Well, there now appears to be solid evidence supporting the fact that the wand will be indeed coming down. Take a look at this:

http://officialrecords.occompt.com/wb_or1/details.asp?doc_id=29022461&file_num=20070394319&doc_status=S
If the URL above doesn't work try this one: officialrecords.occompt.com/wb_or1/details.asp?doc_id=29022461&file_num=20070394319&doc_status=S


As you can tell by the document above, "ERMCO" is uninstalling an "Electrical Package". Well, "ERMCO" installed the wand in the first place, as you can see here:

http://www.ermcoofflorida.com/index/icon.htm

Make of it you will, but it looks like there's finally some proof..


Credits to Skip for the find!



Here if your wandering what the wand is:

It's the thing to the right of space ship earth with the mickey glove and wand. The mickeyclose an wand will be coming down and the stars on top of SpaceShip earth will be down but the EPCOT Sign will be staying.

http://i80.****************/albums/j170/Facnyface/Picture273.jpg

Just the wand? or the letters too?

yup it's true. we heard of it in EPCOT last week.

Nemo

JUST the wand. And stars.

EDIT: If you go there sometime soon you will notice that part of the ladder has fallen (haha) it happened this week. And also a majority of it is rusting all ready I think it's great this is finally happening.

Oh Well, it was only supposed to be part of the 2000 celebration. So i knew it would go sooner or later

No, the 2000 sign was apart of the celebration. The EPCOT was orginally supposed to stay but in honor of the 25th thing.

Credits to Skip for the find!

I was going to say, most of that was a copy-paste until I read that lol. Anyways, yes, this is terrific news! Some old-school Epcot returns! :D

-Skip

Finally.This was mentioned in a cm paper a few months back.

I really don't want it to leave. It's been up for seven years and will be weird to see it not like it used to be, but with only the word Epcot.

the wand makes it! it completes it! it.. it.. looks good

Actually the wand has been up almost 8, it was offically completed in 2000 but it was put up before then ;)

Everybody hates the wand. I LOVE the wand. It would not be disney without it. It looks just like a bumpy silver sphere. lol.The EPCOT words better stay on. I like them..

The EPCOT thing is prettycool.

That's kinda sad, I won't look the same without it

That is pretty sad. I remember seeing it for the first time finished in 2000 and loving every part of it. Without the wand it just won't seem - complete


I don't know.

I remeber seeing the wand everytime i go to Epcot. Goodbye wand :( :cry:

It's a nice start, but they should take down the Epcot sign, too. We know where we are; there's no need to remind us.

awwww, well by wandy lol

It's a nice start, but they should take down the Epcot sign, too. We know where we are; there's no need to remind us.

True but look at the other parks they do the same alot too.

I prefer the purity and simplicity of the unadorned globe.

Yes, they dont need some big EPCOT sign

True but look at the other parks they do the same alot too.
It's not like they feel the need to have a giant "Magic Kingdom" sign hovering over Cinderella's Castle.

Heya VMKF,

Thought you should all know that that wand on spaceship earth is coming down!

Here (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bk-epcot070507,0,46286.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout) is a link where i found the info.

This Monday July 9,2007 the construction will start to take down the wand.

Here is the story:


The 257-foot-tall Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand logo structure at Epcot is coming down.

Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee announced this morning that the time has come to remove the structure, which has served both as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign since 2000, and as a lightning rod for criticism from Epcot purists who contended the image was out of character for Epcot's architecture.

The structure leans on Epcot's previous and future iconic figure, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion, a180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles.

At 257 feet, the arm-glove-wand addition to the Epcot dome made the structure the tallest point in all of Walt Disney World.

Once it comes down, the tallest points according to Sentinel research will be two structures both estimated at 199 feet tall -- the Tower of Terror at MGM Studios and the new Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

The tallest point in the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle at 180 feet.

In terms of park centerpieces, Epcot's dome and Magic Kingdom's castle will both be the tallest, followed by Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life at 145 feet and then the sorcerer's hat at MGM standing at 100 feet tall.


~smalld :)

OMG!! Why! :( :(

I saw a thread on this.

It's really sad, I love that wand xD

Me and My sis looveed that woand that stinks!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think I would take down the tallest point in WDW >_<

*Cries* This is sad

Finally, Spaceship Earth will be restored to its former glory. Cheers, Jim McPhee!

-Skip

Here, here! That wand was an eyesore!
http://www.ilovetherain.com/Emote/Hmph.gif

http://www.ilovetherain.com/Emote/RainRun.gif http://www.ilovetherain.com/Emote/FloStar.gif (http://www.vmkforums.com/forums/userpage.php?userid=3774)

omg i am lucky i came back from WDW and just say it

Wow I'm confused. . . where is the wand in Epcot? Is ist like on top of the big ball?

yes..:( it's a shame its happening for their 25th anniversary! but the stars and the EPCOT letters are goin down too!! The wand and glove and the EPCOT letters are the most reconizable things!! Now, its just back to stupid old golf ball, not magical place on earth!

yes..:( it's a shame its happening for their 25th anniversary! but the stars and the EPCOT letters are goin down too!! The wand and glove and the EPCOT letters are the most reconizable things!! Now, its just back to stupid old golf ball, not magical place on earth!

