Unannounced Living with the Land Refurb

[tizzo]

Just caught this now, supposedly published a few hours ago:

Disney closes Epcot ride for upgrade

I admittedly haven't been on the attraction in a while, but does it really have "40 animatronics" as the article says?

Tony

[KerriRocker]

That's my favorite ride at Epcot I hope it's open again in time for Food & Wine.

Yes, there probably are that many animatronics in there with all the animals, I believe most of them are in the rainforest scene in the beginning of the ride.

[clion]

It does have quite a few in those first scenes before entering the greenhouses.

[lizardlynn92]

I AM SO MAD!!
I leave for disney on the 14th, and some of my favorite rides are going to be closed!! No space mountain or TTA and now no living with the land. I'm really sad now!

[HauntedGabe]

I'd be mad too. It is a must do for us. Wonder what this is about. It is educational and Epcot has really gotten away from educational. Epcot has also gotten good at moth balling attractions, calling it refurb and never opening them again. A lot of employees back in that test veggie area. $$. Hope they don't just wall it off forever.

Disney just did report a 26% drop in profits this quarter.

[edwardsfire]

I'd be mad too. It is a must do for us. Wonder what this is about. It is educational and Epcot has really gotten away from educational. Epcot has also gotten good at moth balling attractions, calling it refurb and never opening them again. A lot of employees back in that test veggie area. $$. Hope they don't just wall it off forever.

Disney just did report a 26% drop in profits this quarter.

ah, the land WILL be reopening. They have announced pretty much what the refurb will entail.
and, what attractions have been closed for refurb..and then not re opened?
Maybe w.o.l.?
The last major refurb at epcot was universe of energy, it of course reopened.
I guess im at a loss as to the "attractions that didnt reopen" lately.

[Sharon&Randy]

I am so bummed. We are going in Sept. and I haven't been to Epcot since the 80's. I was really looking forward to riding the Land. We are bringing our 2 year old and this was one of the few rides she would enjoy. She is very aware of her surroundings and is unsure of dark places or unexpected noises. Does anyone know if Space ship Earth would be o.k. for her?
Thanks!

[disneydreamer98]

I just read this last night when I was looking through my allears email. I too am really bummed about this! I haven't told my hubby yet....he's going to be even less happy. I understand the need for these type of things, I just wish they'd contact me and clear the dates for our trips before starting!

[disneydreamer98]

That's my favorite ride at Epcot I hope it's open again in time for Food & Wine.

It is currently scheduled to reopen on November 1st.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

I never counted the number of animatronics, but it does have quite a few. Last rode it in June and hope it will be back in November.

[bety]

So is this a major change or just a regular refurb?

[SnwhtNdwrfs]

Maybe the song will come back. My kids love to sing with it on the CDs but have never heard it at WDW.

[HauntedGabe]

ah, the land WILL be reopening. They have announced pretty much what the refurb will entail.
and, what attractions have been closed for refurb..and then not re opened?
Maybe w.o.l.?
The last major refurb at epcot was universe of energy, it of course reopened.
I guess im at a loss as to the "attractions that didnt reopen" lately.

Well I certainly hope you are right! I love this attraction. Not sure what your criteria is for lately but the Land has had its share of Extinct attractions, Horizons went down for a refurbish, then seasonally then a new pavilion. Same scenario for all the attractions within Wonders of Life. Imagination, the whole second floor of interactions never came back after a rehab. Look at what went away from Motion. The tour boats went into rehab at AK and never came back. The subs at MK went into rehab and look at it now. It is a track record with Disney.

This one could come back. It could come back seasonally, its ETA is for a busy time. I've learned after Wonders of Life and Horizons never to say never.

Now I have no idea of their source, and question leaks, but here is an article from my neck of the woods:



From the Chicago Examiner

Living with the Land closed for refurbishment: Disney World continues updating old attractions

In an effort to revive old attractions are closing one by one for refurbishment. The latest attraction on Disney’s refurbishment hit list is Living with the Land, which is located in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. The slow moving boat ride through Epcot’s green house has been closed since Aug. 2 and is scheduled to reopen Nov. 1.
Disney has not fully released the details involving the refurbishment, but some details have been leaked out. It has been mentioned that the ride will be getting new boats that will be bigger than the current ones to carry more guests. It is not known if the river will be expanded due to the larger boats, but they may need to be. There will also be new video sequences in the barn section of the ride, just before entering the green house. The queue is also being improved to enhance the guest flow in the waiting area.
There is still no mention as to whether the Behind the Seeds tour at the Land Pavilion will be affected by the refurbishment. Tours are still going on as scheduled.

It is rumored that Disney is bringing down attractions to cut costs during this slow time.

[WDWmemories]

So is this really a shut-down to improve, or just a shut down to reduce cost?

[bety]

I would guess that both are motives for shutting it down, but reducing cost is probably the overriding reason.