Word came through this morning that, after seven long years of desecrating the glorious Spaceship Earth geosphere at Epcot Center, the 257 foot tall Mickey arm and wand will indeed be coming down. Work starts this Monday, July 9th, and will be complete by Epcot's 25th anninversary in October.
Jim Macfee, Epcot's Vice President, noted, "We think the timing of the removal is right."
Ya think?
Those that truly care about the heritage of Epcot couldn't be happier.
There's still much work to be done in Future World; the removal of the dismal Epcot Cemetery, the transformation of Test Track / World of Motion into a true showcase for the future of transportation, the write off of Mission: Space as a dismal and deadly failure, the rebirth of the Energy Pavilion as a true exploration of alternative energy choices and the re-imagining of The Seas Pavilion as a place to be actively challenged with the stewardship of our amazing ocean wonders rather than challenged to merely find Nemo.
Indeed all of Future World is in dire need of a complete tone change. A high ranking executive at the very top of the Disney food-chain would be smart to bankroll a confident transition from the empty thrills and bizarre marketing agendas of Epcot's Eisnerland to the headier, hopeful and more satisfying goal outlined on the dedication plaque, where the promise of Epcot Center was not only to 'entertain, inform and inspire' but more importantly to, 'instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.'
Still, knocking down that god-awful tawdry disgusting horrid filthy cheap Mickey wand is a great first step.
Bliss!
Photo courtesy Sam Eagle
