15 February 2008: Spaceship Earth officially reopens

Follow some live reports from our forum members as Spaceship earth officially reopens today. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=277942

The attraction was having technical issues at opening, and took a few hours for those to be resolved. Once it did reopen, crowds were healthy, and a 35 min wait time quickly formed. The photos below show the attraction now free of construction walls and preview signage.

Newly installed over the last week is the capability for the video globe in the post show area to show your on ride photo over a map of the Earth showing the locations of riders. The photos below show the system in action this morning.

Some new kiosks have been installed but are not yet operational. It looks as though they include a camera to enable you to add your location and photo without actually riding the attraction. See the photo below.

The photo below shows some of the triangular panels that are black lit and installed on the ceiling of the descent tunnel.

The video below shows the new descent animation that has now replaced the previous trivia quiz that appeared in the preview versions of the descent.

The next video show the new geographic location selector screen that the rider uses during the ascent. This is then used to locate the rider photo in the post show on the globe.

22 December 2007: Spaceship Earth construction walls removed

The walls around Spaceship Earth have now been removed. Signage still indicates the attraction is not due to officially reopen until February 2008.

10 December 2007: Spaceship continues previews

Spaceship continued it's previews yesterday and today. It isn't clear yet whether the attraction will remain open during the holiday period or if it will close shortly to continue work until the Feb 2008 official reopening date.

8 December 2007: Spaceship Earth soft opening ride through video

Full ride through video from today's previews
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Full ride through video from today's previews
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Hi Res, 168Mb, WMV video

8 December 2007: Spaceship Earth soft opening ride through photos

7 December 2007: Spaceship Earth guest previews

Some limited guest previews of Spaceship Earth took place last evening. Check out our forums for some live reports http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=254716.

2 December 2007: New Spaceship Earth narrator confirmed

Academy Award-winning, English actress Dame Judi Dench is now confirmed as the new narrator for Spaceship Earth. Discuss this on our forums at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?p=2615335

1 December 2007: New signs installed around Spaceship Earth

A new sign has been installed just outside the queue area on the West side of Spaceship Earth.

29 November 2007: Possible Spaceship Earth previews in December 2007

Spaceship Earth is currently set for some previews in December 2007. As always though, plans are subject to change.

1 November 2007: New Disney Spaceship Earth refurbishment article

Disney put out a great article today on the Spaceship Earth refurbishment project. Of particular interest is that the article confirms there will be a new story (whilst preserving many of the existing scenes), all new narration, and a new soundtrack by Bruce Broughton. Bruce has done a lot of work for Disney, including Cinemagique, One Man’s Dream, Golden Dreams, Ellen’s Energy Adventure, and Timekeeper .

A Time Traveler Comes Full Circle

Spaceship Earth is re-imagined by one of its original Imagineers

Bob Zalk was a wide-eyed, newly hired audio engineer when he took on one of his first projects with Walt Disney Imagineering: working on the mighty Epcot® icon, Spaceship Earth, now presented by Siemens. 25 years later, as Senior Show Producer, he found himself leading the team to take this all-time great attraction, and make it even greater for the 21st century and beyond. And you'll be able to experience the newly enhanced attraction this winter.

Bob and his team enhanced all of the scenes on this time-travel attraction with new lighting effects, costumes and set decoration, but even more than that, they also created an entirely new story "overlay" to blend the classic scenes with new ones and to add a special interactive aspect to its finale.

A new story for the enhancement

"We're telling a different story this time," he explained. "Our new story is essentially about how all the innovations of one generation influence and inspire another. There's definitely a relationship between the caveman in the early scenes, who is writing on walls, to our era in which we write on computers. It's a series of building blocks that add upon each other as we travel up through Spaceship Earth."

Once you reach the top of the 165-foot diameter Spaceship Earth geodesic dome, the new, interactive touch screens on your "time machine" vehicle will invite you to create your own visions of the future and see yourself in that future.

On top of all that, a new narration will be accompanied by an exciting new musical score composed and conducted by nine-time Emmy® Award winner Bruce Broughton, who has created music for many other major Disney attractions and films. "It's a challenge to create music for an attraction like this because you have to know how to blend the music seamlessly from scene to scene," Bob explained. "You want to treat an attraction with the kind of majesty it deserves and Bruce rises to the occasion."

"Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow"

After you leave your time machine, you can explore a new interactive area with lots of fun and fascinating exhibits. "There's Body Builder, in which you wear 3-D glasses to assemble a digital human body (who talks back to you!), and simulates Siemens' remote surgery technology," Bob explained. "Then we have Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases Siemens' auto accident avoidance systems.

"Innervision shows you the future of medical diagnostics in your home—something like your bathroom mirror giving you diagnostics on your body. And Power City is a game what shows how to manage power in a growing city, from routing power to neighborhoods where it's needed to replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar power."

All time favorites will live on through time

But the essence of Spaceship Earth will remain a constant. "Everything that everyone loved about the attraction—the smell of Rome burning, the monk snoring—will still be there, but it will be a new experience in a good many ways," Bob explained. "I think we're all mindful of the tradition that these kinds of attractions hold. So when we approach it as a team, we do it very carefully. You want to keep the ingredients that made it special."

And it's personally very special to Bob Zalk. "Coming in as a young Imagineer 25 years ago and getting to work on something like Spaceship Earth-I was just in awe, not only of the attraction, but also of the people I was privileged to work with and their years with the company. I learned a lot from them. Now at this point, we have young people on our team and we're now mentoring these Imagineers. I'm getting an interesting flashback feeling. How often do you get a chance to work on something like this two times around?"

26 October 2007: Spaceship Earth opening pushed back to 2008

The reopening of Spaceship Earth has been pushed back to February 19th 2008 according to the official Walt Disney World site. There is no information about what has caused the delay, however, it's good to see Disney not rushing the opening and are taking the time to get the refurbishment right.

2 October 2007: Spaceship Earth sign area now tarp free

The tarps that were covering the Spaceship Earth sign areas has now been fully removed and reveals a great looking blue design with a large swoosh-type shape.

20 September 2007: West side of Spaceship Earth receiving extensive landscaping changes

The east side of Spaceship Earth received a lot of attention following the wand removal and now the west side is getting the same. New plants and palms are being added to practically every planter in the area.

 
Above: New palm trees and ground plants along the west side of Spaceship Earth.

 
Above: The new planting along the west side queue area.

 
Above: A view of the new palms and the queue area.

 
Above: The long standing very tall palms have been removed and replaced with the smaller size, the same as found on the east side.

Above: Major work continues on the entry signage, and the entire section is now screened off.

Above: Another planter is cleared and ready for new plants.

 
Above: The planters around the Fountain of Nations is being completely reworked. So far new palms are being installed.

 
Above: A new landscape design bearing the original Epcot logo is installed behind Spaceship Earth.

 
Above left: The general scene approaching Spaceship Earth.
Above right: The large planter infront of Spaceship Earth is cleared and ready for new planting.

Above: New signs have been installed at the front of Epcot.

 
Above: The original Epcot logo is visible on the bottom of all the new signs.

10 September 2007: Former wand-side of Spaceship Earth walkway reopens

The side of Spaceship Earth that previously housed the wand structure has now reopened to guests. A wall remains along the side of Spaceship Earth, but the walkway is open, once again allowing guests to enter and exit the park from either side of Spaceship Earth.

 
Above: The remainder of the wall.

 
Above right: The view of the wall and the now open walkway as viewed from the front of the park.

 
Above: New palm trees planted in the former location of the wand.

 
Above: Other new palm trees planted

 
Above right: The new palms planted in the former wand location

9 September 2007: Latest Spaceship Earth refurbishment photos

The planters along the open side of Spaceship Earth have all been emptied out in preparation for some changes. There has also been some new scaffolding installed around the base of the geosphere.

2 September 2007: Latest wand removal progress

31 August 2007: Latest wand removal progress

31 August 2007: Spaceship Earth sing removed

The Spaceship Earth signage has been removed from the entry area to Spaceship Earth

26 August 2007:  Latest wand removal progress

The crane has now been taken off-site, and work is now underway on removing the supports for the stars that cover Spaceship Earth.