Don't you mean (in your opinion) "A stupid old Spaceship Earth, not magical place on Earth!" :Tongue:

Spaceship Earth is Spaceship Earth with the wand, letters, and stars :( but not any more..

What -_-? I loved the arm and wand there D= it was so cool.

aww this is so sad but maybe something good will come out of this who knows but maybe they have to take it down bc on July 9th they are starting working on Spaceship Earth (ride in side Golf BAll) and maybe that would get in the way.

Well, it's about time. I prefer the purity of the unadorned sphere.

Been going to WDW for around 10 years now.. Around 15 trips. Loved seeing the hand and wand every time, although I do remember the singlular ball vaugly on a few of my first trips. Really sad to see it go. I agree though, EPCOT is supposed to be about future, and the wand / hand was reminding people of the past. Not many people like the MGM hat either? I love Disney as it is now.. and I thought my Dad was lying when he said it was coming down.
The golden stars are coming off aswell, and I'm assuming the EPCOT sign is too. The Jim guy said: "Now if only I can get that hat away now..". Fool.

Thanks for the hand and wand Disney. I'll never forget it.

I happened to be in Epcot on last Sunday and noticed something.

http://i9.************/62nr9eq.jpg

The Leave a Legacy kiosks are gone from the center support for Spaceship Earth. The Leave a Legacy booths on the west side of the entrance plaza were boarded up, though, with the refurbishment signs.

I really can't wait to see Spaceship Earth again without the wand and stars!

The construction or should I say demolition begins on monday of the glittering stars, letters, and wand. So Spaceship will once again be bare.

The construction or should I say demolition begins on monday of the glittering stars, letters, and wand. So Spaceship will once again be bare.

Thank goodness. I'm surprised by how many people actually liked the eyesore around here... perhaps they don't recall what Spaceship Earth looked like before that monstrosity was built. I think the base is going to take the most time to demolish as it was designed to be hurricane-resistant... from what we know the massive letters will be a cinch, as they only take one day to remove each. Supposedly all work will be finished by Epcot's 25th Anniversary.

-Skip

i will miss that wand i was there when they were just puting it up and my whole family made a legacy in 2000 to have a magical millenium

:(

:eek: :( :ththerethere6il: :bnweeping: :thahggeek27fz: :10_1_23: :bawling: :sadd2:NOOOOOOO!!!!! Aww man! I LOVE the wand! It's one of the only things left (even though it has changed) from the Epcot Millennium Celebration besides IllumiNations. I know it takes away from the symmetry and originality of the globe. I am kind of glad we are getting part of EPCOT back but i'd rather have DreamFinder back in Imagination! or something. I REALLY wish they weren't doing this, but all GREAT Things (and reminders) must come to an end :( :bawling: :bawling:

About the MGM Hat--I Believe that is there because the chinese theater is copyrighted (in Hollywood). I forget where i heard this, but if a photopass cast member takes a picture in front of the MGM hat, NO parts of the Chinese Theater (The Great Movie Ride) may be showing.

i will miss that wand i was there when they were just puting it up and my whole family made a legacy in 2000 to have a magical millenium

:(


my family and i did the leave a legacy thing too! my mom and dad are in one picture and im in one all to my self! i did it when i was younbg every year when we go to epcot we find our selfs i like listening to the music while my mom takes the yearly picture of it. im hopen it will still be there when i have kids cuz id like to show them. it would be neat if they would take them down and we would be able to take our picture with us. idk i think it was a good idea cuz now i feel like im part of the park!

Obviously, Im pretty Sure All Of You Have Seen The Threads About The Epcot Wand Coming Down. Well I Bet Most Of You Haven't Seen The Pictures! Here Are Some Pictures That I Have From A Different Site. Also At The End Of The Pictures, There Is A Little Article About It.

http://img177.**************/img177/6452/fgfghwg5ha3.jpg (http://**************)


http://img526.**************/img526/6659/gfdlkjhbw5qg4.jpg (http://**************)



Mickey Mouse arm, wand coming down from Epcot
Orlando, FL (Orlando Sentinel) - The 257-foot-tall Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand logo structure at Epcot is coming down.

Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee announced this morning that the time has come to remove the structure, which has served both as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign since 2000, and as a lightning rod for criticism from Epcot purists who contended the image was out of character for Epcot's architecture.

The structure leans on Epcot's previous and future iconic figure, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion, a180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles.

The arm and glove went up for Walt Disney World's 2000 millennium celebration.

