WDW Epcot: General Discussion

[Harv]

If, like me, you're a WDW fan, then I think you'll find these videos interesting if you haven't already seen them. They cover the has-been and would-have-been attractions of Epcot. They detail how these attractions were conceived and received before ultimately explaining their demises or why they never came to fruition. It's strangely sad to see how pioneering attractions have quietly been ushered out of the limelight and closed forever.

See Horizons:


See Wonders of Life:


See Journey Into Imagination:


There are more videos on his channel covering attractions such as DisneyQuest, the never-built Magic Kingdom resorts and other Disney parks that were scrapped at the planning stage if this is your kind of thing.

 

[Tim]

He's also done multiple videos on River Country (Disneys still standing abandoned Waterpark) and other abandoned parks which are definitely worth a watch. Just avoide the first few videos as it took him a while to get into a good stride.

 

[Harv]

Back again with more Epcot stuff.

It's common knowledge that Epcot is having a bit of an identity crisis these days. But with Pandora at Animal Kingdom finished off and construction on Toy Story and Star Wars now in full swing over at Hollywood Studios, the rumour is that Epcot will be the next park to receive the investment and attention it needs to get back on track. Allegedly, the plan is to completely revamp the park over the next 5-6 years, with upgrades to many of the existing pavilions and attractions in the pipeline as well as some new additions.

Ellen's Energy Adventure will supposedly be replaced by either a replica of the Tron coaster from Shanghai or a Galaxy of the Guardians themed ride (something different to the attraction that's taken over ToT in California). This is subject to getting clearance to build Marvel-themed attractions in the area. the Journey Into Imagination pavillion could be occupied by an Inside Out themed dark ride as well as a meet and greet opportunity. Furthermore, The Seas will feature even more Nemo and Dory, and The Land will also be spruced up.

A large new entrace plaza could be constructed. Although Spaceship Earth would remain largely the same as it is now, this would no longer be at the very front of the park. There's also suggestions that IllumiNations fireworks could be upgraded and reimagined.

Probably most interestingly, a large space is being cleared behind the France pavillion, with rumours suggesting that a copy of Paris' Ratatouille dark ride will be placed there. This would fit in with the current trend of integrating Disney IPs into the World Showcase (like Frozen with Norway).

Although these rumours are unconfirmed, none of them sound implausible or unrealistic. It's likely we'll find out more at the Disney Expo in July but you can read more about rumours on ScreamScape.

I'm not convinced that any of these changes would help clarify what Epcot is supposed to be or give it a long-term direction. I think the park is very dated but only in the most charming of ways; to paste over its rich history and original message of optimism and sentimentality for the planet with semi-permanent IP-based 'upgrades' would be a disservice to the incredible ingenuity and beauty of the place. Having said that, I don't know how else you can approach modernising a park that doesn't understand its own purpose. Figuring out where Epcot needs to go must be giving the Imagineers a real headache.

Also, as there's no topic for Blizzard Beach, I'll just post the update here: a huge area of land at the back of the park is currently being cleared which indicates that the waterpark will soon get a long overdue expansion. I personally have a hunch that this will be Frozen themed as it's the perfect park to plonk that money spinner without it looking out of place.

 

[Maelstrom]

The update to Epcot is much needed the park now feels very dated and only has a couple of decent attractions. The rumour is this will be $2b 5 year modernisation, California Adventure style makeover. The park lost it's original identity years ago, i have no issues with them bringing in there own Characters and IP's to help modernise the park and appeal to more people. The park also does need some more big attractions to help soak up the queues especially during there Food and Wine Festival and Flower and Garden festivals when the park gets extremely busy.

 

[DiogoJ42]

In other words, all the things that make Epcot unique and interesting to somone who hates Disney are being erased and replaced with third party IP tat.


Woo.

 

[Rob]

Disney recently filed permits for a possible Ratatouille dark ride in Fracne:



It is thought that Disney will make an annoucement regarding this and a Guardians of the Galaxy ride at D23 later this month.

