Blog #12: Characters in Epcot

Photo by Bill Sauerbier



Hello all, Welcome to another episode of the Disney World Nation Blog, today Team Monday (Lauren, Bill W, Beth, Ted, Michelle W, and Bill S) talk about the recent additions of characters in Epcot. Here is the question of the week.

Over the past few year EPCOT has seen characters come into the parks. Nemo went to the living seas, Donald Duck to Mexico, the character spot opened at innoventions plaza, and most recently Duffy the Disney Bear calls Epcot home. Recently a debate has been sparked by Disney purists who say that Epcot should remain without characters, while others believe that's exactly what EPCOT needs. Your question is "Do characters belong at Epcot, why? And if yes, what is the next place they should pop-up"

Lauren: Let me start by saying EPCOT is my personal favorite of all the parks. I can very easily spend an entire day just in The World Showcase. That being said, I can’t comprehend why some purists are bothered by EPCOT having characters involved at the park. The characters being there don’t take away from the quality of the rides or shows. And if we are going to be honest, the minute Walt Disney died, his original plans for EPCOT died with him. There can’t be a right or wrong now when the park doesn’t resemble what Walt dreamt it would be like in the first place. I love Disney, but I am not blind to the fact that Disney is a major corporation looking to make money and keep up with the times. Do adults go to Disney World without children? Of course, but let’s face it, the majority of visitors to the Orlando area are families. Science isn’t always considered an exciting topic by kids, but have Crush talk to them about sea turtles in a fun and educational way and you have a win-win situation. Even in my favorite part of the park, the character usage isn’t intrusive. Snow White is best known because of the Grimm brothers, she’s a part of Germany’s history in that way, and she and the Seven Dwarves being in Germany only enhance the story being told. The characters are an invitation for kids to want to go and learn more. I don’t necessarily think EPCOT needs more characters, but if a ride or a country would benefit from a character facelift, so be it; Anything to keep improving what is already a superb experience.

Michelle W: I think it’s a nice touch that EPCOT has characters in the park. Having a little one makes going to EPCOT a little challenging at times, since there aren’t as many attractions for her to do, as say the Magic Kingdom.  So for us, being able to see some characters while we are exploring though the World Showcase, really helps to keep the little princess happy during our visits. I really like that certain characters are found in their ‘home’ lands, like Belle & Beast are in France, Mary Poppins is in England, & Aladdin & Jasmine are in Morocco.  Another great thing that EPCOT has to offer if you are a Disney Visa Card holder, is a private Character Meet ‘N’ Greet. We love taking advantage of this since we get our own time with a few of the characters at one time & you even get a coupon for a free 5x7!

Bill W: I am a huge fan of vintage EPCOT Center.  I long for the days of Horizons, The original Figment centered ride, and even World of Motion (Test Track is awesome though.)  Something I did miss in the EPCOT of old, were the characters. I welcomed the introduction of Disney Characters to EPCOT, and I hope they stay, as long as they are themed properly.  Alice belongs in the UK, as does Mulan in China. As long as Stitch doesn’t show up in Morocco, everything will be fine.

Beth: I firmly believe Epcot needs the characters there. While all the parks are geared towards kids-Epcot seems to be the one for the Adults. I can speak from experience that my younger children didn’t always find it to be their favorite spot. They now head there first. I think if there hadn’t been the opportunity for them to "sneak peek" a character, we wouldn’t have had any leverage to keep them there. In the early 1990's the Sega pavilion was huge, and they knew it was possible to catch a character in the area. With the addition of Nemo, we have another destination. I would like to see some more characters in the World Showcase. I guess more of a regimented area, similar to the spot in the front. We would like to have them everywhere; we're just that much of a bunch of big kiddies. Look what ya made me do.........Now I need to go to Epcot. But, I'm headed to get some schoolbread first. Till next time.........."I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse. “Walt Disney.

Ted: I recently viewed my old video of my visit to Disney world in '95.  As I watched the video I noticed how Epcot was really a ghost town during that time and how it has really transformed itself to a must destination not only for adults but for kids also.  A part of that is the introduction of some extreme rides (Soarin’, test track, and mission to mars) but also the characters that have been added.  I think they do an excellent job keeping up with the world showcase theme (snow white in Germany, Alice in England). Also having one spot that kids can meet Mickey, Minnie, etc. keeps the excitement in the park for the little ones.  There is still plenty to learn and enjoy at Epcot and the introduction of characters has not dampened the dream of Walt of a city of the future.

Bill S: I’ll be honest, I understand what people say when they don’t think characters should be there, but facts are facts, I would never have gone on many things without those characters. I never went on El Rio Del Tiempo until the Three Caballeros came in and made it so much better. Nemo took a very boring Seas ride and gave a story to it. Let’s not forget the abomination that was the Imagination ride without Figment. Characters bring fun to the parks, and fun is what you need to keep people coming back.

Thank you once again for visiting us here at the Disney World Nation Blog. Please come back on Friday as Team Friday talks about which direction they start out at when heading to Hollywood Studios. Till next time, See You Real Soon Bill Sauerbier