Disney needs to revive the spirit this lost EPCOT showcase once had

As a long-time Disney enthusiast and tech aficionado, I can’t help but reminisce about the magic that was Innoventions. Having grown up visiting Epcot, this particular pavilion held a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just another attraction; it was a window into the future, a glimpse at the cutting-edge technology that would shape our world.

Reflecting on Disney World in 1994 presents a stark contrast, particularly with respect to Epcot. However, despite the passage of 30 years since its debut, Innoventions may not receive the recognition it deserves, and the impact of its legacy is more substantial than one might initially think.

For a park meant to look at the future, Epcot often had issues trying to stay relevant. When it opened in 1982, it was amazing in terms of technology and looked at what the future could bring. However, much like Tomorrowland, Disney realized that trying to predict the future is tricky as it becomes the past quicker than you can imagine.

The Communicore, part of EPCOT Center, was a unique blend of a dining area and a large souvenir shop, but it also housed exhibits that aligned with EPCOT’s goal of exploring the future. These exhibits were captivating, ranging from a continually increasing clock displaying Earth’s population growth (once the concept of four billion people on Earth seemed astonishing) to a census, an interactive robot answering questions, and more. There was even a connection to the Universe of Energy, where guests could observe models showcasing various aspects of energy, including simulating earthquakes. Although entertaining, many aspects became outdated by the 1990s.

As a passionate gamer immersed in the world of virtual reality, I’ve always been captivated by the concept of transformation. With EPCOT set for an upgrade, it was evident that a remarkable change was needed. And boy, did the Imagineers deliver! They meticulously designed a space that truly stood out, making me feel like I was part of something extraordinary in this magical gaming realm.

The magic of Innoventions

On July 1, 1994, Innoventions emerged as a modernized version of Communicore. To many visitors, the pièce de résistance of this area was the Sega Game Zone, a result of Disney’s collaboration with the game company. This partnership allowed guests to play numerous Sega games for free, ranging from Sonic to Disney-themed ones. As time progressed, it evolved to accommodate PlayStation and other systems, primarily serving as a platform to showcase Disney games. It was intriguing to note that this space, nestled within Epcot, functioned as an arcade.

Initial offerings also featured a bakery serving freshly-baked cookies, an interactive “home” previewing upcoming elements, and the Imagineering Lab that allowed visitors to test a virtual reality experience of riding Aladdin’s magic carpet.

It’s interesting to note that a significant portion of the initial exhibits were once considered extraordinary but have since become commonplace. Examples of these were the Internet as we know it today, pocket-sized phones with internet capabilities (smartphones), cell phone cameras, and more. This was precisely what Future World aimed for – a real demonstration of emerging technologies and their potential to further improve our world.

The Innovention evolution

The pavilion at Epcot consistently met its expectation by frequently updating its overall theme and displays. In 1999, as preparations for a new millennium commenced, Disney rebranded it to “the Road to Tomorrow,” introducing Tom Morrow 2.0 as the host of certain exhibits. This concept continued until 2009 when further changes were implemented to showcase various displays. Notable sponsors such as IBM and General Motors remained throughout the transformation, displaying their computer advancements and Future Cars, respectively, which introduced technologies now commonplace, such as GPS systems.

Motivated by an increase in museum exhibits, Disney incorporated interactive elements such as the Test Your Strength Lab where visitors could handle various items playfully. A popular attraction was “The Culmination of Excitement” which allowed guests to create their own roller coaster design and experience a simulation ride within a massive rotating “arm,” utilizing 4-D technology that would later be applied to rides like Flight of Passage. Additionally, Segway rides were available as well.

A captivating tale is Habit Heroes, initially designed to instruct about health through a film where detrimental habits such as inactivity and excessive sugar consumption were portrayed as antagonists. However, this approach sparked a genuine backlash from health organizations who criticized it for being potentially “shaming” towards individuals regarding their bodies. Consequently, Disney transformed it into figures that inspire guests to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Disney also created several informative displays, like the “StormStruck” exhibit featuring weather expert Jim Cantore demonstrating ways people can stay safe during destructive storms with interactive simulations. Additionally, there was an educational “house” designed to help visitors identify potential fire hazards and another focused on personal financial management.

Through each exhibit’s arrival and departure, Innoventions consistently delivered the essence that Epcot visitors sought: a vibrant display of cutting-edge technology presented in an engaging manner, transporting guests into an exciting new realm. It not only preserved the park’s initial charm but also served as an appealing destination to explore during the 2010s.

The end of Innoventions and why it should return

1) The closing down of Innoventions was gradual, occurring as Disney transitioned into a character-focused meet-and-greet spot. Its West wing shuttered in 2015, but the promised renovation never materialized. Portions of the East side were also decommissioned as Epcot prepared for an extensive makeover. This transformation would have included repurposing the old Wonders of Life pavilion into the Play Pavilion, much like Innoventions with its array of interactive displays.

Subsequently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a halt in construction for approximately a year, causing disruption to Disney’s plans. Currently, Journey Into Water can be found in the West area, while the East area has been transformed into Connections Eatery. Unfortunately, the Play pavilion is one of several Disney projects that were canceled due to the pandemic.

Although some might have considered Innoventions as an area to bypass or casually stroll through en route to more famous attractions, this place held a certain charm for many. For those visiting it for the first time in 1994, the wide array of offerings such as a massive video game collection and advanced computer technology left them spellbound. Today, the VR games may appear quaint, but they were groundbreaking technology back then. The team responsible for updating the exhibits did an excellent job to prevent it from appearing outdated over time.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve fondly remembered the “edutainment” concept at Disney, which sadly seems to have taken a backseat in the last decade. Some experiences felt akin to visiting a museum, but they were an engaging way for kids like me to learn about topics like environment, safety, science, and more, all while having fun. Epcot was supposed to embody this balance between education and entertainment, yet it appears Disney has overlooked this aspect.

More than any other park, Epcot is meant to be not just a celebration of the past but a focus on the brighter future. As much as it could be slammed as a commercial for its companies, Innoventions still held to that, and it’s something Disney should revive. The Play pavilion still has a lot of potential and is something Disney should consider going through with.

30 years after its opening and more than five years since its closure, the impact of Innoventions on displaying modern technology is frequently underestimated. However, for many visitors, it was their initial introduction to technologies that we now consider commonplace. Moreover, Innoventions embodied a spirit of innovation which Disney was once renowned for, and this ethos continues to be relevant today. Therefore, one can only hope that the future development of Epcot and Disney will include a revival not of Innoventions itself, but rather the innovative spirit it symbolized – a reminder of how groundbreaking minds can shape the future.

2024-08-13 01:27