Disney Vows to Give Epcot a Magical, Long-Overdue Makeover

[RNCollins]

Disney Vows to Give Epcot a Magical, Long-Overdue Makeover

By Brooks Barnes
New York Times
July 15, 2017

"Disney’s third-oldest theme park, Epcot, is overdue for a serious sprucing up. And the company is finally ready to write the check, even as it continues to pour money into upgrades at other parks.

Bob Chapek, the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, hinted last November that major changes were coming to Epcot, which sprawls across 300 acres as part of the four-park Disney World complex near Orlando, Fla. At an event for Disney fans, Mr. Chapek said the 35-year-old Epcot, best known for the giant golf-ball-looking sphere at its entrance, would one day become “more Disney, timeless, relevant, family friendly...."

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/media/disney-epcot-theme-parks.html

 

[Sea Six]

EPCOT needs some major updates. As much as I appreciate the new Soarin' and Frozen rides, so many of the buildings are wasted space or tired rides. Ellen's Energy Adventure, the Events pavillion, the movie theater that was Captain EO then Honey I Shrunk The Audience, then Captain EO again and now some awful animation movie, Journey into Imagination, even Mission Space is a bomb anymore. Then there's the "Odyssey Center" - what the heck is that? They need to build a ground level entrance to Soarin so we don't have to walk all the way up the ramp, then ride down the escalators just to get to the ride. There's a walkway already there - I've used it as an exit when there was too much traffic in the building. Just open it up!

 

[markestacio]

I have to agree with that. Major changes should happen to bring in fresher experience for those who are not first-time visitors.

 

[Pietin]

What about add Russia or Poland to the world showcase. I could go for pierogie in EPCOT.

 

[clifffaith]

Our only trip to EPCOT was in 1987/1988. The best meal I'd ever had up to that date, and still certainly in my top ten, was in the Morrocan pavilion. Food was excellent, tea pouring "ceremony" at the end of dinner was memorable, and OMG the dessert pastries!

 

[Talent312]

Our only trip to EPCOT was in 1987/1988. The best meal I'd ever had up to that date, and still certainly in my top ten, was in the Moroccan pavilion. Food was excellent, tea pouring "ceremony" at the end of dinner was memorable, and OMG the dessert pastries!

If you liked that, you should go for the Internat'l Food & Wine Fest each Fall.
Lots of good stuff.

But agree that EPCOT had gotten old+tired and needs attention.
.

 

[bnoble]

Food & Wine Fest each Fall.

The park is nearly hosting year-round festivals. In addition to Food & Wine Festival (from 8/31-11/13), they also host the Festival of the Arts (aka "Art & Food & Wine") in January/Feburary, and the Flower and Garden Festival (aka "Plants & Food & Wine) from early March through mid-May. It won't be long before there is a festival year-round in the park...about the only times left are the winter holidays and peak summer.

 

[Sea Six]

What about add Russia or Poland to the world showcase. I could go for pierogie in EPCOT.

Go during the Food and Wine Festival and there is a Poland stand selling just what you want.

 

[Pietin]

Go during the Food and Wine Festival and there is a Poland stand selling just what you want.

Just haven't had the opportunity to go then with kids on school but it is on my Disney bucket list.

 

[Sea Six]

Well, I called the first one - Ellen's Energy Adventure is closing. Also closing is the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios.

 

[Big Matt]

I love the Great Movie ride