life).

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Most of these unfinished rides were scrapped because EPCOT was extremly over-budget. Things were put on the back burner, but the only things that seemed to make it to completion were rides the remaining planned Future World pavillions that did not open on opening day (Journey Into Imagination, Horizons, and Living Seas) and pavillions with more thrilling or marketable attractions (Norway, Wonders of Life).

Umm... Norway was the last country to be built. No one has really figured out why Rhine River was never finished. But the idea was carried over to Norway and used in Malestrom.

Most people dont realize there where several countries that where never built: Israel, Africa, Spain. These where part of the original concept and signs where even hung in the locations, but where never built. Also plans where drawn up for Switzerland, Russian, and Venezuala but those never came to life either.

 

[SammieG]

Thats interesting! I thought that in part the countries were funded by the countries involved.. ie the UK partly funded the UK pavillion etc? Is there any truth in that?

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Each of the countries are sponsored and paid for by the country themselves.

Disney required a $50K deposit and where allowed 3,000 sq ft and the buildings where averaging 800K to 2 Mil in price to be built.

Also there was suppose to be a Ukrainian pavilion, $10K was put down but the rest of the funds where never attained.

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

I always wished that some of the other pavilions had rides. I really think that gondola ride in Italy would be perfect! Hopefully some day they'll think to add some more, until then I guess I must be content with eating and shopping

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Also on the funding part during the original illuminations the countries of Norway and Morrocco never lit up because the host country didn't provide funding for lighting for there countried to be included.

This is also why World Showcase was built after the Future world. Cause several of the counties didnt feel it would bring the draw they where promised so they held off of there funding till it started to prove itself.

 

[meeko_33785]

Umm... Norway was the last country to be built. No one has really figured out why Rhine River was never finished. But the idea was carried over to Norway and used in Malestrom.

One of the reasons I believe that Maelstrom was put in Norway instead of finishing the ride in Germany was that it is more marketable to promote a whole new pavillion (ie- Norway) than a new ride in an exhisting Pavillion (Germany). It's all a matter of marketing and promotion.

 

[Chuck S]

Also on the funding part during the original illuminations the countries of Norway and Morrocco never lit up because the host country didn't provide funding for lighting for there countried to be included.

This is also why World Showcase was built after the Future world. Cause several of the counties didnt feel it would bring the draw they where promised so they held off of there funding till it started to prove itself.

Also, Morroco and Norway were added a few years after the other countries...perhaps they never though about re-scripting Illuminations to include them until after they were built. Then when it was eventually re-scripted adding the lights was not in the budget for the sponsors.

 

[Chuck S]

One of the reasons I believe that Maelstrom was put in Norway instead of finishing the ride in Germany was that it is more marketable to promote a whole new pavillion (ie- Norway) than a new ride in an exhisting Pavillion (Germany). It's all a matter of marketing and promotion.

I don;t know, coiuld be, but they are marketing Soarin'...it was added to an existing pavilion.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Also, Morroco and Norway were added a few years after the other countries...perhaps they never though about re-scripting Illuminations to include them until after they were built. Then when it was eventually re-scripted adding the lights was not in the budget for the sponsors.

Morrocco got added first, but your right there name was never mentioned in the show, but they did play morrocan music and the country was lit up at that time. Then when Norway added there lighting they showed pictures of Gingerbread houses on the globe and Norway then lit up.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Do you know why they scrapped it??? Especially after building the building for it?

Cash. Plain and simple.

After Norway was built, it seemed to be that they would get around to adding attractions at the other pavilions, but it has never come to fruit.

I think it's a huge shame - we need more in WS than we have now. It's largely a shopping mall with good restaurants at this point to many people - and I'm always up for more dark rides.

aw:
N.E.D.