 

[Maelstrom]

While everything is just rumours at this stage I did read that the guardians of the galaxy will actually be a mini land rather than just a single attraction. The main E ticket will be the rumoured coaster - I have read two rumours both say it will be an indoor coaster with one saying will be a launched spinning coaster (sounds like a variation on Macks new concept) and the other a version of Vekomas new flying coaster (i.e. Same system that Fly at phantasia land is likely to be). I assume they will be some other then small scale supporting ride/flat in the area along with entertainment and food/retail.

Also it's rumoured that a copy of Tron once one of the options consider for the site if the Gaurdians coaster will be now be built over in the magic Kingdom on the site of the Speedway for the parks 50th birthday in 2021.

This would give them a good run of big new attractions to open each season-

2017-avatar
2018-toy story land
2019-Star Wars
2020- ratatouille
2021-Tron
2022-Guardans

After not building much over the past decade it's seems like they are are making up for it now!

 

[Brad97]

Glad to see they're not messing with ToT.

 

[Rob]

So Disney have announced their much anticipated and needed Epcot plans that will see new attractions and a revitalisation of the existing park.

Future World

Disney are looking to totally transform Future World; their aim to to make this area of the park more relevant and timeless. They showed off this blue sky concept of what they're planning, but remember this is blue sky so should in no way be seen as final plans:

Imagineering Disney have done an overlay of what this could potentially mean for Future World:

It looks like there is going to be much more green space and trees with both Innoventions building being removed. The concept also hints that the existing Fountain of Nations could be replaced with new fountains, Mandy will be pleased!

On to the new E-ticket attraction - based on the world of Guardians of the Galaxy and replacing Universe of Engery which will close on 13th August.

Note: as per the contract with Universal, Disney are not able to use the word "Marvel" at all in this development and will not be able to carry out any local marketing campaigns (only regional and national).

No real details on what the ride will be yet but a coaster with dark ride sections is rumoured. If true, Epcot will finally be able to appear on RCDB! Disne also said that despite this being an IP it will still be "very rooted in an Epcot story".

Now on to Mission: SPACE. The ride is currently undergoing maintenance and it has been confirmed that when it re-opens the green mission (less intense) will have a totally new story based on a tour around the Earth. The orange mission will also recieve some upgrades.

Disney also confirmed a new restaurant adjacent to Mission:SPACE, this will be a dining experience where guests feel as if they are actually in space:

World Showcase

The major annoucement for World Showcase was that the long rumoured Ratatouille attraction is coming to the France Pavilion:

The ride will be similar to, not the same, as the attraction in Paris. No doubt Disney have found ways to make it a better overall ride.

Slightly less exciting but it was also confirmed that a new CircleVision film will be coming to the China Pavilion. This will be filmed using a next-generation camera that is currently being developed.

It was also mentioned that this is just a glimpse of what they have planned for World Showcase. Expect further annoucements down the line inclusing a brand new Pavilion (thought to be Brazil) and changes to other pavilions (there have been mumblings of something happening with the UK Pavilion).

------

Full steam ahead! The announced new attractions are all planned to be open by Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.

 

[Tim]

Still no mention of an Inside Out attraction I note. Of all the potential IP additions this is the one I really hope happens. Not only would it perfectly update either the Imagination or abandoned Life Pavilion, but it would also stay true to the spirit of EPCOT. Inside Out was practically inspired and pays homage to several EPCOT attractions.

Gaurdians of the Galaxy is the only part I'm not fully sold on yet. In my opinion the Energy Pavilion had a lot of great potential for a new ride. Picture Disney's version of Blue Fire; a ride which teaches you about power, then lets you experience it first hand!
Alas I expect this Gaurdians ride to be a great attraction but won't help solve the Future World problem.

 

[Rob]

I agree, an originally themed ride/coaster at Epcot relating to energy would be great! However I feel that the days of originally themed attractions in existing Disney parks are over for now, certainly under the current leadership team. They are not prepared to take the risk that it will not attract the same amount of people as an IP, and merchanside sales would not be as strong.

It saddens me as some of my favourite Disney attractions have an original theme; Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean - all exceptional.

 

[Rob]

Good news, Epcot is finally on RCDB!

During Epcot's 35th anniversary celebrations Epcot Vice President, Melissa Valiquett, confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction would indeed be a coaster.