26 August 2007: New Vintage EPCOT CENTER cap available

To go with the previous launch of vintage EPCOT CENTER Tshirts a couple of weeks ago, Disney have now also launch a vintage cap. It is available at Mouse Gear and other locations.

24 August 2007: Latest wand removal progress

15 August 2007: Latest wand removal progress

 
Above left: The view from the main entrance area.
Above right: The view from inside the park facing towards the main entrance.

9 August 2007: New Vintage EPCOT CENTER T-shirts available at MouseGears

Some new vintage style EPCOT CENTER T-shirts have appeared at MouseGears. Both of the new styles so far are in men's sizes, none in women's cuts.

9 August 2007: Latest wand removal progress

 
Above left: The view from the main entrance area.
Above right: The view from inside the park facing towards the main entrance.

Above: A section of the removed structure on the ground prior to removal

3 August 2007: Latest wand removal progress

 
Above left: The view from the main entrance area.
Above right: The view from inside the park facing towards the main entrance.

27 July 2007: Latest wand removal progress

 
Above left: The view from the main entrance area.
Above right: The view from inside the park facing towards the main entrance.

 
Above: The remains of the structure. In many areas, the structure has been cut down.

27 July 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths work complete

We are a little behind on this, as it was actually removed a week ago, but the last of the Leave a Legacy sales booth has been removed. The photos below show the area, which now shows no signs of Leave a Legacy Sales ever being there.

19 July 2007: Latest wand removal progress

The wheels of progress are still moving swiftly with the wand removal. The huge star is now removed, and is sitting on the ground just by guest relations. See the photos below by Eagle.

17 July 2007: Latest wand removal progress

All of the blue ribbon has now been removed from the rear of the wand, and partially removed from the front. The 'E' is the only character still remaining.

14 July 2007: Wand removal progress

The rapid progress is continuing, all that is left of the letters is the E facing the turnstyles.

 
Above: The view from the main turnstyles, with just the letter E remaining

 
Above: The view from inside the park facing towards the entrance, all letters have been removed

11 July 2007: Wand removal progress

Progress is swift on the removal of the wand. Overnight the "o" and "t" have been removed from the side facing the park. Nothing has so far been removed from the entrance facing side.

9 July 2007: Walls and crane around Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is now closed and walled off ready for it's refurbishment. Also now onsite is the huge crane that will be dismantling the wand over the next three months.

5 July 2007: Mickey Wand to be removed

It has today been officially announced that the giant Mickey wand that was assembled over Spaceship Earth to celebrate the Millennium will be removed. The removal begins on July 9th and will be complete by mid September 2007.

2 July 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths work update

The wall around the mirrored column has now been removed, and it's been restored to it's former glory. There is no visible sign that the booth was ever there. The other main booth is still walled at this point.

27 June 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths work update

Here is the current state of the base of Spaceship Earth where the Leave a Legacy sales booth is being removed. There is no sign of it left at the base of the mirrored columns, but walls still remain.

Another wall has sprung up just by the entry to the Project Tomorrow post show, on the Innoventions side.

21 June 2007: Spaceship Earth closure dates updated

The Spaceship Earth closure dates have been modified on the official site. The June closure dates have been removed, and the November reopening date has been pushed back from the 1st to the 13th.

Spaceship Earth is therefore now set to be closed from July 9-November 13, 2007

12 June 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths work update

These photos from this past weekend show that while the walls are still up, there is little visible progress so far.

22 May 2007: Leave a Legacy sales to end

Further to the update below regarding the removal of the Leave a Legacy sales booths, it is now speculated that sales of new tiles will end on June 16th 2007. While the tiles themselves will remain in place, the means to purchase them will be removed. The existing tile locator will be moved to the Camera Shop underneath Spaceship Earth so that guests will still be able to find their images. Please note that the actual tiles are not being removed, only sales of new tiles are expected to be halted.

22 May 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths work underway

The removal of the Leave a Legacy area around the base of Spaceship Earth is now underway. The construction walls went up on 21 May. Thanks to DisnyFan89 for the photo.

