Originally Posted By Indigo October 1st of this year will mark EPCOT's 25th Anniversary? What, if anything, should Disney be doing to mark the occasion? Either way explain and justify your answer.
Originally Posted By Indigo For the actual event I'd like to see them recreate the original opening ceremonies of EPCOT Center. But for the anniversary year, I think they need to do something that is deserving of the EPCOT brand. Bring back the Experimental. The Land is the only pavilion that has any experiments going on at all. Bring back the Prototype. The world needs to redefine its energy consumption and reverse global warming. EPCOT should be a shining example of how to do that. Community, continue the excellent work of bringing cast members and guests from around the world together as one community (some sort of show or parade would do this). Tomorrow, there has to be some forward thinking brought back to push the envelope a little bit in the park. How about bringing the 'Wired Magazinhe What's Next Convention' in for a permanent display? I'm very worried that they'll forget all about EPCOT this year. Someone please tell me they'll be making a huge announcement at the upcoming press events. -John <a href="http://www.thedisneyblog.com" target="_blank">http://www.thedisneyblog.com</a>
Originally Posted By trekkeruss It's too late for them to build a new attraction, but it would be nice to see an announcement of one. A new IllumiNations show, or a new parade would be cool. Of course, everyone wants great commemorative souvenirs. BUT... with Disney running their "Year Of A Million Dreams" promotion, I don't see Disney doing much of anything to mark the occasion.
Originally Posted By brotherdave If they don't do anything for the park, that is really sad. This is the first non-Magic Kingdom Disney park to reach this milestone. I realize that Epcot got a lot of attention for the Millennium Celebration, but, a silver anniversary only comes once. They should have SOMETHING special to acknowledge it!
Originally Posted By brotherdave What I'd like to see done for the park's 25th anniversary... 1) Officially return the park's name to EPCOT Center. 2) New WS parade 3) New 25th Anniversary Illuminations 4) REMOVE THE WAND! Return Spaceship Earth back to it's original glory, both inside and out. 5) LOTS of 25th Anniversary recognition with souveniers, banners, 25th logo, etc... 6) Either reopen Wonders of Life for the duration of the 25th anniversary OR announce and begin construction of a new replacement pavilion. &) Announce a new World Showcase country pavilion with major new attraction to open within 2 years.
Originally Posted By ChampDisney I agree with Dave, maybe Israel like EPCOT once had in their minds & with that they can build an all new ride based on the Bible. Another one I want to see is a new replacement for Honey, I Shurnk the Audience.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I agree with 6 and 7 from brotherdaves post -- as far as Israel -- right or wrong I do not want to see any country opened that will cause any potential unrest or protests, or worse. I wish the world was different but I go to WDW to escape daily life and issues, not be confronted with them again. Australia / New Zealand would be my choice.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Acknowledge that it is actually the 25th anniversary. Rename Future World into something (sadly) more reasonable.
Originally Posted By bayrr326 I would like for them to actually celebrate it. If they fail to do anything for the 25th anniv. that will be sad. I hope the whole Year of a Million Dreams thing shows them that this whole global intiative stuff is stupid. Each resort needs its own unique marketing. Which also means when you advertise for Christmas you actually use footage from the parks that your are advertising for *cough* WDW *cough*
Originally Posted By brotherdave I would also love to see a historical display somewhere in Innoventions or the Millennium Village that features the history of the park, from Walt's original concept for the "City of Tomorrow" to the what eventually became Walt Disney World and EPCOT Center. It would be great to see some of the original props, AA's, and ride vehicles on display from some of the attractions that were removed. (Not EVERYTHING, I hope, was sent to MouseSurplus!!!) Prepoduction paintings and models of the proposed, unbuilt attractions and pavilions would be great to see, too!
Originally Posted By jriversjr 4) REMOVE THE WAND! Return Spaceship Earth back to it's original glory, both inside and out. ARE YOU JOKING? Without that "WAND" it looks soooo dull, like A Big golf ball.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Without the wand, you can actually appreciate the architectural concept behind the creation of a geodesic sphere, the amazing engineering holding it up, and relate more to the grand plans that created the original Epcot.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Laughingplace.com requirement: All opinions are welcomed. HOWEVER, all fans shall be AGAINST the Wand.
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> Without the wand, you can actually appreciate the architectural concept behind the creation of a geodesic sphere, the amazing engineering holding it up << Have you ever thought that maybe it is the wand's magic that's really holding the sphere up?
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy Seriously, I have heard rumors about engineers being recently assigned to a wand project. Or at least a feasibility study. One set of rumors had this project doing a wand removal. But what I'm guessing is that they're really going to change the EPCOT signage up there to something else, to celebrate the 25th. If so, it would most likely have to be something that would be able to persist after the 25th was over. Any other rumors?
Originally Posted By brotherdave I'd rather see the wand removed, but, if they are going to utilize it for a sign that will commemorate the park's 25th anniversary, that would be ok as long as it's temporary and the entire structure REMOVED AFTER the 25th anniversary celebration is over. Also, I hope they're NOT considering turning Spaceship Earth into a giant pink birthday cake!!! (or something similar!) ARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!
Originally Posted By jriversjr I heard the samething like that A little over A mouth ago over on Inside the Magic or WDW Today podcast, but nothing since. It will still look like A real BIG golf ball to me on A big tee without that wand.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Does anybody have picture of the original wand construction, or when they redid the signage on it? I've been curious how they erected such a gaint structure so close to another structre, while diturbing the park as little as possible. I heard that they assembled the wand in the parking lot and then installed it in one piece, but that would still be quite a sight to see. Also, the 2000 sign was huge, and I would really like to see how they got that down. Not that getting the Epcot sign up there isn't a feat as well, but that is a really impressive structure from an engineering standpoint. (That said, I hate it, and I would much rather have it be gone when the sun comes up tomorrow than leave it in the park for one more day)
Originally Posted By wedroy1923 I'm with brotherdave, I'd be happy with a nice historical exhibit. I know there is some incredible concept art and models that could be brought out of storage. What I think would be really neat would be to celebrate not only EPCOT Center, but the EPCOT idea . . . maybe bring the old EPCOT model that sits along the TTA track, refurbish it, and put it on display. I'd really like to see it in a more-than-passing fashion. Just a thought.
