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 Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices