Epcot Overhaul & Re-Imagining: 8 Huge Rumors
Beyond the Epcot Re-imagining Details that were announced at the D23 Expo, there are a lot of rumors for new rides and re-themed areas of Future World and World Showcase. Without a doubt, Epcot is the focus of Walt Disney World’s plans prior to 2021.
There are still several concepts are floating around for an Epcot “re-imagining” that have yet to be announced. No matter what does end up being built, it’s an interesting time for the park. Big plans for Epcot are most definitely going to change the look and feel of the park. Imagineering has put Epcot veterans at the helm with the intent of restoring the park to its former grandeur, and even Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek indicated that he’s told the Imagineers to “dream big” with regard to an Epcot overhaul that would stay true to the park’s original vision while offering something “timeless, relevant, and family friendly.”
In other words, we know things are on the horizon for Epcot: some of these things have been confirmed since we originally shared the rumors (and will be marked as such), while other possibilities are still on the table. A steady stream of rumors continues to trickle out, all with varying degrees of credibility. For this post, I thought I’d assemble the “best” of these rumors, and share them in the order of least-likely to most likely, along with my own commentary on each rumor…
Note that this list is based upon a combination of permits that Disney has quietly filed, insider sources, and credible rumors that have started floating around. I’m compiling everything here on the basis of what I deem most likely to come to fruition (based upon track records of those who have shared the info and a general smell-test). That does not mean that all of these changes will occur.
In other words, this is basically no better than Second Hand Disney News, and I’m correspondent Anthony Crispino. “Did you hear this thing where Spaceship Earth is changing its name to Golf Ball Racers? I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be like the hit attraction Rocket Rods; I got it from a reliable source.” 😉
Frankly, at this point I’m not inclined to believe any Epcot rumors until they’re officially announced by Disney, and even then, I have a sense of healthy skepticism. Even the things that were announced at the D23 Expo could be canceled or changed–it happens all of the time with Walt Disney World announcements. I’ve been burned plenty of times believing something that was a “sure thing,” most notably with the overhaul of the Journey into Imagination pavilion a couple of years ago that got pushed aside when Frozen proved to be a smash hit. (The rest of that, as they say, is history.)
Anyway, with regard to an Epcot reimagining, the question is not “if” but rather “what?” and “when?” Beyond the timeframes for specific attraction updates and additions, this more generically also pertains to what the overarching vision (if there is to be any) for Epcot will be going forward.
Does restoring the park to its former grandeur mean trying once again to “entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.” Or, does it simply mean making the park popular and “Disneyfying” the attractions? Time will tell.
While we cannot answer that overarching question, what we can offer are a glimpse into rumored proposals for Epcot…
Note: This post does not cover everything that was announced at the D23 Expo. For more on what else is coming, including the Outer Space Restaurant, new Reflections of China film, Central Spine Redesign, and more, read our Epcot Reimagining Details Announced! post.
One of the most exciting things about the D23 Expo with regard to Epcot is that a lot was teased, but left unannounced. Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek indicated that they have other surprises up their sleeves, and even hinted at a possible return of the Tapestry of Nations parade (hence the above photo–from a performance during the presentation.) He and Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald shared many details, as well as some timelines for the projects. Additionally, we offer some predicted timetables for this work in our Construction Impact at Walt Disney World post.
7. Figment Refresh – The most unlikely of all these rumors, and yet there’s still a pretty decent chance of this happening. The new-look Epcot will continue to use Figment as its mascot, and the park’s iconic character having an attraction worthy of his legacy just seems logical.
The latest fanning of the flames on the Figment speculation came over the weekend by way of WDWNT’s posting about survey questions pertaining to Figment. Personally, I cannot envision a scenario where Epcot receives a large-scale overhaul and the current incarnation of Journey into Imagination survives that. The attraction is not a big draw, and its guest satisfaction scores are not high.
With Journey into Imagination, it’s more a question as to whether the future holds a new attraction with Figment and Dreamfinder, or Disney intellectual property, such as Inside Out. I don’t think the survey is telling either way: management is already aware that Figment is quite popular with Annual Passholders and serious fans, but his selling power with regular guests is more of an unknown.
6. United Kingdom Attraction – The variations of this rumor do not seem particularly credible to me, but there are multiple sources indicating that various concepts are being kicked around for the UK pavilion. Depending upon who you ask, this is everything from an attraction featuring the Loch Ness Monster or Mary Poppins.
