Which Epcot Pavilion you want to update!

[JEANYLASER]

I want to update the Imagination Pavilion I want to bring back the Dreamfinder and Figment together! Maybe a ride Operation: Rescue Dreamfinder! or a 3D movie and Theater too!8)

[Gurgi30]

I agree completely. While they need to do something with Wonders of Life they never should have touched Journey into Imagination. They need to re-do the ride by bringing back Dreamfinder and the wonderful original music. They can also make the ride a little better. As for the theatre. An interactive 3-D movie of Figment getting into all kinds of creative mischief would be wonderful not only for the pavilion but also for the children as well. I for one would love it and they have the technology to pull it off. This would be the best pavilion outside of Spaceship Earth if they could do this.

I do like Honey, I Shrunk the Audience but it's time for it to go. A show along the lines of It's Tough to be a Bug only involving Figment and possibly Dreamfinder would be outstanding.

Of course, the only thing better than this would be to shut down Mission: Space and bring back Horizons. The fact that it ever left is one of the worst moves ever made in Disney themepark history.

[JEANYLASER]

I agree completely. While they need to do something with Wonders of Life they never should have touched Journey into Imagination. They need to re-do the ride by bringing back Dreamfinder and the wonderful original music. They can also make the ride a little better. As for the theatre. An interactive 3-D movie of Figment getting into all kinds of creative mischief would be wonderful not only for the pavilion but also for the children as well. I for one would love it and they have the technology to pull it off. This would be the best pavilion outside of Spaceship Earth if they could do this.

I do like Honey, I Shrunk the Audience but it's time for it to go. A show along the lines of It's Tough to be a Bug only involving Figment and possibly Dreamfinder would be outstanding.

Of course, the only thing better than this would be to shut down Mission: Space and bring back Horizons. The fact that it ever left is one of the worst moves ever made in Disney themepark history.

Yeah! Me too!

[slave2moonlight]

I'm not sure how best to vote in this, because while I'd love to see them restore Journey Into Imagination to its former glory, I hear that is already in the works. Though, I'm sure it won't truly be to its former glory, but they're supposed to be bringing Dreamfinder back. So, while it would be my number on choice, I'd hate to waste a vote on it if it's already going to happen.

Personally though, I will be VERY sad to see Honey, We Shrunk the Audience go, and I wish they would release it and Captain Eo onto DVD in some format. Maybe included in an EPCOT themed Disney Treasures set. They could even release them in 3D with glasses and all. I know it will lack the sensory effects, but it would still be cool.

Also, I think they should move on with the living characters initiative. Dreamfinder and Figment could travel around Futureworld in a vehicle much like Honeydew and Beaker do now. Though, at the very least they should bring back the guy with the puppet.

Anyway, as for the other two options, aren't they scheduled to be shut down? Truth is, if it were up to me, the first priority would be to bring the old songs back to all the existing rides that didn't need to drop them. Songs like "Listen to the Land" and stuff like that. I guess I really would like to see EPCOT restored to its late '80's, early '90's glory. I think attractions could have been updated without losing the incredible songs or completely being replaced altogether. Like most people here, I'd like to see Horizons restored in a new way more than anything, and with the old song. But, going with what was listed in the poll, after Imagination I'd say Wonders of Life probably. I think it is a good concept for a pavilion, but aside from Cranium Command, I always thought it was somewhat lacking. Body Wars was okay but too similar to Star Tours. In regards to Universe of Energy, my only motivation for change would be to bring back the old song. I just loved those old EPCOT songs. I also wish they would bring back World of Motion, new and improved if need be, and lose attractions like Test Track and Mission Space. I guess the old rides seemed like a lot of the same thing, but not to me. They were exactly the kind of rides I enjoy.

[JEANYLASER]

I am the same i wish to update the Imagination ride and the 3D also! Because Epcot is my favorite place to see new sights and sounds of the magic of Epcot! And Captain EO needs to be in the DvD with the 3D glasses!

[Maerj]

I voted for Imagination as well. Wonders of Life is done, there will be no more updates for that pavillion. I enjoy Universe of Energy and wouldn't mind seeing some new special effects added to it but Imagination could use a new 3D film experience and the ride could be restored.

[Big Disney Fan]

Definitely Imagination. First of all, Figment and Dreamfinder will be back AND a new version of the old ride will be back. Plus, the Image Works would be expanded with stuff of past and present, plus some brand-new things. I think the Image Works should now be double-level, with the infamous rainbow tunnels of the old Image Works used as the up and down escalators.

And for the new 3D movie, how about a brand-new version of an old classic called "Magic Journeys"? It could be called "Just Imagic". Clever, isn't it?

[JEANYLASER]

Very Clever Indeed Big Disney Fan!

