The State of Epcot

[belloq87]

It's looking less and less like Impressions de France may not survive the addition of Ratatouille and instead would be used as part of the queue or possibly a new movie (which would most likely tie to an IP).

Unacceptable.

But that's typical Disney. They rarely seem capable of adding something without taking away something else.

 

[Nick]

Unacceptable.

But that's typical Disney. They rarely seem capable of adding something without taking away something else.

If IDF goes, there more than likely will still be a movie there... it just will have an IP tie in. So we wouldn't be losing in actual attraction count, but we would be losing a gem of an attraction for something... less than.

 

[belloq87]

If IDF goes, there more than likely will still be a movie there... it just will have an IP tie in. So we wouldn't be losing in actual attraction count, but we would be losing a gem of an attraction for something... less than.

That thinking seems so short-sighted, though. They really think that adding Beauty and the Beast or Ratatouille (in redundant fashion, since the ride will be coming) will move the needle enough to justify getting rid of a beautiful work of cinema? I find that incredibly hard to believe, but I guess Disney can convince themselves of anything.

 

[Mad Dog]

Impressions is one of the highlights of Epcot. If they get rid of it, that's a terrible decision.

 

[Nick]

I should mention that this is what Martin said was on the table just recently. He mentioned 3 proposals: Leave as is, Use for Queue, Re-purpose with a new (likely IP-based) film.

If they use it for the queue, he said to think of how Disneyland tore out America Sings for the Rocket Rod's queue and that's pretty much what it would be.

Impressions is one of the highlights of Epcot. If they get rid of it, that's a terrible decision.

I don't think current Disney management "gets" shows like IDF or the 360 shows. I mean, let's not forget they ripped out Norway's post-show already.

 

[Alicia]

I should mention that this is what Martin said was on the table just recently. He mentioned 3 proposals: Leave as is, Use for Queue, Re-purpose with a new (likely IP-based) film.

If they use it for the queue, he said to think of how Disneyland tore out America Sings for the Rocket Rod's queue and that's pretty much what it would be.


I don't think current Disney management "gets" shows like IDF or the 360 shows. I mean, let's not forget they ripped out Norway's post-show already.

To be fair, most people were running out of the Norway post show, skipping it after the ride each time. It had poor placement, feeling forced to watch it was like a trick after riding. I love the France show, but at least you know it's a show before going in.

I hope they keep Impressions. It's not only a beautiful show, but it's one of the last genuinely relaxing attractions left at WDW.

 

[Nick]

To be fair, most people were running out of the Norway post show, skipping it after the ride each time. It had poor placement, feeling forced to watch it was like a trick after riding. I love the France show, but at least you know it's a show before going in.

I hope they keep Impressions. It's not only a beautiful show, but it's one of the last genuinely relaxing attractions left at WDW.

I'll agree Norway's was the worst of the shows.

Another little tidbit... American Adventure and O'Canada are slated to be upgraded to digital projection.

 

[belloq87]

I'll agree Norway's was the worst of the shows.

Another little tidbit... American Adventure and O'Canada are slated to be upgraded to digital projection.

Hopefully they can finally axe Lance Armstrong from the American Adventure montage!

 

[s8film40]

Another little tidbit... American Adventure and O'Canada are slated to be upgraded to digital projection.

Well that will save them some money. I'm surprised they've waited this long considering that's such an easy budget target.

 

[OLSinFLA]

I should mention that this is what Martin said was on the table just recently. He mentioned 3 proposals: Leave as is, Use for Queue, Re-purpose with a new (likely IP-based) film.

If they use it for the queue, he said to think of how Disneyland tore out America Sings for the Rocket Rod's queue and that's pretty much what it would be.
(I think you mean CitcleVision. The America Sings/Carousel building stood empty for years before becoming Innoventions)


I don't think current Disney management "gets" shows like IDF or the 360 shows. I mean, let's not forget they ripped out Norway's post-show already.

 

[tielo]

I'm ok with getting rid of all the World Showcase movies. They have been around forever. Put rides and some fun in there, no PBS tourism movies from the 80's.

 

[deathcab4cutie]

funny thing is Italy and japan and Germany already had ques built but they use them for other things

 

[Quint]

If IDF goes, there more than likely will still be a movie there... it just will have an IP tie in. So we wouldn't be losing in actual attraction count, but we would be losing a gem of an attraction for something... less than.

Nouvelles tragiques

 

[Blue]

Gigantic was pushed back from 2018 to 2020. I wonder if they'll go forward with the rumored Spain pavilion.

 

[Viator]

Gigantic was pushed back from 2018 to 2020. I wonder if they'll go forward with the rumored Spain pavilion.

Honestly, the fact that they pushed back Gigantic to two years, makes me think they are heavily reworking the story.

And to me, while I think they could for the 50th anniversary still, I just can't see it now.

 

[belloq87]

If we assume that the theoretical new World Showcase pavilion is slated to open - roughly - in tandem with WDW's 50th, a GIGANTIC-flavored Spain pavilion would be a bit of a gamble; it would have to be well under construction by the time the movie opens, and if it flops or is not well-received, then Epcot is stuck with an attraction (however good it might be by itself) based on a less-than-ideal theme.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

If we assume that the theoretical new World Showcase pavilion is slated to open - roughly - in tandem with WDW's 50th, a GIGANTIC-flavored Spain pavilion would be a bit of a gamble; it would have to be well under construction by the time the movie opens, and if it flops or is not well-received, then Epcot is stuck with an attraction (however good it might be by itself) based on a less-than-ideal theme.

The pavilion theme is Spain, what's wrong with that? The ride would be the issue (maybe).

 

[belloq87]

The pavilion theme is Spain, what's wrong with that? The ride would be the issue (maybe).

I'm all for Spain as a pavilion. I'm just not sure I see Disney - notoriously slow to react to their own movies in theme park form - getting out ahead of a movie like that. I wasn't making a judgment about the potential quality of either the ride or pavilion itself.

 

[Nick]

If we assume that the theoretical new World Showcase pavilion is slated to open - roughly - in tandem with WDW's 50th, a GIGANTIC-flavored Spain pavilion would be a bit of a gamble; it would have to be well under construction by the time the movie opens, and if it flops or is not well-received, then Epcot is stuck with an attraction (however good it might be by itself) based on a less-than-ideal theme.

France is getting a Ratatouille ride, one of the lowest grossing Pixar movies (and one that left zero imprint on pop culture).

As long as a ride is good, people honestly don't care what it's based on for the most part. People just want to have a good time.

 

[Brian G.]

The pavilion theme is Spain, what's wrong with that? The ride would be the issue (maybe).

Impression I got, and I would agree with, is maybe their choice of country is tied to IP to tie it with. I'd much prefer Greece with Hercules than rolling dice with Spain with Gigantic.

France is getting a Ratatouille ride, one of the lowest grossing Pixar movies (and one that left zero imprint on pop culture).

Ehhhhhhhhhhhhh.... I don't know about zero imprint.