Rather than choosing between Loch Ness Monster and Mary Poppins, I’d like to humbly propose to Imagineering an attraction that features both. Just think of the possibilities: you fly above Nessie as Mary Poppins, while engaged in an epic battle for the ages. Everyone knows Poppins’ umbrella doubles as a laser stun-gun and all sea monsters have laser eyes.
Joking aside, it seems like this is a pavilion that is having blue sky ideas pitched for it, but I don’t see it being a top priority. Especially with the pavilion next door being the surest bet to receive a new attraction on this list.
Post-Expo Update: Despite no announcement at the D23 Expo, this “rumor” seems to be gaining traction in the fan community. We have heard nothing from reliable sources. It seems the conversation about a potential attraction in the United Kingdom is being intensified because of the pending closure of Great Movie Ride, which could supply Audio Animatronics for this attraction. While that is definitely possible, it’s not an actual rumor coming from folks in the know–at least it’s not something we’ve been told.
6. Coco in Gran Fiesta Tour – If Coco is as authentic in its depiction of the culture surrounding “Dia de los Muertos” as Moana was with Polynesian cultures, this seems like it would be a natural fit. A no-brainer, in fact. The real question is whether it’d be worth making a reasonably popular attraction (with limited queue space) even more popular.
I think this one probably hinges upon Coco‘s box office success this fall. If it’s a smash hit, it might behoove Disney to find a way to integrate the film into the attraction and somehow accommodate larger crowds. If not, that money would be better spent elsewhere, especially considering the Gran Fiesta Tour has enjoyed a surge in popularity since its Audio Animatronics were added.
5. Spain – Most longtime Disney fans are aware of World Showcase’s history of unbuilt pavilions, most notably Equatorial Africa, Spain, and Israel, all of which were actually announced by Disney. If you’re not familiar with these concepts, there’s a lot about them in Walt Disney’s Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. At the time this book was written, it was still believed that these pavilions were coming to EPCOT Center, so the book spends time discussing them.
They were such sure things that Danny Kaye spoke with Alex Haley, author of Roots, about the Equatorial Africa pavilion, which would be opening in “about a year” as they stood over a detailed model of the pavilion at its future site in EPCOT Center Opening Day Celebration TV special:
Africa would now be redundant, and I don’t think modern-day Disney would deem Israel stable enough or sufficiently free from controversy to build that pavilion. (For the same reason, Russia, Greece, Egypt, and Iran are also highly unlikely candidates at this point, even if they were once considered.)
Of the unbuilt pavilions that were planned, Spain is now the most sensible. Its name has popped up a lot when insiders discuss a World Showcase expansion, with some pointing to Gigantic as the concept for the ride. With that now having been delayed multiple times, I think Imagineering would take a wait and see approach with the movie.
This means that a decision on Spain would either be delayed until Gigantic‘s popularity is known, or the pavilion have a non-IP concept. The original plans called for a cultural dark ride, film, and tapas restaurant. Films are becoming passé for Disney, so I don’t see that happening, but a restaurant and high capacity dark ride seem plausible.
Post-Expo Update: While we don’t have any concrete updates on the Spain rumor, specifically, we’ve heard that a second new World Showcase country is still on the table. It now seems less likely to occur in general, and also more likely that if it does, it won’t be Spain.
Regardless of whether Spain comes to fruition, expansion in World Showcase makes a lot of sense. It does not seem like there’s any end to the perpetual “Festival Season” in sight, and expanding World Showcase would provide some breathing room and added capacity for guests during these popular (and financially lucrative) times of year. Even if Disney cannot find sponsors for new countries, it seems like building-out World Showcase (even if it’s in the model of Italy) makes complete sense. To that end, I suppose another possibility for Spain would be building the pavilion first, and the attraction later…although that didn’t work out so well for Germany or Japan! We’ll cover the Top 4 rumors for Epcot on Page 2…
“Africa would now be redundant”
Of course because a Zoo (Animal Kingdom) should represent the cultural, historical and artistic accomplishments of an entire people. Kind of like how Kangaroos represent Australian & Aboriginal culture, right? Why showcase culture and history at EPCOT Center when a Zoo will do just as well, right?
