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Disney fans have strong opinions when it comes to the parks, and EPCOT is a prime example. Many of us connected with the original version in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s changed so much during the past 38 years, and some updates have made it better. However, other creative decisions have drastically altered the overall theme. I still enjoy the current park, but there is also room for improvement.
On this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, I talk in detail about what I would do to improve the park if I was in charge. It’s just a fun exercise that explores what I love about EPCOT. My ideas aren’t just about going backwards. My goal is to honor the past while looking to the future. The hope is for a more unified concept, especially within Future World. Disney announced big changes at the D23 Expo in 2019, but many of those updates may not happen due to the pandemic. My ideas are looking to a time when Disney has the resources to make significant changes to EPCOT.
During this show, I’m also talking about your ideas for improving EPCOT. I’ve included your e-mails, Twitter and Instagram messages, and audio clips to expand the conversation. This is just Part 1; there was too much to cover in one show. I focus on Spaceship Earth, The Land, The Seas, and the Imagination pavilion during Part 1. Next week, I’ll talk about Future World West and World Showcase in Part 2.
Show Notes: Improving EPCOT
Check out Wesley James’ ideas to Save EPCOT at Reverse Imagineering.
Read Tim Grassey’s editorial for MiceChat about Fixing EPCOT.
Learn more about the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award Ceremony Presented by Disney.
Hi Dan,
What an intriguing topic! Enjoyed your podcast and am looking forward to what’s in store for part two. Sorry I missed the opportunity to comment prior to the episode. I’m going to put on my CEO & Imagineer hat and say what I would do, if budget & reality were no object. Likewise, I don’t think it makes sense to go backwards and try to restore Epcot “the way it was”. I realize that times change; and it might just be better in our memories than if we could go back there now.
But it’s good to ask why we have such a strong emotional connection to the “Old Epcot”. Here are a few things that stand out to me. Each of the pavilions told a story, whether it was the history of communication, scientific progress, transportation, creativity, etc. Of course the classic dark ride formula was perfect for story telling because we could “go on a journey” where it unfolds all around us. Even attractions like the Living Seas told a story. Although the “ride” component was limited, we guests were taking a journey to an undersea base beneath the waves. Not to mention that each of these experiences were a good value (in terms in time spent vs time waiting). Another thing that really shines about the “Old Epcot” was it’s optimistic tone. Of course, no one could predict the future we actually got, but it had a hopeful message. It aimed to inspire, not just entertain.
Moving on to what I would do if I were CEO with a trillion dollar checkbook. First, on day one I would immediately demolish the whole east side of Futureworld…. Namely Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission Space, & Test Track. I do not see any place for thrill rides and roller coasters in my vision of Epcot center.
I would replace Mission space with another space themed pavilion that expands and tells the story of space exploration, and what else might be out there. I would however keep the planned “Space Restaurant”… I think that will be cool. Hopefully it will be designed with enough capacity that most guests will be able to enjoy it.
I would abandon the “Futureworld” name, as Disney is already planning to do. As much as I love the name, even 1984 Epcot could not keep up with nor accurately predict the future so it only makes sense to leave it behind. On the other hand, I’m not very good at naming things so I would have to defer to smarter individuals than myself to come up with a new one.
Next I would build a pavilion that takes a deep dive into ancient civilizations. This may or may not have a “ride” component, but the idea would be that guests can experience what it be like to wander through ancient Rome, Mayan, Persia, China to name a few. Spaceship Earth hints at this, but I’m thinking of something much more detailed.
Then I would create a pavilion that explores the music & dance of the world. Of course one could base an attraction on the decades of American music, but in the spirit of Epcot it could explore music not from just different decades but also different places as well.
A pavilion that explores civics and human advancement would be interesting. This one might be the hardest to pull off, but I think there are some milestones in society that many could agree were good things, such as the end of the age of kings and the abolishment of slavery, and how people can achieve more when they pull together to meet challenges. Maybe it can take a page from Schoolhouse Rock 🙂
Finally, for Spaceship Earth… I always thought that would have been the ideal home for Horizons, because it was the attractions that represented the overall theme of futureworld. I would tear it out, and create a brand New Horizons in that space. It would be loosely based the original, but everything would be updated… especially the “looking back at the future” scenes which were quite primitive back then. Imagine seeing Progress City all around you in the top section before the descent. Many of the scenes from Horizons could still be relevant today, life in the ocean & in space… smarter use of the environment, all things that are still ahead of their time.
In short, I would like to restore it to an inspirational and educational place again, not a home for cheap thrills that anyone can get at six-flags.
Chris, thanks for the extended comment! I think you hit on a good reason why EPCOT Center connected with so many of us and still does today. Telling a good story can work for any era, even as technology changes. Your ideas definitely include a lot more destruction (and a bigger budget!) than what I’ve talked about on the show, though I do get more ambitious in Part 2. I’m still in the process of putting together next week’s episode, so I will address some of your points on the podcast. It’s going to be a lot of fun.