Originally Posted By mousermerf Hit the full IMDB and read the Epcot Center book explanation of the project - thanks.
Originally Posted By Manfried Except IMDB isn't always accurate. It lists Jeff Blyth as the director of American Journeys. I think Rick Harper was the director of American Journeys.
Originally Posted By maniac_disney As a matter of fact Disney is really pushing for a Russian and a Brazilian pavilions for World Showcase. Both have potential for great ideas. As a brazilian I can confirm that early last year (now 2009) was reported in brazilian media the talks between Disney and Brazilian giant oil corporation Petrobras. The plans? Petrobras would sponsor an Epcot pavilion in exchange for the rights to use all the gas stations at Walt Disney World. But Petrobras supposedly did not like the high fees for the multi-year contract and said "No thanks!".
Originally Posted By maniac_disney Manfried, Petrobras is a semi-public company. The Brazilian government owns 55.7% of Petrobras' common shares with voting rights. This is a huge issue when the plans are seeing here as "public money" spent in a Disney theme park. So the return must be reasonable.
Originally Posted By CDF1 I'd be curious to find out how many guests at Epcot are day visitors as opposed to parkhoppers who visit the park to eat or spend limited time in one or two of the country pavilions. In past trips to WDW resort where I stayed at the Yacht Club or Boardwalk, Epcot was essentially "Restaurant Row" for those hotels - you'd just parkhop your way in the back entrance and go eat at one of the pavilions. And if I am not mistaken, hasn't Epcot always been the second most-attended park at WDW resort behind MK? While the idea of having more rides or new pavilions added certainly seems a common one amongst WDW veteran visitors, doesn't the size and scope of the park almost demand more than a day's visit to the park while MGM or AK can be pretty much done in less than one day? If Epcot stays at #2 in attendance in its current state, then why should Disney management make any major new investment if the cash cow will continue to produce without that much attention?
