Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Apparently, the 'purists' were right. We had a point. Epcot's 25th was an important milestone. Something worth celebrating instead of say ... some inane marketing campaign about dreams. It seems Bob Iger himself will be in the house on 10/1. Marty Sklar too. I even hear tell that John Lasseter would like to be there. And the list keeps growing. I wouldn't be surprised if Roy Disney showed up too! And the size and scope of the 25th just keeps growing. From decorations, which won't be just up for the day ... to merchandise to some other special 'surprises' it seems that Disney finally got it ... that just maybe some of the purists in the fan community are well ... smarter than the folks who have been running WDW and its parks. I've also heard from some very kind Spirits deep inside the scary corridors and cubicles where decisions are talked about in hushed tones that the wand removal and upcoming changes to the cemetary out front and the removal of the remaining Millennium chintz from Innoventions Plaza are just the start. That while there is (sadly) no turning back the clock to the 1980s, that there is a strong push behind the scenes to return other things to Epcot. I'm not necessarily talking about attractions or things that have gone, but more of an attitude to bring back more of that special vibe that made EPCOT such a grand awe-inspring place in all sorts of different ways. There are all sorts of things being bandied about right now. Two very good signs: Epcot finally has a VP that actually cares about the park and not what the position can do for him and Lasseter has started to poke his head into some of WDI's plans for the park. So, why don't we all use our imaginations and see where that takes us ... off to the Dreamport for this tired Spirit!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yay - great news. The greatest park in Florida, Disney's 1st second gate. A park that inspires people awaking and renewing an interest in the world around them. A crowning achievement in edutainment. Is actually going to get some of the recognition it deserves. I cannot wait to hear more!
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror Another well-placed source has spotted a lot of "EPCOT Center" signage backstage, and I think some of it already installed. How nice would it be to see its original name back, and proud?
Originally Posted By u k fan Sounds good. I never saw Epcot in the 80's, but I'd love to see it get some love!!!
Originally Posted By brotherdave Screamscape has also confirmed the return of the name "EPCOT Center"!!!! <a href="http://www.screamscape.com/html/wdw_-_epcot.htm" target="_blank">http://www.screamscape.com/htm l/wdw_-_epcot.htm</a> Yes, it does look like good things are happening at WDW for the
Originally Posted By brotherdave ^^^Sorry, hit submit too soon. Yes, it does look like good things are happening at WDW for EPCOT Center's 25th anniversary, and deservedly so!
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 I love "EPCOT Center"! I can't wait for merchandise and signs with that old logo. Now, if only Walt Disney World as a whole would go back to the "big D" logo, I'd be happy! I liked it when each resort had it's own, distinct look in it's name. Now, if EPCOT Center get's it's own 25th Anniversary CD, I'll fall over dead!
Originally Posted By TarzanRocked99-06 Amen to that, all of our old attractions on a multi disk set, simply a wonderful idea.
Originally Posted By SteamboatPhillie When I first went to WDW in 2002 I really, really enjoyed Epcot. Particularly the World Showcase. But I always thought I was alone, that other people saw Epcot as a secondary attraction and the World Showcase as a sort of naive and simplistic view of other countries. Glad to see I was wrong, and that other people really like it too.
Originally Posted By Fe Maiden This is wonderful news. I'm really looking forward to visitng EPCOT on our Oct. trip. <<I love "EPCOT Center"! I can't wait for merchandise and signs with that old logo. Now, if only Walt Disney World as a whole would go back to the "big D" logo, I'd be happy! I liked it when each resort had it's own, distinct look in it's name.>> I couldn't agree more. I'm surprised they haven't come out with a "Throwback" line of clothes with the old logo. I might actually spend a small fortune. The past few trips I've come home empty handed.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome So, what is happening with the cemetary? I am looking forward to being there 10/1. (as well as seeing Epcot return to it's roots!) Denise
Originally Posted By twirlnhurl They've had the retro merchandise (that says EPCOT Center) for at least a month now.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Another well-placed source has spotted a lot of "EPCOT Center" signage backstage, and I think some of it already installed. How nice would it be to see its original name back, and proud?>> Not only that, but I've heard a few people tell me that the EC 25th stuff is REPLACING the inane Million Dreams signs/decorations backstage and that an awful lot of that stuff keeps appearing (HINT, HINT) like too much to simply have backstage or display for a few days. They have also begun a countdown for CMs to the 25th (much like the original one and similar ones held for everything from the opening of DAK to 1/1/00) ... they are even reprinting the daily CM updates from that era. There is a new retro logo that will be unveiled that is sure to make this Spirit's heart -- and any purist's heart -- fill with joy and happy memories. And, yes, there is a push behind the scenes to bring the RIGHTFUL name of the park back ... now publically you know Jay Rasulo, Al Weiss, Erin Wallace and Co will all be crowing and taking credit for the amazing transformation (and I'm talking attitude as much as anything here), but what you need to recall is that as recently as early this spring, there were NO plans to acknowledge the 25th in anyway whatsoever. Not even a pre-opening deal for CMs. Nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I would say Jim MacPhee has made quite a name for himself in a very short amount of time just for doing what's right. Imagine that. (and more to come)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I couldn't agree more. I'm surprised they haven't come out with a "Throwback" line of clothes with the old logo. I might actually spend a small fortune. The past few trips I've come home empty handed. >> There will be more than pins sold this time. Not like the BS for the ignored 35th of the MK and resort.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 When there is something definitive to say, I'll do so. I know they plan to rework the area somewhat, at the very least, to open it up some and try and move all the dead people pics to one place (I'd pick Pittsburgh myself) ... but -- as far as I know -- nothing had been formally decided yet.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Just one more comment that springs to mind as I hear some of what is going on behind the scenes ... it clearly shows how out of touch WDW Marketing, WHICH REALLY RUNS THE RESORT, is with both its product and its most loyal (and spending) fan base. Sure, the average tourist probably couldn't care less about the silver anniversary for the park that really started Disney on the way to a worldwide empire of parks and resorts. But what the idiots don't realize, won't realize and don't care about is the fact that those same 'average Joe and Janes from the Midwest' don't care about the Year of a Million Dreams either. They come to WDW because IT IS WDW. What not acknowledging important milestones such as Epcot's 25th (or WDW's 30th and 35th) does is turn off so many of the 'purists' who keep flocking back and spending $$$, even in the worst of times. Why is it the fans appreciate the heritage and creative legacy of TWDC a whole lot more than those entrusted to carry it out? And why do I have a Spirited notion that this thread is being read by some Northern California dude who hates wearing 'grown-up' clothes ;-)
Originally Posted By figment1986 great news, amazing what a change in management can do with such short time... Not to mention having many big players here to celebrate with many people going in 2 big groups. (one of which is over 1,000 people) great news spirit.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA EPCOT Center -- loved it then, love it now. Great news, there...
Originally Posted By nbodyhome Is it over 1000 people now? I hadn't even heard. I signed up anyway! I'm sure there will be others who haven't who will also be there. Maybe they can put the memorial/graveyard out in the parking lot area that is never used. Denise
