[Park Hopper]

It looks like work has begun on the new Soarin' attraction at Epcot. The boom of a large construction crane is now visible behind the Land pavilion and operations trailers are on site as well.

Soarin' hasn't officially been announced by WDW, but as many have already heard, the attraction will be a variation of Soarin' Over California, the very popular ride at Disneyland's California Adventure.

The attraction is a hang-glider simulator, with riders elevated in front of a huge movie screen. Riders sway in the breeze and feel wind in their face as well as experience the sounds and smells of the various parts of California they're passing over. Epcot's version of the ride is expected to have a different film. Target date for opening is 2005.

Soarin', the $100 million Mission: Space and possibly one other attraction are supposed to be the key elements of a major long-term retooling of Epcot dubbed Project Gemini by the company. A segment of Disney management has always thought Epcot was too passive, and after witnessing the success of Test Track, Gemini is an attempt to jazz things up with more cutting-edge thrill rides.

[JM0318]

Hello ParkHopper, That is great I really look forward to seeing all the new rides. Mission Space is a fantastic ride. Thank you for keeping us all up to date on the new rides... Judy:D :) :D

[wdwspider]

Just thought I'd slip a little something in.... keep your eyes on Living Seas the next few years.


Hopefully this area wil be getting updated and more interesting soon. I have heard everything from incorporating "Finding Nemo" to a new Shark exhibit, to a Storm Chaser ride like DisneySeas. Maybe all, maybe none of these things will happen, but the Living Seas should be getting an update here very soon.

All I can say is... About Time. Even if it's as basic as adding Nemo in the pre-show movie, I think it would help this pavilion a lot.


Park Hopper - Any word on when Food Rocks may be shut down?

[LRTJS]

I read that it would be a Nemo theme for Living Seas. I think that would be appropriate. I will be looking for the construction when I am there. Just think one week from right now I will just about be there!

[jmouse]

I can't wait! Soarin' Over California was one of the most awesome rides I have ever ridden! :)

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by WDWspider
Just thought I'd slip a little something in.... keep your eyes on Living Seas the next few years.


Hopefully this area wil be getting updated and more interesting soon. I have heard everything from incorporating "Finding Nemo" to a new Shark exhibit, to a Storm Chaser ride like DisneySeas. Maybe all, maybe none of these things will happen, but the Living Seas should be getting an update here very soon.

All I can say is... About Time. Even if it's as basic as adding Nemo in the pre-show movie, I think it would help this pavilion a lot.


Park Hopper - Any word on when Food Rocks may be shut down?

From what I've heard, the Nemo thing appears to be a done deal. The Storm Chaser rumor speculates that a Weather pavilion will be built connecting the Land and the Living Seas and will house a version of the Tokyo simulator ride. Seems like the Disney folks are sold on simulators, doesn't it?

But no, I haven't heard anything yet about exactly when Food Rocks will shut down. The Food Rocks theater space supposedly will be renovated and become the queue area and pre-show for Soarin'.

Speaking of rumors, there's the one about Spaceship Earth being completely redone and becoming a Microsoft-sponsored attraction called Time Racers. I've heard this for awhile now, but the rumor seems to be gaining momentum.

[ajbdk5]

WOW! This is exciting! Thanks for the update Park Hopper!;)

The new ride sounds great, and adding Nemo to the Living Seas is perfection!

Any word on them changing the outside of Spaceship Earth?:nervous
I could handle them changing the inside of the ride as longa as they don't take down EPCOT's trademark
"silver sphere" that would be really sad.


Amy

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by ajbdk5
WOW! This is exciting! Thanks for the update Park Hopper!;)

Any word on them changing the outside of Spaceship Earth?:nervous
I could handle them changing the inside of the ride as longa as they don't take down EPCOT's trademark
"silver sphere" that would be really sad.


Amy

Spaceship Earth's "geosphere," a word coined by the company because the structure technically isn't a geodesic dome, is such a Disney icon that I don't think drastic changes would be made to its outside. I would expect, though, that Mickey's sorcerer's arm and wand might come down. It's long been a bone of contention among Disney brass.

The extension originally was added to the building for the Millennium Celebration and featured a huge illuminated "2000" sign. That was replaced in mid-2001 by the current "Epcot" sign.

[Park Hopper]

For those who don't remember, this is what Spaceship Earth looked like without Mickey's sorcerer's arm and wand. Somehow it looks pretty stark, doesn't it?

[BDavis932]

I can't wait to ride this!! I've got the DisneyLand DVD and it shows the California version...it looks great! Thanks for the tip.

I had read before Nemo was released that they were thinking about adding the Little Mermaid theme to the Living Seas....I do like the idea of Nemo better....I'm looking forward to some of these changes!!

[mickaholic4077]

I went to The Living Seas for the first time in almost two years yesterday,and all I can say is I hope they change the attraction soon,because right now,it isn't worth the time to go.(Sorry,matto,I know you like this one,but it did nothing for me!)

[DisneyAnne]

I think either you love The Living Seas or you don't. I love it but I also love things dealing with underwater life... so much more interesting I think than what's on land.. LOL!!! ;) Anything that can be done to improve any of the attractions will be welcome, but I hope Disney doesn't take all of the educational aspects out of EPCOT by trying to make it more cartoon/film oriented. I think that's what makes EPCOT unique.

[Cinderellafifi]

Originally posted by Park Hopper
For those who don't remember, this is what Spaceship Earth looked like without Mickey's sorcerer's arm and wand. Somehow it looks pretty stark, doesn't it?

You are right, it really does. In my opinion, the whole park at one time looked stark and uninviting. I am looking forward to the new additions and some added changes but I hope EPCOT as we know it doesn't formally disappear. :nervous

[MrDisneyfan1]

Soarin' is such a beautiful ride, this will truley add to the whole EPCOT experience. Almost everyone can enjoy this amazing attraction. between the music, the aromas, and the movement, this all adds up to an incredible journey. All very smooth!

Between this coming, and Exhibition Everest, WOW!!!
Den;)

[Willbegone]

Okay with all these new attractions opening I'm starting to get more excited about 2005 trip than I am my 2004 trip! :whistle: