BeemerBoy

^^ Rehab? Is there a 12-step program invovled? j/k ^^^ Please post it, Will. I'm still looking around for my pics from opening week....back when the line snaked around underneath, and extended well into the Communicore area. Ahh, the good ole days.

Well, I love it the way it is, but it appears that they're approaching this refurb the right way. I'm cool with it, just as long as Nemo doesn't find his way into it somehow. Now THIS is the kind of stuff that made EPCOT, EPCOT. Kudos on this one. Memo to construction workers: While onsite, don't be afraid to remove a certain wand located just east of large silver ball. Thank you.

That's a pretty generous description. But hey, I'll give the guy cedit for taking the opportunity to explore a little of what else is out there. The baby steps continue on the road to becoming a true "theme park expert."

Thanks Julie. It's reports like this that leave me slightly confused. That's nothing against you though. I actually love your honesty in reporting. We're about to make our first ever trip up to DW this weekend, and despite all the wonderful accolades this park receives, there's just always been something in the back of my mind that leaves me somewhat suspicious about encountering a bit of an underwhelmed feeling when all is said and done. I mean, the place is obviously beautiful, photographs well in everyone's TRs, is not afraid to spend money to bolster its ride portfolio, has incredible food, and a freindly staff (from what I hear, of course), yet still seems like it may be missing something I can't put a finger on. I certainly don't wanna rush to judgement, having never stepped foot there before, but I appreciate your candidness about a place that everyone seems to adore. I'm as anxious as ever to finally visit now! Only a few days away...now if we could just get the weather forecast to cooperate.

^ I was thinking more along the lines of the Married:With Children coaster, featuring onboard audio of David Faustino's rap album.

Wes, have you still got your video of it testing?

^ Besides Bond, as far as well known franchises go, Star Wars qualifies, and would make an excellent theme park. As far as the original question goes.....they could replace the outdated cartoons at IOA and theme that to the Simpsons, but not a whole park, IMHO.

Two words: General Lee! Git-R-Dun Seriously though, great pics. I'm somewhat of a car guy too (part time professional detailer), so this definitely caught my eye. And, as mentioned above, I'm surprised by the PT Cruiser fetish you guys have over there. They look good though. It's also somewhat odd to see so many classic American autos in the show. Was that white one a '33 Ford by chance? And that Merc with the ghost flames should've been chopped! It would've looked so much meaner that way. Anyway, looked like fun. Glad you enjoyed it.

^ Eh, I don't know. It may be somewhat overpriced, but SFOG's food selection has improved a bit over the years.

That's a good point. Because now that those 3 are living in Florida, they'd have to take into consideration the adjustment in price for the cost of buying blue body paint in bulk. Scott "I'm kidding, I'm kidding" B.

Sounds like Harry Potter Land's gonna have some serious capital behind it.

Funny, my friend and I were eating breakfast with Lee Jansen and Vijay Singh in the clubhouse before the Honda Classic in the early-mid 90's. As we finished and got up to walk away, Brad walked by carrying several boxes of new shoes from his sponsor (FootJoy), and I jokingly said "It's about time those got here." He laughed and asked if I really wanted a pair. I said sure, but unfortunately, his shoe size was smaller than mine. I was surprised that he was actually seriously gonna just hand me a pair! Really nice guy, and I've rooted for him ever since.

I'm sort of torn on the thought of that. The open view would be kinda cool...like the front of a beemer floorless. But I still really like how the bannisters look with the coaster name on them, like Thunderhead and Rumbler. However; on the other hand, the open view on a millennium flyer would feel like riding a La-Z-Boy down the track.

^^^ No worries Wally. Mini Coopers = not gay at all. Actually a pretty sweet ride, and definitely a fun car to take out and open it up on the mountain roads of north Georgia. Scott "the S really is slightly better though" B.

Admittedly, the ride looks absolutely incredible!! However, I'm not quite sure how it's really any better or worse than something like EE as far as overall theming is concerned. They're both top notch in my book from what I've seen. Glad you enjoyed it though, guys. It really is a jewel of a ride, in an incredible looking park. Great reports, and great pics all around. Nice work. Now if I could just get over there at some point in my lifetime.

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Nice report, Scott. I'm surprised I missed it until now. You should've fed that gator some marshmallows. One of my first jobs was at a golf course, and our resident gator absolutely loved eating 'em for some odd reason. He became like my unofficial pet while I worked there. And speaking of gators, unfortunately I gotta deduct a few points for your shirt at BGA. Scott "Go Canes" B.

Move to Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll have Busch Gardens Euroburg. It'll sorta feel like home, and you'll have a bit of theming too. Problem solved.