Now, with Epcot's 25th anniversary this fall, and the temporary closing of Spaceship Earth ride, MacPhee said, "We think the timing of the removal is right."

Deconstruction of the 50-ton structure begins Monday, and will be completed shortly before the park's 25th anniversary, October 1. Also coming down are the 36-foot-high "Epcot" letters and colored stars splashing across the sphere.

Also Monday, the Spaceship Earth ride will close to complete a refurbishing sponsored by Siemans AG. The work should be done by November, MacPhee said.

At 257 feet, the arm-glove-wand addition to the Epcot dome made the structure the tallest point in all of Walt Disney World.

Once it comes down, the tallest points according to Sentinel research will be two structures both estimated at 199 feet tall -- the Tower of Terror at MGM Studios and the new Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

The tallest point in the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle at 180 feet.

In terms of park centerpieces, Epcot's dome and Magic Kingdom's castle will both be the tallest, followed by Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life at 145 feet and then the sorcerer's hat at MGM standing at 100 feet tall.


Yes And I Know That I Type In Capitals, That's How I Like To Type ;)

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! Bye wand :(

Wait just the wand and mickey's hand come down right?
not the sphere?

Wait just the wand and mickey's hand come down right?
not the sphere?


no no no the sphere is staying but the wand, hand/glove, epcot sign, and those little sparkle things on the sphere are coming down

I remember when it had the 2000 on it

Oh, I really liked the glove-wand arm. It was really pretty (in my opinion) to have on the sphere, it glittered and I think made it look more like Disney. I don't believe that it took away from the futuristic look of the sphere, but gave it more character. I'm glad they're refurbishing the Spaceship Earth ride though.

this is so sad :( i still don't get why they have to take it down. it doesn't say why

this is so sad :( i still don't get why they have to take it down. it doesn't say why

Because Jim MacPhee seems to have the brain to see it's a tacky eyesore that should've been removed after the Milennium Celebration.

-Skip

I'm sorry but I think is a mistake to take it down. It's going to look so plain.:(

From innoventions plaza..

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-5/1179349/MWQSC-26955550-100_3020.JPG

And closer up..

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-5/1179349/IMKBO-47470326-100_3019.JPG

A few other pics of SSE refurb in a few http://forums.wdwmagic.com/images/smilies/smile.gif


It's not EPCOT anymore. :( Also notice how they work on the back first, and leave the front... interesting.

Because Jim MacPhee seems to have the brain to see it's a tacky eyesore that should've been removed after the Millennium Celebration.

-Skip
That's not the exact reason. The Siemens company wants to restore this geosphere back to it's original state for EPCOT's 25th Anniversary.

-Ink

It's not EPCOT anymore. :( Also notice how they work on the back first, and leave the front... interesting.


That's not the exact reason. The Siemens company wants to restore this geosphere back to it's original state for EPCOT's 25th Anniversary.

-Ink

It's still Epcot. If anything, it's more Epcot than ever before. As for Siemens... I'm hearing that though Siemens wasn't a big fan of the wand, they didn't demand it to be taken down. I could be wrong, though.

-Skip

i think they should sell the parts from the whole wand and epcot letters on ebay they would make alot of money that or make those speical pins where they have a tiny piece of the so called magic.

i think they should sell the parts from the whole wand and epcot letters on ebay they would make alot of money that or make those speical pins where they have a tiny piece of the so called magic.

they wouldn't sell it on ebay. disney has like these auctions i think and they would sell them there. thats what they did with a rocket rod car and i think a people mover car also. they do that with a lot of things.

i think they should sell the parts from the whole wand and epcot letters on ebay they would make alot of money that or make those speical pins where they have a tiny piece of the so called magic.

A better idea would to place the giant letters, wand, and hand into the parking lot and charge $10 to help smash it with hammers. I know I'd pay! :D

-Skip

It's still Epcot. If anything, it's more Epcot than ever before. As for Siemens... I'm hearing that though Siemens wasn't a big fan of the wand, they didn't demand it to be taken down. I could be wrong, though.

-Skip
You took that wrong, It is always EPCOT. What I am saying is it doesn't say "EPCOT". Therefor it isn't the word "EPCOT".

You took that wrong, It is always EPCOT. What I am saying is it doesn't say "EPCOT". Therefor it isn't the word "EPCOT".

what im confused

Heya VMKF,

Thought you should all know that that wand on spaceship earth is coming down!

Here (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bk-epcot070507,0,46286.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout) is a link where i found the info.

This Monday July 9,2007 the construction will start to take down the wand.

Here is the story:



~smalld :)


As much as i hate to be seeing that wonderful wand come down, there is one thing i have to agree with Disney about. The wand to the symbol unfortunately makes the perfect lightning rod. :(

I've got some pictures from my trip with only the EP left and then the top of the wand down. I'll post them soon.

