EPCOT Center, nowadays known simply as Epcot, is easily the most unique theme park ever created. Imagined as a permanent World’s Fair, the park was split between a science and exposition showcase and a cultural counterpart, introducing guests to 9 different global countries. (two have been added since) The ambitious premise hoped to educate visitors about the world around them in several different ways, bringing them to be more tolerant of sciences and culture.
Reception to the park was decidely split, however. The general public often viewed Epcot as an overbearing corporate-heavy bore, while Disney fans idolized the park for its ambitious and unique perspective. The Epcot of the 1980’s brought on attractions that were both large-scale and rare, strange yet ideal, imposing while whimsical. Imagineering artistry was never quite as vivid and original as it was back then.
Unfortunately, as science and exposition must when it’s corporate sponsored, updates were demanded by both the companies and guests living in a rapidly-changing world. Likewise, the theme park industry was seeking thrills more than charm. Thus many attractions were shuttered for what is faster, shorter and easily marketable.
Sadly, Epcot’s woes continued to falter as those attractions themselves wore out their welcome quickly. The park thrives merely on its festivals where many go out to World Showcase to drink and nosh on novelty foods. Recently, Bob Chapek, president of Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that Epcot would undergo a large-scale renovation that would harken back to its original vision. Fans quickly shuddered at the thought due to one simple acronym: I.P.
An IP is an “intellectual property”, mostly referring to the myriad of content in Disney’s endless new media library. An “IP” was already injected into the former Living Seas pavillion, which is now “The Seas with Nemo and Friends”, featuring a Finding Nemo-based dark ride and the Turtle Talk with Crush character show. However, the other elements of the former pavilion’s main concourse remained, such as the large aquarium and educational exhibits. It is the understanding that most pavillions will be seeing an infusion of an IP and a complete renovation.
However, is that the worst thing in the world? Yes, EPCOT Center opened with no existing characters… but characters never hurt. Think about some of Epcot’s most beloved former attractions: Journey Into Imagination, Captain EO, Kitchen Kabaret, Cranium Command. All four featured original characters, but characters nonetheless that allowed audiences to relate to their stories and connect. Even what is easily the park’s most celebrated former attraction, Horizons, is a sequel to the Carousel of Progress show and utilizes characters from there.
While I’m sure many would prefer new Epcot attractions to construct new characters, the majority of guests come to Disney to see their properties. If Imagineers can find a way to take their characters and have them present the education and culture in the present pavilion, guests are more likely to attach and relate, finally embracing Epcot’s ideals.
With that, let’s take a brief look at the rumors surrounding the Epcot renovation:
THE UNIVERSE OF ENERGY closes and is demolished alongside the former Wonders of Life pavillion. It is replaced by one of two attractions: a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed coaster or the Tron Lightcycle Run from Shanghai Disneyland
This rumor has a couple of significant issues with it. First of all, the Guardians of the Galaxy IP has more than a few problems. In Florida, Universal owns the theme park rights to Marvel. Plenty of sites deconstruct the Marvel contract in-depth, I’d recommend Orlando United’s (soon to be Inside Universal) article (http://orlandounited.com/2016/05/darn-marvel-contract/)… in short, due to the fact that Guardians of the Galaxy will be appearing in Avengers Infinity War, this seemingly prohibits them from constructing a theme park attraction involving these characters in a park East of the Mississippi. In addition, during the Shareholder’s Meeting last month, Bob Iger did not mention Florida as one of the locations they were developing Marvel attractions for. As for the moment, I’m choosing to disregard the Guardians rumor for Epcot. (nor do I regard it as a good choice either) So let’s refocus to Tron.
Tron Lightcycle Run is a smash hit in Shanghai Disney and makes for a nice fit for Epcot. It would be the first roller coaster in the park’s 35-year history, and would bring a nice kinetic energy. For those hoping for an educational aspect, Tron is about video games and programming… if you bring a sponsor such as Apple or Microsoft, or even a gaming company such as Atari or EA, the educational aspects could be easily folded into the attraction’s surroundings, in a post-show as well. And who doesn’t want to jump into the grid? Game on.
MISSION: SPACE will be updated to include more missions.
This actually might already be happening. The attraction has been given a surprise refurb this summer, opening up at an indefinite date this fall. The rumors have been circulating that the less-intense “Green Team” will be given a unique mission, while “Orange Team” will retain their’s with newer, updated graphics. I’ve never been much of a fan of this attraction’s space mission theme as it seems to ignore any of the wonders of space travel and instead looks at its intensity and danger. While an update is sorely needed, I’d be far more interested in the pavillion recieving an addition. But, as always, we need an IP, but who?
It’s well-known that a blue sky project for a 4D WALL-E space-themed show was pitched in WDI some years back, and this would be a perfect time to ressurect that. Add in noted astro-physicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson as a narrator, and have WALL-E travel alongside the Hubble Telescope to seek out real, amazing splendors in the universe. While Mission: Space can warn guests about the harrowing aspects, this show can educate them of why those aspects shouldn’t deter us. It’s not a rumor, but I’d sure love it to be.
TEST TRACK may recieve an update based on “Cars 3.”
Jackson Storm, who is Lightning McQueen’s newest rival, employs many high-tech training excercises to help him accelerate to number one on the race track. If the film is well-recieved, the attraction may see a light overlay to match this character. As long as it’s not too invasive, I’d welcome it. Cars needs a presence in the Florida parks, and this is a unique and interesting approach. Test Track would still be able to keep its car design and transportation education tight to the chest while young boys go nuts over one of their favorite properties.
JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION will turn into an elaborate Inside Out-themed attraction.
Let’s get controversial!
The original Journey Into Imagination ride is one that should have never been shuttered. It was dynamic, whimsical, lovable and timeless. The characters of Dreamfinder and Figment won guests over and the upstairs Image Works playground was too fun for words. Sadly, that has all changed now with an attraction that’s much shorter featuring only Figment. The ImageWorks has been moved downstairs and is a shell of its former self.
Most would prefer that the original attraction could be brought back in an updated form. Recently, Marvel has been producing the Figment comic, a prequel of sorts which also features Dreamfinder, albiet younger. It sells very well… however, it’s uncertain on whether an entire, elaborate attraction will be built around that. But what if we could have our cake and eat it too?
The 2015 smash-hit Pixar film “Inside Out” took place inside the mind of young Riley, as her emotions, specifically Joy and Sadness ventured through and visited Imagination Land. This also featured an imaginary friend named Bing Bong. They traveled around on the Train of Thought. Suddenly, all of this can easily come together. The original Imagination attraction took place in a metaphysical realm representing the right side of the brain. Placing Dreamfinder and Figment alongside Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust and having guests board the Train of Thought can work instantly.
Of course, it’s probable that WDI simply forgoes that and instead installs an attraction mostly based around the Inside Out property… but that isn’t a huge loss either. A theater next door can host a Figment-based show, or the upstairs Image Works could reopen. But the idea of traveling into Riley’s mind and interacting with these wonderful characters is something I wouldn’t want to pass up, even if it means Figment takes on a lesser role. My imagination is working overtime to the possibilities here.
MEXICO will recieve an attraction based on Disney/Pixar’s upcoming film “Coco.”
It is unsure on whether or not this would take over the Gran Fiesta Tour, or be an additional attraction attached to the remaining expansion space that Norway did not use. However, the Gran Fiesta Tour attraction does have a section based on Dia de Los Muertos, which could be easily rethemed to match the film. Of course, this would be an intrusion to the Three Caballeros-based storyline. As the ride was just recently plussed with animatronics, it would be a shame to see it go down instantly.
However, if Coco turns out to be a hit, the Mexico pavillion could use that authentic Mexican flavor that’s less presence in the current attraction. Of course, who’s to say no to a second ride? Certainly the trip into the Land of the Dead could use more than just a small boat ride to be explored.
FRANCE will recieve the Ratatouille trackless dark ride from Walt Disney Studios Paris.
One of the firmest rumors currently being discussed (the majority of insiders claim it’s been quietly greenlit with construction starting later this year), the Ratatouille-themed Remy’s Totally Zany Adventure opened in 2014 at Walt Disney Studios Paris to rave reviews. This 4D trackless ride takes guests on motion-based rat-styled vehicles and zips them through Gusteau’s kitchen from Remy’s point-of-view. It’s not a flawless attraction, but definitely fun and based off one of Pixar’s best films. (they seem to be a large factor in most of these rumors, huh?)
The attraction also comes with a fun themed restaurant, which serves French cuisine in what is fashioned to be Remy’s rooftop restaurant where the rats all come to dine. This could provide the family alternative to World Showcase’s more upscale dining choices. What is unknown is if the attraction would push out the underrated (and excellent) Impressions De France film, or if it would be pure expansion. I hope it’s the latter, as there’s a pad with the attraction’s name on it next door.
If Remy is finally arriving, he’ll be more than welcome as food is one of the main attractions in World Showcase itself.
WORLD SHOWCASE will recieve one of two, or possibly both pavillions themed around the countries of BRAZIL and SPAIN
This is easily the largest revelation of all, as World Showcase has not recieved any new countries since 1988. As Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary rapidly approaches, one of the most obvious choices for a huge addition would be another country.
Spain would contain a boat ride themed around the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Gigantic”, a Spanish-set retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk featuring music by Frozen songwriters Robert and Kristen-Anderson Lopez. There would of course be authentic architecture, shopping and dining in the small location, which would also be funded by a Spain-based sponsor.
If a Brazil pavilion is approved, it will very likely be enclosed with many rainforest elements and Rio-based architecture, along with the themed shopping and dining. It’s uncertain whether or not an attraction would be attached, but the appeal is obvious. Brazilians are a popular subset of international Orlando tourists for the market trade, and many sponsors would be interested in funding a pavilion.
I for one would be ecstatic to see both, as two new countries would help round out World Showcase’s wonderful authentic travel around the globe.
That brings us to a close, for now… but this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are other small plans such as a renovation to The Land pavilion, inputing Finding Dory elements into The Seas, a Mary Poppins show in the UK pavilion, infusing Mulan into China and re-imagining the descent portion in Spaceship Earth.
Of course, there’s a huge question of how to re-orient “Future World” as a whole, and what becomes of the currently empty Innoventions wings. This is all unknown, locked away in 1401 Flower Street. We could have a whole article on that topic alone. (perhaps in the future…)
While many are nervous about Epcot’s certain IP-based future, I’m choosing to stay optimistic. As long as tomorrow’s children continue to learn about sciences, the arts and culture through the prism of this theme park, I’m fine with it being accompanied by beloved characters. Hopefully you will as well.
Traveling Salesman is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times