I would love to see Brazil! The addition of Carnival to drinking around the world makes me want to buy tickets NOW. While no offence to Spain and its possible pavilion, I feel that adding yet another European county would be a mistake. The world is large, so let’s see more of it. I’m surprised that India, one of the largest and diverse cultures on the planet, has not been built already.
In my opinion the Italy pavilion is by far in the most dire need of expansion. It is beautiful but much smaller than all the others. A country with such an amazing history that has given so much in the way of cuisine and culture such as Italy I feel deserves MUCH more than the space it has been allotted in World Showcase. Any word regarding future improvements, additions, rides, etc.?
What is the latest rumour for innoventions?
Both sides are going to be razed.
I’m excited there will be a new Guardians ride coming to WDW and I’m glad its not replacing Rockin Rollercoaster or Tower of Terror which are both still popular and two of my favorites. I think Epcot needs more attractions in Future area. I’d like to see an attraction involving an adventure/mission to a new Mars colonization. Either a new attraction or an addition or upgrade to the Mission Space attraction. As an adult whose children have grown and have outgrown a lot of the rides at WDW Id like to see more new rides/atractions added to WDW and some upgrades/makeovers to the ones already there. All these new plans/projects are a great start. I dont think they should get rid of any attractions that are still popular with kids or adults. I do think they should add new attractions and use up some of the dead spaces or replace unpopular attractions. When you go every year and pay that much for tickets and the cost keeps rising every year its nice if there’s at least enough to see and do you can feel like youre getting your moneys worth and after many many years of annual visits some rides / areas are not as interesting or attractive as they once were. Ive started to wonder our last couple visits if it was worth the cost as more and more often we just skip over a lot of the old attractions and just go to our select favorites in each park. I’m really happy that they’re adding some new attractions and working on some improvements.
I feel each pavilion could incorporate an attraction which embodies the culture of that nation – consisting with the educational element.
Attractions I’d like to see:
Mexico – Quite happy with three callabros attraction
China – Mulan based attraction
– 360 5D attraction
Germany – Tangled attraction
Italy – revised Pinocchio attraction
America – Pocahontas (US history) attraction
Japan – Big Hero Six Attraction
Morocco – has to be Aladdin (can’t think of anything else suited
France – Ratatouille Attraction (Leave B&TB for fantasyland)
United Kingdom – with the Mary Poppins reboot coming it has to be MP! Walt even had a fab idea for this.
Canada – Bambi/Brother Bear wildlife attraction
New Pavillons my vote would be
Greece – Hercules attraction or even musical.
Would also love to see the following:
Future world – Wall-e attraction
The Land – Lion King attraction! Where’s pride rock?!
Imagination – figment & inside out
I know it would be a movie based Park but isn’t that why we love Disney?
I’m very disappointed with the “no ride in Brazil” rumor. Epcot does not need more restaurants and shops, it needs more attractions.
Also: “Circle of Life is woefully outdated, and needs a replacement 5 years ago.” I think you are being very generous with only 5 years! 🙂
I love epcot so much, it is my favorite park. while i agree that it needs updating, I think it should stay true to education and future, and not turn into just another movie park. i love ellen’s energy, i’ve seen it a million times, and sure, it could use some updating, but she is so funny and you learn so much about energy. i used to love Norway and their ride, all of it, the oil rig and the trolls, especially, and the beautiful norwegian village at the end. and the film. while frozen may be fun for kids, i think many of them would like the trolls if they had a chance to experience it, its the adults who think kids don’t like epcot. it was my children’s favorite park when they were young. update, for sure, and hopefully add some more countries to the world showcase, but keep the theme the same!
People may disagree with me, but – with the exception of Morocco – the quality of the food needs dramatic improvement! Perhaps the menus were adventurous in the 1980’s, but most people are far more versed in international cuisine and Epcot’s menus are – boring. And some are just plain bad (looking at you Italy and France). I’ve wondered if the person responsible for the baguettes in France will be allowed back into that country once their stint at Epcot is done. Even Le Cellier is just okay, decent steak for a crazy price, poutine is uninspired. Why do they not serve Canadian wines? One very primal way to connect to a different culture is through food and drink, frankly Epcot is a failure in this area.
