Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Lotion-View.asp?ID=62">LP Lotion: The Land Pavilion Preview</a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I just think that they need to find some way to make the lower areas feel more open. The main area is very spacious, with the who knows how high ceiling. Then, the ceilings are about normal height, with very wide halls, making it seem squished. Also, they need to reopen the back half of the giant skylight thing. It looks really weird with only half of it open and the other half closed. The new colors look very nice, but you can't really tell that it is supposed to be an airport theme. I think that the resutrant area will look better with tables and chairs, but it looks a little odd right now. I'm not sure about the main sign, but it is a whole lot better than the trashcan design. At least they're trying.
Originally Posted By jknapp So it looks pretty much ready to go. Anyone know why are they keeping the Garden Grill closed until June?
Originally Posted By jmuboy I think it looks good from what I've seen. For those worried about a shop. I am sure it is there somewhere!
Originally Posted By Indigo To be honest, I don't remember seeing a shop when I took the pics. *gasp*. I'm sure they will have some merchandise there, I just don't recall seeing where there would be. <runs off to look at the photos again> There really isn't room for a shop over by living with the land. They'll need all that area for the queue. I suppose part of the food area could sell merch... or the could set up a couple carts along the walkway. That check-in counter could have merch at it. But that's about it. Maybe they did forget something...
Originally Posted By Jim in Pasadena CA Is there a post-show area after Soarin' that might have a shop?
Originally Posted By jmuboy I read that there would be a shop. is the entire old Food Rocks thater all queue? Or is that where the fastpass and Behind The Seeds tour desk are located as well? And wasn't the old shop on the entry level, not lower level? Near the Garden Grill if I remember correctly. For those of you who have been inside....did you like the pavilions new look? And the ride?
Originally Posted By CTXRover << Also, they need to reopen the back half of the giant skylight thing. It looks really weird with only half of it open and the other half closed.>> I think its always been like that from day 1. If we're talking about the main central part of the pavilion, the back half was always closed with only the front half having windows (to my knowledge). It looks like the did a very nice job on the re-do. Very light and airy looking. I miss the fountain and the serene atmosphere that something as simple as running water can create, but the overall new design looks great. I like the brighter colors and the separation of the dining areas into individual "pods" with a central pathway for crowds to get from Soarin' to the Living with the Land boat ride, which are at opposite ends of the pavilion. The previous set up would have forced you to try and trek through either the food court or among the dining tables. The lighting rigs around the seating areas, almost looking like clouds, are neat too. I like the new balloon paintings as well. Overall it looks like a job well done (even the trash cans look alright....afterall the old solid green trash cans with the Land logo on the sides were nothing to look at either)
Originally Posted By CTXRover I'm sure there will be a shop. Re-do a pavilion and not leave room for a gift shop? nah..lol. I would have imagined there would be a gift shop somewhere close to Soarin' and its exit to sell both Soarin' T-shirts/merchandise as well as general Land merchandise. I guess we'll see when they are all finished with the rehab.
Originally Posted By Boardwalkbum Coming soon.....balloon plush toys. lol. Cool pics. Cant wait. Love the "Check-In" counter.
Originally Posted By jmuboy Another question.....was the domed glass skylight over the entrance to the pavilion returned? Or was a big hole just left open there?
