Epcot's getting Power About This Page:

[ciam]

Im alittle worried here ever since Epcot got these 3 rides i think Epcot's getting so much power the other parks will be ignored and burried alive!Test Track, Mission Space(DANGER DONT GO ON THIS RIDE),and Soarin wich is WDW's most popular ride are burying the other parks infact my teacher and 5 of his friends only want to go to Disney becuase of The Epcot Center nothing else they say they want to go on Soarin and Test Track NOT MISSION SPACE NOT MISSION SPACE DONT GO ON THAT RIDE I HEARD A 11 YEAR OLD DIED ON IT DONT DONT DONT GO ON IT DONT GO ON MISSION SPACE
Though anyway these days Epcot is getting to much popularity please spend more of your time at another park im worried.

[ladyt]

I don't think you have anything to be worried about. Epcot is great, yes, but the other parks will just follow suit. The Animal Kingdom will be opening Expedition Everest next year and then that will be the big, new, most popular ride.

Also, it was a 4 year old that died while riding MS, and it was very sad, but it wasn't the ride that was the cause of his death, that has yet to be determined. So, don't be scared of the ride, but if you don't feel comfortable riding it, don't think you have to just because others want you to. Go with what you think is best for yourself.

[Laughaholic]

I agree! I don't think you have anything to worry about in the slightest!

Yes, Epcot has a couple of the thrill rides, but so does MGM. MGM has two within reasonable distance, basically right next to each other, and it always seems busier than ever!

I feel very safe on Mission: Space, and I think it is a great attraction, but as ladyt said, if you don't feel comfortable with it, stay away from it!

[lorilovestigger]

The one thing is that these types of rides are probably the future of rides everywhere. I was watching a special about amusement park rides the other night and I say rides on it that are worst than those at WDW. Like the Superman ride at a 7 flags. You go straight up and literally float for a few seconds. They saw it's the closest thing to flying. Good thing you are straped in.
And besides, Test Track is nothing. My dad drives faster than that in his corvette.
Lori

[EarthyFamily]

Not worried at all here. There are all different kinds of people, with all different kinds of reasons for going to WDW. I think perhaps that's why WDW has categories on their website, for different types of people/families visiting, that list what attractions might interest them most.

[Wild4Diz]

Diversity is one of the great things about WDW and one of the reasons that I love to go back over and over!

Any time a new ride opens it draws crowds, but people still go to the other parks as well so don't worry. Just go and have a great time what ever you decide to see and ride.

[hktmom]

With the millions and millions of people that visit WDW each year, I don't think Disney is danger of self-destructing because Epcot now has 3 thrill rides. In fact, this is great news! Epcot I believe sat in the corner for a very long time and these rides are the dance partner it needed to get back on the dance floor and shine the way it should!!

No worries!!
Heather

[luv2sail]

[ QUOTE ]
With the millions and millions of people that visit WDW each year, I don't think Disney is danger of self-destructing because Epcot now has 3 thrill rides. In fact, this is great news! Epcot I believe sat in the corner for a very long time and these rides are the dance partner it needed to get back on the dance floor and shine the way it should!!

[/ QUOTE ]

[paradox]

Test Track is VERY overrated. Nothing special about it at all. As a matter of fact if it were not for MS I wouldn't go to Epcot. My wife loves it (it is her favorite), my DD likes it, but I am totally left cold with it.

[mestitch]

[ QUOTE ]
Test Track is VERY overrated. Nothing special about it at all.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree!! DH & I argue about this one some b/c he loved it but I thought it was "eh, okay". We love MS and can't wait to try Soarin but what brings us to Epcot multiple times each trip is the World Showcase. It's so beautiful, especially at night. And even more beautiful lit up at Christmas time!

[EeyoreNeedsLoveToo]

I would agree that Test track is overrated, not that it isn't enjoyable - but I could skip it on a trip and be just fine. I think it IS an excellent intro to "fast" rides for younger kids though....

