Let's get this out of the way early: For entirely nostalgic reasons, Epcot is my favorite park at Walt Disney World. There is a sense of wonder that I get that spurs my creativity as I enter the gates.
The main issue to address is the that Epcot has really changed the focus of Future World. What used to be a glimpse of what technology has brought to our present along with a peek at what may be coming in our near future had become a vaguely futuristic look at how awesome our thrill rides are.
FUTURE WORLD:
So let's enter the part where the first change will be extremely evident: Leave A Legacy will be moved or removed.
I know that there is some sort of time based agreement that buying a Leave A Legacy tile (a stamp sized metal portrait Disney sold to guests) will guarantee that the tile will be present for a certain length of time. as such, I would move them to a walkway or somewhere that it isn't blocking the view of Spaceship Earth.
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| Pictured - Spaceship Earth and the grave markers for people who call it "The Big Golfball" |
In the place of these giant eye sores, I would have either nothing or a tasteful sign or something. Anything but the Leave A Legacy stuff.
As we move straight ahead, we hit Spaceship Earth, which would have the final third redone as the interactive elements are fun, but the descent tunnel needs something to look at.
Continuing to go behind Spaceship Earth is the Innoventions area and it needs a little something more considering that it is just a mish mash of different companies advertising their wares. This has always been kind of a problem area ever since it came about in the 90's, but it just seems like a job fair in there now.
Since Future World has left its former mission statement behind, maybe we can convert Innoventions into a One Man's Dream type attraction with the focus on the ever changing landscape of Epcot. Models, movies, and demonstrations along with exhibits about defunct attractions would make this an Epcot fan's favorite area and it would give the company an excuse to sell Epcot Center retro merchandise that I love to buy.
To the left, is the Universe of Energy with Ellen and it is remarkably outdated. Since Ellen is involved, it stays pretty popular; however, from the moment she pulls out her enormous cell phone, the entire things falls apart. Combine this with the knowledge that technology has changed the way energy is produced and her and guest stars Bill Nye and Jamie Lee Curtis are all looking much older nowadays, this show either needs to be replaced or revamped. Though, having Nye and Ellen involved with whatever replaces it would be great. I would also accept either of them being replaced by Neil deGrasse Tyson or at least have him join in.
As we continue right next door to the The Universe of Energy, tucked away behind the bushes is the former location of the Wonders of Life Pavilion. Currently the space is used for special events and at this point, I think that this would be the best use of the space. In fact, I would have the construction crews come in to specifically make it into a more permanent showcase space. As an alternative, there is always my Portal idea, but I've fallen out of love with that idea.
Next up, Mission: Space would get a nice little retheme with the help of Neil deGrasse Tyson, who replaces Gary Sinese as our guide to the attraction. Once on the attraction, the ride video should be updated to the latest in special effects and single screen 3D technology. The post show will have single screen 3D that will have "windows" along the walls to show that we are in a space station as Tyson walks us through interactive exhibits. To go back to Earth, we walk through a Portal Door that instantly transmits us home. Too bad the technology to go INTO space with a portal does not exist yet.
Test Track 2.0 will remain the same since it has become pretty awesome.
Now, we go back around to the other side of Future World.
The Seas With Nemo and Friends needs a new aquarium and as such, they need to do that. I understand that it may close the attraction, but those fish deserve better.
As we enter The Land Pavilion, not much changes, but the film on Soarin' could is updated with 10K projection and possibly 3D.
Continuing on, we enter Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
What is currently playing in this area is not that great, but it isn't terrible; however, I think it should be restored to the closest approximation of what the original JII was and that included adding the Dreamfinder back into the attraction. I understand that the reason that they really can't is because the turn table the initial scene was built into is kind of welded shut.
I think I found a way.
Having to close up the pavilion for an extended time, this would be a complete overhaul of the building and the attraction. Coming into the attraction, you would collect your steam punk inspired "imagination goggles" (which are just 3D glasses) and climb aboard the newly updated cars that work similarly to the ones in the Spider-man attraction in Universal. The design of the cars would be very steam punk inspired as well as we go into the first scene.
The opening will be nearly exactly like the original Journey attraction that closed in 1998, except done with entirely new and updated technology. We get a 3D projection screen of the Dreamfinder and his blimp in the clouds. Clouds seem to fill the room and the vehicles sway as if floating on air as he introduces himself and the ideas of imagination eventually introducing us to his creation, Figment. Figment flies about the room as they gain inspiration until the "idea bag" is full and we must go empty it in the subsequent scenes. What follows is a wild and whimsical 4D journey of sight and sound as we fly through the pages of books, paint a room by pointing at surfaces, as well as other unpredictable scenarios that climax with the riders having to escape the horror section with the help of Figment and the Dreamfinder.
Once safe, you exit through a gift shop/playground where imagination runs wild!
Next door to the attraction is currently Captain EO; however, I think it would be best served as a preview center for the entire Disney company. 3D technology in general is an every day occurrence in today's day and age and an air conditioned theater that is showing only upcoming attractions and would be a great addition to an Imagination Pavilion. Perhaps even calling it the EO Theater would be a nice nod to the currently running...severely outdated attraction.
WORLD SHOWCASE:
To be honest, one of the best areas of any theme park is Epcot's World Showcase. It has everything you could possibly want including culturally diverse cast members that represent their individual countries, unique dining opportunities, and even bucket loads of alcoholic beverages.
There is some upkeep that needs to be done, especially in the Norway Pavilion, but this is an area of the park that could only be improved with the addition of more countries.
Without going into details about what they would entail, I humbly suggest the following: Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and anywhere that has good food that I may have left out.
Finally, Illuminations needs an update. I will leave it at that.
Next time, we delve into the Animal Kingdom for what should be the shortest entry in the series. Until then, don't forget to share, comment with your ideas and country additions, and listen to our podcast!
Thanks for reading!
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