Through this past night, crews have worked to remove the hand on the north side of the sphere.

Here I will keep it as updated as I can! Here are the latest photos (Please do not copy with out my permission)

http://i80.****************/albums/j170/Facnyface/Picture096.jpg

If your on the monorail you can get a good view of where they are storeing everything. All though I don't like the idea that there is only 1 way in and out of the parks main entrence.

nice zoom lense eh?

pretty cool.

Are they taking down the wand? The wand makes Epcot Magical!

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :( Bye!!! :(

An update from today:

Most of mickeys hand has been removed.

Yes, I am very happy it is coming down.

Here is another photo.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/./photos/uncategorized/2007/07/20/wand717_2.jpg

Thanks to the Orlando Sentinel. Found by Google Search.

Whoah did like one of the stars on top of the building like fall off and land there or something? lol but how could u be glad that it's coming down? lol

Whoah did like one of the stars on top of the building like fall off and land there or something? lol but how could u be glad that it's coming down? lol

Myself, and the rest of my family thought it was the ugliest thing possible. It really wasn't enhancing the EPCOT "ball."

NOOOO, Sure Will Miss It As i Never Saw It :( I Bet i Could Stand And Watch Tehm Take It Apart For Hours.... Idk Why

Can anybody PM me the WDW hotline number! There going to darn right hear from me!! :mad:

Yea it kind of shocked me that they moved it from under the monorail track where hardly anyone can see it but it was basicly brushing the side of themoonrail everytime it went by so i dont blame them. But yes most of the hand is gone now.

That wont do anything. Most of the letters are all ready in the process of being sold to CM's behind MK. I was thinking about buying one but they want a few grand for it. And what am I going to do with a bunch of letters that spell EPCOT? Put them on my roof?

maybe it should become this? LOL ROFL

http://img216.**************/img216/2240/spaceshipearthstitchrg1.jpg (http://**************)

maybe it should become this? LOL ROFL

http://img216.**************/img216/2240/spaceshipearthstitchrg1.jpg (http://**************)
Did I have to see that picture again >_<

Actually if they did put it like that it woul catch way to much wind and either knock the ball over or break them off damageing the ball.

Oh, they will. I will STRIKE the Disney Company. I will NOT buy Disney/Disney related items or go to any parks until it is up again.

maybe it should become this? LOL ROFL

http://img216.**************/img216/2240/spaceshipearthstitchrg1.jpg (http://**************)

Wohoo!!!!!!!!!!! i hope so!

This is an old photo. The hand on both sides is removed. Soon the entire thing will be! :D

Yes, I am very happy it is coming down.

Here is another photo.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/./photos/uncategorized/2007/07/20/wand717_2.jpg

Thanks to the Orlando Sentinel. Found by Google Search.
The sky is falling!

The sky is falling!

No... its just DISNEY WITH THEIR STUIPED IDEAS!!!

So, is it down yet?

No... its just DISNEY WITH THEIR STUIPED IDEAS!!!
You are absolutely correct! Management was ignorant enough to keep the silly thing up for 7 years! If it wasn't for Jim McPhee, I doubt that this decision would have been made this year.

The wand was completely against the aesthetics of the park. EPCOT lost it's symmetry. Also, SSE was dwarfed by the structure. It is slowly being returned to it's former glory!

So, is it down yet?
The hands and arms are completely down. The base structure remains and will remain for most of the month.

The last things to go will be the stars on SSE. This should be all done, including the landscaping, by the end of September for the 25th anniversary.

I might add that I do not believe that the foundation of the structure will be removed since it will be extremely difficult.

I was there yesterday and took tons of pics just for VMKF. I'll post them soon.



The hands and arms are completely down. The base structure remains and will remain for most of the month.

The last things to go will be the stars on SSE. This should be all done, including the landscaping, by the end of September for the 25th anniversary.


Did you just make that up? It's mostly wrong, sorry. The Hand is gone but the Whole Arm is still there.

The stars will be the lalst thing to do, and it's actually going to be done in november.

I was there yesterday and took tons of pics just for VMKF. I'll post them soon.



Did you just make that up? It's mostly wrong, sorry. The Hand is gone but the Whole Arm is still there.

The stars will be the lalst thing to do, and it's actually going to be done in november.

As of this morning, the hands and arms have been removed. The only things that remain on the structure are the wand facade themselves and a few stars.

Also, I would hope that the whole structure and the stars will be down by October 1st. Otherwise, that would be a bad show.:)

The crane they have running now I was actually in my car behind it coming from the castin center from what it looks like they had just gotten off of I-4 going about 10 MPH the entire time they used the East back gate to EPCOT to get in and it appears they came in by Test Track and brought it through the park and around to that area.

Maybe.. they will give bolts away? or glitter pieces of the star LOL?

Maybe they will put a donald hand instead?LOL

Maybe.. they will give bolts away? or glitter pieces of the star LOL?

