The State of Epcot

[AlexanderMBush]

Jim Hill rumor vomit:

-Inside Out will take over the entire Imagination pavilion

(wait for it)

-Dreamfinder and Figment will move to the Magic Kingdom and go in Tomorrowland for a new attraction based on the Marvel comic book series (the characters are licensed Disney, so it doesn't count in the Uni contract)

Ready, set, debunk!

...and for the Dreamfinder/Figment moving; what would it be replacing?

 

[Galaxy Defender]

I can see the potential but the biggest shock to me is that I have always seen Figment as the mascot of EPCOT and putting him in another park seems kind of wrong.

I can't fault you there one little bit. I would much prefer they built a better Figment ride in the Imagination Pavilion. But if Inside Out was going there it would be much better to see the character somewhere.

However, from Disney's point of view I don't see why they would move Figment to Magic Kingdom. He's not a well-known IP outside of the theme parks so he would not be a character draw.

 

[belloq87]

There are so many rumors going around relating to basically the entire WDW resort that it's impossible all of them come to fruition: GMR to Mickey, massive Epcot overhaul (involving potentially GOTG, a revamped Mission: Space, a possible new country, and much more), WRECK-IT RALPH taking over Stitch, and now a Figment/Dreamfinder attraction coming to Magic Kingdom (presumably a replacement, rather than an expansion).

Do I think versions of all of these may have been pitched? Absolutely. Do I think they're all happening? No, because it would represent (when taken alongside Avatar, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars Land) the greatest era of park-related activity since the late 1980s - early 1990s, which I don't think Bob Iger or anyone at TDO have any interest in seeing.

 

[SkiBum]

I can't fault you there one little bit. I would much prefer they built a better Figment ride in the Imagination Pavilion. But if Inside Out was going there it would be much better to see the character somewhere.

However, from Disney's point of view I don't see why they would move Figment to Magic Kingdom. He's not a well-known IP outside of the theme parks so he would not be a character draw.

For Inside Out, why not use the old Body Wars/Wonders of Life pavilion? Too hard? I think that EPCOT is better served with new rides instead of refacing old rides. Fix the existing and add on.

 

[awhen]

I can't fault you there one little bit. I would much prefer they built a better Figment ride in the Imagination Pavilion. But if Inside Out was going there it would be much better to see the character somewhere.

However, from Disney's point of view I don't see why they would move Figment to Magic Kingdom. He's not a well-known IP outside of the theme parks so he would not be a character draw.

I think Figment still moves merchandise.

Anyway, if they were willing to give all of Tomorrowland the Jules Verne treatment I think Dreamfinder would fit in quite well.

 

[Ryan]

...and for the Dreamfinder/Figment moving; what would it be replacing?

He did not mention, but CoP is in the middle of a nice refresh some I'm not sure if this is the stall that was the TCM refurb of GMR or if it'll go somewhere else. As shocking as it is to think, Buzz Lightyear is awfully dated nowadays...

For Inside Out, why not use the old Body Wars/Wonders of Life pavilion? Too hard? I think that EPCOT is better served with new rides instead of refacing old rides. Fix the existing and add on.

From what I know, any time Events is approached about it they point to F&W/F&G sales and Disney quickly shuts them up.

 

[SkiBum]

He did not mention, but CoP is in the middle of a nice refresh some I'm not sure if this is the stall that was the TCM refurb of GMR or if it'll go somewhere else. As shocking as it is to think, Buzz Lightyear is awfully dated nowadays...



From what I know, any time Events is approached about it they point to F&W/F&G sales and Disney quickly shuts them up.

I realize that it is a cash cow but is EPCOT a theme park or the largest dining room in the world? I would think boosting attendance throughout the year with more rides would help F&W/F&G. They have the whole Innoventions pavilion or they could shut down Mission: Space since it isn't what it was. Oh well, I don't know or understand how they think. I am approaching this as a fan.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

From what I know, any time Events is approached about it they point to F&W/F&G sales and Disney quickly shuts them up.

There are a number of empty venues that don't get filled because Disney make so much money leasing them out for private events.

