Walt Disney World Epcot Discussion Thread

^ Have Derek and I tought you nothing?

^ They have done beer flights in the past. Thanks for the report Adam, the event looks amazing!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/frozen-draft-beer-comes-to-u-s-at-the-japan-pavilion-at-epcot/

Frozen Kirin draft beer? Yep, and you can only find it in one spot in the continental U.S.: the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. (It’s also sold in Honolulu).

 

Already a hit in Tokyo, Japan, and sold at more than 650 locations, you’ll find the frozen Kirin in the Garden House, the Kabuki Cafe and in the Tokyo Dining restaurant, says Bob Miller, dining operations manager for Mitsukoshi USA at Epcot.

 

For the record, it’s a light frozen topping made of beer that keeps the draft nice ‘n cold for about 30 minutes. The topping looks a little like ice cream – but it’s actually beer and tastes like beer.

 

“The guests were apprehensive, but very curious,” says Miller. “But once they try it, they often come back for another and bring their friends – it definitely makes the beer colder and keeps it colder longer, which is a good thing in the Florida sunshine.”

 

Cost is $8.

Only sold in Florida and Honolulu and I'm stuck right in the middle! This doesn't seem right.

This is awesome, must try this soon!

I love Kirin and frozen drinks! I might pass out now. Seriously, I love Epcot.

Hmm--intriguing. I'll definitely check out Frozen Kirin the next time I'm at Epcot.

Get Dole Whip and Frozen Kirin in the same park and watch magic happen!

^BEST IDEA EVER!

dt

As if I needed another reason to visit Orlando...WANT!

Must find - in Japan - next year?

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/test-tracks-new-look-will-be-unveiled-at-epcot-this-week/

Now that all you Epcot fans have had a few weeks to recover from celebrating Epcot history at the park’s 30th anniversary festivities, let’s take a look forward at what’s next for the park. We have an update to share on Test Track – Presented by Chevrolet, which will celebrate a milestone in its construction this week as it unveils its new exterior to guests.

 

As you can see from this image, the attraction’s color scheme has been changed from a yellow-and-black checkerboard pattern to a sleek, bold blue design that incorporates smaller icon designs that guests will encounter within the attraction. (And I think I spy at least one nod to Epcot history here. Anyone else?).

The attraction’s new marquee, which Walt Disney Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick unveiled here on the Disney Parks Blog back in August, also reflects a sleek automotive-inspired design.

 

As a reminder, the reengineered Test Track will officially open this Dec. 6.

Yay. It's still ugly.

^ What, you're not a fan of the ghetto temporary steel scaffolding look?

At least the colors are pleasing. That's all I got though.

I wish they would have gotten rid of the scaffolding and built a "sleek" roof to go with the new theme, but I like the color scheme.

^ What, you're not a fan of the ghetto temporary steel scaffolding look?

 

At least the colors are pleasing. That's all I got though.

I like how they squeezed in the World of Motion logo in there too.....bastards.

 

I like how they squeezed in the World of Motion logo in there too.....bastards.

Where?

^Close to the Chevrolet symbol on the scaffolding.

I don't care for the scaffolding either, but on a rainy day I'd much rather have it be there than not.

I really don't think it looks all that bad, but really it's not entirely different. They could have upped the lighting package a bit on the outside. A lighting effect that follows the cars along this portion of the track could look cool from the outside, since its actually pretty hard to see the car itself. And the giant T would look much cleaner without those logos all over it.

Don't mind it really... kind of indifferent to it. Although I actually DO kind of like the actual entrance area... this part....

And I actually like that they squeezed in the World of Motion logo!

Definitely an improvement. Still looks like a Coachella stage.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Nov/1109_testtrack.html

Chevrolet designers and Walt Disney Imagineers have joined forces to give Walt Disney World Resort guests a deep look inside a professional design studio creating a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory virtual experience in automotive design.

 

Chevrolet and Disney tapped their best design talent with expertise ranging from industrial and automotive design to architecture and animation. The design collaboration began 18 months ago with a few guiding principles – create an experience that is personal, future-focused and optimistic.

 

The two teams met regularly throughout the development process in both GM’s Design studios in Warren, Mich., and at Test Track in Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The collaboration allowed for the greatest level of innovation yet ensured the values of both brands were accurately represented in the new attraction, while allowing both teams to learn from each other’s expertise.

 

“At Chevrolet, the diversity of talent on our team allows us to consistently produce sophisticated, refined and detailed design – but we don’t typically design through the eyes of a 12-year-old,” said Jeff Mylenek, GM Design manager, Global Exhibit and Merchandising Design. “Working with Walt Disney Imagineering, we were inspired to see our brand story from a more youthful perspective and really opened the parameters on how to approach this design challenge.”

 

The result is a unique experience that gives an authentic, inside-the-studio look at the actual automotive design process, while empowering guests themselves to create their own designs, possibly inspiring the next generation of automotive designers.

 

“The re-imagined Test Track portrays an optimistic view of the future, and reflects the deep collaboration between Disney and Chevrolet on both the design and the overall experience,” said Eric Jacobson, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a thrilling attraction supported by rich exhibit displays and interactive elements that bring guests directly into the design process – with a few surprises thrown in.”

 

The teams used multiple mediums throughout the re-imagined attraction for storytelling, including:

 

• Visual cues inspired by Chevrolet’s expressive vehicle design language throughout the architectural elements in the space as well as in the interactive displays; speed forms and concept vehicle displays, like EN-V and Miray, provide a glimpse into the future of Chevrolet design.
  
• Advanced computer technology – similar to that used by Chevrolet designers every day – powers the guest design experience, while radio frequency technology allows them to take their unique vehicle design with them through the entire ride.
  
• A thrill-ride that provides the test experience where each guest’s vehicle design is evaluated.
  
• Social media sharing extends the experience beyond the day at the park.
  
• Test Track Presented by Chevrolet offers Disney guests a three-part experience:
  
• First, guests will have the opportunity to design their own vehicle – car, truck or crossover – with some helpful hints from the Chevrolet designers built into the process. “Designing a successful vehicle requires some careful thought about how to balance capability, efficiency, responsiveness and power – some of the key elements that Chevrolet designers must consider with every new vehicle they imagine,” said Mylenek.
  
• Next, they will have the chance to test drive their vehicle design, through the ride, on track surfaces that simulate the actual vehicle validation process that Chevrolet engineers use to ensure every new vehicle meets the highest performance standards. Each guest’s vehicle design will be evaluated and scored based on how well their design balanced the core attributes.
  
• Finally, guests have the opportunity to race their vehicle over changing terrain and extreme conditions on a digital driving table, produce and share a TV commercial starring their custom vehicle and pose for action shots in front of their design.

The re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will open on Dec. 6, 2012. For more information, please visit: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/

Show Room Show Off

That looks fantastic! I didn't like the idea of it at first, but this looks fantastic!

The Disney dork in me wants to think that they're showing Shanghai to infer that the ride may go to that park as well!

Well now I am really excited to be going to Disney World next year. This looks absolutely stellar.