Maybe they will put a donald hand instead?LOL

Pieces of red sequin off of the wand were sold

No it's been confirmed for a long time now that they will be doing this and they are doing it for simple reasons:

1. It's gotten way to costly in electric
2. Never maintained
3. Has no purpose
4. EPCOT's 25th anaversey is around and a huge sign saying ''EPCOT'' wasn't in Walt's dream and plan.

No, removing this HAS NO PURPOSE.

No, removing this HAS NO PURPOSE.

I'm sorry you feel that way. The architecture of EPCOT is something that has a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans. The wand was a disgrace to WDE and WDI even though they wanted it and built it.:rolleyes:

You are absolutely correct! Management was ignorant enough to keep the silly thing up for 7 years! If it wasn't for Jim McPhee, I doubt that this decision would have been made this year.

The wand was completely against the aesthetics of the park. EPCOT lost it's symmetry. Also, SSE was dwarfed by the structure. It is slowly being returned to it's former glory!


The hands and arms are completely down. The base structure remains and will remain for most of the month.

The last things to go will be the stars on SSE. This should be all done, including the landscaping, by the end of September for the 25th anniversary.

I might add that I do not believe that the foundation of the structure will be removed since it will be extremely difficult.

Sorry i've never been to WDW but i've seen the globe before the sign was put up. The globe by itself is dull, Boring, unimaginative,not disney like. Either A they give the whole thing a new color. or Be put some new stars and stuff on top. Or how about this. Paint the stupid thing to look like earth.

4. EPCOT's 25th anaversey is around and a huge sign saying ''EPCOT'' wasn't in Walt's dream and plan.

and how would you know? Disney said you could do what ever you want with the parks but leave his movies alone. Guess that doesn't matter anymore either. If disney was alive pirate wouldn't look the same way and there might not have been a movie at all. If disney was alive how would he approve such a scary ride as everest? Sorry but it seems like nobody knows what disney wanted. They just take their own guess.

As of this morning, the hands and arms have been removed. The only things that remain on the structure are the wand facade themselves and a few stars.

Also, I would hope that the whole structure and the stars will be down by October 1st. Otherwise, that would be a bad show.:)

well i was there and saw it with my eyess
the arm was there get your fact correct

They sure are bringing it down fast, first reports told it to be down by November, this is way ahead of schedule.

well i was there and saw it with my eyess
the arm was there get your fact correct

I don't make things up.

http://img515.**************/img515/1543/wand13ri9.jpg (http://**************)

:wave2:

Sorry but it seems like nobody knows what disney wanted.

Not entirely true. Walt spoke often about his ideas, and what he wanted his parks to be. Those ideas have largely gone ignored in the years since his death, sadly. I doubt he would have ever put the giant wand and arm on his pure geodesic sphere. Saying it's EPCOT while you're in EPCOT doesn't make a ton of sense. It takes away from the magnificence of the structure.

Not entirely true. Walt spoke often about his ideas, and what he wanted his parks to be. Those ideas have largely gone ignored in the years since his death, sadly. I doubt he would have ever put the giant wand and arm on his pure geodesic sphere. Saying it's EPCOT while you're in EPCOT doesn't make a ton of sense. It takes away from the magnificence of the structure.

Originally though, he didn't want EPCOT to be a theme park, he called it... the "Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow". It was supposed to be a large city, the perfect place to work, live, and play. There is a design of the EPCOT in the Tomorrowland Transit Authority at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. But then they changed the City to Center. But I have to disagree with Trainz, lots of people know what Walt wanted. If Walt were still alive, I'm sure he would have made something twice as better than, but not as scary as Expedition Everest, and something three times better than the Pirates films as well. Walt was a visionary like there was no other.

As for me, I am glad they are taking down the wand, hand, stars, and sign.

That crane is cheap! I noticed it today from some BTS stuff :p It's a rental @_@

Originally though, he didn't want EPCOT to be a theme park, he called it... the "Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow". It was supposed to be a large city, the perfect place to work, live, and play.

Oh, I'm aware of the original purpose for EPCOT.

That crane is cheap! I noticed it today from some BTS stuff :p It's a rental @_@

Do you know how expensive cranes are? It would be wasteful for a company like Disney that is not in the construction business to own their own crane.

Yea but it would be cheaper they wont have to pay for a company to rent one out they can just start up theres. They have there own mowing crew, tree crew and everything.

so whats happening lol?

The wand is being taken down... I'm assumeing it's an effort to relive walt's dream of a blank ''golf ball''!

Yea but it would be cheaper they wont have to pay for a company to rent one out they can just start up theres. They have there own mowing crew, tree crew and everything.

It wouldn't be cheaper. They would own it, and never use it. A crane that size isn't really handy for most of the building Disney does. Hiring a crew for a one-time job is much more cost effective.

