Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Everything I've heard indicates that it will be updating what is there, particularly at the beginning and end of the attraction.<< Big let down. All they do in every "upgrade" is fix the *beginning* and the *end* of the ride. What about the middle scenes? They need the most help of all. I personally would like to see redesigned sets that effectively cover the black ceiling and lighting equipment, and the black plain walls on the left of most scenes thru the ride. New, more fluid AAs would be nice too. And a new, less creaky vehicular system. In other words... "THE WORKS".
Originally Posted By idleBrain <<Big let down. All they do in every "upgrade" is fix the *beginning* and the *end* of the ride. What about the middle scenes?>> Perhaps Lee is referring to the scenes leading up to the view of Earth, and everything after that. Not much you could do with that large void of darkness, except swap out Earth for another celestial body. How about "Spaceship Pluto"? That sounds Disney.
Originally Posted By idleBrain *confused* I thought Lee stated they were changing the beginning and the end?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Everything I have heard indicates that SSE will have a rather thorough redo, but that it will keep the heart of the attraction intact per Siemens' wishes. I hope that means the large setpieces and AA's ... but it is the ending (after you reach the dome) that is the weakest part by far ... too much almost darkness ... too many cheesy special effects ... etc ..
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Yup. TDLFAN was quoting me. I've heard the changes will concentrate on the beginning and the end, but that is information from fan sites like this, nothing authoritative. I do believe they need a lot of work. At the beginning of SSE almost all of the neon and light effects have been completely turned off. The first time I saw the attraction in 1991 that was what let me know I was about to experience something special. So maybe neon and sequenced lighting isn't a big deal any more; it still has to be better than complete darkness. The end of the attraction is equally as sad. The projection on the mist screen hasn't been working for at least 5 years, and again much of the neon and sequenced lighting no longer works. I would have no problem if they updated some of the animatronics in the various scenes also... as long as they kept the core Spirit of the attraction the same.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "I thought that Timer Racers was nixed because the current system could not be removed? Is the new attraction utilizing the same OmniMover system?" My understanding of it has nothing to do with the actual track and cars of the system, but rather the support structure for them. Looking at construction photos, you can see the floor for the attraction corkscrewing its way up the building. After being enclosed, the track and omnimover were added on top of that. So, a new ride is entirely possible, but they would have to leave the floor, possibly being able to cut holes in it for pass throughs, but it would be a lot of work. It would be much easier to use a system that works with the current layout, rather than against it, which is probably why they haven't done anything to it. This isn't the clearest picture, but it gives you a general idea. <a href="http://www.disneypix.com/EPCOT/Construct/Preview/Preview-09.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.disneypix.com/EPCOT /Construct/Preview/Preview-09.jpg</a> "Not much you could do with that large void of darkness, except swap out Earth for another celestial body." They could light it up, and then they would have a large void filled with light where they could put just about anything. That space is pretty big, and has tons of possibilities. However, it would be quite dificult to get construction materials up there, but it could be done, with a little imagination. "The projection on the mist screen hasn't been working for at least 5 years, and again much of the neon and sequenced lighting no longer works." I remember the neon, but where was the mist? Was that part of the cavemen/mammoth area? I really have no recollection of that at all.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I would have no problem if they updated some of the animatronics in the various scenes also... as long as they kept the core Spirit of the attraction the same.>> Yes. The Spirit must remain intact.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<I remember the neon, but where was the mist?>> There was a small mist spray upon which they projected a green laser as you backed down from the view of earth, right before you entered the enclosed area again. It certainly wasn't much compared to what they have done now with Fantasmic etc, but in 1991 it was pretty cool. Even in 2006 it would be cooler to have it there than not there. But it is no longer.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Yes, they installed that laser bean right after they took out the cool floating satellite prop that appeared to hover over the audience as you started your "decent back to Earth". If I am not mistaken, the laser equipment and frame upon it reflected the cone-like pattern are still there, but inop. Someone correct me.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I hope that means the large setpieces and AA's ... but it is the ending (after you reach the dome) that is the weakest part by far ... too much almost darkness ... too many cheesy special effects ... etc < exactly
Originally Posted By danyoung >At the beginning of SSE almost all of the neon and light effects have been completely turned off.< And been replaced by a completely unneccessary safety warning on 3 projected scenes. Even more so than the light effects, I loved the sound track in that first tunnel, with the whispering voices from the past leading us into a trip through history. The whole setup for the attraction is now lost, because lawyers want to make sure people get one more notice not to get out of their frackin' vehicles at the top of the ride. Lame, and very bad show.
Originally Posted By tonyanton I agree about the safety video screens. I would prefer a simple lap bar if their is that much concern.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 like most of the world, things are being adjusted to the lowest common denominator...
Originally Posted By FerretAfros But, really, how many people said "Hey, the car is spinning. That means either it's over or is broken. I guess we should get out of the car then." I really do not understand the logic that leads enough people to getting out of the cars that a safety warning needs to be installed. I could understand if it happened occasionally, but that warning makes me think that it has happened several times in one day.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 let's not underestimate the stupidity out there...LOL ! I would agree you would think it would be so minmal, but then again...... when you have some of the things going on that have been chronicled on this board, nothing would surprise me
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>like most of the world, things are being adjusted to the lowest common denominator...<< NOT all of the World. This is not the case in Japan. Reason why we have lap and shoulder harnesses (similar to ridingin the passenger side of a car) as restrains in TDS' TOT, and that seems to be the tamest of the TOT rides!!! Of course, the japanese have always been more intelligent which is why their goverment has a good set of common sense rules and regulations that cover just about every aspect of your life.
