Has EPCOT had its day?

[7SeasSailor]

Originally Posted by Mickey's Magic

Thanks for the replies, its interesting to see what people think. I just find that there isn't much to pass the time as there is in the other parks . Such as the parades in MK/AK and the little street shows in HS. We always take it slow in Epcot and to be honest the thrill rides aren't what we go for really.

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I think that there is plenty to pass the time its just that what suits me and mine doesn't suit you and yours.

[Guest]

We love Epcot more each year. Think it could probably do with some tlc but love it

[disneydaft83]

I love Epcot. Strolling around the world showcase at night is amazing but there's a lot to love in future world too. The seas pavilion is my favourite place in Disney, we spent hours in there with the cms telling us all about the species. I love figment and club cool and mousegear is my favourite shop on property. We stayed at the beach club last year and spent so much time in Epcot. Next year is WL and we're looking forward to seeing a different side of the World... But I will miss the easy stroll into the world showcase!

[Mickey's Magic]

Originally Posted by princess allie

We love Epcot. Its our second favourite after MK. For us, it's Hollywood Studios that is severely lacking at the moment, although this should be rectified soon.

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I agree there's a lot more to do at HS but with the changes already going ahead there which will grow the park.

I think it would have been much better at EPCOT if they hadn't messed with or diluted the original themes in the pavillions and just gave them an update as I think part of the problem may be that it is a little confused and doesn't flow any more.

[Rufus1]

I think its next in line for TLC. there was some vague announcement a while ago, I would suspect after toystoryland and starwars land

[mickeyismybff]

Originally Posted by mossyflossyhub

Children loved it. They had different attitudes back then. They were prepared to learn as well as have fun. The technology in the park was just right for the time. Epcot was fantastic and made you feel that you had a glimpse into the future.

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I was this child! My family never took holidays when I was a kid but we won a trip to the grand opening of Epcot on the radio. I was just about seven and loved MK as well but the two parks were so different and one was fantasy one the other reality- but this futuristic, science-filled reality. Epcot seriously ignited my love of science and I cannot thank Walt enough for having this different vision alongside all the beautiful storytelling that makes MK so magical.

But now when I visit, half my love for Epcot is a nostalgic comedy. Hey! Look! We're in the future! And it's looks like the 1980s! ...I love it, but I don't know that it would shake up today's seven year olds like it did me.

There is so much right now that mimics that time period that there is huge potential. That was the era when we watched space shuttle launches at school and were first learning about recycling. Something that broke down the technology of how we are not far from space tourism could be amazing when developed by imagineers. I love Universe of Energy for how it brings all these different environmental pieces from pollution to dinosaurs into one discussion, but the information there isn't new anymore and an update could be exciting rather than retro+aircon. (But find a way to keep the animatronic dinosaurs somewhere because they are still amazing and really do still capture kids from my experience.) I remember things like seeing computer technology that was mind blowing at the time and I think a CM taught me to use a (giant!) mouse if I remember correctly. Tech moves so fast now that it seems a huge job but it is a logical one for a corporate sponsor and seems more in line with the original vision of the park.

I know at that age I really, really took away the 'connection' part of Epcot. How we need to take care of the planet, that we need peace and cooperation, that we need nature as well as cities, work as well as play, animals as well as people, imagination paired with science and practicality. I'm not sure that part is there right now.

I am willing to accept maybe that original vision is just not what is needed any more and I still like going there multiple days of a trip! But I think because I found it so absolutely inspiring, I would love for it to inspire more generations in the same way.

[Moorlandman]

It would be a good if they could get Apple or Google to sponsor Epcot and fill it with their vision of the future such as automated cars, drones, etc

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by mossyflossyhub

I love Epcot and always will but I think that I am trying to recapture that 'feel' that it originally had and unfortunately will never be able to recapture. The only way forward for Epcot in my opinion is to start afresh and build a park for the 21st Century that is as inspiring as Epcot Center was in 1982

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Originally Posted by PumpkinKitty

Reading an article about all the rumoured changes for Epcot that they're supposed to be revealing at the D23 expo, I think it'll put Epcot right back on the map

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I suspect the D23 Expo will just announce some new attractions going into Epcot, some of which will be based on Disney films. Perhaps a Tron rollercoaster or a GotG attraction, maybe retheming the Imagination pavilion to something 'Inside Out' related, possibly adding a Ratatouille ride to the France pavilion, that sort of thing.

All that does is makes Epcot "just another Disney park". It further erodes Epcot's uniqueness that mossyflossyhub eluded to above. Future World will just become a random collection of individual attractions based on Disney properties, whilst the invasion of fantastical movies into World Showcase will have truly established itself. It'll be no different to, say, Hollywood Studios.

Of course, people will love it all. Myself included. New rides and attractions are always welcome. But Epcot's "edutainment" element will have been diluted even further. Because we don't want to watch a film about different sources of energy; we want to zoom around on lightcycles instead.