On February 5, 2007 I had this to say about the possibility of Disney not celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Epcot:

Before I continue my discussion this week about the town of Celebration, I would like to take a brief moment to express my disappointment with the Walt Disney Company over Epcot’s 25th anniversary.  Recently on Deb Wills’ site AllEarsNet, Deb interviews Epcot Vice-President Brad Rex.  According to her interview, which can be found here, Brad Rex states that “although 2007 marks Epcot's 25th anniversary, there was no big celebration planned, although there would be private observances behind-the-scenes for cast members.”  I understand that the general public does not have the same affection toward Epcot as the Magic Kingdom and that Disney marketing would have trouble publicizing the event over the Year of a Million Dreams.  Nevertheless, the theme park born out of Walt’s vision deserves to be celebrated with the masses, and not only in private observances held backstage.  There are many that would attend and want to be a part for this landmark anniversary of a truly innovative and diverse park.  What in the world Disney?

Due to recent events, I may have to change my perspective and be a bit more forgiving. 

The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

It all started with a planned renovation of El Rio del Tiempo in early January 2007.  El Rio del Tiempo had become outdated (films were obviously from the early 1980’s), it was severely lacking in appeal (the guys at WDWToday referred to it as the “River of Boredom” and I have to concur), and there was some questions about its political correctness during the final scene where Mexican merchants tried to sell your ride vehicle various goods.  In my view, it made the Mexico Pavilion less interesting and after I rode El Rio del Tiempo once, I really did not have the need or desire to ride it again. 

With the opening of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, Disney has made an effort to revitalize the pavilion and bring guests back into the pyramid that have not been there in a while.  While some Epcot purists scoff at the idea of introducing animated characters to a World Showcase attraction, the necessity of something new to get people exciting was long overdue and took precedence over any concern of mixing the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  The hope of the World Showcase pavilions is to make people want to visit these countries; and I personally think that new theming, the introduction of Donald Duck, Panchito, and Jose Carioca, and new and upgraded ride video is exactly what will make the Mexico Pavilion thrive again.

 
The Mexico Pavilion Pre-Gran Fiesta Tour

Spaceship Earth Rehab

            Last week, it was announced that Spaceship Earth would be undergoing some major refurbishments and improvements.  According to wdwmagic.com, “A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures.”  Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.  The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each “time machine” that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future. As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing.  With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008.

            While I am a little sad to hear that we will probably no longer be listening to the soothing and calm narration by Jeremy Irons, the knowledge that Spaceship Earth will be revamped is exciting.  Spaceship Earth is definitely a favorite in my family, however, with a lot of the attractions in Future World, the “future” often catches up.  The not-too-distant future scene at the top of Spaceship Earth is not so much outdated, as it is no longer an inspiring look toward the future.  Communicating via video conferencing and learning in virtual classrooms are now common place and have been for some time.  While I am a little fearful that the original theme of communication throughout the ages will be lost in this rehab, I am confident that whatever designs they have in mind will make the ride just as relevant as it now, just as historical, and much more awe-inspiring.  Let’s hope that the apparent fusion of elements from the now-extinct Horizons and Spaceship Earth will create an attraction that will all make us look to the future with anticipation and hope.

Construction walls around the post-show area, entitled Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow (picture courtesy of wdwmagic.com)

Restaurant Refurbishments and Replacements

            According to Mouseplanet.com’s Walt Disney World Park Update by Mark Goldhaber, several restaurants have planned rehabs scheduled or have been completed.  The Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki will be closed for refurbishment from April 15 through August 25.  Le Cellier Steakhouse is closed for refurbishment from May 14–18.  The Lotus Blossom Cafe has reopened from its refurbishment.  In addition, in March it was announced that the L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante is set to close on August 31, 2007, and will be replaced by a yet-to-be-named new Italian restaurant.

            While these news items may seem unimportant, they really suggest a desire to fine tune the dining options available in Epcot.  While the refurbishment to Le Cellier is only five days long, it goes to show that the park is concerned about keeping these restaurants clean, functional, and working to conform to the high standards that Disney places on its restaurants.  The fact that the Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki is going through a five month rehab means there will most likely be some significant retooling and redesign of the restaurant itself.  This is important to note, as Disney is making it very apparent that it wishes to improve upon its restaurants and make them as welcoming to guests as possible.

The Next Best Thing . . .

            So what do all of these improvements, additions, and refurbishments mean to Epcot?  Well, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I was extremely upset that Disney was not planning some sort of celebration for the 25th anniversary of Epcot.  Perhaps I jumped the gun too quickly.  As the year progresses I am seeing some wonderful, and in some cases much-needed, improvements to Epcot.  Tender Loving Care.  While the public may not be celebrating the opening of Epcot; it is nevertheless being honored with some refurbishments, improvements, and park additions.  During Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, the Disney Parks around the world sent attractions, shows, and other park-specific things to other parks in celebration (that is how Epcot got Soarin’).  For Epcot’s 25th, instead of some elaborate parade or party, Epcot is receiving some much-needed TLC.  It will be nice to see Epcot grow and evolve as the other parks have; and thanks to this attention in Epcot, Disney has given its fans the next best thing to a formal celebration of Epcot’s 25th Anniversary.

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