Epcot's Spaceship Earth to open in December

Spaceship Earth, the ride inside Epcot's centerpiece geodesic sphere, is expected to re-open for sneak previews (a process known as soft opening) in December, reports the Orlando Sentinel. According to the report, the refurbished ride will feature a new story, as well as a new soundtrack by Emmy Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton and a new narration by Academy Award-winning actress Judi Dench, perhaps best known for her role as "M" in the most recent James Bond films. The musical score "has been fitted to each scene in the attraction's storyline, which follows the history of human innovation from one generation to the next, from prehistoric times to the 21st century." In addition, the music for each scene was infused with styles and instruments appropriate to the time period. "To have that score transition smoothly as vehicles travel from one time period to the next is extremely difficult," said Walt Disney Imagineering show producer Bob Zalk. "The first time we rode through the attraction accompanied by that music, we were amazed." Last month, Disney changed the re-opening date for the ride from Nov. 13, 2007 to Feb. 28, 2008.