Do you know how expensive cranes are? It would be wasteful for a company like Disney that is not in the construction business to own their own crane.

Yea but it would be cheaper they wont have to pay for a company to rent one out they can just start up theres. They have there own mowing crew, tree crew and everything.

WDW does not own the cranes that it uses. They rent the cranes from Sims Crane & Equipment Co. The particular model used for the wand is a large Hydraulic Truck Crane. If I'm not mistaken, the maximum boom extension is 246' but that number varys with the load. This unit normally runs for $600 per hour. However, Disney gets a large discount (I am unaware of the percent though).

Sims is known as "The Official Crane Rental Service of Walt Disney World".

Last I heard, Sims had cranes in 7 locations around WDW including ToT, The Contemporary and The Poly.

Yea but a nice size crane for the building they do it will pay off. Disney is always building and they can just buy add-on accessorys to make it fit whereevery they want.

I remember when i went to epcot and there wasn't even the wand stars or epcot sign there

the wand was awesome!! :(. also why take down the wand but leave the sign. that makes no sense

What sign? There is no sign on the ''gold ball'' anymore. It's going to be blank.

Gold?

Looks silver to me. Aluminum surface.

the wand was awesome!! :(. also why take down the wand but leave the sign. that makes no sense

They are taking it all down, the wand, glove, arm, stars, and EPCOT letters.

Gold?

Looks silver to me. Aluminum surface.

That makes me want to sing. Silver and Gold, Silver and Gold...

I've been going to Disney all my life, at least two or three times a year [more so when I was younger, now we don't go AS often], so I remember when the Epcot "golf ball"- as me and my brother called it- was plain.

I truthfully think it is pretty with the wand and such, but oh well. -shrugs-


Here's the old Epcot ball, and what it will look like once the structure is down.
http://home.rochester.rr.com/satw/se_usa/epcot.jpg

2000 Epcot sphere.
http://www.tannerworld.com/photos/ball2000lostworld-pair-com.jpg

The wand and hand, with the Epcot.
http://webpages.charter.net/tbits/Pictures/EPCOTBall.jpg

The night time view.
http://thumbs.photo.net/photo/5300977-sm.jpg

*all photos are from Google Images*

They have really tackled the thing, I can't believe it's actually gone. I'll have to tell my mom when she gets home.

Right now, the glove and EPCOT is down, there's still part of the arm's scaffolding, and they are taking around 2 stars off per day.

Yea well the stars are attached to the structer of Spaceship Earth so they have to have about 2 - 4 people on the roof and about 2 - 4 inside of the attraction makeing sure nothing goes wrong and they can seal up the hole so absoutely no water get's in. Also the remaining part of the wand is something that really don't need to be taken down so since they are doing it rather fast it will be a while until they get it all out of the ground becuase it goes go pretty far into the ground.

Right now, the glove and EPCOT is down, there's still part of the arm's scaffolding, and they are taking around 2 stars off per day.

i wonder what that would look like. does anyone have pics of it

Omg how dare they... at least i have photos :P

Here's the old Epcot ball, and what it will look like once the structure is down.
http://home.rochester.rr.com/satw/se_usa/epcot.jpg


It's beautiful.

It's beautiful.

A plain, beautiful oversized golf ball.

Do everyone who doesn't understand the concept of SpaceShip Earth's architecture... I'm not going to bother to explain since it isn't the easiest thing to understand.

SSE is an engineering marvel of the 20th century. It is the only true geodesic sphere. It's like disliking The Eifel Tower or even Mt. Rushmore. They are true engineering marvels. Some of you may find it difficult to fathom the amount of work put into it's construction. However, for those of us who are amazed by design of structures and of engineering and for those of us who appreciate true beauty, it is marvelous.

http://img510.**************/img510/2472/ssemoonqa8.jpg (http://**************)

Sometimes, less is more.


It's a beautiful geometric structure. It needs no further embellishment.

Yea well the sign went up before leave a legency and now it's coming down with one so it's completely different look for EPCOT! And while your on spaceship earth if you look close enough you canactually see some of the outer part of the ''over sized golf ball''.

SSE is an engineering marvel of the 20th century. It is the only true geodesic sphere. It's like disliking The Eifel Tower or even Mt. Rushmore. They are true engineering marvels. Some of you may find it difficult to fathom the amount of work put into it's construction. However, for those of us who are amazed by design of structures and of engineering and for those of us who appreciate true beauty, it is marvelous.

http://img510.**************/img510/2472/ssemoonqa8.jpg (http://**************)

Uh-huh to that. I think this should be a landmark, if it isn't already, that way it can never be torn down or changed, no matter who owns it. It's designed as if it were built by gods.

It's just one of a kind. It's the only sphere that is lifted off of the groudn by 4 poles.

It's just one of a kind. It's the only sphere that is lifted off of the groudn by 4 poles.

