What is the future of EPCOT?

[allanrichards]

The future of EPCOT seems to be interesting to me as of late. EPCOT was designed in the 70s when technologies moved much slower 40+ years ago. As we move into the future of EPCOT, how does this translate to attractions. Does Disney have the ability to create new attractions that will be able to withstand the fast moving technology? What, if anything can they do to stay true to the vision of Walt had for EPCOT, or does it change completely in the light of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy rumors?

 

[crazy4wdw]

The future of EPCOT seems to be interesting to me as of late. EPCOT was designed in the 70s when technologies moved much slower 40+ years ago. As we move into the future of EPCOT, how does this translate to attractions. Does Disney have the ability to create new attractions that will be able to withstand the fast moving technology? What, if anything can they do to stay true to the vision of Walt had for EPCOT, or does it change completely in the light of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy rumors?

Doesn't appear that the execs at Disney care about Epcot's past, especially if the the rumors of Universe of Energy prove to be accurate. The newest rumor is that UoE will be completely demolished and replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy coaster.

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/08/epcots-guardians-galaxy-ride-will-roller-coaster-attraction/

 

[MrJT]

What, if anything can they do to stay true to the vision of Walt had for EPCOT?

Epcot has never been what Walt wanted. So, that argument has never really been relevant.

 

[allanrichards]

So maybe the more accurate question is if the entire concept of Futureworld is sustainable with the current speed of technology? What is a way forward?

 

[rteetz]

So maybe the more accurate question is if the entire concept of Futureworld is sustainable with the current speed of technology? What is a way forward?

Future world will get a drastic change and maybe even a name change when all is said and done.

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

Epcot has never been what Walt wanted. So, that argument has never really been relevant.

This is absolutely true - but at least Disney relied on his big ideas for EPCOT's theming and general direction. That appears to be being pitched aside now. At the end of the day, I don't have a problem with that IF the Imagineers have something else in mind that doesn't equal another equivalent to "Islands of Adventure." That's the direction they're heading with MGM/Hollywood Studios. I don't like it there, and I hate it in EPCOT's case.

At the end of the day, Disney rejected an idea (in Harry Potter) that their competitor ran with in a big way. Now, instead of owning who they are - who they chose to be then, they are changing themselves to be more like that competitor. That is baffling to me.

 

[Madonna3]

Personally, I would like to see them eliminate Future World and add more to the countries.

 

[Tam&Sam]

Personally, I would like to see them eliminate Future World and add more to the countries.

I wouldn't scratch completely Future World but, like you, I'd love to see new countries added! The only problem is the pavilions are sponsored by the country they're representing or a major corporation and it seems like less stakeholders are willing to dish out that kind of money to be represented at Epcot.

 

[Madonna3]

I wouldn't scratch completely Future World but, like you, I'd love to see new countries added! The only problem is the pavilions are sponsored by the country they're representing or a major corporation and it seems like less stakeholders are willing to dish out that kind of money to be represented at Epcot.

The host countries are starting to pull out. This is how we ended up with Frozen. Norway didn't renew their contract.

There's nothing to stop Disney from adding more countries. World Showcase has room for more as it is. Disney could add on Hawai'i for example since they now have a Hawaiian movie and import cast members from Hawai'i. Disney's limits are only their imagination. Personally, I love the World Showcase as I like to pretend I am immersed in those cultures. I do believe the cultures deserve more than a ride, restaurant, and a shop. I think France is the most well done country

 

[3DisneyFanz]

Does theme and vision even exist in the company anymore? I'm still trying to figure out how Monster's Inc and Buzz fit in Tomorrowland much less Wreck-it-Ralph so Guardians in EPCOT sure why not.

I suspect that the countries will be changing as time goes on as well. Arendale was just the start.

 

[Wdwfan2016]

The host countries are starting to pull out. This is how we ended up with Frozen. Norway didn't renew their contract.

There's nothing to stop Disney from adding more countries. World Showcase has room for more as it is. Disney could add on Hawai'i for example since they now have a Hawaiian movie and import cast members from Hawai'i. Disney's limits are only their imagination. Personally, I love the World Showcase as I like to pretend I am immersed in those cultures. I do believe the cultures deserve more than a ride, restaurant, and a shop. I think France is the most well done country

Hawaii is not a country so should not be added to World Showcase.

 

[Madonna3]

Hawaii is not a country so should not be added to World Showcase.

Meh, you're right about that, but I guess since it's an area that has its own culture is why I used it as an example.

