One of EPCOT’s oldest attractions has gotten an update.Â
Living with the Land has been part of the EPCOT attraction roster since 1982, and has become beloved by many fans as one of the few remaining vestiges of opening day EPCOT as the park evolves. We took a ride recently and were impressed to see the ride had gotten some TLC!
During the first half of the boat ride – an animatronic-filled trip through several recreations of biomes of Earth’s climate – we noticed some stunning new lighting that adds brightness and depth to the attraction. First up, we have a new lighting package on the American prairie house, featuring one of our favorite “good boy” animatronics at Walt Disney World!
Moving on, the forest portion of the dark ride section features a really nice new lighting package that adds an ambiance to the area that was lacking previously.
The waterfall in particular looks really ethereal with the new lights.
During the Flower & Garden Festival – which is currently running through May 27th – decorations and floral arrangements from various Disney-adapted fairytales have been added to the lab portion, giving the ride a whimsical quality.
You can see the Snow White section, including the bow seen above and this table featuring a pie, and – OF COURSE – one red apple…
… a Little Mermaid section, complete with this treasure chest and Triton’s crown…
… an Alice in Wonderland section complete with playing cards…
… and the Mad Hatter’s tea party…
… and finally an adorable little setup in honor of the characters of Winnie the Pooh.
This update, especially the lightning packages, has refreshed a classic opening day EPCOT attraction, reminding us why we love Living With the Land in the first place. Stay tuned to DFB for more EPCOT updates.Â
EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town Has Devolved Into ANARCHY
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Do you like the Living With the Land additions? Let us know in the comments below.Â
Mary Hunt says
Living with the land is a classic. The first 12-15 years it was open there was a cast member giving the narrative on each boat.
VBW says
I love Living with the Land and saw it first in 1982. I agree that the new lighting enhances the experience. However, I don’t agree that Disney inserting the marketing of its characters is a good idea. Living with the Land conveys how important it is to care about our environment, how it directly affects us in the foods we eat, and how we can better care for our world through science and learning.
Though I am a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh and love Snow White et al, incorporating them into this otherwise wonderful learning experience highlights the problem, not the solution. Our encroachment on nature for profit , without regard to consequence, is what Living with the Land is about. Now Disney has decided to encroach on Living with the Land as a marketing opportunity.
I love your blog because you not only highlight Disney’s many successes, but are also willing to include when Disney sometimes misses the mark. This is one of those times.
Joe B says
Looking forward to seeing the changes. Always a pleasant experience with Living with the Land. Lovely, relaxing way to beat the Disney heat for awhile (before or affter Soarin’).
Paul Titzmann says
Does anyone else remember the ride when the prairie area was heated to be hot and dry?
Wish they brought that back.
Holly G says
VBW from the date that you said you took your first ride till now your are of the generation(my generation) that the kids learned thing just by showing it to them.That is not so any more,kids do not learn the same way.Putting in Disney touches here and there make the kids more attentive to what they are seeing and will learn more because they are listen to speech while looking for the add touches. Plus for years some people have said to get rid of the ride because it was old and not entertaining.Well Disney listen and didn’t miss the mark on keeping and old wonderful ride and still make it new. Top marks Disney.
Rachelle says
I love that you referenced “Don’t Come Around Here No More”! I love Alice, and Tom Petty, too.
And…there’s a tiny White Rabbit hiding in the shrubbery 🙂