We’ve reached the east side of Future World, and major changes are happening. Once home to Universe of Energy, Horizons, World of Motion, and Wonders of Life, this area now includes none of those pavilions. Instead, we can enjoy thrills at Test Track and Mission: Space and look sadly at Wonders of Life as a festival space. Innoventions East provides two experiences, but it’s a shell of its former self. What five small moves can Disney choose to help Future World East reach its potential?
Looming over this question is the gigantic show building for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster. Bob Chapek recently claimed this space could hold four Spaceship Earths, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great attraction. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to theme park attractions, Bob. This super headliner should draw huge crowds to this side of the park and remove the burden from other sections. This east side might become the place to be in Future World. What I’m struggling with is figuring out how it could fit thematically in Epcot.
The other addition in Future World East will be the space-themed restaurant positioned between Test Track and Mission: Space. Details are still sketchy on what will be included, but it’s an exciting idea. In preparing this list, I decided to discuss both of the future expansions instead of just focusing on the present. The choices that Disney makes today will play a huge role in Epcot’s future. Will they make decisions that preserve the theme and help the park make progress? I have my doubts but will try to stay optimistic until we know more. Regardless, here are five ideas for smaller ways to help Epcot become a better park.
5. Create a True Sense of Wonder in the Space Restaurant for the Possibilities of Space Travel
We’ve heard little about the space restaurant since Disney announced it during the D23 Expo in 2017. Plans are still in place, but it’s hard to say exactly what the experience will be like for guests. The concept art shows a massive view screen dominating one side of the restaurant, with an astronaut floating above the Earth. It looks like a stunning view. Guests will reportedly also enter via two “Transportation Chambers” which should provide a nice transition. The chances for something incredible are high, though I suspect getting an ADR will be a real challenge.
What I’m hoping for is something beyond just offering a stunning view. Can Disney convey the potential for space travel and inspire guests? They’re certain to make huge profits regardless given the lack of strong dining spots in Future World. Let’s raise the bar for this type of themed restaurant and create an attraction that feels right in Epcot. The “Transportation Chambers” recall The Living Sea’s Hydrolators (and hopefully will be as cool). With music, small details, and connections to what’s happening today in space, Disney can create something truly magical.
4. Install Additional Exhibits within Innoventions East that Connect to EPCOT Center’s Original Themes.
Once a bustling spot with a wide range of offerings, Innoventions East now contains only two exhibits. I’m surprised it’s even open at all and appreciate that Disney added the SpectacuLAB to focus on science. With that said, this space is pretty sad right now. The original Communicore East had so much that you could rarely see it all. There was still quite a lot when it changed to Innoventions, but it’s slowly drifted towards oblivion. What is the future for Innoventions?
If Disney chooses not to demolish the building, it needs to fill the space with worthwhile exhibits. Finding corporations to sponsor them is difficult, so why not look towards Disney’s own history? I’m not just talking about past EPCOT Center attractions either. Educational TV episodes like the “Man in Space” series helped to get the public excited about space travel. Disney can look back at some of those productions and connect them to technology that will play a key role in the future. With the Universe of Energy gone, why not focus on the future of energy in a smaller exhibit? Bringing some forward-thinking education to Epcot is a no brainer here.
3. Customize Both the Mission: Space Pre-Show and Attraction to Provide a Slightly Different Ride Each Time.
This one is trickier since Mission: Space received updates last year. Gary Sinise was replaced by the wonderful Gina Torres (Zoe from Firefly), and the Green version now orbits Earth. Changing up this attraction is a step in the right direction, but it did not go far enough. Disney needs to build a custom experience that ensures guests want to return frequently. What I’m seeking is a simpler version of Star Tours: The Adventure Continues that provides variations on the same journey.
The downside here is the cost in truly creating a custom experience. I’d love to see multiple places for guests to interact with the show and different results based on what we do. If changing up the ride isn’t financially possible, why not adjust the pre-show? Disney could hire a few actors, bring in Gina for a day, and offer different spiels. Inserting fun details into the queue would also enhance the experience. Mission: Space needs that extra dose of magic to really succeed. It’s not a bad attraction but has the potential for so much more.
2. Connect the In-Ride Updates on Test Track Better to the Design Choices for Our Vehicles.
In a similar vein to my previous idea, Test Track promises more interactivity than it delivers. Designing the cars is a lot of fun, especially when I’m visiting with my daughters. The attraction seems to indicate that you’ll truly learn how your design would work under various conditions. Sure, you do receive a score in several categories and can brag about how you’re better than others in the vehicle. However, it’s unclear why or how you proved that dominance.
I’m not looking for Disney to change the track or even drastically alter the ride vehicles. Instead, Disney can do a better job with the screens to showcase your designs. It would not take much to improve that experience, and it might educate us a little bit too. The post-show experience would also give you more chances to explore how your vehicle functions. By expanding the impact of your design choices, you would feel more immersed in this world. Test Track would become more than just a thrill ride and find new ways to connect with guests.
1. Enhance the Guardians of the Galaxy Rollercoaster to Become More Than a Branded Thrill Ride.
This future of Epcot may hinge on how popular the Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster is when it opens, likely in summer 2021. If this high-tech coaster is a big hit (which is likely), we’ll likely see more intellectual property attractions in Epcot. Considering the massive scope and investment from Disney into this attraction, I suspect it will be successful. My questions fall on the creative side of the project. Will Disney create an E-ticket that will stand the test of time? Given the questions about the future of this franchise following James Gunn’s firing, we may not see another Guardians film for quite a while (if ever).
I look at this attraction in a similar way to Pandora. In that situation, the Imagineers were able to create a land that transcended its source material and also fit within the park’s theme. It’s a tougher ask with Guardians for several reasons. First of all, these characters stand out a lot more than anyone in Avatar. Peter Quill, Gamora, and Groot are stars on their own. Can Disney please fans of those characters and also create a top-notch attraction? There’s a real challenge to strike that balance. Situated within Future World, the obstacles are even greater.
Thus far, we know that Peter Quill visited Epcot as a child. I hope the connection is stronger than that loose tidbit. We’ve seen the ride vehicles, which look impressive. Even so, is there any way this attraction can fit inside Future World. If nothing else, I’d like to see details within the pre-show that sell the concept. The gigantic show building also needs to fit somehow with the surrounding area. I’m going to hold on a verdict until the coaster opens, but there are a lot of questions remaining about it.
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Great thoughts, Dan! It’s so important that EPCOT hold on to core concepts like learning, innovation, and wonder. Otherwise it loses the identity we fell in love with it for!
Thanks Melanie! I think that’s the challenge that Disney is facing with Epcot. The leaders want to put in attractions that tie to movies and the brand overall, but there’s a risk the park loses its overall theme. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in the next 3-4 years.