Mission Space is cool - but I'll only ride it once a trip - Thomas loves it - so he rides more times while I spend time in Mouse Gear....

I am so looking forward to Soarin' although, I understand it isn't real "intense" just "unique". I don't think there are many health limitations for this one.

I really think Epcot needed some "thrills" and am glad to see them bring them in, without sacrificing the themes of the pavilions, or the educational experiences. -- It's not like they are building a Nemo waterpark in the middle of living seas.....

I don't see Epcot becoming the "thrill" park -- it's just finally catching up to the other parks with a little bit of something for everyone.

[Joy J]

First off, I don't think you have to worry in the least about the safety of Mission: Space as Disney goes out of their way to ascertain that all of their attractions are as safe as humanly possible. The tragic accident that occurred involving the young child was just that - an accident that had nothing to do with the actual ride itself. That being said, the decision whether or not to ride a thrill ride is completely up to the individual. For me, I don't go to WDW for its thrill rides - those I can find at any amusement park in the world, including a local one situated only a few minutes' drive from my home. No, as far as I'm concerned what makes WDW so special is the magic: things like the fabulous audio-animatronics, the amazing attention to detail throughout all the parks and the sensational atmosphere of pixie dust and moonbeams.

When it comes to thrill rides, Epcot really only has the one in Mission: Space as neither Test Track nor Soarin' are very intense. Animal KIngdom has 1 thrill ride as well (soon to be two), MGM has 2 and Magic Kingdom has 1-3 depending on whether or not you consider Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad thrill rides. You could stay away from all the thrill rides at WDW and still have a wonderful vacation - it truly comes down to a matter of personal taste and WDW has something to appeal to everyone and anyone.

Joy

[LLaffinPlace]

I concur with what's been said here about not having to worry, as well as whether to ride or not being a personal choice. My concerns tend to be more with the attractions that aren't getting much attention, even though I certainly understand that not even Disney has the resources to do everything at once. I am talking about Epcot attractions such as Wonders of Life (recently painted but closed), The Living Seas (needing a refurb and rumored to be getting one late this year), Universe of Energy (fun but needing a refurb), and at the MK, the Carousel of Progress (needing a more complete rehab, flat panel monitors notwithstanding). Like Joy and Others, I value to variety and choice in the Disney parks, and always like to see things bright and sparkling. Oh, and I forgot to mention the exit to Spaceship Earth. But one way or another, I count on Disney to get around to these things. I would hate to see the Carousel retired, however, as I have happy memories of seeing it for the first time at the NY World's Fair and it does have Walt's name on it!

Soarin' is great and I agree it is not particularly intense. And I can't wait for Expedition Everest!

[Caldercup]

I wouldn't worry about this. Disney is pretty careful about how they balance the attractions at certain parks.

If you check attendance records, the MK still has the highest attendance of all the other parks -- and it's, by far, the smallest of the four -- and there are only three E-ticket type attractions at the MK.

MGM has TOT and RnR plus Star Tours which keep it busy.

The AK is getting Everest to add to its stable of KRR and the safari -- plus there's DINOSAUR, but I can't get my self to go on it yet!

Therefore, Epcot, with TT, M:S and Soarin' is pretty darned equal with its fellow parks.

I would like to comment on your concerns about Mission:Space. Recently, a 4-year old child did die on this ride and preliminary reports clear the ride as being at fault.

What you have to keep in perspective is that there have been 8.6 *million* riders on this ride since Oct 2003 and 1 (very unfortunate and sad) death. That's a very good track record for a ride -- even for a county road!

But, people who are sensitive to motion sickness have reported problems with after-affects from M:S and do not ride it again. If you have this problem, I'd definitely stay away. But don't miss out on a great experience because of fears of safety -- this ride is far safer than being in your own car, going to the grocery store.

I hope you have a great time on your trip!
Eileen

[tinalouwho]

I'm not worried; I like variety. My kids love Test Track but I could skip it (although we never seem to)