Yeah, like no other.

Kind of off topic a little, but who was the voice of the narrator during the current version? He sounds familiar.

/\

Jeremy Irons. Otherwise known as Scar from The Lion King.

Yes, SSE is a trully amazing engineering marvel if I haven't asserted that enough in my previous post. :)

Yea but the question is if, someone or something out beats it, then it's pointless (like the mickey sorcerer hat).

but..but.. i love the mickey hand. XD. i would really hate for it to come down.

reminise x3

It all ready has, a bit late there my friend :p

/\

Jeremy Irons. Otherwise known as Scar from The Lion King.

Yes, SSE is a trully amazing engineering marvel if I haven't asserted that enough in my previous post. :)

Cool. He's a legendary actor, won himself an Oscar for his role in Reversal of Fortune.

Anyway back on topic.

Did you know that it stands 180 feet tall, and weighs 15,520,000 lbs. Now making something that tall and that heavy that beautiful is not an easy deed.

Also adding in the ammount of weight that each person weighs as the ride is going and you got even more weight!

A rather large piece of the structure has been removed overnight. I'm not sure what has happened within the park though.

http://img528.**************/img528/7986/080720071920lvt7.jpg (http://**************)

Seems nice!

Here are some more recent update pictures! ;)

http://img77.**************/img77/3421/01wp1.jpg (http://**************)

http://img77.**************/img77/9615/02ps2.jpg (http://**************)

http://img77.**************/img77/3214/04gr3.jpg (http://**************)

http://img235.**************/img235/5489/12fi5.jpg (http://**************)


Hmmmmmm........ Maybe they will auction some of the removed pieces off on there site like they did with a pirates of the caribbean boat and other ride cars! :)

Lol any CM can buy them ;)

Wow! They sure removed that thing fast.

Yea but they want it gone by October 1, 2007 for the 25th anaversery!

Well, im not dumb.
You said the day I went to Epcot that, that morning the Arm was taken down.
I was still there by the afternoon and the Arm was still there.
That picture was taken AFTER, the day I went, and you said that comment.
Therefore; you were wrong. You cant always be right. =]

Right... I should know what happens in WDW on certin days, im there everyday ;) Almost everyday. May have been just a miscommunication.

lol, 7 (and a half) years later they think hmm I think its about time to take down the wand we put up in celebration of the new millenium

Lol more like they took it down for:

1. To save money (a big reason in why they do what they do)
2. Construction would be cheaper (another big reason)
3. Never welly maintained
4. It was connected to the ''golf ball'' so the more it sat and never maintained the more it messed up the globe.

Well it does look a little like a golf ball.

http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/0432BA4F-8B26-41BF-9904-FB2A28387D69/0/golf_ball.jpg
http://www.yesterland.com/images-sidetrips/spaceshipearth_pure.jpg

That explains it! a bunch of giant aliens were haveing an intergalactic pga tour when one of the aliens hit the water hazzard a.k.a. Epcot the future sight of spaceship earth. Saving disney alot of money and time but the poor alien golfer lost his ball and came in dead last shame really

Right... I should know what happens in WDW on certin days, im there everyday ;) Almost everyday. May have been just a miscommunication.


I highly doubt that, unless you work there.

Well it does look a little like a golf ball.

http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/0432BA4F-8B26-41BF-9904-FB2A28387D69/0/golf_ball.jpg
http://www.yesterland.com/images-sidetrips/spaceshipearth_pure.jpg

LOL, Agreed!

Well it does look a little like a golf ball.

http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/0432BA4F-8B26-41BF-9904-FB2A28387D69/0/golf_ball.jpg
http://www.yesterland.com/images-sidetrips/spaceshipearth_pure.jpg

Ok ok I got a good one, put 4 little things on that golf ball and we'll call it EPCOT in oversized grass (like Honey I Shrunk The Playgroud or whatever you call that)

I highly doubt that, unless you work there.



LOL, Agreed!

Haha, no comment.

I'd say Epcot looks good plain but with the stars still on it but either way its looks awesome it will bring back good old memories to see ''The Golfball'' back to normal

Ah yes! Good ol' golf back!

Actually i was in WDW couple of days ago and I saw that they almost have the whole wand taken down. I do not have pics because i didn't feel like bringing a camera.

It's alomst gone just basicly the stars are the only challenge remaining!

When I left Yesterday Morning, from very far away it looked like there was none of the..i forgot what it's called the structure behind the arm and stuff? >_<

Yea there's hardly anything left! They want it gone before october 1, 2007 (for epcot's 25th) too bad spaceship earth wont be ready in time since it is one ofthe star attractions and has been around the longest over a majoirty of them.

