Medical Cleanliness

Here's just another example of the attention to story and detail that Disney pays to all of their parks and attractions. While waiting in line for Body Wars in the now closed Wonders of Life pavilion, you would pass through several of these doorways that were meant to cleanse you of any impurities. After all, you were going to be entering a human body and no infection could be allowed through. The story behind Body Wars was great (and yes maybe it's because of the science fiction nature of the ride and my love for that sort of thing) since you were going to be shrunk down to microscopic size and put into a human body to remove a splinter that was causing an infection. Of course, in true Disney fashion, danger and adventure would make this simple mission much more out of the ordinary...

Seabase Alpha Layout

As mentioned in previous posts, I really enjoyed The Living Seas concept of Seabase Alpha that existed prior to the current Nemo and Seas incarnation. From the Jules Verne-esque and sea exploration memorabilia that was displayed throughout the queue, to the great "deluge" film and the seacabs, it was truly an experience to visit Seabase Alpha. As with everything at Disney, there is a great backstory to the pavilion when it was The Living Seas. You were truly being transported to an actual underwater research facility where people lived and worked. The above map gives a sampling of all the different areas of the facility and really shows just how rich in story that the pavilion was in those days. While many of the areas of the above map still serve the same purposes, the story of the underwater research facility has been peeled away and you are now immersed in the world of Nemo and his friends.

Dinosaur Fight

Not much to say today, just wanted to share a great scene from the dinosaur diorama over at the Universe of Energy. No matter the incarnation of Universe of Energy that we are talking about this scene has remained throughout its history. I think kids especially love the scene as the T-Rex takes on the Stegasaurus in every boy's favorite dinosaur fight. I have to admit, I still look forward to this part of the attraction everytime.

The Father of Science Fiction

Jules Verne is often referred to as the Father of Science Fiction for his classic works such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, and Journey to the Center of the Earth as well as other classics. This awesome animatronic was part of Horizons and is a great tribute to the man. While he's famous for his science fiction works, he was inspirational in sparking scientific exploration of the oceans, space, and travel. I would have to say that Verne would have loved the Horizons attraction, just as many of us did and continue to love through memories.

Figment!

This picture is from our Disney trip in the summer of 2007. For a short time Figment's Place was located near the entrance of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Figment would make appearances here throughout the day. Before our last visit in October of 2008, my wife learned that Figment was no longer appearing as an in-park character. She did learn that people had started requesting his return at Guest Relations near Spaceship Earth and Innoventions. I hope that he does return as Figment is one of the true classic EPCOT characters who has been around since the early '80's. With Mickey and Co. still making appearances surely Disney will recognize that Figment is also a favorite and he will return.

Return to Retro?

Recently, I've seen/heard some welcome news. First of all, on my last trip to the World, at the Imagination pavilion we saw t-shirts they were selling featuring Figment with Dreamfinder. This is quite amazing considering Dreamfinder (pictured above with Figment) has not featured in the attraction for several years now. In addition to this, some rumors have been circulating about the return of Dreamfinder in some capacity to the attraction. Personally, I enjoy the current incarnation of the attraction, but the original was first rate. I would welcome elements of the original attraction coming back. Anytime the best of EPCOT Center can be joined or returned to be mixed in with the best of Epcot I definitely think that is a positive.

Spaceman Mickey

I was going through some old pictures and found this very interesting snapshot. I actually remember on my first visit to EPCOT Center having my picture taken with Mickey in this outfit. From all accounts, this was one of the first ways in which characters were being brought into Future World. Being a sci-fi and space exploration fan, I thought this was a great way to integrate the characters. This particular show was outside the World of Motion, but I can't find any information on what it was called or when exactly it took place. Any information would be much appreciated.

Open Air of CommuniCore

One thing that I loved about CommuniCore was the fact that it was so open and full of light. Compare this to Innoventions now and it leaves the complete opposite impression. Above you can see the Energy Exchange sponsored by Exxon that served as the post-show for the Universe of Energy. Something that stands out is the fact that all of the exhibits are not blocked off from one another by walls, but is has more of a market type atmosphere with its openness. I remember as a kid eating at the Stargate Restaurant and sitting at the table just chomping at the bit to get at all the exhibits that lie below me. I think that while I still enjoy Innoventions, perhaps an opening up of the area will help to invite in more guests and keep them involved with the pavilion.

The Land Seating

Prior to being renovated with the addition of Soarin' the Sunshine Seasons food court in The Land used to look like this. One thing that sticks out in my mind is having to manouver amongst the stools and then find enough stools for your party while trying to squeeze all your food onto the smallish tables. I definitely like the seating arrangement how it is now as it is more open and allows for more people to be seated. However, there is something charming about the stools and tables that lent a relaxed informal feel to The Land's large dining area underneath the atrium.

Missing Canada

While visiting Epcot on our last visit, I spent a good amount of time at the Canada pavilion. As I was strolling through, I realized that it has been some time since anything open to guests has occupied the chateau building pictured above on the left. There used to be shops here that I seem to remember sold jewelry and crystal goods perhaps. If anyone remembers for sure what various things were sold here feel free to respond. Also, if anyone hears if the building may open with new shops or anything else to the public please feel free to comment. It's a beautiful building as is the whole pavilion and it's a shame that the shops that were once open there are now closed.