[Gurgi30]

Anyway, as for the other two options, aren't they scheduled to be shut down? Truth is, if it were up to me, the first priority would be to bring the old songs back to all the existing rides that didn't need to drop them. Songs like "Listen to the Land" and stuff like that. I guess I really would like to see EPCOT restored to its late '80's, early '90's glory. I think attractions could have been updated without losing the incredible songs or completely being replaced altogether. Like most people here, I'd like to see Horizons restored in a new way more than anything, and with the old song. But, going with what was listed in the poll, after Imagination I'd say Wonders of Life probably. I think it is a good concept for a pavilion, but aside from Cranium Command, I always thought it was somewhat lacking. Body Wars was okay but too similar to Star Tours. In regards to Universe of Energy, my only motivation for change would be to bring back the old song. I just loved those old EPCOT songs. I also wish they would bring back World of Motion, new and improved if need be, and lose attractions like Test Track and Mission Space. I guess the old rides seemed like a lot of the same thing, but not to me. They were exactly the kind of rides I enjoy.

I loved the old EPCOT music and the attractions. I'm so glad that I have a CD that has all of the old EPCOT music on it. It's got to be my most cherished CD.

EPCOT used to be my favorite park until they started scuttling all of the things that made it my favorite park; songs, attractions, putting up the stupid wand (glad to see it gone). When I was there last year the only things we went on were Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination, and the Norway ride. We also visited the Living Seas. There were a few other things I would have liked to have gone on but we ran out of time. Having a 3 year old and a 3 week old with takes plenty of time away.

[slave2moonlight]

I loved the old EPCOT music and the attractions. I'm so glad that I have a CD that has all of the old EPCOT music on it. It's got to be my most cherished CD.

EPCOT used to be my favorite park until they started scuttling all of the things that made it my favorite park; songs, attractions, putting up the stupid wand (glad to see it gone). When I was there last year the only things we went on were Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination, and the Norway ride. We also visited the Living Seas. There were a few other things I would have liked to have gone on but we ran out of time. Having a 3 year old and a 3 week old with takes plenty of time away.

I have a cassette of the old EPCOT music, and it's my most cherished cassette, ha. I definitely want to get the CD version off Ebay though, but it's hard to get new for a reasonable price.

Yeah, they practically destroyed FutureWorld! It's so sad! But I still love World Showcase because I love exploring it and shopping through it, not just the attractions. I AM curious to see the Nemo changes to Living Seas. Those might be good. At least Spaceship Earth is still there and I still enjoy Journey Into Imagination, despite how week it is compared to the original. Also a big fan of anything Honey I Shrunk the Kids related. They really should bring the original music back though, at least to the stuff that is still around. Yeah, it was dated, but at the same time not.

[JEANYLASER]

I love Epcot!

[Prince Charming 12]

I voted for the Universe Of Energy. I never found the concept, or the presention of it, to be an interesting attraction (not a fan of Ellen either). It would not be suitable for an update, but rather that spot would be better served with an entirely new attraction.

My replacement attraction would focus on the theme of aviation: history, development, future,.....etc. This could be combined with a flight simulator ride that allows the person(s) to take off and land a 747 airline jet or military fighter jet, for example. I am not trying to copy the Mission: Space attaction either.

If that is deemed too much of a copy, then my second choice would be a theme based on the railroads. Walt would certainly like that one!

[slave2moonlight]

Well, I'm not sure those themes are large enough for EPCOT's "Futureworld" or in keeping with the future theme. However, I'm not sure how well they're keeping inline with those original concepts of Futureworld anyway. Personally, I think Universe of Energy could always be suitable for an update, in the sense that an entire new attraction could be made with the same title. That's a major problem I have with the current FutureWorld. The old pavilions are being replaced with less interesting subjects, I feel, when they could have replaced the attractions with newer ones inkeeping with the themes. When is the life/human body not relevant? Certainly, our quest for energy sources is still very relevant. So are Imagination, the Sea, communication, future environments and ways of living, and transportation as a whole. I really feel the best route would have been to keep the original themes/pavilions (Horizons, since it was sinking, would have to be rebuilt), but with new (and better, not weaker) attractions within. I also feel the songs were all as iconic as "It's a Small World" and should have remained, at least at certain parts of the attractions. Some things should change as little as possible. Yes, people want to see new attractions, but they also love to revisit familiar old ones. Some should have remained unchanged the way Peter Pan's Flight and It's a Small World have. Most would probably agree that Journey Into Imagination is one of those. I also feel that Kitchen Cabaret should have been kept, though altered to be in fitting with the up to date nutrition facts. It was superior to it's replacement as an overall show, and now there is no show there, or there wasn't on my last visit. It was like EPCOT's version of Country Bears, and it's a shame that such a neat animatronic show is gone. I'm a big fan of animatronic shows myself. And taking "Listen to the Land" out of the boat ride? What was the point of that? It's a timeless song in keeping with the feeling/concept of the ride!

Incidentally, I've never been much of a fan of Universe of Energy, but I still think it's relevant and had yet another amazing theme song. They just needed to make it much more interesting. The Ellen phase was a slight improvement, but not enough. THe original version I remember as being terrible, and the only terrible EPCOT attraction.

[Prince Charming 12]

I understand your desire for nostalgia, but that would not be in keeping with Future World's theme, as its name implies. So by definition, there should be no "untouchable" attractions in this park. If by contrast we were discussing updating attractions in the Magic Kingdom, then I would agree with you that there is definitely a place for preservation inside that park (no need to list the attractions here).