Everyone’s own opinion. For Epcot World Showcase food comes straight from Disney & its country. Its not about appeal of menu but the quality in which you eat. The Baguettes warmed or not are the closest you would get from actual France and way better than any Baguette you would buy or purchase here in US. Morocco, Japan all 11 countries Disney help grow select the finest equally. If you judge Disney then you judge Morocco’s also Melissa. Enjoy Morocco, enjoy what Disney has done for people. If you are bored personally by France and Italy and the rest of World Showcase countries then don’t label and travel yourself just go to Morocco. Please to judge the employers who are on the real country about the baguettes is ridiculous when its Disney you are labeling. The Employers are from their countries they are responsible only to work represent their country. You label Epcot without knowing go inform WDW before labeling representatives from countries that have nothing to do. If your American educate and inform yourself what Walt Disney World does!
Seek Facts one ride you might as well consider exploring is The Land attraction where all that’s grown is used to provide at most of Epcot d Disney’s restaurants.
Mellisa has to state “in my opinion” not “bad” because its your feedback so don’t mention others about going back their country’s.
It’s nothing to do about the Menus, its nothing to do about the 11 countries, nothing to do about the Baguettes or who’s responsible for them (#DisneyWorld).
Nothing to do with Epcot connection through culture through food & drink.
If Epcot is so a failure to culture (connection) on (food & drink)
then you surely include Morocco in the boat it being a country pavilion connection in culture with food & drink.
If Epcot was a failure in this Area, The real King from Morocco would of not came sent his own Architects to build his country in Epcot. #Living is Knowing the Facts instead of Feeling’s & Emotions.
All you may had is a confliction or simply not a good experience on at France & Italy pavilion but you really have nothing with France and Italy at Epcot or the real country to make it about countries!
1. Drastic, Boring, (Plain bad), (Looking at you) 2. I’ve wondered, will be allowed (back into that country) once their stint at Epcot is done. 3.
Crazy, Uninspiring.
Melissa in Facts your expressing very any disagreement or issues very, very (Personally). Frankly you see failure areas but its not about the food! Its not to do with Epcot or its pavilions either. The root coming from your head battle mind is personal mindset. Can it be simply an experience from a person staff you did not accept or could not tolerate for yourself. Intelligent people respond accurately in facts not by feelings or mood nor to Disney or Epcot for to make a point on that goes entirely nowhere.
No reason to be so negative on Disney a place to bring Happiness and where you forget about your problems. Saying Epcot Does not connect people in culture with culture, food & drink goes nowhere… What do you know about the 11 countries cultures, food, drinks, and connections culture, languages to speak for and correct Epcot.
1. Drastic, Boring, (Plain bad), (Looking at you) 2. I’ve wondered, will be allowed (back into that country) once their stint at Epcot is done. 3. Crazy, Uninspiring.
Melissa in Facts your expressing very any disagreement or issues very, very (Personally). Frankly you see failure areas but its not about the food! Its not to do with Epcot or its pavilions either. The root coming from your head battle mind is personal mindset. Can it be simply an experience from a person staff you did not accept or could not tolerate for yourself. Intelligent people respond accurately in facts not by feelings or mood nor to Disney or Epcot for to make a point on that goes entirely nowhere.
Saying Epcot Does not connect people in culture with culture, food & drink goes nowhere… What do you know about the 11 countries cultures, food, drinks, and connections culture, languages to speak for and correct Epcot.
No reason to be so negative on Disney a place to bring Happiness and where you forget about your problems.
Saying Epcot Does not connect people in culture with culture, food & drink goes nowhere…
We just returned from WDW, Epcot has definitely got plans in the works. Barriers are up in various areas and it did seem as if construction was imminent in many areas. I would love to see a UK revamp as I feel that pavilion is really tired. I am also hoping for the addition of some new pavilions, but would also like to see some expansion of some existing ones.
I find this park quite boring in comparison to the others, and a waste of a ticketed day. Personally, I think spending big bucks on a B&B attraction to bring more folks in should be done first. With that plus Frozen, it should give them a bit of wiggle room. Would love to see a Peru pavilion and Peruvian food. Also, since Soarin is so popular, maybe they could do some similar simulated rides around the countries.
Absolutely my favourite park since being a child. I can’t see how anyone could find World Showcase boring.
I hadn’t thought about it, but after reading the comments, I completely agree: No IP in Epcot.
