The State of Epcot

[AlexanderMBush]

I see it announced at the 2019 expo, but I don't see it this year.

I'd be surprised, but I'd be fine with it. It wouldn't surprise me, considering that Pandora was announced five years before it opened.

 

[epcyclopedia]

The contractual obligation they'd have for it is the only thing I could see making them announce it so far in advance.

It keeps both parties on a timeline and in the public eye for accountability for the project moving forward.

 

[belloq87]

If a new country isn't coming until 2022, it better have a substantial attraction to go with it. If it's just going to be restaurants and shops, there's no way in hell it should take five years.

And mind you, I'll take a pavilion that's just restaurants and shops. Happily. I just won't accept a Pandora-like span from announcement to completion if that's all we're getting. As such, if 2022 is accurate, I don't see any way Disney announces it at D23 unless they're prepared to confirm that a major attraction is coming with it.

 

[Nick]

I see it announced at the 2019 expo, but I don't see it this year.

I'd be surprised, but I'd be fine with it. It wouldn't surprise me, considering that Pandora was announced five years before it opened.

Pandora was only announced so early due to contract reasons with Fox and Cameron though. So unless a similar demand is made, I don't see it.

If a new country isn't coming until 2022, it better have a substantial attraction to go with it. If it's just going to be restaurants and shops, there's no way in hell it should take five years.

And mind you, I'll take a pavilion that's just restaurants and shops. Happily. I just won't accept a Pandora-like span from announcement to completion if that's all we're getting. As such, if 2022 is accurate, I don't see any way Disney announces it at D23 unless they're prepared to confirm that a major attraction is coming with it.

Just because it's planned for a certain date doesn't mean construction is starting tomorrow. These things are set up on a schedule based on budget.

And there is a ride planned.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Pandora was only announced so early due to contract reasons with Fox and Cameron though. So unless a similar demand is made, I don't see it.


Just because it's planned for a certain date doesn't mean construction is starting tomorrow. These things are set up on a schedule based on budget.

And there is a ride planned.

As @epcyclopedia said, it could be more of the obligations by the country itself. We'll find out next week, but I do think we will see a lot announced for Epcot and DHS in particular.

 

[belloq87]

Just because it's planned for a certain date doesn't mean construction is starting tomorrow. These things are set up on a schedule based on budget.

I get that. I wish their schedule and budget allowed for them to get things added more quickly, that's all.

 

[Nick]

I get that. I wish their schedule and budget allowed for them to get things added more quickly, that's all.

So do I, but at this point I'm just happy Epcot seems to finally be seeing love (and actual expansion) over the next few years.

 

[Nick]

Remember the Brazil concept art I posted here awhile back (courtesy of Lee over at Magic)? Well Lee dropped more last night. This was part of the original pitch to Brazil, apparently. If any of this has made it to the final stages is unknown.

 

[misterID]

That would be a huge pavilion. Looks like they scavenged the old Venezuelan pavilion idea, also.

 

[Ryan]

Yeah that would necessitate something much larger (also lol oil refineries), if it's in the slice of land seen, I'm guessing it would be closer to the final concept art.

 

[randompixel]

With gondolas in the background too. Perfect!

 

[Ryan]

Haha I think that was the proposed attraction. (Rio has gondolas)

 

[s8film40]

I was just coming here to mention this. Mostly because it'll be where the model trains are and I'll be sad to lose them. Even if the inhabitants of the village are all red eyed zombies (or used to be)

Roll on D23

Model trains > Brazil

 

[Nick]

Model trains > Brazil

There's always the possibility that the Trains get moved. Not exactly sure where they could put them though.

 

[epcyclopedia]

There's always the possibility that the Trains get moved. Not exactly sure where they could put them though.

Just on the other side by the wishing well.

 

[Nick]

Just on the other side by the wishing well.

There is a decent amount of space over there... it would just come down to if they care to save it I suppose.

 

[Freak]

Are we looking at a totally original ride to go into Workdshowcase? If so, that is Huge. That will be the first time in nearly two decades Disney will have built an original concept in the states.

 

[epcyclopedia]

Are we looking at a totally original ride to go into Workdshowcase? If so, that is Huge. That will be the first time in nearly two decades Disney will have built an original concept in the states.

Eh? M:S opened in 2002, RSR not too long ago... Everest. Flight of Passage.

What's your idea of an original concept?

 

[shiekra38]

Eh? M:S opened in 2002, RSR not too long ago... Everest. Flight of Passage.

What's your idea of an original concept?

Non IP I'm sure...I would lump Everest and Kali in these "original" concept territory..

I mean technically I would lump River Journey and FoP into original concepts as well, but that's just me

 

[s8film40]

I mean technically I would lump River Journey and FoP into original concepts as well, but that's just me

I wouldn't have agreed with this before, but I've been kind of surprised how Disney has handled this. They really are treating it like an original concept. The billboards for example simply say "ride a banshee at Animal Kingdom" with no mention whatsoever of Avatar or Pandora. Really smart move as it can appeal to people who aren't familiar with Avatar, otherwise known as the vast majority of the public.