Originally Posted By CTXRover ^^mickey-ring, the dining is still a food-court style as before. However, instead of many different individual stations that required you to pay at each, you will be able to go among the different stations, get what you want, and then pay all at once for everything at a single cashier. Very much like the newer food courts found at Pop Century, Port Orleans, Coronado, etc. Here is some more detailed info about the new Sunshine Seasons food court from the Cast Eyes and Ears newsletter (as posted on wdwmagic.com): From the Cast Eyes and Ears: This spring, Guests can celebrate the seasons at the new Sunshine Seasons, a fast-paced, fast-casual restaurant at The Land at Epcot. Fast-casual dining is a hybrid concept offering the convenience of a quick-service establishment with unique menu offerings and ingredients historically associated with more “casual†table-service operations. Chefs will cook the restaurant’s food in an open, onstage kitchen so Guests can see their selections being prepared. “The senses should love this area because there is something for each sense to enjoy,†said Chef de Cuisine Mike Bersell. “Sunshine Seasons takes the open kitchen concept to a bigger level.†Guests will order food from five different stations, and then take their selections to a centralized cashier area. The food stations, which will feature video menu boards, will be themed to the different seasons of the year. The Wood-Fired Grill Shop will feature a wood-fired grill and rotisseries that produce items inspired by fall, with hearty, earthy flavors and unique presentations. Here, Guests will find ancho-rubbed beef with chimichurri sauce, Moroccan rotisserie chicken, grilled Atlantic salmon and more. At the Soup and Salad Shop, Guests will find unique soups and salads inspired by the abundance of growth and the celebration of springtime. Chefs will use the freshest of ingredients, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from The Land greenhouse. The Asian Wok Shop will serve noodle bowls and stir fry inspired by the crisp and intriguing flavors of Asia. This area will feature a Mongolian barbecue and wok station. The menu, inspired by summer, with a light, healthy and flavorful approach, will feature items such as Mongolian vegetable beef stir fry, vegetarian noodle bowl with tofu and more. The Sandwich Shop will feature hearty sandwiches served on artisan breads that are inspired by the great baking traditions of the winter months. Here, Guests will find a black forest ham and salami grinder, turkey muffuletta, grilled veggie Cuban sandwich and more. The area also will feature a Bakery serving muffins, bagels, croissants, danish, desserts, coffee and more. Each food station will offer vegetarian and children’s selections, as well as “grab ‘n’ go†items. “We’re committed to serving great food in a ‘fast-casual,’ friendly and exciting atmosphere,†Mike said. “Our team is committed to providing outstanding customer service and an extraordinary dining experience.â€
Originally Posted By pheneix I love it... Don't get to say too much about Disney these days. CTX, you see what I mean't when I said that they "got this pavilion right?" With the exception of those lightpoles in the dining area (they look futuristic, but in a sci-fi kinda way. I'd rather have something more down to earth. Wouldn't mind a mini-version in my apartment though), everything builds upon what was already there. The big loss was the fountain, and that could have been remedied by some small waterfalls along the sides of the pavilion. Oh well...
Originally Posted By CTXRover ^^Yea, I agree pheneix, Disney did this one right. The loss of the fountain is the only downer, but the overall brighter, more modern, yet classic Epcot look makes up for it. I wonder what the tables and chairs will look like.
Originally Posted By Indigo Glad to see that fountain go. It always got me wet when I sat next to it. I couldn't get into the queue, so I don't know how extensive it is. But the queue does empty out into the same room as the fast pass machines. I forsee some problems there if the queue extends past the entrance gates. Plus why make guests walk all the way down into the exit queue to get a fastpass. Why not put it somewhere upstairs... Also it will be interesting to see if Soarin' and Living with the Land both continue to have fastpasses. The fast pass return sign is still up at LWTL, but I didn't see any FP machines for the ride.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Is the place already opened?? I get back to WDW on the 19th and want to check it out on the 20th!! See? I leave for Tokyo and the whole World goes berseck at WDW!!
Originally Posted By arstogas Sorry. I hate it. Let's just retitle it THE BLAND, and get it over with. What is this LOVE AFFAIR Disney has lately, with SHOPPING MALLS? The thing looks like any old shopping mall in the United States, and saying THAT, I've seen better IN malls. Sigh. It's the LAND pavillion... where's the "Disney" in this mix? I know.. great that they did SOMETHING, right? Hmm. But they did THIS. It's paint and sofas and carpet. Where's the trees and the water and the cool atmospheric special effects? Just very disappointed.