One comment was about updating Mission Space with Guardians of the Galaxy. While I enjoy those movies, I find imagining humanity’s first fumbling forays into space much more inspiring.
To paraphrase another commenter, Epcot and WDW should be about celebrating possibilities and new ideas, rather than revisiting popular culture.
I actually really enjoy Journey into Imagination and Figment. Figment is corny, funny, and mischeivous. I like the theme, “Imagination works best when it’s set free!” The ride is whimsical, lighthearted, and upbeat.
If they update the ride, I hope they don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Keep the general theme, Figment, the lighthearted nature and whimsy. In a perfect world, have Eric Idle play a part!
I would LOVE to see a Brazil pavilion. I would actually Be very excited to see any of several south american countries included. Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil… so much unique culture, food, and beauty. It’s definitely time for South America to be included.
I cannot say this enough: Guardians of the Galaxy DOES NOT BELONG IN EPCOT. I love GotG, but it belongs in Hollywood studios, not Epcot. Universe of energy needs a refresh, but it should still be about.. oh, I don’t know… the FUTURE. because it’s in future world. Does Disney seriously not even know why people go to Epcot in the first place? Update it with an awesome ride about renewable energy. Update it with a tron ride if you MUST have IP, but make it actually show computer processors and how different kinds of IT work. update it with something that has at least SOMETHING to do with the future. I love futureworld. I don’t want to see it demolished. I would be so sad.
South American – Paradise Falls from UP! Attraction please!!
Would love to see a Caribbean Pavilion!
All the islands….one love!
Some great ideas. I do ride Ratatouille often and it’s a really nice ride for the whole family.
Africa is not a country but a continent, so it’s bad when i eard that Africa is already represented by Morocco, because Morocco is completly different from others Africans countries.
I will like Peru, Namibie, Kenya, Cuba or Greece
I think that what Tom was getting at by saying that an Africa Pavilion would be redundant is that the continent as a whole has an overwhelming presence in other Disney parks and resorts. Since the opening of Animal Kingdom and with Animal Kingdom Lodge being one big celebration of African cultures, it could be argued that Africa is (aside from North America) the best represented continent across property.
I personally think that South America could have better representation as it is completely left out of the equation in the current configuration of World Showcase so a Brazil Pavilion would be a great addition. I also like the idea of Cuba as you suggested but I can’t see that happening anytime in the near future. Although the US’s relationship with the country has been steadily improving I think there is still a long way to go before Disney can justify the construction of a Cuba pavilion at Epcot. It will sure be interesting to see how this all plays out!
Based on pulled permits. France and Energy are definitely on the radar for immediate replacement. Everything else are rumors.
Ratatouille is more likely than not. The attraction was already built. A Beauty and Beast is less likely since I expect Japan will want an exclusive for a period of time. Better to expect a Beauty to head to MK in the future.
Similarly, Guardians is more likely since it was done already although it was a different attraction. Tron is less likely since the Test Track makeover has a similar look.
Higher priorities are a new entrance and an Innoventions makeover. Lower priority is Imagination and The Land. The Land already received a third theater for Soarin.
Seems like adding attractions to existing country pavilions is more likely than building a new country like Brazil (heavily rumored). So many countries have dead space. There are no attractions to pull in the crowds. In my last trip, I didn’t go further than Norway.
Upgrading the Sphere, Space, Living Seas, Imagination, The Land could be minor upgrades and not really considered transforming additions.
We may be the only people who think so but the new Frozen ride in Epcot was a HUGE disappointment. Sure the animatronics are cool but that’s it’s far as it goes. Why wasn’t the line area in the village upgraded a bit like with the Peter Pan ride? A lot of the ride just feels like filler to get to the highlights. Even simple things like adding some “Christmas tinsel” to Olaf’s little waterfall would have added a huge impact at very little cost. Would really love to see my favorite park receive some much needed attention but am hoping it’s not all bandaid approach (which is what I consider Frozen) and some actual magic is created in the new areas.
Oh, you’re not the only one who thinks Frozen is disappointing! Just glad I used Fastpass and didn’t have to wait an hour in line.
Not Spain, please! I don’t see it happening, but in case someone is thinking about it, there’s no way to make a Spain pavilion and not put bulls somewhere in it, and I don’t want to see bullfighting there. Not to mention Disney has always shown an actual commitment to animal life and that would be a travesty.
