Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Which, imo, is too bad, maybe the last five pavilion (JII, Seas, Land, M:S, Mexico) updates would not have been so reliant on film and video if Epcot wasn't the benefactor of Tom's one-dimensional palate. Whereas EPCOT Center was mocked by guys like Tom for being too bloated with AAs and Omnimovers he has successfully caused the same problem with a new generation of guests coming to spend a day at Epcot staring at nothing but projections.>> Yep. EPCOT Center went from being a park unbalanced, if you will, with one type of attraction (albeit one I was fond of) to Epcot, a park unbalanced in favor ofa different sort of largely film-based attractions. Neither was correct. It's why the original (BUT SPECTACULAR) park was viewed as boring by some and why the current incarnation is viewed in the same light by others. You need a mix. Soarin and Seas with Nemo both prove that to some extent.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>I think that would be a definite improvement.<< It most certainly is. It was simply eerie and at first, even knowing about the removal of Diesel, I couldn't put my finger on what felt incomplete in the queue. Quickly I realized it was the smell.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I probably haven't irritated anyone for a couple of days now, so it is probably time. I don't think the wand is that big of a deal. I wouldn't be hugely disappointed if it was removed, but I am fine with it staying too. < okay , once we get it down, we have found a home for it -- downtown Minneapolis ( maybe Prince would buy it) --
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<okay , once we get it down, we have found a home for it -- downtown Minneapolis ( maybe Prince would buy it) -- >> As long as you don't stick it on top of the Weisman. <a href="http://www.aiip.org/Conference/2007/WEISMAN.JPG" target="_blank">http://www.aiip.org/Conference /2007/WEISMAN.JPG</a>
Originally Posted By MPierce ^^^ What a unique structure, What kind of siding is that, it almost looks like stainless steel.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<^^^ What a unique structure, What kind of siding is that, it almost looks like stainless steel.>> Yes, it is stainless steel.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<What a unique structure>> It is truly gorgeous. It is the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, designed by Frank Gehry. The galleries inside are absolutely elegant with wonderful lighting. It is almost hard to believe that a structure so unusual on the outside has such traditionally functional (but unique) spaces inside. My wife was Financial Director for the Museum when it was built. Frank Gehry, the architect, gave my wife a personalized and signed drawing of the museum design. I imagine that we could retire quite nicely on what we could sell that for. But we never would. It is one of those rare things you acquire during your life that is more precious than money.
Originally Posted By MPierce I will definetly have to look into some more of Frank Gehry's work. It is definitely an eye catcher, with stunning curves, and angles. I think more people are coming around to the idea of architecture really being stuctural art, and that building sure falls into that category.
Originally Posted By hopemax > It is truly gorgeous. It is the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, designed by Frank Gehry. I don't know, I think it's missing something. Maybe they could erect a giant hand and paintbrush so it looks like it just finished painting the word "ART" above it. That way, everyone would know what it is.
Originally Posted By danyoung Did Gehry also do the Disney Theater in L.A.? And did you have the same problems with reflected sunlight as they had in L.A.?
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Did Gehry also do the Disney Theater in L.A.? >> Yes, the Disney Concert Hall was designed by Gehry. <<And did you have the same problems with reflected sunlight as they had in L.A.?>> No. The stainless steel side faces the Mississippi River so the reflected sunlight does not cause any problems.
Originally Posted By bayrr326 Apparently, according to the latest on the thread over at wdwmagic is that it is coming down to who will pay for the wand to come down, Disney or Siemans but it is going to come down. So the plot thickens. I can't wait for the day, first the wand and hopefully that tacky memorial at the entrance of the park.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I've been told that new Epcot VP Jim MacPhee is 'adament' that the wand is coming down no matter who pays ... I'm also told as soon as he got the job he went on a major push to do something for Epcot's 25th, but just this week was shot down by ... who else? ... the IDIOTS in WDW Marketing. It is sad and pathetic and reprehensible that money people, ad reps and consultants get to determine the WDW guest experience ... yet another reason why JAY RASULO MUST GO!!! It was a visionary who created the first theme park ... and teams of amazing visionaries that created an empire for Disney. It's long since past that time when a visionary ran them ... not someone who dislikes them so much he can only show up and smile for the media (smirk is more like it) when they're opening an attraction he wishes he didn't have to spend money for. Long since ...
Originally Posted By vbdad55 When the wrong people get in charge - even the best run companies can fall into a morass ---- about 10- 12 years ago McDonalds - riding a wave of unparalleled QTQ growth decided to put a CFO - beancounter into the CEO chair - and he almost ran the company into the ground -- today - back on track because once again people in charge who actually have a clue as to what their business actually is - and who their customers are.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 "I'm also told as soon as he got the job he went on a major push to do something for Epcot's 25th, but just this week was shot down by ... who else? ... the IDIOTS in WDW Marketing." I don't really understand why they couldn't at least do something small for the 25th?? It's not like they have to make it a huge marketing campaign, but it would at least be nice to see something in the park that at least acknowledges the anniversary. Maybe a few displays with history of the park, some merchandise and a small show. Other than that, just having the Wand down will be birthday present enough for me!!!!
Originally Posted By jmuboy I will agree....updated Mexico ride, updated SSE, new film in Canada and that AWFUL wand gone will be great B-day gifts for EPCOT Center!
Originally Posted By mousermerf If enough people show up October 1st, despite marketing, they'll realize they missed a huge opportunity and be deeply scolded for it.
Originally Posted By danyoung ^^^ Wouldn't that be a hoot - Epcot jam packed to the gills on 10/1, with absolutely no company response. That'd sure give the bureaucrats a kick in the complacency, wouldn't it?
Originally Posted By leemac The Canada movie should be in place this summer. I believe Marty Short has recorded his dialogue for the narration and it is just being put together. A new movie for American Adventure should be in place this summer too. Lots of little fixes that the park needs. The WDI program that focuses on the existing infrastructure is in full swing and there are plenty more things on the boards.
