Originally Posted By brotherdave Jim Hill just reported that Siemens has no desire to make any major changes to Spaceship Earth, recognizing that it is the icon for all of Epcot. Only the last few scenes during the ride's descent as well as the old Earth Station area will get a makeover to reflect the new sponsor of the attraction. <a href="http://www.jimhillmedia.com/article.php?id=1756" target="_blank">http://www.jimhillmedia.com/ar ticle.php?id=1756</a> Personally, I find this GREAT news that one of Disney's classic omnimover dark rides will be safe, at least until 2017 when the Siemens' contract runs out. Most of the 'replacement' attractions for Epcot have been just 'fair' at best. It's funny, though, the inflection that Mr. Hill gives to this decision seems to be a negative one. It seems, though he never actually states it, that he would have preferred the thrill ride "Time Chasers" makeover over keeping SSE as is. In fact, the title of the article "Future World's future doesn't look all that bright" seems to reflect this feeling. I'm not totally against the concept of "Time Chasers", but, I don't think it belongs to Epcot's signature attraction. By the way, no word about the hand and wand. Given what the heads of Siemens thinks about the importance of Spaceship Earth, perhaps they can influence the departure of Mickey's hand and wand!!!
Originally Posted By CTXRover I find this to be good news as well. In fact, everything in his article about the future of Future World I find to all be good news. Its sort of a shame that Mr. Hill found the need to once again twist his own story to make it sound like all of Disney's decisions (whether true or not) are in the wrong direction for Epcot. Updating some of Spaceship Earth's scenes and its post-show sound like the best case scenario for SE. I've always disliked the idea of another high-paced thrill ride for Epcot's centerpiece. I love Mission:Space and Test Track, but I'd hate to see Epcot turn into the thrill ride capital of WDW. Finishing the Living Seas to include a longer seacab ride sounds perfect, no matter where the budget comes from for it. Rehabbing WOL for a new experience sounds great as well. Hopefully not for a Pixar showcase, but WOL is an incredibly dated and poorly done pavilion imo. I enjoy aspects of it and think a pavilion about the Human Body is excellent, but the presentation is terribly outdated. When there are kiosks explaining the "future of medical care" that are actually standards of practice today, that's sad.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I think this is so-so news... I would not like to see Spaceship Earth tunred into another bad thrill attraction but some major sprucing up could be done.. New AA's, newly designed sets, better lighting, newer special effects etc etc.. could do wonder for this ride and keep it fresh for the next two decades... but NO. We are not worthy.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip SSE is a classic and I'm glad it won't be changing much. Although I would have no problem with some of the enhancements TDLFAN suggests, I also like it as it is. As others have said -- at least they won't be turning it into a thrill ride.
Originally Posted By brotherdave I'm not against TDLFAN's suggestions either. At least it keeps within the original intent for the attraction. The Time Keeper thrill ride would have been a really bad move, though, in my opinion! Perhaps some "plussing" to the attraction may occur someday. Better AA figures would certainly help, though, I must admit that I still like the attraction as is also! Upgrade yes, replace, NO!!!
Originally Posted By arstogas When you see effects that are being implemented in attractions like TOWER, PHILHARMAGIC, and other new technological applications in other older attractions like Mansion and DL's Space Mtn... There's no question that SE could be completely revamped top-to-bottom and made absolutely stunning again. So much could be done. And nothing would have to move faster at all.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 No more thrill rides to replace other attractions, please ! Enough already with the go fast - gee whiz stuff replacing the family rides. If a NEW thrill ride is added - fine, all for it, let's add not delete here. I am so happy the ending will get updated, that is great news. As far ass other changes - sure some sprucing up -- and new AA's would be nice -- as long as the central focus of the ride remains the same. Yeah for Siemen's in going in this direction - as opposed to time chasers. as for Jim Hill -- sometimes very hard to decipher the news within his 'vision' --
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Ass other changes? Freudian slip there? I'd like to see some additions and not deletions at Epcot too but some of those attractions are getting up there in age and I can't imagine what 20 something years of 14 hour a day operation would do to an attraction like Spaceship Earth. One favor...let Cronkite do the narration again.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Epcot too but some of those attractions are getting up there in age and I can't imagine what 20 something years of 14 hour a day operation would do to an attraction like Spaceship Earth< I have no problem shutting it down for a while to rework the ride system - as long as it vitually remains the same when completed -- but not changing it just because it is 20+ years old. I'm getting up there in age also , but am glad no one has replaced me Haunted Mansion is older - as is Pirates - should they be replaced by a new high speed - Pirates in Outer Space - or Haunted Mansion the scariest coaster ? no.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I'm getting up there in age too. I'm thinking of trading in the sedan for a sports car.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I'm getting up there in age too. I'm thinking of trading in the sedan for a sports car< already did that once at 40 -- thinking it is almost time again -- although last time I compromised - got the best of the sports car ( speed/handling) - without the worst ( trying to contort this old 6'3" frame into a 2 seater ) - drive an M3
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Yes, the wand ! Maybe a petition to Siemen's would help -- when they visited the ride surely they said "Was ist, dass dumm Machen hier schwächer geworden ist? " (what is that stupid wand doing here ? )
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Not sure I should even think this...let alone say it...but I kind of like the wand. (Ducks)
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost So do I but I do not like the sparkles on the top of SSE. Not needed and makes it look "cheap". I think the wand held by Mickey's hand makes an excellent segway to show the non-fanatics that Epcot is part of WDW.
Originally Posted By Kimrue I wouldn't mind "change" if it was done right. But it has been proved time and time again that anytime anything is ever changed at WDW it is usually for the worse. Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that if they would just spruce up some things, change an animatronic or two and improve the special effects it would be 100X better than closing a ride for 4 years and opening up a disgrace...I added my own little statements at the end...but I agree. Just fix it up for crying out loud...If I said it once, I've said it a million times look at the mess they made with Journey into your imagination...That was like...hmm, this ride needs an update, so let's remove everything enchanting about the ride and replace it with total darkness and throw in a constant visual of an extremely unattractive Brittish man. Sounds like a hit to me!!!
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> Just taking that awful wand down off SSE would improve it tons. << Isn't Siemens into cell phones? Suppose they like the placement of the wand, and instead turn it into a cellphone tower? (ducking....)
Originally Posted By jmuboy Well, there is certainly a good chance that some new effects and minor enhancements could/would happen during the rehab on SSE. I am happy to hear that dungeon of a post show is also going to be rebuilt.
Originally Posted By jmuboy I forgot to say AMEN to removing that AWFUL wand. Cheap - Tacky - and looks like junk.
Originally Posted By stitchcrazy "Was ist, dass dumm Machen hier schwächer geworden ist? " (what is that stupid wand doing here ? ) vbdad i am dying over here, that was hilarious. i needed a good laugh today.