The wand deconstruction is not even complete yet I don't think, and already pieces are being sold on eBay

Here is a photograph of what the ball looks like right now.

http://i19.************/4pb455k.jpg

I went there around August 4th. (Looked like StitchMad's photo) The wand WAS down, but the red stars are still up. It looked as if it was still in construction, but the wand is now definatly down. ;), Looks like they're not exactly done yet! ;)

thats a shame. the wand was very cool. not just the wand is being taken down but Disney is planning on putting a roller coaster to take Spaceship Earth's place :(

thats a shame. the wand was very cool. not just the wand is being taken down but Disney is planning on putting a roller coaster to take Spaceship Earth's place :(

Horsefeathers! They said they are just adding a few more rooms in to fix up project tomorrow. In case you all didn't know that Spaceship Earth is WDW's MOST popular attraction, even though the line is always short, that is becuase the ride never stops moving, the ride is the most popular, if you guessed Soarin` your right, Soarin` is the second most popular ride, thous takeing Splash's title (poor splash :()

thats a shame. the wand was very cool. not just the wand is being taken down but Disney is planning on putting a roller coaster to take Spaceship Earth's place :(

THAT, my friend is the most beilived rumor. Im not sure if they could fit a roller coaster, the line would need to be bigger and so much more. It is the best attraction in EPCOT to me =]

Why would the change the entire ride if it's the most popular in all of WDW? That is pointless and would loose business. All the info WDW has relased so far is that the ride is just haveing a few rooms added and they are trying to make the clicking in tracks and bumps and such in the ride stop so people wont hear a thing as they are going along through time/space.

All of the stars have been removed from the sphere! All that remeins are the support rods which must be unbolted from the inside.

It is absolutely breath taking! :)

Yea then they have to seal it up so they will be doing that on a sunny day so no water will get inside :p

AH! I can't wait, im returing this week!
I loved the wand dearly, it added magic to it.
But I have not seen the ball without all of its "makeup" on i quite some time!

I saw them taking it down when I was there. Because of them i couldn't ride Spaceship Earth. And I'm blaiming them for the Haunted Mansion as well for no aparent reason.

I saw them taking it down when I was there. Because of them i couldn't ride Spaceship Earth. And I'm blaiming them for the Haunted Mansion as well for no aparent reason.

The removal of the wand has nothing to do with the closure of SpaceShip Earth. The decision to refurb SSE was made prior to April while the removal of the wand was decided on June 18 or 28 (can't remember which):Embar:.

I think it was decided the 18 of june ;) I know the rumors were strong back in april, then in a Disney CM newspaper they released that it was coming down in april but they had to go through WDI and that would take place in june and it went through since it's not there anymore.

I went in octobetr and i think it looked cooler with the wand, why did they take down the wand? i tohught it was always there

The structure is near completion of being taken down, only supports extremely close to the ground remain. The stars are removed from the top of Spaceship Earth, but the poles they were on still remain.

Yea them poles are a killer to take out, they have to have about 4 guys per star just to remove it, they are doing roughly 2 - 4 poles a day.

I went in octobetr and i think it looked cooler with the wand, why did they take down the wand? i tohught it was always there

Ah, so naive. I won't bother posting the reason why it was taken down again.

From what I heard today, the base stump is completely gone. Now, SSE needs a good shave.

The crane is listed to be at the site through Friday and possibly into Saturday so they better get everything done quickly.

Ah, so naive. I won't bother posting the reason why it was taken down again.

From what I heard today, the base stump is completely gone. Now, SSE needs a good shave.

The crane is listed to be at the site through Friday and possibly into Saturday so they better get everything done quickly.

Ok! As long as I dont have to get stuck behind it again, by florida law they have to go 10 - 20 MPH MAX down roads becuase it's so long and it comes in over 10 pieces that they go down the road in and they were on i-4 going 20 MPH!

The crane is gone today. I very nice picture can be viewed from the Beach Club webcam for those of you who are interested.

Facny, this is a large truck crane, not a crawler crane on tracks. There is no need for it to travel that slowly.

Ah, I saw it today! We visited Pop Centrury.
I got a few decent pictures from a distance, no crane thanks be!

i think it looks more classic now :) yay!

The crane is gone today. I very nice picture can be viewed from the Beach Club webcam for those of you who are interested.

Facny, this is a large truck crane, not a crawler crane on tracks. There is no need for it to travel that slowly.

Yea it's not a crawler and a driver drives it likea car but they were only going 20MPH unless my car speed odometer is wrong which I doubt since I just hit 25 miles on it when I got stuck behind it @_@.

Check out my signature for a current picture of the EPCOT Ball :)
Back to normal, nothing left on it, no wand, nothing. (Apart from a few of the star supports).
Welcome back EPCOT!

From the picture you have in your sig it looks like when it had the wand spaceship earth looked like a big oval

Yea it's all gone now, good ol fwandy is back.

I just got back from WDW recently, and only a couple of the stars were still left on the globe, and there was a huge crane up there, taking stuff down.
♥Wall