Great column, Mike!

A few thoughts, maybe disjointed, but here goes:

1) I think people have now come to accept the dual nature of EPCOT's futureworld and the world showcase. The best that can be done is to not to build an EPCOT identity, but a stronger identity for each of the two themes contained within. You hinted that the key to this would be the "transition" between the two. Something visual and dynamic that says, "The future of the world is ours to make, and we will build it best within a knowledge framework that understands the strengths and cultures of all the world's people". Something corny like that, but something that says Our vision for the future is important but it is a trip all the people of the world must take together...blah blah blah. At least then, there will be a subtext of understanding why the future and the world showcase are in proximity to one another. I'd be interested in what idea people have for making that physical transition from one park to the other.

2) As for world showcase, I suggest to Disney more movies about the countries, more reasonably priced "snacks" representative of each country so that I can "tour" the world for $15. Maybe a card I purchase for $15 that can be "punched" at each country where I am given a small sample of the local food...as for now, its is just a shopping mall.

3) Future World should give us a glimpse of the future in EVERYTHING it does. I should be eating food of the future made with ovens of the future powered by energy of the future and going to the bathroom on toilets of the future and moving around as will in the future. Every couple of years the basics (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.) of this place has to be overhauled (and let Kohler faucets, and Viking stoves pay for the overhauls while they get the publicity.

4) How about an exhibit that shows a 1960's computer holding the entire ITunes music collection, next to a 1980s computer doing the same, verses a current computer and a prototype of a computer that Disney is working with MIT on to double the speed and shrink the size of future computers (while you're here, btw, sign up for an Itunes subscription and btw one of these computers is actually running the music system for EPCOT).

5) You care about energy? Step right up to one of these ten bicycles to help generate power for this sign that gives out important information to guests. How power did you produce in five minutes vs. how well your brother did vs. what this solar panel did vs. what this hydrogen engine did. Get on the bike and see what you can do (sponsor could be US Postal Service and their spokesman Lance Armstrong).

6) All popcorn should be made with solar power. Gee, dad, that's neat, I'm eating popcorn powered by the sun's energy stored in these futuristic batteries. I'd pay extra for that....

Again, I could write like this all day. The point of each of these is to allow people to EXPERIENCE the future in an everyday way and learn while they do it.

My rant is over.....

I thought Mike's piece was interesting, too. Interestingly enough, Epcot is my favorite park because it's different from the ordinary theme park! :D

I do not like EPCOT. I know peopel will hate me for it but it is not child friendly. I found it boring as a child and i know a lot of young children who find it boring. It just shoping and ride that dont appeal to the hole family. They appeal to adults and teens! I think EPCOT sould have more Family rides that dont bore the crap out of little kids.

Originally posted by hobo_n
I do not like EPCOT. I know peopel will hate me for it but it is not child friendly. I found it boring as a child and i know a lot of young children who find it boring. It just shoping and ride that dont appeal to the hole family. They appeal to adults and teens! I think EPCOT sould have more Family rides that dont bore the crap out of little kids.

I think that you are entitled to your opinion.... that's what this forum is for....

But I couldn't disagree with you more! EPCOT is my family's favorite park.... my children were young when they first experienced it and loved it then, too. I find all of WDW child friendly. I'm sorry that you did not experience that.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a park.

rrsafety....... great ideas! I'll pass those on to my friend (and give you credit, of course) who is in charge of some of the events at EPCOT. You mention many things that she and I have had great conversations about....

Epcot is becoming the park that people SAY is their favorite, but when they go they actually have the most fun in Magic Kingdom or MGM.

What's missing these days is the sense of wonder and awe that Epcot created in the eighties, and even as recently as '96 in fact.

Personally I have no problem with the "split personality" issue, they're just two miniparks which happen to be very close together. They are linked by each having some interesting and exotic food offerings and settings -- such as the Coral Reef restaurant.

Put together, they resemble a World's Fair and the only problem is, to keep a World's Fair fascinating you have to keep re-newing it, and I don't know where Disney's going to get the funds for that.

I would like to see more "wave of the future" type things, for instance they could let guests ride Segways between the International Gateway and MGM on nice scenic pathways. Heck, I'll sign the insurance waiver.