I’d rather have Brazil, and I’m from Argentina!
What? I could not disagree with you more. Bullfighting is a big part of Spanish culture, sure, but it’s not the ONLY part, and implying that is so incredibly offensive. There are many other things they could highlight in a Spanish pavilion without including bullfighting. Also, including bullfighting wouldn’t make any sense at all. Your comment about them NOT being able to make a pavilion without it is as ridiculous as saying they couldn’t make a Germany pavilion without referencing the Holocaust. Clearly, they were able to do so. Additionally, I must add, bullfighting first came to prominence in Rome. I see no reference to it in the Italian pavilion. Do you? Why in God’s name would anyone consider adding bullfighting to Spain? They can focus on the architecture, art, culture, cuisine, Spain’s beautiful coast etc etc etc without highlighting bullfighting. Sure, there might be an image of a bull here or there, but the Mexican pavilion has images of roosters without referencing cockfighting. There’s more to Spain than bullfighting and sangria which would probably be the entire point of adding a Spanish pavilion in the first place; to educate people about the vast culture that Spain has to offer. It seems like you might benefit from it.
You’re not only so incredibly rude, but also incredibly wrong: I’m of Spanish origin, so no need to educate me about it. You, on the other hand…
Even though your comment is so ridiculous I shouldn’t dignify it with a reply, let me tell you the difference with Germany is that you don’t see Germans being proud of the Holocaust, and I shouldn’t even have to say this, but your comment is so misguided and absurd I had to do it.
And Romans didn’t find the need to bleed and torture bulls: they fight them with their bare hands, and it was more than two milleniums ago: are you saying Spain is still living in the B.C. times?
Spaniards put bulls everywhere, even going as far as asking UNESCO to make bullfighting an Immaterial Patrimony of Humanity. So it seems it’s really you who needs to get educated, and the sooner the better.
And for the record: bullfighting is not culture, but torture. If only Spain and their apologists understood that, it’d be a huge progress…
There are so many more countries deserving of a place in World Showcase, that I really hope WDW doesn’t go there, at least not until Spain decides to join the civilised world.
Your initial comment was rude, so if my reply was rude, that’s probably why. You boil down the entire history of an important nation to one horrible aspect. I agree that bullfighting is gross, but it’s not all that Spain is about, despite your own personal views. You may be “of Spanish descent” but that’s not the same as being Spanish or having traveled to Spain or having any idea about the country as a whole. You said you’re Argentinian, so the only thing of note about your entire country is Evita, right? If they were to make an Argentinian pavilion they wouldn’t be able to avoid it, huh? Just like there’s more to Argentina than Evita, there’s more to Spain than bullfighting. Your comments were derogatory and stereotypical. Yes, Spanairds do put bulls everywhere, just like Mexicans put cocks everywhere, but again, did Mexico include cockfighting in the pavilion? No? That’s right. The fact that you refer to Spain as not being part of the civilized world while simultaneously claiming that Brazil would be a better addition speaks volumes to your bias and fundamental lack of respect for other nations.
How about Brazil?
Very odd post.
I certainly don’t obsess about bullfighting when I think of Spain.
Miriam. I agree with Katie even though some of her analogies are not the best. And to be fair you are the one who was rude in the first place.
Sylvain, what’s rude about my first post? Please re-read it and name one thing.
Kathy, on the other hand, made lots of many ridiculous assumptions about me and her analogies were way out of line (“not the best” is the understatement of the century…)
And she still makes unfounded assumptions: I’ve been to Spain.
I see she doesn’t reply my comment about UNESCO’s Patrimony list, so she probably knows nothing about it. See? I can make assumptions too.
I’m done with this, and I truly hope Spain is nowhere to be seen in EPCOT.
Disney needs to utilize the building next to Universe of Energy. It originally was supposed to deal with health, exercise and the human body. It was bad from the beginning. Now it is being used for “special appearances for 2017 fall festival”? What a waste! Leave Universe of Energy alone. I recently took young family members on this ride and they were impressed. For those of us who have been there many, many times it may not be that impressive but we need to remember that there are always first-timers (young children finally old enough to understand the story behind energy) that absorb info which is what Epcot is about. It is not about thrill rides. Some type of ride – yes, but not too excessive. We only go to Epcot when we do not have younger children with us.