So let me first just come right out and acknowledge that this blog is heavily inspired by Epcot82's blog. For years, their blog has, quite honestly entertained, informed, and inspired. But it's been eight months since we've heard anything from Epcot82, I don't know if they simply gave up the fight, or simply don't feel like they have much else to say at this point. I hope nothing happened to them, and I also hope to see them return in the future.
Now then, as for my blog, what you will find here is a collection of my thoughts and ideas on how to restore EPCOT Center to its former glory. Simple enough right? I mean it's been done before, and in a way far more elaborate and well thought out than I could ever hope to. But I felt compelled to share my thoughts anyway.
What I have done is categorized the nine Future World pavilions into three levels of needed attention; "nearly perfect", "needs minor work", and "needs major work". Then, I pretty much explain what I would do if I were the one in charge. So let's get started, shall we?
What's Nearly Perfect:
Spaceship Earth
Almost 30 years since the opening of EPCOT Center, and its icon is still, in a sense, exactly what it was in 1982. Yes there have been minor changes and touch-ups, including multiple narrators, but it still tells the story of human communication in an interesting and informative way, as only Disney could. I love what they've done with the descent at the end of the ride. Yes it's a bit on the silly side, but it engages the guests and they leave the experience with a happy feeling. And that's a good thing.
Mission: SPACE
Just hear me out before jumping down my throat, okay? Let me make one thing clear, Horizons was my favorite attraction in my favorite park. I miss Horizons. As much as I really do enjoy Mission: SPACE, I miss that gem shaped building and all of the whimsical optimism that was once housed inside.
However, let's be realistic, Disney just spent a lot of time, money, and man power researching, developing, and building their simulated rocket flight to Mars. They're not going to demolish it and rebuild Horizons exactly the way we remember it. (More on that later)
For what it is, it's an amazing experience, one that can only be found at EPCOT Center. What I would like to see is a better post-show. Some hands-on exhibits, maybe a "history of space flight" or a simulated moon walk or something. That might seem like a bit of a stretch, but if we can dream it we can do it right?!
The Land
From an architectural standpoint, The Land has always been one of my favorite pavilions. And there is so much to see and do once inside. I've spent an entire afternoon at The Land before, and it's still doable. Grab a fast pass for Soarin', take in the Circle Of Life show, enjoy a meal at the Garden Grill, head back to Soarin', and then enjoy one of the hidden gems of EPCOT Center; Living With The Land.
Sure, Soarin' seems a tad bit out of place, but I like it, and I'm glad it found a home at EPCOT Center. It brings more people through the gates, and hopefully while there, they will experience some of the other wonders at the park.
What Needs Minor Attention:
Test Track
Once again, hear me out. I miss World Of Motion. I thought it was one of the most well thought out and executed attractions in all of EPCOT Center. It told the story well, it was humorous, as well as captivating, and it could be enjoyed over and over again. It was honestly a timeless experience. With just a slight bit of tinkering, a few small updates here or there, it could remain virtually the same for decades.
Instead, we now have Test Track.
To be totally honest, I enjoy Test Track. I wish it could have existed independently of World Of Motion. But for what it is, I like it. But it needs some attention. The last time I was at EPCOT Center, I rode Test Track four times. Twice, my car's video screen didn't work. Come on Disney, you're Disney. What happened to the meticulous attention to detail here?
I think Test Track could be modified to become a bit more of a traditional EPCOT Center attraction. It could tell the story of the history of transportation, and upon reaching the part of the story relating to the future, the high speed thrill ride aspect of the ride technology could come in to play. As it is right now, Test Track is presented in such a way that guests are pretty much just waiting throughout the experience for that last 30 seconds of adrenaline rush. They should keep the entire experience indoors, so first-time riders wont really know what to expect. Part of the magic is the secret.
Journey Into Imagination
It's really not a bad ride. But I think the original was a lot better. I could do without the references to Disney films. It seemed like the original had more, well, imagination. However, the main ride aside, because even though it doesn't really stack up to the original, what I want to focus on is everything else.
Why has the upstairs part of the pavilion been completely neglected? Put something up there. I don't even care what it is really, just make use of that space. Keep guests engaged. Those glass pyramids are one of the most recognizable parts of the whole park. Perhaps they could be a further extension of the main ride, this could be the hands on section of the sensory labs.
Now as for the theater, this needs an overhaul. The 3D technology is outdated. There is a television set slated to be released later this year that does 3D without use of the silly glasses. Put an experience here that is exclusive to EPCOT Center.
