Will Japan be the location of the World Showcase’s first e-ticket?
The Disney Reporter has some information on one of Epcot’s oldest rumors maybe coming to life after all. The proposed Mt. Fuji themed roller coaster, which never made it to the World Showcase back in the 1980’s, is apparently picking up steam once again. According to the report a new e-ticket attraction, which will not be the same concept and may not even be themed to Mt. Fuji at all, is being planned for the Japan Pavilion for around 2011-12.
Right now there is a MAJOR attraction being worked up for Japan and Joe Rohde has done design/conceptual work on it.
It has not ‘officially’ received the green-light but is considered a shoe-in to do so as Mitsukoshi has offered to put up money, as they have the past few years for the great redos of their department store and dining facilities at EPCOT.
Now, I have not been able to confirm this rumor so far, but I have been hearing rumblings of some World Showcase pavilions looking to raise their profile by adding an attraction. Canada’s “Brother Bear” raft ride being the most recent and prevalent. Japan has always been mentioned in that rumor as well, probably because the original Mt. Fuji project was so poorly hidden from the public. It seems that whenever people start talking about injecting money into the World Showcase, the rumor mill reverts to the oldies but goodies.
So let’s ask the inevitable question? Do you like this idea? Does the idea of having an e-ticket attraction in the World Showcase sit well with you? Personally, I like the World Showcase just the way it is. I’ll live with an e-ticket, especially if it is a good one, but Disney needs to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the mood around the Promenade is not ruined by the screams of thrill seekers. In my opinion, anything like this needs to be indoors or Imagineering needs to somehow create a sound shield so that the wonderful peacefulness of the World Showcase does not suddenly sound like a Six Flags park.
Mike said,
November 27, 2007 @ 3:14 am
They’ve been mulling over an e-ticket for years at WS. I don’t mind it at all. I like this more than the log flume at Canada idea myself
Raidermatt said,
November 28, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
It’s unfortunate that these days it seems E-ticket has to mean a thrill ride with screaming guests. I agree with Dave, sounds of roller coasters or even log flumes with screaming guests on them would change the vibe of World Showcase. Not saying it would ruin the whole thing mind you, but I do think they’d be better served to keep the noise contained. Or better yet, how about a true E-ticket that isn’t reliant on a coaster, or a big drop or spinning you until you can’t stand?
That aside, a mountain structure behind Japan could be interesting and could enhance the pavilion a great deal. Especially if one has to wander through gardens and other scenery to get to it. In other words, blend the attraction with the surrounding structures and make it somewhat mysterious by not just slapping it down with big signs that say “FASTPASS Entrance HERE!!!”
disneyreporter said,
November 29, 2007 @ 12:45 am
A new e-ticket attraction, especially a coaster, will definately help World Showcase. World Showcase hasn’t received any new additions since the 80s (only some refurbs), growing stale in guests minds. It needs something big that will help draw crowds and spread guest population throughout the park so Future World isn’t as conjested. If Joe Rhode is heading this project, I bet it will be great. He is perfect for the job, and where Everest is a similar mountain to Fuji, he’ll know what to do differently on this project so there aren’t too many similarities between the two attractions.
Raidermatt said,
November 30, 2007 @ 1:29 am
You have more faith in Rhode and company than I.
That aside, this seems to be a recurring scenario.
Disney builds something that isn’t a thrill ride.
Disney allows it to stagnate.
Disney and/or others proclaim that the best solution is a roller coaster or some other thrill ride to change things up.
There are other ways to update areas other than adding thrill rides. While I have issues with the new Living Seas pavilion, one thing it has proven is you don’t have to build a thrill ride to draw large numbers of guests into the area.
I also don’t think it’s a congestion issue. Future World handles its current crowds just fine. If any area does get congested, it’s actually World Showcase with its narrower promenade and circular layout.
I’m not saying a Fuji type coaster would be a flop, or wouldn’t draw anybody. It probably would do fine.
Mouse Extra said,
April 3, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
[...] this rumor entirely because this is not the first time recently that we have heard this. Back in November of last year the Disney Reporter also discussed a similar rumor regarding Mt. Fuji. Could the [...]