Tidbits August 2007

[TINKERBELL_82]

Thanks a bunch for the updates Jason!

[BrerSchultzy]

Thanks for the updates!

I don't understand. EPCOT already has the World ShowPlace Pavilion and the former Odyssey Restaurant (don't even get me started about how much I miss the Odyssey), now WOL... how many private event pavilions do they need at EPCOT?

First of all, thanks for the updates! I check this section way too often, hoping you've updated the Tidbits thread.

As to the question asked, "How many private event pavilions to they need at Epcot"...well...there has been quite the grumbling over the years that Epcot is turning into a REALLY nice and elaborate convention center. I used to dismiss this as paranoia and anti-corporate musings....but...

It's getting harder and harder to say that Epcot is a theme park....and it's getting more and more obvious that Epcot is a World's fair with a few good rides. There are three "E-ticket" rides (Soarin', TT, M:S), 7 "Dark" rides (JIYI, Nemo, Maelstrom, Living with the Land, Energy, Spaceship Earth, El Rio del Whatever), some movies, a bunch of great restaurants, and some neat shops. If it weren't for the shops, and the distance between attractions, Epcot would be in danger of being a half day park.

So, instead of building new attractions, Disney is using it as a perk to corporate and private events. I understand that it's good for business, and a little revolutionary in the industry, but they better be careful not to let Epcot slip too far.

[Figment!]

**Updated**

[lockedoutlogic]

Thanks for the updates!

I don't understand. EPCOT already has the World ShowPlace Pavilion and the former Odyssey Restaurant (don't even get me started about how much I miss the Odyssey), now WOL... how many private event pavilions do they need at EPCOT?

you'd be surprised how many events go on in EPCOT on a daily basis....

that equals mucho dinero...and takes some of the brunt of upkeep off the backs of resort operations.....

...it's actually better for all of us...less they start to cut more corners in EPCOT...which would be tragic

[DisneyDudet]

Glad to see there are specific dates for the RnRC rehab.

I just hope its up and running Oct 12!! Stay on schedule you worker bees!

As always, thank you Jason. I always look forward to your Tidbits!

[GrumpyFan]

Disney hasn't confirmed this on their web-site yet, and I hope they don't! Because we're scheduled to be there during this timeframe with some friends who have never ridden it. So, please, please, PLEASE don't let this be true! It's bad timing too, especially since it's during the free dining promotion.

[Crow]

no RnR this trip for me then...and no SE which is even worse.
thanks for keeping us UTD

[Figment!]

Disney hasn't confirmed this on their web-site yet

Although waltdisneyworld.com is secondary source of rehab information, they actually have posted it.

They do appear to be having some loading issues, you may have to click the "go" button to get the updated info to load.

[GrumpyFan]

Thanks Figment, (for the bad news),that's where I was looking earlier. Either it didn't refresh when I was there, or the info has been updated. Regardless, it's showing now.

[DisneyDudet]

They do appear to be having some loading issues, you may have to click the "go" button to get the updated info to load.

Noticed this... most likely d/t the update of the ticket section of the site.

Is RnRC going down for just general refub or is there something specific they are doing?

[Tekneek]

Once again, a ticket price increase does not mean they will actually bring Wonders of Life back to life. Pay more for less. It's the new Disney way.

[glenpreece]

RnRC being closed now makes MGM almost not worth going to at all. It will be a half day trip with a Fantasmic thrown in one evening. Adam is going to be mad he has never been and I kept saying how'd he'd like RnRC. It was closed in Jan when I was there too.

[disneyfan369]

Thanks for the updates!

[Goofster]

RnRC being closed now makes MGM almost not worth going to at all. It will be a half day trip with a Fantasmic thrown in one evening. Adam is going to be mad he has never been and I kept saying how'd he'd like RnRC. It was closed in Jan when I was there too.

I agree completely. My wife and I were looking forward to riding it for the first time since 2002 (our Sept trip is without the kids). She won't ride ToT, so it really leaves nothing left to do that we couldn't normally do with the kids.

[John]

Yet another future world pavillion bites the dust. With Imagination gone to the dogs, Mission Space scaring folks away, The whole of innoventions being a waste of space and a clog to the once great flow of traffic, now wonders of life - convention space.

Unless this is somehow a start to doing something productive with the space in the form of rides and attractions down the line - it seriously bothers me this is planning under the watch of new managment that is supposedly focused on Epcots future.

And I don't give a darn how much convention space earns the company. It's a THEME PARK.

[Ian]

Yet another future world pavillion bites the dust. With Imagination gone to the dogs, Mission Space scaring folks away, The whole of innoventions being a waste of space and a clog to the once great flow of traffic, now wonders of life - convention space.

Unless this is somehow a start to doing something productive with the space in the form of rides and attractions down the line - it seriously bothers me this is planning under the watch of new managment that is supposedly focused on Epcots future.

And I don't give a darn how much convention space earns the company. It's a THEME PARK.

Amen, John.

[Lacy]

Very disappointed about WoL. This is the first place I ever visited at WDW. It is hard to believe that it is really done for as a public attraction. I don't get the private convention space in the park at all!

Also, disappointed about RnRC being down during free dining. Still excited about a trip with free dining but this means I'll be spending even less time at the Studios. We'll probably just show up for a ride on ToT, dinner, and Fantasmic!

Even though it isn't always good news, I appreciate the updates.

[TheRustyScupper]

The exterior of the Wonders of Life pavilion is also experiencing some changes that signal its permanent closure as a public attraction. Over the last three days, the marquee sign in front of the pavilion has been removed and the signature Tower of Life (giant DNA sculpture) has been in process of being dismantled. The removal of these items, compounded with the internal work directly in preparation of a private event, appear to indicate that the pavilion is in process to be transformed into a semi-generic private event location.

1) Rats.
2) I did not need to hear of another ride permanent closure.
3) Especially when replaced by a private party venue.

[DisneyDudet]

1) Rats.
2) I did not need to hear of another ride permanent closure.
3) Especially when replaced by a private party venue.

Exactly. It was a great place.

Good thing we did all we could the last time we were there and it was open. Thanks to Intercot, I knew to take advantage of WoL anytime we were there and it was open!

R.I.P Wonders of Life Pavilion. May you entertain and educate the masses along side the original Imagination, Horizons, World of Motion, Alien Encounter, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and The Timekeeper in the Disney World in the sky, where streets are paved with gold and Beaver Tails are abundant. You will be truly missed.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates.