EPCOT’s Future Was Full of Figment, Flying, and Fountain Plans (Ep. 16)
Len Testa and Jim Hill examine the projects, controversies, and blue-sky concepts being considered for EPCOT in 2012. Their tour of potential changes ranges from the troubled Habit Heroes exhibit and a possible Dreamfinder revival to new Soarin’ films, expanded dining in World Showcase, and a major rethink of Illuminations. Along the way, Jim explains how sponsorships, merchandise sales, intellectual property, and operational realities influence which ambitious Disney ideas make it into the parks.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Why the Habit Heroes exhibit was quickly closed after criticism of its weight-related superhero storyline.
• How sponsor involvement complicated Disney’s efforts to rewrite and reopen the controversial Innoventions experience.
• The possibility of replacing Captain EO with a new Dreamfinder and Figment attraction using interactive theatrical effects.
• Why Figment’s enduring merchandise sales made removing the character from EPCOT a costly mistake.
• How Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure replaced Kim Possible with a franchise Disney was still actively supporting.
• Plans for new Soarin’ films, including abandoned Disney fantasy concepts and a proposed flight over China.
• A Snow White-inspired martial arts film that could have introduced new characters and entertainment to the China pavilion.
• Why Disney considered expanding Japan’s sake service into a larger waterfront restaurant and nighttime-show dining package.
• The challenge of adding new construction without disrupting the Japan pavilion’s famous view across World Showcase Lagoon.
• How revenue goals, national sensitivities, sponsorships, and sightlines shaped development decisions around the lagoon.
• Early discussions about replacing or transforming Illuminations with technology inspired by World of Color.
• The complicated logistics of building a new nighttime spectacular while continuing to present Illuminations each evening.
HOSTS
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
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