Attractions like Test Track, Mission: Space and now Soarin have really provided that missing spark to this park. How many visitors actually remember what Horizons was all about, without researching it in one of those old tour books? Be honest, I had to look it up, too.

You make a good point about relevant topics in today's world being presented in Epcot, such as energy. Most of us are all too familiar with that topic every time we pull into a gas station! But I believe that this attraction has run it's course and it is time to visit a new "topic". Continuing with other transportation themes, as I previously suggested, or another topic will keep those turnstiles clicking.

[slave2moonlight]

I understand your desire for nostalgia, but that would not be in keeping with Future World's theme, as its name implies. So by definition, there should be no "untouchable" attractions in this park. If by contrast we were discussing updating attractions in the Magic Kingdom, then I would agree with you that there is definitely a place for preservation inside that park (no need to list the attractions here).

I believe that when you are using the name Disney, you should always consider nostalgia at least a bit. With Futureworld, I believe a happy medium could be found if an attempt would be made. I'm not against redesigning the attractions, perhaps you misunderstood me about that. What I was pushing for was keeping the concept of using pavilions around, along with the original topics, because if you are keeping the stuff within the pavilions up to date and with fresh attractions now and then, there's no need to completely redo the whole thing. You have something new, and you have some nostalgia for longtime parkgoers too. In fact, it's not really nostalgia, it's recognizability. It's nice to be able to somewhat recognize a park upon repeat visits. More importantly, the place used to have a flow. It was like you really were visiting a future world about education and futurist ideals. The new additions don't feel like they are part of the rhyme or reason of a strongly themed park.

It's the same thing with the music. It kept the flow and a feeling that the themes were all connected, and it was nice to recognize the music upon repeat visits. It never was in a negative way. Then, take a look at Listen to the Land. Last time I was there, that boat ride was still running, so why remove the song? That was pointlessly taking out a pleasant and nostalgic aspect for the repeat visitor that certainly added something to the experience. What I'm saying is, sure, if something is outdated, redesign it or replace it, but if something is a GOOD attraction and still relevant, or if aspects are still relevant, leave it or those aspects unchanged. I think the Imagination ride fiasco proves that point. Not everything needs to be removed or redone, even when the subject of the area of the park is the future. I applaud the route they took with the Living Seas, even though I haven't seen it yet and it was pathetic during the transition period, and that's what I wish they had done with the other pavilions. It was an update that still keeps some recognizability to it (even if it's in name only, as I don't know since I haven't experienced what all has changed). But Test Track is just a sucky attraction, and Mission Space doesn't even interest me. Both seem, to me, to be attempts to change the park into a thrill ride park rather than keep with the "Futureworld" theme, and I much prefer the overall education of transportation we got from "World of Motion" to Test Track's uninspired drive. Heck, I drive a long way to get to Disney World, I don't really get anything out of that, just like I don't get anything out of the Speedway at the Magic Kingdom. In regards to "Universe of Energy," that really is the one part of EPCOT I wouldn't mind seeing go. But I don't think the topic needs to be dropped. Create a new attraction that fits in (this is where I wouldn't care if they added a thrill ride) and make another pavilion more like the others have, with demonstrations and hands on activities and such. The music (with originally recorded lyrics please) us longtime EPCOT visitors love so much could easily be played for us in the pavilions (if they're not kind enough to work it into the attractions), but there's no real need for the loss of the pavilions and topic matter to renew the attractions, and it doesn't help the appeal of the park to remove great attractions and replace them with lame ones, or nothing at all. The reason I brought up Kitchen Cabaret is that it was a great attraction. Even if we saw it for the first time today, it would be a great attraction, regardless of the nostalgia many of us feel for it. They say it was removed because the food groups thing had changed, but the replacement was nowhere as impressive (yeah, I know it's gone now too). It's situations like that which I am against. Yeah, I care about nostalgia, but I'm not saying don't change outdated stuff. Most Disney World visitors probably have never been there before, so if they haven't seen it, it's new to them. If they have, it's nostalgia, but people like nostalgia. It shouldn't be seen as a bad thing if the attractions are still relevant and pleasing. They need to make better choices about removing, replacing, or updating things. Keep the good and get rid of the bad. Scrapping something entirely only makes sense when the whole thing is bad.

[bennyb98]

Wonders of Life, while it has been gutted and only Body Wars and Cranium Command remain it should and more than likely will be open this year from Christmas Day to New Years Day.

[slave2moonlight]

Wonders of Life, while it has been gutted and only Body Wars and Cranium Command remain it should and more than likely will be open this year from Christmas Day to New Years Day.

Those were the only two things I really liked in that pavilion, though "The Making of Me" wasn't bad. But I liked the over all look and theme of the place, and it tied in well with the rest of Futureworld's major science themes. I feel they all should have big pavilion areas to house the attractions and keep to the idea that EPCOT is more than just a theme park of rides and stores. I wouldn't miss Body Wars that much, but I'll greatly miss Cranium Command. They ought to redo the live-action stuff for that one and keep it going, and then come up with other attractions for that pavilion rather than tearing it down.