Virtual Imagineer (Florida): What would you do with Epcot?

[Hoodie]

I like Ellen, but the ride is WAY too long. Wonders of life needs to be either rehabbed or have something else in there. Too many empty buildings on that side of Future World, including Odyssey.

Honestly, I'd remove the video games that have seemed to have popped up in Innovations, Mission Space, and other places. I get sick every time I see all those kids waiting in line to play games that they can have at home - all at a very hefty price tag to mom and dad. Some of them are interesting - like the virtual doctor, but most are just typically games you can get for any system. Waste of space.

 

[SandraVB79]

Its funny, as I walked through the park yesterday I thought to myself "Why the heck dont they take down that Odyssey sign." The explanation makes sense, but the area does need some work.

As far as the topic at hand, I also think the entrance needs some work. Take out the giant tombstones. Another country would be nice, but it wont happen. Although Dubai does seem to be throwing a lot of money around, so perhaps they would be interested in sponsoring one. My guess, however, is that a new pavillion for the UAE wouldnt be a big draw.

They could always create a palm tree-shaped island in the middle of the lagoon



What I would change:
- more shade and benches. Really! I noticed the lack of this last year when I was there on crutches.
- beer cheese soup at a CS in Canada, we don't all want to eat steak there, but maybe we like some soup
- I haven't seen Spaceship Earth ride after the refurb, it was closed last year and I can only hope it's better now than two years ago.
- The Imagination thing was boring. I know there are lots of Figment fans, but to me, it seemed an old ride that can only be truely enjoyed by people with nostalgic feelings.
- More rides in the countries.
- Make something good from the Mexico ride. It's still awful!

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

They could always create a palm tree-shaped island in the middle of the lagoon



What I would change:
- more shade and benches. Really! I noticed the lack of this last year when I was there on crutches.
- beer cheese soup at a CS in Canada, we don't all want to eat steak there, but maybe we like some soup
- I haven't seen Spaceship Earth ride after the refurb, it was closed last year and I can only hope it's better now than two years ago.
- The Imagination thing was boring. I know there are lots of Figment fans, but to me, it seemed an old ride that can only be truely enjoyed by people with nostalgic feelings.
- More rides in the countries.
- Make something good from the Mexico ride. It's still awful!

Alright- I agree with most things you say. I would definitley change the Mexico ride again. It is very boring... I really dont like the rides for the countreis that much, but the France and Canada videos I really enjoy. I know you cant have a movie for everything, and I do agree with the ride thing, as long as you can make them somewhat entertaining, but not too thrilling. Im guessing alot of people who aren't thrill seekers enjoy this area the most and would appreciate mild rides.
I personally love figment, but I do think the ride is boring. Im not even sure why I love figment so much... lol. They cant just get rid of it though, he is a pretty big symbol of Epcot. Maybe some sort of 3d show?
Spaceship earth... lol I actually love that ride now that they changed it. Only because of what they did while you're going back down, I actually think the ride is boring... but im not a history person. I'll let you find out what you do on the way down, its funny

I also agree about the entrance... but im not sure exactly what I would put there instead of those huge stones. That used to be a place where that huge tour bus thingy would come for the character meet and greet, but now they have their own building. It was perfect for that too, because the stones somewhat hid them and people were forced to get in line instead of just walk up to them ignoring the line. It would take me awhile to figure out what should go there, Epcot is my second favorite park and I love the atmosphere. It needs something different at the entrance.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Oh! Yeah, and those games after some of the rides. I personally like those... but during the busy seasons and when there are alot of people there its not worth going to them or anything. We only do them when nobody is in line, and I do get mad when the people in front take forever... lol once in figment's we were in line to do this morph your face thing, and the kid in front of me was about ten and with his mom, and he probably took fifteen minutes! I dont know why we waited, but he never could figure out how to send it to his email, that took him about five minutes too. Then his mom was like "ok, my turn!" And me and my dad just made faces and the little boy finally figured out we were mad at waiting for them... so they left lol. It really only took me two minutes to do, but it always seems to happen and kids will just waste time playing those things. I dont see them as a waste really, especially if there is no line, but I would rather them not make any more rides with them.