The Living Seas
I refuse to call it by its new name. Until they take the fish out and demolish the aquarium to make way for a $10 million log flume, I shall call it The Living Seas.
Now then, can we please have a little less Pixar? This used to be one of the most captivating attractions in the park. "Welcome to Seabase Alpha" - now that was cool. The film and hydrolator ride to start off the experience was totally unique, and quite imaginative. Now it's just the Nemo ride.
I'm fine with Turtle Talk With Crush. The technology is rather impressive, and I understand that it can be fun for the young, and young at heart. But that's the secondary attraction. The main component of the pavilion should still be thought provoking and educational. There's an amazing still undiscovered world at the bottom of the ocean floor. Scientists are making new discoveries about life under the sea all the time. The Living Seas could never be boring, dull, or outdated.
What Needs Major Work:
Universe Of Energy
This is the part of the blog where things get serious.
Universe Of Energy needs more immediate attention than anything else in the entire park, or the entire Vacation Kingdom. It's miserably outdated at this point. The whole world is moving on to alternative and renewable energy sources. And while these forms of energy are explored much better in this version of Energy than the original, it still feels stuck in the 90's. And we're long past the 90's now.
I like the story of the history of the universe. But tell it in a way that isn't dumbed down so much. Then in the finale, demonstrate these new energy sources in a real way that can get guests intrigued. Actually show how wind power works, how solar power works, get real creative and include hydroelectric power too.
I don't think Disney realizes what they have in the Energy pavilion. It has the potential to be by far the most significant attraction at EPCOT Center, or even the entire Walt Disney World resort.
Wonders Of Life
Or I guess I could say "The big yellow dome".
In case no one has noticed, there's a large yellow structure nestled between Universe Of Energy and Mission: SPACE that is being totally neglected right now. Just thought you should be aware of that.
Now. What to do with it....
I have an idea. How about a pavilion about the weather? Meteorology is a subject rarely talked about at EPCOT Center, but it's a subject that effects each of our lives daily, and always will. So why not cover it here?
One way to do it would be to have a two-part ride experience that would both educate guests, as well as entertain them. Call it "Storm Chaser". To start the experience, guests enter a room where an audio-animatronic crew is tracking a storm system. This time can be spent discussing the different weather phenomenon and how the various storm systems take shape. As well as what is being done to learn more about them.
At this point, guests learn that a revolutionary new technology is in place that will allow scientists to get inside thunderstorms in a way never before possible, but they have to intercept a tornado to do it. You can probably see where this is going.
Guests could board large vehicles capable of carrying around 40 passengers. Using Disney dark ride technology, guests travel through a series of rooms as the storm system grows more and more severe. Backdrops, screens, foliage, and other special effects will actually hide the fact that there are several rooms in the ride, it will create a single, consistent point of reference for the guests, making them believe that they are in a single location watching a tornado form and eventually take their vehicle for quite a ride.
Of course, not too thrilling, but thrilling enough that everyone who rides it is left with a feeling of awe. For the post-show, guests can learn even more about different storm systems and weather phenomenon. A few hands-on exhibits and presentations, and what you've got is a top notch pavilion.
Innoventions
Rename it CommuniCore. That's the first thing.
The pavilion, or pavilions really, considering there are actually two or four of them, depending on how you look at it, has never really been a huge success. Well that changes now, and I'm going to tell you exactly how to do it.
In the southern half of CommuniCore East, you install a new Omnimover ride called "It's Fun To Be Free" and it briefly tells the story of transportation, moving through five or six scenes heavily inspired by World Of Motion.
In the northern half of CommuniCore East, you install a new Omnimover ride called "Looking Back At Tomorrow" which moves through various scenes showing how past visionaries looked at the future, and then ends with a look at a space colony. It's heavily influenced by Horizons.
In the southern half of CommuniCore West, you install a new theater attraction combining elements of Kitchen Cabaret and Wonders Of Life.
In the northern half of CommuniCore West, you install a new theater attraction staring the characters from Finding Nemo that educates guests about the dangers of ocean and lake pollution.
Those are my thoughts on Future World at EPCOT Center. I don't think anything I mentioned was too far fetched or unreasonable. I welcome any and all comments, ideas, thoughts, and conversation. I would also welcome any suggestions on how to bring these ideas and concerns to those in charge of Disney parks.
Thanks for reading.
