My memory may not be yours!

[Imagineer1981]

(just an observation!)

As we continue to discuss the overwhelming positive response to the removal of the wand and glove from Spaceship Earth, I have to wonder...most people are joyful because it restores it to it "classic" look, but for thousands, or millions of guests who's first trip was during the last few years, S.E. with the wand and glove are the how it is supposed to look, and to them it now may have lost some appeal.

As the parks change and grow I think we all need to be open minded to the fact that what was once our classic memory, may not be the next generations.

[mdearmas]

That was very well put. and I agree. although i remember spaceship earth without the wand it never dawned on me that some people would not remember a time without it.

[caryrae]

Makes sense to me. I have seen it with and without the wand and really don't mind it either way. I mean how many times have the changed the biggest icon in WDW, The Castle and it seems there is more disscusion about the Wand. I like that they change things up sometimes.

Honestly once inside Epcot I really don't notice the wand while walking around the park. I am to busy riding rides or walking around the World Showcase.

[SBETigg]

My kids have never seen it without the wand, but my son is really excited that they are getting rid of it. He can't to see SE in it's purer form. I, on the other hand, have seen it the other way and I have mixed feelings on the subject.

[GrmGrninGost]

Well said! I have seen it both ways and prefer it with the hand/wand, but not everyone has to agree with me!

[mermaidmarian]

(just an observation!)

As we continue to discuss the overwhelming positive response to the removal of the wand and glove from Spaceship Earth, I have to wonder...most people are joyful because it restores it to it "classic" look, but for thousands, or millions of guests who's first trip was during the last few years, S.E. with the wand and glove are the how it is supposed to look, and to them it now may have lost some appeal.

As the parks change and grow I think we all need to be open minded to the fact that what was once our classic memory, may not be the next generations.

I do so agree. DS, now 9, has never known a SE without the wand and glove. SE was his first favorite ride (which special affinity lasts, despite now ongoing relationships with TOT and EE, Splash, etc) and the sphere (with its wand and glove, because that is how it has always been) is his idea of the quintessential WDW icon (forget the castle - that's for princesses!). Not a visit to Epcot has passed without him taking a picture of it - he actually learned how to use a camera with SE as the subject. He has at least 6 pins featuring SE. I think he will be quite sad about the change.

[grumpycajun]

Like most others so far I say very well put.

We saw it for the first time with the wand, but I don't think any of us are going to get all dissapointed the next time we see it without. Personally, I kind of like a "minimalist" look and I think the sphere is awesome enough to stand on its own without any imbellishments.

[debandbub]

So well put, and actually very thoughtful, also! I am embarassed to admit that it didn't cross my mind that for someone else, the wand will be forever tied to their first memories of SE. I have now been inspired to take your advice and remain open-minded to the fact that there may be a different version of magic for everyone! How great the world would be if we all remembered that as it applies to WDW and everyday life. Thanks for the reminder!

[irish1967]

True!

I have no strong feelings either way about the wand/hat on SE.

However...Cinderella's Castle as a pink birthday cake - was just wrong! First impression or not

[DessertDivaFL]

I saw SE without the wand back in the late 1980's, but I have the opinion that change is inevitable. If we didn't change, creativity would stop. I don't mind change because it gives us an opportunity to look at something and discover a whole new perspective.

[GhostHost999]

(just an observation!)

As we continue to discuss the overwhelming positive response to the removal of the wand and glove from Spaceship Earth, I have to wonder...most people are joyful because it restores it to it "classic" look, but for thousands, or millions of guests who's first trip was during the last few years, S.E. with the wand and glove are the how it is supposed to look, and to them it now may have lost some appeal.

As the parks change and grow I think we all need to be open minded to the fact that what was once our classic memory, may not be the next generations.

A most insightful point of view. It certainly has given me something to think about. Not to mention a broader perspective on the evolution of the parks in general.

[IloveDisney71]

(just an observation!)

As the parks change and grow I think we all need to be open minded to the fact that what was once our classic memory, may not be the next generations.

I have to agree that this was very well said. I saw it before the wand was added and after it was added. I really have no preference either way.

[CanadianWDWFan]

I just really prefer to see SE!

Although I do prefer it with the wand, to me change is a good thing. For my oldest DS9, he is a bit sad that it won't be there when we return in October. To him, Epcot is the Wand, hand and SE.

[countrycharmer]

I thank you for being so graceful and saying exactly what I was searching for in words!! You did a great job and I thank you.

[Momto2Princesses&1Pirate]

Wonderful wording! DH and I grew up in homes where Disney was not important at all. We have only been Disney fanatics for 2 1/2 years. So for us and our three children it will be odd to see SE without the wand and the castle without all of the gold on our next trip in December. My older children will have a first memory of seeing and eating in a "gold" castle. That being said; it's great to see everyone's opinion here and see what holds a special place for others. Sometimes I don't quite get why a certain ride is held in such high esteem but hey my most cherished ride is IASW. DS was having alot of medical issues on our first trip (22 mo old) and that ride made him come alive. So I will forever tear up and love the sound of IASW! To each his own.....

[PAMOUSELOVER]

My son's first trip to EPOCT he was 13 months old. His favorite word was BALL.
We have him saying BALL to the SE on video tape. Our next trip was in 2000, the year they added the wand and glove. I though it was a nice touch for that year.
I liked it, but I guess it is time for a change.

[MickeysEars]

My family and I are among the visitors that have only seen SE WITH the wand. First time was in 2000. When we went back in 2001 and saw that it was changed to EPCOT as opposed to being taken down all together we were pleased. I had seen pictures without of course, and thought it added a touch of "Mickey" to an otherwise [I]Mickey-less[I] park. But I am aware I am a minority with my point of view.
September will be our first view without it...and although I am a little sad, I personally LOVE change. (except DW not following the DL lead and putting back the sub ride-)

[dolphinmickey9170]

I have seen the ball with nothing, with "2000" and with "Epcot". I have to be totally honest when I say I prefer the "Epcot" sign. It gives me a sense of magic that the naked ball does not.

[grumpyguy]

there is a precurser statement on some of my wdw dvd's that mentions something about the content within being "a snapshot in time" and reminds us that disney world is "a living experience".that tells me that change is bound to happen.each and every visit as i leave the mk on our last day i turn and take a long look at the train station and entryway tunnels and get all choked up.my wife comforts me and says,"we'll be back".i know that on our next visit their might be something new to discover at my wdw and i'm thankful for having my own "snapshot in time".

[Polynesian Dweller]

Thank you for stating this so well. I, for one, embrace change at Disney, its what keeps it fresh. I have seen it both ways, and I have my preference, but can live with or without the wand. Either way, its part of the Disney magic which is the only really important thing.