Fan's Voices do Make a Difference at Disney

"it's a small world" fans don't give up. Your voices are being heard and Disney is busy doing damage control. If you want an example of where the opinion of fans has made a difference look no further than Epcot's Spaceship Earth.

When the attraction soft-opened in February we knew via official sources that it was not complete. There was work to be done, but having that attraction capacity was important to handle the holiday crowds. Still, it was obvious to those who rode it that something was wrong with the changes.

Many changes were done well. Changing the theme of the attraction from communications to technological advancement was subtle but effective for the most part. Some special effects were added that are fun to see. The exit area of the attraction is a big improvement over the dead space that was there before.

But there were problems. Huge script issues and the complete lack of sets and design in the second half of the attraction was a big issue.

So what do we find this last week, SSE has been updated with some new phrases to tighten up the script. We also have a Seimens spokesperson admitting that they weren't happy with the attraction either and there is still lots of work to be done.

I'm hearing that some of that work involves actually adding sets and story designs back into the second half of the attraction.

So yes, Disney fans. Your voices are being heard. When the quality isn't up to Disney standards we can make a difference.

Tags: disney, its a small world, disneyland, epcot, theme park, spaceship earth, small world, iasw, disney fans

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Mt Fuji back on the drawing boards for EPCOT?

Who knows where these rumors get started, but my sources are giving me the typical non-denial, denial when I mentioned this one. Mt. Fuji, long rumored to be a "Matterhorn"-esque roller coaster ride will be Epcots next big project. It is slated to be added to the Japan pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase and will be a very thrilling ride that will feature multiple coaster technologies along with the chance of getting wet.

The reason this is back on the project list is the delay of the rumored new Russia pavilion.

Tags: epcot, disney, wdw, disney+world, rumor, gossip, japan+pavilion

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Dame Judi Dench to narrate Spaceship Earth

I've just heard that Dame Judi Dench, whom you may recognize as 'M' from the recent James Bond films, will be the narrator when Epcot's Spaceship Earth reopens early next year.

This will mark the first female narrator for the attraction and the fourth in the history of the attraction. Previous narrators were Vic Perrin, Walter Cronkite, and Jeremy Irons.

I had heard that Patrick Stewart had been selected as the new narrator. So take this latest leak with a grain of salt. Either Stewart or Dench is infinitly better than Patrick Warburton. Picture in your mind Kronk from The Emperor's New Groove saying "On This Our Spaceship Earth."

Tags: disney, epcot, sse, space ship earth, spaceship earth, judi dench, james bond, narrator, imagineer, imagineering, themepark, futurism, kronk

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EPCOT Center: October 1st 2007 - 25 years of Epcot

So, where will you be on October 1st? I'm thinking I'll be at Epcot to experience the celebration of its 25th Anniversary. There is a very good chance this even would never have happened if it wasn't for the fans. Two fan organized events played a big part in the Walt Disney Company stepping up to the plate to observe this important date.

The Epcot Thing is organized by Disney fan and webmaster Nathan Rose of MagicalMountain.com. It's a multi-day event scheduled around meetups and tours with some big names from the Disney fan community and a name or two from Epcot's past.

The folks at DreamFinder Forever have organized an event with some official recognition from Disney management. Registration is closed for this event..

But what is Disney doing for that day? Well, a few details have begun to come out. Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger is expected to be at the events of the day. Other Disney dignitaries will include Marty Sklar, who led the design team for EPCOT Center, and John Lasseter. Roy E. Disney may also be involved.

Backstage, cast members have begun to receive flyers from the pre-opening days of EPCOT and other reports on the park's history. This is really ratcheting up the excitement level for everyone.

I'm also hearing, but cannot confirm this, that the whole park will have its name changed back to EPCOT Center. Where EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and Center implies a place to explore the concepts behind that ideal. If so, I hope the philosophy is changed too, not just the name.

A few decorations have already begun to permeate the guest areas of the park. They all revolve around the original EPCOT Center logo. You should expect more of that as well as some other special surprises. Don't expect the 1st to be the only day to mark the park's importance either. This celebration is being planned to last all year.

Tags: epcot, disney world, 25th anniversary, wdw, theme park

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Spaceship Earth Rumors

With Epcot purists happy now that the wand is gone, thoughts are turning to what is going on inside the geodesic sphere. The attraction signs are down from the entrance with new LED lit signs on order; and all signs point toward serious work under way inside Spaceship Earth too.

The attraction vehicles are being fitted with their new TV screens. When all are installed, there will be some sort of interactive element with the attraction. The Disney Blog had a photo of the new screens back in early August.

A few permits have been filed to modify some of the special effects in the attraction. There has also been some work on the lighting system throughout the attraction. This doesn't surprise me since the new sponsor manufactures light bulbs and would want them used in the attraction where ever possible.

Patrick Stewart (X-men, Star Trek) is rumored to be the new narrator. Bruce Broughton has been asked to compose the score. Broughton's work for Disney includes Ellen's Energy Adventure and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. I'm also hearing a new recording of "Tomorrow's Child" will be featured in the attraction.

More news and rumors as I get them. If you have any you'd like to share you can email me at disneygossip@gmail.com.

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Kim Possible Returning to Epcot's World Showcase?

Last year guests in Epcot's World Showcase with were invited to play a real life quest game using a handheld device to locate clues based on GPS coordinates and unravel a mystery. The television show used for the experiment was Kim Possible. There was some speculation that since it was just a test the theme of the quest would likely be different when rolled out as a new attraction.

However, based on filings at the county office for a new "Kim Possible World Showcase SFX Package" it looks like Kim Possible will continue to be the theme. No word when or if this game package will be back for guests to experience. But the filing is a hopeful sign.

So while this may be the last season for the television show, fans will be able to enjoy this game at the park and get their Kim Possible fix.

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