 

[Ryan]

I realize that it is a cash cow but is EPCOT a theme park or the largest dining room in the world? I would think boosting attendance throughout the year with more rides would help F&W/F&G. They have the whole Innoventions pavilion or they could shut down Mission: Space since it isn't what it was. Oh well, I don't know or understand how they think. I am approaching this as a fan.

No, no, that's logical. The Odyssey is a perfect place to do this. But Events is stubborn and they want to use their pretty golden dome with a kitchen wedged into the pre-show of a rotting animatronic show (which sits just behind the other wall) instead of using some of the budget to change things and help better the park. And Disney is a-okay with letting this go on because attractions cost money, and demolishing things to build attractions cost even more money.

 

[OLSinFLA]

I can see the potential but the biggest shock to me is that I have always seen Figment as the mascot of EPCOT and putting him in another park seems kind of wrong.

Its Figment seeking revenge for the Disney characters coming to his park!!

 

[SkiBum]

There are a number of empty venues that don't get filled because Disney make so much money leasing them out for private events.

Yes? Oh nevermind. You put your response into the quote.

 

[Nick]

As shocking as it is to think, Buzz Lightyear is awfully dated nowadays...

Not to mention Toy Story has an entire land being themed at it over at DHS. The ride is very expendable at MK.

 

[Joel]

There are so many rumors going around relating to basically the entire WDW resort that it's impossible all of them come to fruition: GMR to Mickey, massive Epcot overhaul (involving potentially GOTG, a revamped Mission: Space, a possible new country, and much more), WRECK-IT RALPH taking over Stitch, and now a Figment/Dreamfinder attraction coming to Magic Kingdom (presumably a replacement, rather than an expansion).

Do I think versions of all of these may have been pitched? Absolutely. Do I think they're all happening? No, because it would represent (when taken alongside Avatar, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars Land) the greatest era of park-related activity since the late 1980s - early 1990s, which I don't think Bob Iger or anyone at TDO have any interest in seeing.

Question, what new country is rumored? Also where would it go?

Thanks in advance - at work so can't go through the forums (if the answer is even on this one).

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Question, what new country is rumored? Also where would it go?

Thanks in advance - at work so can't go through the forums (if the answer is even on this one).

There have been so many rumors about adding additional countries I stopped listening to them long ago. If they do add one there are a number of expansion spots back in World Showcase.

 

[belloq87]

Yeah, I believe marni1971 has very strongly hinted that a new country (to be named later) could possibly finally be coming to one of the expansion pads around the lagoon.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

EPCOT has more than enough shops and restaurants. If this doesn't have a ride then it is no big deal.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Yeah, I believe marni1971 has very strongly hinted that a new country (to be named later) could possibly finally be coming to one of the expansion pads around the lagoon.

Yeah I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[belloq87]

Yeah I'll believe it when I see it.

I didn't say it was happening! Only that there's slightly more smoke surrounding the idea than usual.

 

[rioriz]

There are so many rumors going around relating to basically the entire WDW resort that it's impossible all of them come to fruition: GMR to Mickey, massive Epcot overhaul (involving potentially GOTG, a revamped Mission: Space, a possible new country, and much more), WRECK-IT RALPH taking over Stitch, and now a Figment/Dreamfinder attraction coming to Magic Kingdom (presumably a replacement, rather than an expansion).

Do I think versions of all of these may have been pitched? Absolutely. Do I think they're all happening? No, because it would represent (when taken alongside Avatar, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars Land) the greatest era of park-related activity since the late 1980s - early 1990s, which I don't think Bob Iger or anyone at TDO have any interest in seeing.

To add a slightly alterior view...i could believe Iger would leave the resort starving until his final two years so he can say LOOK WHAT I DID!

The only thing i dont believe will happen in the next 3 years is Inside Out...i know it is not believeabe but the 50th Anniversary of MK is a big deal in Burbank...They want to milk this for what its worth and new attractions wilm aid in that

 

[Nick]

Has it been mentioned here yet that Storm Struck and Sum of all Thrills will be closing in September? Colortopia will be the last remaining Innoventions exhibit and will close when the contract expires.

Both Innoventions spaces will be seeing changes soon after everything is closed up. Supposedly Electric Umbrella is to go away also (to be replaced elsewhere).

Of course these are just preliminary plans, but Innoventions closing is certain. September 14th is the last day of operation for both attractions I mentioned.