 

[JohnBJr]

With the globalization of the world's economy and our need for energy independence, it would seem that Epcot would be perfectly positioned to be a showcase for leading visitors to the future..... you know, like Walt actually envisioned it! No Nemos or Ellens or Kim Possibles or whatever other marketing icon they can use to attract the attention-deficit afflicted masses but back-to-the-beginning type interactive displays to teach visitors about our earth and our impact on it. And how countries, now more than ever, need to interact and work together to solve the problems that are shared by all.
Disney is the one, maybe the only, American institution that still has international credibility and can act as an ambassador for the USA. As such, it has a responsibility to be the leader into the future. The Magic Kingdom was Walt's idea for entertainment and he succeeded hugely. That's where Nemo and the like belong. Epcot was his vision for a community dedicated to the future of science and international harmony...the real future. And, when it opened, Epcot both educated and entertained. Now, it looks like is it trending toward the thrill-ride, character-meetup crowds instead of fulfilling its original mission. I hope they can find the way back.

 

[Csaks]

Need at least two new countries - even if just Alaska and Dom Republic .

When did Alaska become a country?? Besides it would look the same as Canada anyway!

 

[MJMcBride]

What I would change:
- more shade and benches. Really! I noticed the lack of this last year when I was there on crutches.

why not

- beer cheese soup at a CS in Canada, we don't all want to eat steak there, but maybe we like some soup

A good plan, eh

- I haven't seen Spaceship Earth ride after the refurb, it was closed last year and I can only hope it's better now than two years ago.

its OK. Nothing major. I did like the new ending. Its better than the Tomorrow's Child ending we used to have. I still miss Walter Cronkite

- The Imagination thing was boring. I know there are lots of Figment fans, but to me, it seemed an old ride that can only be truely enjoyed by people with nostalgic feelings.

Disagree. I enjoy a little whimsy at Epcot once in awhile. Thats not to say this ride doesn't need some sprucing up, but keep Figment and the general idea of the ride

- More rides in the countries.

Depends on the ride. I don't want mega thrill rides like the idea of a Mt Fuji coaster in Japan. i do like some of the other ideas like a boat ride along the Danube enjoying the sites of Germany, or a gondala ride thru Venice

Make something good from the Mexico ride. It's still awful!

Well, its not quite as awful as it used to be

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

When did Alaska become a country?? Besides it would look the same as Canada anyway!

lol good point... um, im pretty sure Alaska became an American state in 1959, and was purchased in the late 1800's, but it isn't its own country hehe.
I have a test over some Alaska purchase stuff, how funny.

 

[Justin the Hook]

I think this is were Disney can build their new park. I not real sure what could be done, but some new Imaginearing would help this park. It hasn't aged really well. It LOOKS like it was built in the early 80's. Everything is big, buildings look old, and it really isn't layed out nicely. Knock it down and start over. I am not talking about Magic Kingdom 2.0, but maybe make Future World look like something from the Future and make the Countries more interesting. Also, bring back the loads of fireworks for Illuminations. I remember before it was Illuminations it was a huge firework display. That is what I like lots of booms and bangs. Set to music, take the globe part out and you have a 5 minute show.

 

[Padrepride]

I think this is were Disney can build their new park. I not real sure what could be done, but some new Imaginearing would help this park. It hasn't aged really well. It LOOKS like it was built in the early 80's. Everything is big, buildings look old, and it really isn't layed out nicely. Knock it down and start over. I am not talking about Magic Kingdom 2.0, but maybe make Future World look like something from the Future and make the Countries more interesting. Also, bring back the loads of fireworks for Illuminations. I remember before it was Illuminations it was a huge firework display. That is what I like lots of booms and bangs. Set to music, take the globe part out and you have a 5 minute show.