Characters in Epcot

There has been a debate for some time now regarding whether traditional Disney characters should be used prominently in Epcot. When EPCOT Center first opened there was a distinct lack of the traditional characters. There has always been characters with the notable one being Figment, but the Fab Five were for the most part conspicuous except for Mickey at certain special events and the odd piece of memorabilia. The above photo represented a time when a small shift took place. When Wonders of Life opened in about 1989 several exhibits featured the expected Disney characters including the Goofy About Health exhibit. I remember seeing more of Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto in costume around the park at that time too. Now you can find character merchandise everywhere and other non-Epcot originated characters have made their way into attractions (i.e. Nemo, Simba and Lion King characters at Circle of Life). I think this shift was inevitable, and I don't mind it as long as it's done well. I'm sure with the success of The Seas with Nemo and Friends that we will see more of this in the future.

Camera Center

I recently posted about Gateway Gifts located at Spaceship Earth in Future World. I mentioned how cool I thought the location of that shop was in relation to the actual attraction Spaceship Earth. Here is a photo of the Camera Center which is located in the other front "leg" of Spaceship Earth. Not much has changed as far as the exterior of these locations since my first visit in 1989. I think the 1980's vision of the future for these locations is still cool today and love taking a quick browse through both locations.

Living Seas Queue

Another reason I used to love the old Living Seas pavilion was the queue that featured all the great nautical memorabilia. This is a model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea that was in the queue, and there was a poster for the live action Disney film as well. These items really helped to invoke a bit of science fiction feel to the pavilion that is no longer there. Please see my previous post on Seabase Alpha for more on the pre-Nemo Living Seas pavilion.

Gateway Gifts

I have fond memories of leaving EPCOT Center as a kid and always having to stop in Gateway Gifts before reaching the exit to make any last minute souvenir purchases. I was always fascinated with where this shop was located as it is actually in one of the supports for the massive Spaceship Earth. Of the three supports, this shop is located in one, the Camera Center is located in another, and in the back of Spaceship Earth the ride vehicles descend and Earth Station (now Project Tomorrow) as well as the VIP area are located. Much EPCOT Center branded memorabilia used to be sold here, but now it is the typical WDW fare. I just remember being so sad that we were leaving that I would try and stick around in this shop as long as possible before facing the inevitable exit.

Terry-san

This picture is a part of Spaceship Earth that no longer exists. In its place is the new garage scene depicting the invention of the personal computer. I loved this scene as I could really relate to the idea it was expressing. The main point of this scene was to show the advent of the internet and how it can span language borders as well as physical borders. This girl was supposed to be in Japan while the boy she was communicating with, Terry, was in the United States. Terry was sharing his karate skills and this girl was sharing her baseball game highlights. I have grown up with the internet and the fact that this type of communication could take place made for a perfect ending to the ascension portion of Spaceship Earth. Another interesting tidbit is the fact that the two characters are represented both by sculpted figures in the scene and as real life people on the computer screens. This was an interesting concept that also occurred in a scene from Horizons as well.

Nova Cite

Nova Cite was the futuristic city in the Horizons attraction that is the first scene you go to after the historical look at the future. I loved this scene from the Star Trek inspired outfits to the holgram communication, but perhaps my favorite was the elaborate background painting of the futuristic city buildings. I was unaware of the fact that the choose your own ending was going to have a Nova Cite option until I listened to Lou Mongello's WDW Radio Show episode all about Horizons. Apparently the ending would have put riders on a mag-lev train through the city. That would have been outstanding and I would definitely have voted for this ending in my vehicle.

Glorious Spaceship Earth

I just returned from my first trip to WDW in over a year and got to see this wonderful sight. Of course, it's Spaceship Earth without the wand! Looking at it in person after having been years since seeing it last like this, one wonders why the decision to alter perfection such as this was ever made. Also, of note, I noticed that some of the tall palm trees around SSE had been removed and new smaller palms were there as well. My wife also noticed that some of the sqaure cut trees were missing. Now, if only we could get them to open up the entrance plaza by removing the sculptures and adding more water and greenery.

World of Motion

I believe that World of Motion was only open the first time I went to Disney, and maybe twice, but as I was only eight on that first visit I really don't remember much about the attraction. I do really love the futuristic look of the pavilion, and there was one distinct part of the attraction that I remember. The cool way that after you loaded onto the omnimover vehicle it actually went outside the show building before going back in as seen above. I thought that was so cool and looked so futuristic that I guess it overtook any other real memories I have of World of Motion. I enjoy Test Track now, but I don't think it has the same futuristic look that World of Motion had.

CommuniCore

When one thinks of old attractions at Epcot, Horizons, World of Motion, and the Wonders of Life pavillions often come to mind first. However, the one that as time has passed seems to be the most missed by me is CommuniCore. Off the top of my mind I would probably say I miss Horizons the most, but the more I remember, and the more pictures I see I think I may miss CommuniCore even more. For the younger audience and those that didn't visit Epcot before the mid '90's Innoventions now exists where CommuniCore is and there are not many similarities between the two.

CommuniCore was divided between the two Innoventions buildings and consisted of restaurants, exhibits and perhaps one of the greatest shops in Disney park history, the Centorium. The above shot of the CommuniCore area at night makes me remember fond childhood memories of family trips to Disney. The buildings were much more open than they are now and helped convey the vast expanse of the park. The exhibits where immersive and educational while maintiaing a sense of Disney entertainment.

CommuniCore was a true Main Street equivalent for EPCOT Center. With restaurants like the Stargate Restaurant and Sunrise Terrace to the Centorium and a drink station called Beverage Base, the area had that futuristic almost sci-fi feel to it that I loved. If you get the chance visit the website Lost Epcot (link is to the left) and also listen to the CommuniCore show on Lou Mongello's WDW Radio Show (link also at the left) for a complete and wonderful look back at CommuniCore.