11 May 2007: Leave a Legacy sales booths to be removed

It seems that the current Leave a Legacy sales booths are set to be removed from around the Spaceship Earth area. Currently, there is one Leave a Legacy booth on the mirrored column at the base of Spaceship Earth, and the other is on the right hand side as you enter the park. There is no information to suggest that the actual Leave a Legacy area will be changed in anyway.

1 May 2007: Project Tomorrow photos

These photos show the now partially open post-show area of Spaceship Earth. Three of the five exhibits are now available for guests.

 
Above: The dedicated entry area to the new post-show. Access is available either from the end of the Spaceship Earth ride, or from either the East or West dedicated entry.

 
Above: The large 20ft video display screen which indicates the new Spaceship Earth coming soon, and provides other inspirational messages

 
Above: The 3D Body Builder exhibit. This 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.

 
Above: The Super Driver game, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

27 April 2007: Spaceship Earth closure dates

Spaceship Earth will be closed for the refurbishments on the following dates

May 7-10, June 22-23, and July 9-November 1, 2007

25 March 2007: Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area now open

The new Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area has opened today, with three of the new exhibits being open. Photos at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=174645&page=4

• An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.
• Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
• Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

13 April 2007: Photos from the Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area

 
Above left: A close-up of the new external entry area to the post show, and the new Project Tomorrow sign
Above right: The construction wall at the external entry to the post show

 
Above left: The Project Tomorrow sign at the exit of the ride
Above right: One of the new post-show exhibits called Super Driver, which will be based on Siemens automobile systems

 
Above left: What seems to be the new Siemens Spaceship Earth logo, found in the post show area
Above right: A construction wall at the post show exit area.

12 April 2007: Major enhancements coming to Spaceship Earth

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 11, 2007) -- Inside the Epcot icon, remarkable changes will be taking place over the next several months. A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures.

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.

Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.

This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future.

The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

Opening to Epcot guests later this month, the first completed phases of Project Tomorrow will include:

• An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.
• Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
• Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008.

10 April 2007: Spaceship Earth post show name unveiled

The sign for the new Spaceship Earth post show has now been installed at the exit of the ride. The name of the new post show is "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow. Presented by Siemens".

1 April 2007: Spaceship Earth post-show progress

These photos show the latest progress on the new Spaceship Earth post-show. While work is being carried out on the main post-show area, the guest exit is being routed around the old hub area. A construction wall has also appeared on the outside of the building.

5 March 2007: Siemens at Spaceship Earth update

Siemens, the new sponsors of Spaceship Earth recently revealed a few bits of information about the changes to the attraction. The new post-show, which is currently under construction, will include 9000-square feet of interactive exhibits based on Siemens technology. The new corporate lounge at Spacehip Earth will be called Nexus 21. It will be exclusively for the use of Siemens employees and customers. The center serves as a hospitality and briefing center showcasing the company’s story of innovation and technology.
 

24 May 2006: Siemens signage at Spaceship Earth

Since the sponsorship deal with Siemens back on the 8 November 2005 (see update below for full details), the attraction has gradually been introducing new signage to reflect the arrangement. Some examples are shown below. (Thanks to KeithS) for the photos.

 
Above left: Park direction signage
Above right: The new sign at the entry to Spaceship Earth

 
Above left: The attraction sign lit at night
Above right: The sign on display at the former post-show

8 November 2005: Disney and Siemens alliance confirmed

Further to the updates below from last week, it is now officially confirmed that Siemens will be sponsoring Spaceship Earth at Epcot, along with Reflections of Earth, an exhibit at Innoventions, and the Osborne lights at Disney-MGM Studios. Further sponsorship will be incorporated into Disneyland in California. For more information, see the press release below.

BURBANK, Calif. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 2005--Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today a 12-year strategic alliance -- bringing together the world's leading family entertainment company with a premier global technology and infrastructure company. While Disney already uses a range of Siemens technologies, the agreement expands the relationship and paves the way for the two companies to broaden their technological collaboration across several platforms.