I'm gonna have to disagree with this. Epcot I think is possibly the best park at WDW. Knocking down Epcot would just be a stupid, irrational thing to do. I think the layout is fine right now and is way better than DHS and AK. Disney imo should just do something good with Wonders of Life, add some rides to World Showcase and doing something other than a corporate showcase for Innoventions.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Yeah I have to disagree too... sorry. I love Epcot, and I love just walking around it and seeing the huge fountain, and I think all the countries are amazing.

What I remember wanting now is the old parade around the World Showcase! I loved that parade in 2000, and I wish I could see it again.

 

[acehorseytink]

I am pretty much on board with MOST of what disney does. Let's just cross our fingers and hope they come out with some new and interesting things to entertain us all.

 

[marsrunner]

I miss the old EPCOT Center. Horizons, World of Motion and the old CommuniCore. There used to be neat things in there that you couldn't get at home. I remember my favorites being the Virtual RollerCoaster builder touchscreen thing and the one where you voted on things. Of course you couldn't do those same things, but I can't stand the informercial feeling of so much of Epcot, especially Innoventions and Test Track. Test Track is just a big ad for GM. I miss the history stuff, and I was 10 when they opened it!
I hate the idea of more thrill rides just to have them. The only "thrill" rides I like are Soarin' and Mission: Space. Soarin' isn't really a thrill ride but close enough, and at least Mission: Space is teaching you about space flight. Could definitely do without the videogames that are proliferating the place. If they can't come up with an intereting way to educate people they should just give up and start over. The things is, I have to believe with all the talent Disney Imagineers have they ought to be able to come up with something!
Honestly, if I want thrill rides I'll go to Universal. If they want thrill rides they should build another park that focuses on that.

 

[miskamouskamickey]

Here's a few ideas I would love to see incorporated into EPCOT.

1.) Odyssey Restaurant- Refurbish it and make it a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. I know there's a Playhouse Disney show over at HS, but an actual sit down dinner show would be nice. Maybe the "episode" of the show could some how be related to a Green Earth and also this would make younger kids want to go to EPCOT since there's not much for little ones.

2.) A Latin American Country Pavillion- (other than Mexico)- a pavillion which would offer you real Latin cuisine as well as Rum options. Or you can even do a Brazil pavillion and celebrate Carnival all year long and have an attraction showing their region.

3.) Wonders of Life Pavillion- Would love to see it gone. Make a Hurricane Rollercoaster. You could have a "Rock you like a Hurricane" soundtrack to it.

4.) Japan- Like someone else mentioned on here a Mt. Fuji Rollercoaster.

5.) Canada- A Brother Bear attraction that could replace Canada 360.

6.) China- Journey through the Great Wall ride.

7.) Honey I Shrunk the Kids needs to go. If Disney would like a 3d show again after Captain E.O. and HISTK, maybe they can do something with Tinkerbelle through a nature walk or something and the guest get shrunk down to her height while being on an adventure.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Awe.. well I dont think I would like the Brother Bear show. It depends if they actually show you the real Canada, I like the 360 movies. Its different. I dont think they need to put any characters in it...

 

[DC7800]

I dont think they need to put any characters in it...

Thank You!!!

 

[Condorman]

Future World:

1.) They just refurbed SE
2.) They just refurbed TLS:WNAF
3.) They just refurbed TL
4.) MS is still fairly new

None of these will see changes for 10-15 years.

