Wes Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bk-epcot070507,0,46286.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout The 257-foot-tall Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand logo structure at Epcot is coming down. Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee announced this morning that the time has come to remove the structure, which has served both as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign since 2000, and as a lightning rod for criticism from Epcot purists who contended the image was out of character for Epcot's architecture. The structure leans on Epcot's previous and future iconic figure, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion, a180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles. The arm and glove went up for Walt Disney World's 2000 millennium celebration. Now, however, with but with Epcot's 25th anniversary this fall, and the temporary closing of Spaceship Earth ride, MacPhee said, "We think the timing of the removal is right." Deconstruction of the 50-ton structure begins Monday, and will be completed shortly before the park's 25th anniversary, October 1. Also coming down are the 36-foot-high "Epcot" letters and colored stars splashing across the sphere. Also Monday, the Spaceship Earth ride will close to complete a refurbishing sponsored by Siemans AG. The work should be done by November, MacPhee said. At 257 feet, the arm-glove-wand addition to the Epcot dome made the structure the tallest point in all of Walt Disney World. Once it comes down, the tallest points according to Sentinel research will be two structures both estimated at 199 feet tall -- the Tower of Terror at MGM Studios and the new Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. The tallest point in the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle at 180 feet. In terms of park centerpieces, Epcot's dome and Magic Kingdom's castle will both be the tallest, followed by Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life at 145 feet and then the sorcerer's hat at MGM standing at 100 feet tall.
arrowfanman Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I am both shocked and immensly pleased by this news! -Jahan
Airtime&Gravity Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 Although I didn't have a problem, I am pleased that they are reverting back to the original dome. I actually thought the arm was just for 2000, but when Disney kept it, I grew used to it, but it's obvious some Disney patrons really disliked it.
Homer Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 Oh hells yeah! Best news I've heard about EPCOT since the Siemens sponsorship. Hehehe... Siemens. The 14 year old in me still laughs.
mcjaco Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I just had a incredibly immense joygasm. Yippee! I'm betting Siemens had something to do with decision.
BeemerBoy Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I guess my dream back in May really is coming true afterall! Words cannot express how incredibly happy I am about this news. Scott "immediately beginning to dream of a brand new Ferrari in my garage" B.
CoasterFanatic Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 Excellent. I was never really a big fan of the structure and thought it took away from the beauty of it's Geodesic neighbor. Now, if we can only get rid of that annoying hat that blocks the view of Mann's Theater .... oh ... and those ridiculous Monoliths.
thefitness Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 Thank God! I didn't mind the arm/wand that much, but the sphere is will look MUCH better without it. The entrance plaza will finally (hopefully =D) have that classic EPCOT feel to it again.
CdnbMatt Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I think after all these years it might look a tad bare in Future World. Personally I didn't have too much of a problem with the wand. Thet being said, I'm not upset the wand is coming down.
stingrock23 Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 This is great news. I know the rumors were flying around for a while, but finally we've got concrete proof that this big piece of crap is coming down.
mcjaco Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I just had a dreadful thought. What if they're replacing it with enormous Mickey ears....
thomas2 Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 When I first saw a picture of Epcot I thought the wand was photoshopped. Needless to say I don't like it.
WillMontu Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 About time, and seven years overdue! I guess that means that I don't have to Photochop it out anymore or spend time trying to find the perfect angle to take a picture of it now.
Shockwave Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 It didn't really fit in with the park's aura, so it's nice that it's getting taken down. Bye bye night-time wand! Bye bye wand!
dr.gumbo Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 Despite how ugly it looks during the day I have to admit it looks good at night.
ghost007jas Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I'm probably the only person who really liked the look of the Wand, especially at night. I honestly don't care one way or another, but I did like how the wand lit up at night.
alanjonesbath Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 About time as well. I thought this would have been taken down at the end of 2000, so I'm quite glad they've finally decided to take it down. I never really liked it, didn't think it fitted in either, so for me it's definately a good thing that it'll be going.
MidtownCoaster Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I will admit that it looked nice at night. But, it just didn't fit and looked TERRIBLE during the day. Here's to hoping SSE gets some great new lighting effects.
raptorcrew2002 Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I just had a dreadful thought. What if they're replacing it with enormous Mickey ears.... Maybe they are going to replace it with Siemen (s) sign. Great way to market the most favorite newly sponsored ride for those warm and sticky days by entering those capsules for a journey into the dark tunnel of pure AC bliss. Think they will bring back tomorrows child audio for the rides ending? Sorry odd day. Cheers!
easytoremember Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 YES!!! FINALY. I really hated that thing. The sphere looks soooooooo much better without it.
resonancej Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 WOOOHOOO!!! (does happy dance) I'll chime in and say I'm very glad it's finally coming down. That being said I'm very curious to see what the rehab will look like, as it was very badly in need of one. Hmm...first Haunted Mansion and now Spaceship Earth...looks like the classics are getting the makeover they deserve finally.
bulldogmom Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 I've never been to Epcot but I've seen plenty of pictures of this thing (wand) and always thought it was hideous. As someone said, the architecture in the rest of the park is so beautiful, this thing was like a laughingstock. The sphere itself is awesome.
resonancej Posted July 5, 2007 Posted July 5, 2007 The giant wand and the word "Epcot" over top of the sphere is what's coming down. If you've seen old pictures of Epcot from the 80s or 90s, the sphere alone gives the entrance a very majestic (even mysterious) feel. This stupid prop totally ruins that.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now