Yeah, I see your point, but unfortunatley the park you're an enthusaist about doesn't exist anymore. At least the majority of the GP seem to really like the changes. I hear more and more people say how "Epcot is their favorite park at WDW." 10 years ago, all I heard is how people were bored there. Understood. See, here's the thing. As someone who's visited the park from opening week until today, I've been lucky enough to see the progression. On the same hand, I was 8 on my first visit, and I'm not gonna lie and say that the park turned out to be the thrill-laden place both my brother and I envisioned it to be following the MK. As kids, we were somewhat bored too. But that's what made EPCOT such a ballsy move on Disney's part....it was "different," and even then I think I still appreciated the learning aspect of what we were visiting. I'm definitely not saying the old EPCOT would survive today, and I'm certainly not opposed to more thrills. All I was trying to suggest was that the direction in which they've headed veers from the original goal of the park in it's early years. Besides Test Track, I just think the "thrills" they've added are for entertainment value only. This obviously works on some level, because as Matt suggested, the "dumbing down" of America contirbutes a bit to it. I just think with Disney's minds, they could've stuck to the original intention of "edutainment" a bit more. I would hardly say that the "thrill rides" that Epcot has received are ANYTHING but ordinary rides trying to "fit in." I mean, think about it, the last three Epcot rides: Test Track, Mission: Space, and Soarin' are one of a kinds outside of Disney theme parks. I would see your point if they ripped down Horizons and build an Intamin rocket coaster, but everything that has gone in recently is top of the line family entertainment. And Soarin' is hardly what I'd call a "thrill ride." And where exactly would that fit in at the Studios?!?! I wasn't trying to imply that the "thrill rides" were ordinary, or that they themselves were trying to "fit in." It was more of a thought that Disney felt EPCOT needed something to attract the crowds that were starting to go elsewhere. In other words, the park acquired a few new "thrill rides" which only made it seem like it, as a whole, was trying to fit in with what every other park in central florida offers. And as I've said, that's not necessarily bad. In my opinion, I just believe, besides Test Track, that they could've done better with Mission:Space, and rather than drop Soarin' in there, they could've focused on either updating Universe or Wonders of Life. Yeah, there's no doubt, whether I like 'em or not, those rides are far from ordinary, and even though I'll never *get* Mission:Space, I can't argue with the engineering and ambition that went into it. There's obviously no other company in the world that would attempt it. I am somewhat confused with your thoughts on Soarin' though. With all due respect, if it's not a "thrill" ride in your opinion, what classification does it deserve? Honestly, whatever it is, I enjoyed it. I really did. But I can't help but feel it's nothing more than just a glorified advertisement for the Tourism board of the state of California. I'm not sure it really fit in at The Land pavilion. To me, it just seems a better fit at the studios for some reason. I can't put a finger on why, it just feels better suited over there. I mean, it's really just an IMAX movie on a hanging seat in a sort of simulator ride form....with the great orange smell of course. Brilliantly executed, but in its simplest form, that's really all it is....well, to me, anyway. You can't compare Epcot to Sea World. They are two completely different kinds of parks. You can draw comparisons between Animal Kingdom and Sea World, but not Epcot. That doesn't even make the slightest bit of sense to try. Oh, and what were two of Sea World's biggest additions in the last decade? Gee...let's see...ROLLER COASTERS. --Robb It wasn't necessarily a comparison of Sea World to EPCOT ride for ride, or attraction by attraction. I was just trying to make a connection between the theories involved with their presentation. The thought was that both parks (well, early EPCOT anyways), try to incorporate a responsiblity to try and teach the public while they have their attention. The fact that Sea World added two coasters actually is what I was trying to get at with EPCOT adding its "thrill rides." What made EPCOT so original and unique was that it bent the rules. It went against what the industry at the time said had to be built to draw crowds. I think that's what the "early EPCOT" purists like myself appreciate so much. Although we don't mind evolution of the place, it'd just be nice to see the brilliant minds of Disney not completely give in to building rides only to thrill and not try and at least convey some sort of educational lesson. Obviously two schools of thought on why we both love the place so much. I'm just saying that if anyone can pull off the perfect balance to satisfy us both, it's Disney. I just wish they'd try a bit harder at it. Sorry to be so longwinded about the response. I really never expected the thread to evolve this way. Maybe we need an EPCOT suggestion box thread intstead.

^ Clever. Almost.

^^^ And see, that's the issue I have with Future World. Although upgrades are inevitable, as an "old school" EPCOT CENTER enthusiast, it just feels like such a sellout to "thrill it up" rather than stay true to the original intentions behind building the place. With so many other parks already containing plenty of thrill rides, why does Epcot need to fit in? The only change that made sense was Test Track. It's a great example of an exceptional thrill ride with a tinge of educational value. Also, I enjoyed Soarin', but felt it would be better off at the studios instead. And hey, no one ever gets on Sea World's case for being too educational. Afterall, although the merits of holding whales captive can be debatable, the underlying message throughout the park, and in most of its presentations is one of conservation through education. So education through entertainment does have a spot.

Of course they read the boards. It's human nature to want to know what people are saying about you. Saying "only at home when they're bored" is a lame comment though. That's like me saying "sure, I eat....but only when I'm hungry." Just admit that people are paid to research feedback. It's what every good company does to stay on top. Although I sometimes feel Disney must practice "selective reading." Anyway, since they need stuff to read tonight when they're bored, I'll quickly summarize (IMHO) what sucks: 1. Wand. 2. Hat. 3. "Rockin'" (insert ride here). 4. Epcot losing its identity. 5. Stitch Encounter. 6. Using an abundance of Pixar rides as a crutch for a lack of imagination. 7. Insane ticket prices. 8. Lack of Toad. 9. The latest version of Journey Into Imagination...or whatever it's being called now. 10. Eisner. Yep, he still sucks. Now get to work on correcting that stuff. Thanks.

Felt this deserved another bump. Great video! You certainly won a bunch of votes from me......oh, and bonus points for perfecting the Disney character parade wave. Good Luck

^ ^^ Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it was a Seinfeld reference (memory's a bit foggy). I doubt he meant anything viscious by it.