 

[Sam]

Is Guardians using the same show building as Ellen? Makes sense given how massive it is. Ellen is definitely not a loss - one of the most tedious rides ever built (though it's an action-packed adventure compared to 'Living With The Land').

Does Ratatouille mean the (very good) French film is leaving? Glad they're doing something with World Showcase as it's rubbish. Every single aspect of the park needs a complete rethink. Mission Space needs demolishing, not renovating.

 

[ThemeParkCrafter]

Is Guardians using the same show building as Ellen? Makes sense given how massive it is. Ellen is definitely not a loss - one of the most tedious rides ever built (though it's an action-packed adventure compared to 'Living With The Land').

Does Ratatouille mean the (very good) French film is leaving? Glad they're doing something with World Showcase as it's rubbish. Every single aspect of the park needs a complete rethink. Mission Space needs demolishing, not renovating.

So there will be a new building for the actual ride part of guardians of the galaxy, with the Ellen building for the queue/ presume shop. Ratatouille is most likely to be built in a different part of the French pavilion to the film so it should be staying. I'm not too sure if I really agree with what you said about Epcot. I know Epcot seriously needs a massive renovation in some areas but there is nothing wrong with the current major E ticket attractions. Hopefully, Ratatouille and GOTG, as well as a possible Inside Out attraction for the Imagination attraction, will give the park the much needed boost in attractions.

 

[Matt N]

Well... an interesting new rumour regarding the GOTG ride at Epcot has now come out on Screamscape. Lance reckons that the ride will be a spinning coaster of some sort. He originally thought it might be a launched Mack spinner because Disney have bought a mini Mack mega coaster for Hollywood Studios and he thought they may have struck a two-ride deal with Mack. But he now thinks that Vekoma is inventing a new spinning coaster model for Disney. All sounds very interesting. Here's the Screamscape article: http://www.screamscape.com/html/wdw_-_epcot.htm
(I think it is linked to the part about GOTG)

 

[Rick]

Further information about the Disney Skyliner project is on the Disney Parks Blog

Earlier this year, we shared the news the Disney Skyliner transportation system will give our resort guests an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Today, we have a new details on what you can expect from the Disney Skyliner system.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

 

[Plastic Person]

Into the Skyliner project, but less keen on this GOTG ride. Seems odd to open two launched dark coasters within twelve months of eachother, accounting for Tron up the road at Magic Kingdom. I can't imagine the upcoming Potter coaster at IOA will deviate much, either. I suppose it's proven hardware though, not to mention a good template for drama.

 

[Rob]

A bit of Epcot news to share. Disney were planning on re-theming the Grand Fiesta Tour boat ride to Coco which is Pixar's latest film. However it appears that this has been shelved (or at least pushed back) and they are putting more money than planned in to a new attraction for the United Kingdom pavillion.

It sounds like this will be a Mary Poppins themed dark ride, they had previously considered a small dark ride themed to Brave. No further details yet but something to keep an eye on!

 

[KingNemesis]

A bit of Epcot news to share. Disney were planning on re-theming the Grand Fiesta Tour boat ride to Coco which is Pixar's latest film. However it appears that this has been shelved (or at least pushed back) and they are putting more money than planned in to a new attraction for the United Kingdom pavillion.

It sounds like this will be a Mary Poppins themed dark ride, they had previously considered a small dark ride themed to Brave. No further details yet but something to keep an eye on!

Glad the Coco ride has been shelved... If it was anything like the film I'd be running off the boat with my eyes streaming!

Seriously though, Rather disappointed as Coco is a beautiful, visual impressive film and although I love TTC, it would be a lot more engaging with guests as they haven't made a mainstream appearance since the theatrical re-release in 1977 (Unless you count the further re-releases of the film on VHS, DVD and Betamax) so chances are the younger guests have never heard of them, apart from Donald Duck. Poor, Poor Jose and Panchito.

However, the UK Pavillion is seriously lacking in, well... anything. Apart from meet and greet's the area hasn't got a lot going for itself and is sadly one of the poorly represented countries in world showcase (however I love popping into Rose & Crown for a pint of Boddington's!)

 

[Rob]

Apparently Coco is performing well at the cinema, however merchandise sales have not been as good as they had hoped which is not ideal when it comes to a new ride.