5.) TT -- With GM straddling the fence of ineptitude, unless this attraction gets overhauled completely in theme and nature, or sponsored by a better car company, it won't be changed within the next five years.
6.) WoL should be razed completely and the tombstones of Leave of Legacy tiles should be transported here, out of the way, in a little garden of sorts. This would allow them to resculpt the entrance into something a little more 21st century.
7.) UoE should be gutted completely and re-imagined. I firmly believe they need an entire pavilion dedicated to health and the human body. I know, I know, that's what the WoL pavilion was supposed to be but the structure was like an uninviting convention center. Just put a dark ride in UoE along the lines of "Fantastic Voyage" (I know, just like Body Wars) but I'm talking about a physical, actual ride, not a virtual one.
8.) Imagination! -- I could care less about. Put whatever there.
9.) Innoventions -- I guess that's about the best they could do. Although the version in DL is much more compact, concise and interesting.

World Showcase:

1.) Mexico: Bring back the old ERDT ride. It wasn't out of date or lame. I just went to Mexico and basically saw everything they used to show on that ride, including the lotharios in the pool bar (and no, I wasn't one of them).
2.) Norway: MUST UPDATE THE MAELSTROM. I actually sit through the movie at the end, and the ride could be interesting, but it's a little long in the tooth.
3.) China: It's fine. They just refurbed Nine Dragons and the 360 movie, so it's done for a while.
4.) The Outpost: Grab those plans out of the attic for the Russian pavilion (this is where it was supposed to go) and install it with, perhaps, a rollercoaster-type ride "Trans-Siberian Express" not the folklore, Smallworld ride they intended. WS needs another E-ticket.
5.) Germany: They should add in the dark ride meant to go in the back, but it's not a dealbreaker.
6.) The vacant lot between Germany and Italy: I would place a smaller, narrower pavilion for Ireland in here. It wouldn't have to be a large as the others, but knowing Disney a pavilion-lite version with dining and an attraction of sorts.
7.) Italy: Something, anything. Italy is the most disappointing country of all. There's St. Mark's Square and... that's it. There's nothing there. I would love to see a small Fortress Explorations as in Tokyo DisneySea, one of the greatest non-ride attractions I have ever visited. And it would fit in perfectly.
8.) The American Adventure: Leave it. Though I would like to see the CS serve more regional specialties of the U.S., like a Philly cheesesteak, a lobster roll, gumbo, etc.
9.) Japan: Actually, pretty impressive, large, well-landscaped. Leave it. Some say a Mt. Fuji coaster. I wouldn't argue with that, but I'm not expecting it.
10.) Morocco: My favorite and most thoroughly realized pavilion. Don't touch it.
11.) The vacant lot between Morocco and France: India. So long as they can eliminate the aroma of curry from the TS, there is too much cultural and historical appeal to this country to leave it out. It would be beautiful.
12.) France: It's fine. It is what it is.
13.) England: See France.
14.) The vacant (almost) lot between England and Canada: I know this is some special events setup established for the 2000 celebration. I would very much like to see a Greece pavilion place here. Get rid of what's there now and install a white-washed Mykonos-like town with a dark water ride based on "The Odyssey" or random Greek mythology. A taverna. A bar by the water.
There are so many possibilities.
15.) Canada: Just got a new movie, so that's out. A Brother Bear flume ride would be interesting but no different than Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids.

So there are my ideas. Rip on them if you will, they are just opinions.

 

[mitros]

Future World:

1.) They just refurbed SE
2.) They just refurbed TLS:WNAF
3.) They just refurbed TL
4.) MS is still fairly new

None of these will see changes for 10-15 years.

5.) TT -- With GM straddling the fence of ineptitude, unless this attraction gets overhauled completely in theme and nature, or sponsored by a better car company, it won't be changed within the next five years.
6.) WoL should be razed completely and the tombstones of Leave of Legacy tiles should be transported here, out of the way, in a little garden of sorts. This would allow them to resculpt the entrance into something a little more 21st century.
7.) UoE should be gutted completely and re-imagined. I firmly believe they need an entire pavilion dedicated to health and the human body. I know, I know, that's what the WoL pavilion was supposed to be but the structure was like an uninviting convention center. Just put a dark ride in UoE along the lines of "Fantastic Voyage" (I know, just like Body Wars) but I'm talking about a physical, actual ride, not a virtual one.
8.) Imagination! -- I could care less about. Put whatever there.
9.) Innoventions -- I guess that's about the best they could do. Although the version in DL is much more compact, concise and interesting.