"Embracing new technology is a key strategic priority at Disney because it supports our commitment to creating an outstanding guest experience and drives growth for the entire Company," said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "Our extended and strengthened relationship with Siemens is a perfect fit as we implement new forms of technology."

The agreement includes marketing and promotional rights, attraction sponsorships and a promotional presence that features Siemens products and services at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

"Disney and Siemens are two of the world's most recognized and respected brands, both known for their relentless commitment to innovation," said George Nolen, Siemens Corporation president and CEO. "We look forward to working with Disney to grow our relationship and realize the potential of two great innovators."

As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort including the Epcot icon, "SpaceShip Earth," the nighttime Epcot fireworks show, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," as well as new attractions that will be incorporated into Innoventions both at Epcot and at Disneyland Resort. The Sylvania lighting division of Siemens will sponsor Disney-MGM Studio's holiday light show -- "Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights," as well as "Disney's Electrical Parade" and "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" at Disneyland Resort in California.

In addition, the companies will work together to develop and further apply new technologies across a range of platforms, as well as explore ways to integrate some of Siemens' technologies into Disney's current attractions and at its resorts. Siemens also will build on its existing relationship with Disney Media Network's and ESPN by sponsoring ABC's video board at Times Square in New York City.

"This new relationship creates an ideal opportunity to demonstrate Siemens' innovations to our customers while also strengthening the Siemens brand in a memorable and relevant way," added Nolen.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is a diversified, international family entertainment and media company whose operations include theme parks and resorts, filmed entertainment including motion pictures and television shows, home video products, records, consumer products, a cruise line, radio and television stations, broadcast and cable networks, Internet offerings, publishing activities and professional sports enterprises. Disney owns also ABC Inc. Founded in 1923 by Walter E. Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney, The Walt Disney Company generated revenues of $30.7 billion in 2004. It employs more than 129,000 people worldwide.

About Siemens

Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $91.5 billion in fiscal 2004. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $16.6 billion and employs 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 430,000 people in 192 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.

3 November 2005: Siemens and Spaceship Earth

Further to the update on the 27 Oct below, there is continuing talk inside Disney that the deal with Siemens for the sponsorship of Spaceship Earth is done. However, there is still no official confirmation or announcement.

27 October 2005: Spaceship Earth to get new sponsor?

There is word coming from Epcot that a new sponsor has been found to replace AT&T at Spaceship Earth. The corporate lounge in the attraction has been cleared, and is being prepared for the arrival of the new sponsor. What is not yet clear, is who the new sponsor is to be. However, Siemens (one of the world’s largest electrical engineering and electronics companies) appears to be a possible candidate. More information to come as things become confirmed.

8 March 2004: Spaceship Earth changes

Thanks to ChrisH for this report:

"The Global Neighborhood is gone from the end of Spaceship Earth at Epcot. At the bottom of the ride, the sign for it is still there, but the recording that tells you to go visit it has been removed. Then walking off the ride and down the ramp, there are big blue construction walls that go around most of the center of the room, leaving space to walk to the exits on each side of the room. All of the exhibits in the walls (like the StoryTeller Phone) are also gone and the windows are boarded up. Signs for the Global Neighborhood are still up outside, but I can't imagine that will be for long."

23 January 2003: AT&T pulling sponsorship from Spaceship Earth

This item circulated amongst AT&T employees, indicates sponsorship is being heavily cut at all Disney parks.

AT&T ENDS SPONSORSHIPS AT DISNEY PARKS – As part of a continuous evaluation of our sponsorship activities, AT&T has decided not to renew our sponsorships of Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World (Florida) and Innoventions at Disneyland (California). AT&T made this decision as part of its ongoing efforts to make the best possible use of our sponsorship dollars and ensure the best possible match with our business priorities. AT&T's sponsorship of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center began 20 years ago during the days of the Bell System. While we have evolved our partnership with the Walt Disney Company over the years, the Spaceship Earth and Innoventions sponsorships no longer meet the needs of the business. However, we look forward to continuing other marketing and promotional involvement with the Disney Company. Concurrent with the end of the sponsorships, effective Jan. 1, employees no longer have access to discounted Disney tickets or to the hospitality areas associated with these two attractions

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