A site for pointing out Disney's bad show

[cy1229]

From the start? I went to EPCOT close to when it was still opened, probably when I was like 10ish and several years after that. I found it absolutely amazing and didn't mind "learning".

I heart you.

In a completely platonic, never-have-met-you, appropriate sort of way.

[subsonic]

I heart you.

In a completely platonic, never-have-met-you, appropriate sort of way.

Aww, thanks. It's definitely a heated subject of mine. Some say I'm nostalgic, I say I'm just a fan of they Disney that stood for quality. If people have followed some of the things I say on here, they know how picky I can be. And to prove I'm not such a hard-head, I think Cars Land is absolutely fantastic. No complaints there (well, OK, perhaps too much Pixar lately). But, I even surprised myself when I exited RSR saying, "Wow, that was awesome, nothing to complain about that". However, it was the exact opposite reaction when I exited the Mexico ride with Donald Duck...

[cy1229]

The problem was that it wasn't a draw for tourists. The perceived educational factor may have backfired on them since it did not push the needle forward. A little surprising, considering it was near the start of educational entertainment. The idea would possibly have worked now if it weren't for the one-sided aspect since the remaining sponsors control the narrative. Though they still would need characters to prevent it from coming across as dry.

Interesting post I saw on this site today, related to just that:

EPCOT and smart people?

I’ve always wondered if those people who found EPCOT (yes, the all capitol one) boring or “too educational” when it first opened were simply dumber. From my observations and conversations, those that truly enjoyed EPCOT seem smarter. Those that say they are smart, didn’t like it and feel that all the Disney/character tie-ins are OK probably suffer from the Dunning-Kruger effect. Look it up.

[Wizzard419]

To be blunt, Epcot has never been educational, it was a high level summary of various topics but at the same time never (including when it was in the original version) any detail that could prove to be educational. They could look for it when they got home, but at the same time that would not be teaching by the park but rather by another source.

It's not like you could ask someone coming off of universe of energy to explain hydrocarbons or wonders of life to explain the nervous system.

[cy1229]

To be blunt, Epcot has never been educational, it was a high level summary of various topics but at the same time never (including when it was in the original version) any detail that could prove to be educational. They could look for it when they got home, but at the same time that would not be teaching by the park but rather by another source.

It's not like you could ask someone coming off of universe of energy to explain hydrocarbons or wonders of life to explain the nervous system.

Oh for crying out loud, are you always this literal, blunt, and need-to-be-right in person?

It was a JOKE. I thought it was funny that they both showed up at almost the same time (for me).

[Wizzard419]

As was calling beauty and the beast a movie about bestiality.

[cy1229]

As was calling beauty and the beast a movie about bestiality.

Yeah that made me smirk just a bit.

[jrcohen]

I +1 the whole loving the old EPCOT. Some of my favorite Disney memories are the old Universe of Energy, Horizons, World of Motion, and the original Journey into Imagination. Yes I agree these rides weren't teaching high level or even medium level educational material, but there was definitely some though provoking ideas there. Seeing Disney talking about and using solar energy to power rides (even partially) in 1985 was pretty amazing! Who knows how many people started learning about renewables because of UoE. I still remember that is where I learned about shale plays in the Oil business. Now, working with petrochemical companies, and oil companies on a daily basis I can say I started my job training at EPCOT when i was 5

[subsonic]

Who knows how many people started learning about renewables because of UoE. I still remember that is where I learned about shale plays in the Oil business. Now, working with petrochemical companies, and oil companies on a daily basis I can say I started my job training at EPCOT when i was 5

Totally agree! Without a doubt, Horizons inspired me to learn more about Space or just be interested in future technologies. I know it's final days the lines weren't so long so I'd ride it over and over again picking the final scenes. Likewise, World of Motion showed me the evolution of transportation. While Mission to Mars and Test Track are fun they don't really instill any memories upon me. (Not to mention that "skidding out" without anti-lock breaks doesn't feel anything like the real thing)

[Wizzard419]

Is it not possible that you have aged out? The rides are not and were not targeted adults, it isn't like the old rides made people change from being accountants to being experts in car design.

[subsonic]

Well, I went with my girlfriend 2 years ago and she said her favorite ride was Spaceship earth. Of course, she enjoyed TT and M:S but just goes to show that thrill isn't needed everywhere.

[Wizzard419]

I am presuming your gf was around in the 80's or early 90's, otherwise I might have to call someone. But anyway, nostalgia is a powerful tool and tints vision. Same reason why they used to wheel out Andy Griffith, to make that generation feel more relevant and loosen those purse strings.

The parks do not need to be all thrills, but they do need to have good, modern rides. SSE was great but now it is showing its age and the refreshes can only do so much. It isn't in any danger of being replaced since it would require such major work that it would be cheaper to knock the whole thing down and build a replica. The biggest problem that the old rides have is they do not tell a story to you but rather at you, giving the feeling that if the car were empty the ride would have the same experience. Things like randomizing results in RSR, different ride experiences in ST, etc. give the rides some level of re-visit value. They are trying on SSE with the interactive portion to cover the dead sections going in and out of the ride, but it doesn't mesh well.

[subsonic]

She had never been there before....

[Wizzard419]

You don't need to have been present for it to be nostalgic for it, 80's stuff seems to hit a sweet spot. Possibly because gen x is getting older and gravitating towards icons from youth. Look at the merch they did for the 30th as well as for Cpt EO, all playing hard on the past.

[subsonic]

I stand corrected; I just confirmed with her and she said Mission:SPACE was her favorite... You win