World Showcase:

1.) Mexico: Bring back the old ERDT ride. It wasn't out of date or lame. I just went to Mexico and basically saw everything they used to show on that ride, including the lotharios in the pool bar (and no, I wasn't one of them).
2.) Norway: MUST UPDATE THE MAELSTROM. I actually sit through the movie at the end, and the ride could be interesting, but it's a little long in the tooth.
3.) China: It's fine. They just refurbed Nine Dragons and the 360 movie, so it's done for a while.
4.) The Outpost: Grab those plans out of the attic for the Russian pavilion (this is where it was supposed to go) and install it with, perhaps, a rollercoaster-type ride "Trans-Siberian Express" not the folklore, Smallworld ride they intended. WS needs another E-ticket.
5.) Germany: They should add in the dark ride meant to go in the back, but it's not a dealbreaker.
6.) The vacant lot between Germany and Italy: I would place a smaller, narrower pavilion for Ireland in here. It wouldn't have to be a large as the others, but knowing Disney a pavilion-lite version with dining and an attraction of sorts.
7.) Italy: Something, anything. Italy is the most disappointing country of all. There's St. Mark's Square and... that's it. There's nothing there. I would love to see a small Fortress Explorations as in Tokyo DisneySea, one of the greatest non-ride attractions I have ever visited. And it would fit in perfectly.
8.) The American Adventure: Leave it. Though I would like to see the CS serve more regional specialties of the U.S., like a Philly cheesesteak, a lobster roll, gumbo, etc.
9.) Japan: Actually, pretty impressive, large, well-landscaped. Leave it. Some say a Mt. Fuji coaster. I wouldn't argue with that, but I'm not expecting it.
10.) Morocco: My favorite and most thoroughly realized pavilion. Don't touch it.
11.) The vacant lot between Morocco and France: India. So long as they can eliminate the aroma of curry from the TS, there is too much cultural and historical appeal to this country to leave it out. It would be beautiful.
12.) France: It's fine. It is what it is.
13.) England: See France.
14.) The vacant (almost) lot between England and Canada: I know this is some special events setup established for the 2000 celebration. I would very much like to see a Greece pavilion place here. Get rid of what's there now and install a white-washed Mykonos-like town with a dark water ride based on "The Odyssey" or random Greek mythology. A taverna. A bar by the water.
There are so many possibilities.
15.) Canada: Just got a new movie, so that's out. A Brother Bear flume ride would be interesting but no different than Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids.

So there are my ideas. Rip on them if you will, they are just opinions.

#6 move the tomb stones.....YES! WoL is as good a place as any. It is nice and out of the way, and easy to avoid! Re-do the front entrance to EPCOT!
Apologies to those that paid for their ???photos??? to be placed there.

 

[Padrepride]

Condorman- I agree with most of what of your ideas. I don't like the idea of the Imagination pavillion overall. If they keep WOL around, maybe move Figment over there to keep those fans happy. I didn't have a problem with Body Wars and it'd be fine to keep that. Cranium command was also amusing. Just a thought- maybe a Wall-E themed attraction put in Imagination? The Trans-siberian express idea is amusing, but if its a roller coaster, it might be a little too similar to Expedition everest. It's not like World Showcase needs another water ride, but I would love a gondola attraction for Italy. I don't think we'll be seeing a Brother Bear attraction.

 

[DogDawg]

I agree with Condorman on the ideas for WS improvements. Anything works for me. I (sarcastically folks) suggested an Alaska or Puerto Rico pavillion. One would think a simple facade with a resturant and shop would be rather inexpensive. I mean, I think I have paid for Germany just in Becks.....