 

[rteetz]

The host countries are starting to pull out. This is how we ended up with Frozen. Norway didn't renew their contract.

There's nothing to stop Disney from adding more countries. World Showcase has room for more as it is. Disney could add on Hawai'i for example since they now have a Hawaiian movie and import cast members from Hawai'i. Disney's limits are only their imagination. Personally, I love the World Showcase as I like to pretend I am immersed in those cultures. I do believe the cultures deserve more than a ride, restaurant, and a shop. I think France is the most well done country

Stating to pull out? Most have been out for years or decades. I think maybe only 1 or 2 actually have ties to the countries still.

Disney doesn't want to build new countries on their own they want input from the countries themselves especially money which just isn't happening anymore.

 

[rteetz]

Does theme and vision even exist in the company anymore? I'm still trying to figure out how Monster's Inc and Buzz fit in Tomorrowland much less Wreck-it-Ralph so Guardians in EPCOT sure why not.

I suspect that the countries will be changing as time goes on as well. Arendale was just the start.

Tomorrowland has always been a land in flux. The focus of the theme has never really been there from the start. Like how does autopia/speedway really fit into tomorrowland?

Countries will change and I've heard even some might be added but it all depends with how much Disney wants to spend.

 

[rteetz]

Personally, I would like to see them eliminate Future World and add more to the countries.

No need to eliminate future world for more countries. There is space for something like 5 more countries around world showcase.

Future world is hurting because corporate sponsorship is dead. It could also be said that the Internet helped kill future world.

 

[Madonna3]

Stating to pull out? Most have been out for years or decades. I think maybe only 1 or 2 actually have ties to the countries still.

Disney doesn't want to build new countries on their own they want input from the countries themselves especially money which just isn't happening anymore.

Well then I wonder, why was it only Norway that was so public? What proof is there that they have been out for years or decades?

 

[rteetz]

Well then I wonder, why was it only Norway that was so public? What proof is there that they have been out for years or decades?

It was so public because people were so upset that frozen was taking over Norway. Norway also didn't want to spend any money on the Pavillion to change anything. Some countries were never sponsored by their "home".

 

[Madonna3]

No need to eliminate future world for more countries. There is space for something like 5 more countries around world showcase.

Future world is hurting because corporate sponsorship is dead. It could also be said that the Internet helped kill future world.

I think the spirit of Epcot is in the country-cultural immersion. I am aware there is space, but have you ever been during Food and Wine fest? The place is just littered with countries and because it's so popular it's going into Future World and the resorts. Don't tell me it's not needed because there is space around World Showcase: I already acknowledged that there was existing space in an earlier post.

However, Future world is dead, regardless of corporate sponsorship or not. There's nothing "future" about it. It's more "so we have this stuff now and 10 years ago, we didn't"

Even Flower and Garden festival now has countries added and it's insanely popular. People want culture and I think the fact that those two events I named take up nearly half the operating year, it would be a wise decision to make it something that could be done full time.

Edit to add: Now that I think about it, the only lull between the two events is when they're setting up for the other. I was walking around Epcot last week and areas were closed to start prepping for Food and Wine.

 

[Madonna3]

It was so public because people were so upset that frozen was taking over Norway. Norway also didn't want to spend any money on the Pavillion to change anything. Some countries were never sponsored by their "home".

I accept both of those as fact, but my reference was to countries that were currently invested and were no longer interested in investing. The most prolific being Norway. I have no knowledge of any other country ending their sponsorship with their pavilion and if you do, I would love to see it.

 

[rteetz]

I think the spirit of Epcot is in the country-cultural immersion. I am aware there is space, but have you ever been during Food and Wine fest? The place is just littered with countries and because it's so popular it's going into Future World and the resorts. Don't tell me it's not needed because there is space around World Showcase: I already acknowledged that there was existing space in an earlier post.

However, Future world is dead, regardless of corporate sponsorship or not. There's nothing "future" about it. It's more "so we have this stuff now and 10 years ago, we didn't"

Even Flower and Garden festival now has countries added and it's insanely popular. People want culture and I think the fact that those two events I named take up nearly half the operating year, it would be a wise decision to make it something that could be done full time.

Edit to add: Now that I think about it, the only lull between the two events is when they're setting up for the other. I was walking around Epcot last week and areas were closed to start prepping for Food and Wine.

Sure they can sustain kiosks during food and wine but could they sustain full countries with shops restuarants and attractions? Maybe a couple but not a lot.

I truly believe Epcot would suffer greatly of they got rid of future world just for more countries.