Why are they ruining Epcot ?

[dnickels]

I think we all know and understand change is inevitable and with Epcot, that goes without saying. That one we know is going to change the most when it comes to Future World. The problem that most of us are having is that these changes aren't for the better a good chunk of the time and the attractions are losing or have lost all of what they were supposed to be about. SE is about communication. Well the ride back down from the top sure doesn't reflect that. It's just one example and I touched on others in an earlier post. Well, that's my and I'll get off my now. lol

I think this is the big thing. In the past you could describe most Epcot areas/attractions as a short show on the evolution of (FILL IN THE BLANK). World of Motion covered the evolution of transportation from beginning to current to future possibilities, The Living Seas did the same with our oceans and sea exploration, now those two are basically a thrill ride and Nemo. Pick any extinct Epcot attraction and it has almost certainly evolved from an informative/educational one to a (1) thrill type, (2) celebrity hosted or (3) merchandise tie in experience. That's the broader decline of Epcot that most of us lament.

[BrowncatP]

EPCOT does need some updating. To me the Worldshow case is boring. Who remenbers walking through the rainbow in the upstairs part of JTI? I miss all of the fun stuff to play with!

[tiggerbuddy]

Pick any extinct Epcot attraction and it has almost certainly evolved from an informative/educational one to a (1) thrill type, (2) celebrity hosted or (3) merchandise tie in experience. That's the broader decline of Epcot that most of us lament.

Well said my friend !!

[Pop Centurion]

While I'm not crazy about all the changes, I don't think the "ruined" Epcot.

I'll admit they seemed to go in a different direction than the original concept for future world. But I think the general public prefers the type of attractions they've added.

[Minnie97]

I can't stand the new space ship earth.
It just isn't near what i used to be.

[EJS-Houston]

Wow! I couldn't disagree more. There are always things to improve...but I enjoy EPCOT more than ever. As much as I liked Jeremy Irons I thoroughly enjoy Dame Judi's narration and love the new renovations to SpaceShip Earth...and Soarin', Test Track and Mission Space are not only repeatable to me, but are must-rides (at least once) with every visit.

[KatrinaJ91]

Wow! I couldn't disagree more. There are always things to improve...but I enjoy EPCOT more than ever. As much as I liked Jeremy Irons I thoroughly enjoy Dame Judi's narration and love the new renovations to SpaceShip Earth...and Soarin', Test Track and Mission Space are not only repeatable to me, but are must-rides (at least once) with every visit.

I was just going to say this very thing! Epcot has become our favorite park...even though I feel like I am betraying MK every time I say that!
For those who don't enjoy World Showcase....I feel sorry for you. We usually spend an entire day JUST in WS and then have a 2nd day to do both sides!! It's the perfect place to slow down, take in all the sights and sounds (and tastes) and enjoy the many cultures represented.

[KatieDuck22]

i don't think anyone could ruin epcot if they tried. definately still one of the happiest places on the planet! no matter who narrates it

[alex61821]

It has always been one of my favorite parks. there is something for everybody to do either separately or as a whole group. the last time we went with my parents and my mom couldnt get over how much she enjoyed the capt EO show and kept asking about going back and riding soaring. then we all did the Kim Possible thing around the world showcase and were blown away by how creatively it interacted with things. you may not like JII but my 5yr old sure does and she was so excited to show her grandma the skunk smell and since nobody likes it you can get right on it which is a huge bonus. if every ride was great then you couldnt just hop on something just to sit down for a bit. We all had a great time in innovations while my wife and daughter went next door to greet the characters. there is always something you can be doing at EPCOT it isnt even about the rides for me. I could sit and watch the fountain dance for hours on end and catch the wandering shows that go by.
My 2 cents say it is getting better, now if you want to fix a park i would pick the studios as the one needing help.

[donnine]

Personally, I thought Walter Cronkite was the best on Spaceship Earth.... But few people even remember him!

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!!

[johnO]

I wouldnt say that theyre ruining Epcot by any stretch of the imagination. Some good things have gone, but some good things have been added too.

[UCJen]

I think this is the big thing. In the past you could describe most Epcot areas/attractions as a short show on the evolution of (FILL IN THE BLANK). World of Motion covered the evolution of transportation from beginning to current to future possibilities, The Living Seas did the same with our oceans and sea exploration, now those two are basically a thrill ride and Nemo. Pick any extinct Epcot attraction and it has almost certainly evolved from an informative/educational one to a (1) thrill type, (2) celebrity hosted or (3) merchandise tie in experience. That's the broader decline of Epcot that most of us lament.

This! You have absolutely captured the sentiment behind this thread.

[ValenciaCalling]

This is exactly what I've been saying since they opened Track Track. I understand the fact that things have to be updated...but what if the Carousel of Progress had just been bulldozed to the ground in the mid-90's? We would have lost one of the last remaining original concepts that Walt Disney personally created.

Disney puts a great deal of focus on the idea of history and the future, but by trying to keep up with current trends, they end up destroying both.

I also thought it was really interesting that the trends of the 80's that were considered corny in the 90's are making now a comeback, and now the 90's are considered outdated and corny...I feel like if Disney had just waited 10 years for the 80's to become "cool" again, they would have saved themselves a lot of time and money...haha

[tiggerbuddy]

Disney puts a great deal of focus on the idea of history and the future, but by trying to keep up with current trends, they end up destroying both.

Very well said !!

[SandmanGStefani24]

not sure it it's being ruined, but I do miss the OLD innoventions, WOM, Body Wars, and the previous SE. I still love the park, but the worst thing they did as of late was what they did to Mexico's boat ride.

They took a semi historical relaxing ride and made it slapsticky and silly. It borders on annoying. Nothing against Donald, but the old ride was SO much better!

Maybe they can have "Retro Days" or something, lol.

All that said Epcot is still my favorite park, and always ends my trip.

[Terra]

While I agree it could use some updates and a new country would be fun WS is probably one of my favorite parts of WDW trips lol

I love to read everyone's fav and not fav things. It's interesting how everyone is different!

The American Adventure Pavilion is my least fav country! While Japan, China, Norway, France and Mexico are my top pics!

I had never been to WDW before 1999 so I don't remember the attractions prior to that.

I do agree EPCOT needs to be updated though. I really miss Jeremy Irons on SE! I don't like the new narration! But I love the ending with your build the future!

I love how there ARE tons of little things to do with children. It's just being aware of them!

[Poohshoneypot]

Personally, I thought Walter Cronkite was the best on Spaceship Earth.... But few people even remember him!

How can you NOT know who Walter Cronkite was???

[frozman]

IDK, to me I've always considered EPCOT to be more like a complex of museums and exhibits than a theme park. The addition of Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space has made me more interested in that park.

[tiggerbuddy]

I wouldnt say that theyre ruining Epcot by any stretch of the imagination.

Ahhh!!!..Dont say "Imagination"

[ValenciaCalling]

This is exactly what I've been saying since they opened Track Track.

LOL How did I miss this horrendous typo?
TEST track...not track track...lol