Posts Tagged ‘Future World’
Reflections of the Universe
A creative take on the reflective possibilities of the Universe of Energy Pavilion.
Mission: MICKEY
It’s wiring made wonderful! Make it your mission to track down this special Mickey, hidden in Future World at EPCOT.
Orange or Green?
Mission: SPACE, one of the most highly-anticipated attractions to open at Walt Disney World, represents the culmination of 40 years of actual man-hours, as well as technologies specifically invented for this ride. Designed to allow passengers to experience space flight in a realistic way, Mission: SPACE was built in cooperation with former astronauts and NASA personnel.
The “back story” is very much front and center as guests, or “trainees” at the International Space Training Center, are assigned a role and join a crew of four to complete a training mission that will help prepare them for the first manned flight to Mars.
The stunning Planetary Plaza at the entrance includes some of the most imaginative and beautiful detail to be found in any park. The glowing replica of Mars with its dramatic red color stands close to the enormous 16-foot-diameter sphere of Jupiter. Earth is encircled by a ship in flight and the model of our moon features plaques on its surface that commemorate each lunar mission.
The queue area is dominated by an enormous gravity wheel, and showcases fascinating displays and a review of the “history” of space flight. The gravity wheel sports one of three tributes to Horizons, the attraction that formerly occupied the site.
After an informational video, astronauts-in-training board the flight simulators for a spectacular journey that includes lift-off, a slingshot maneuver around the moon, hypersleep, and Mars landing, along with some special challenges to test the crew.
There are two different ride experiences to choose from: the original, very intense “orange” version which simulates weightlessness and g-forces by means of a centrifuge; and the alternate “green” version which retains the motion simulation but forgoes the physically-challenging centrifuge effects. There are multiple alerts and warnings throughout the attraction which detail the health conditions that may be adversely affected by the ride.
The post-show area is not to be missed, with interactive games and activities, a themed play area for kids, and an opportunity to send a “Postcard from Space.”
Employees of Hewlett-Packard, the current sponsor, have access to the Red Planet Room where they can relax and enjoy complimentary beverages, play games, watch television, and use an internet-connected shared laptop.
Mission: SPACE
EPCOT, Future World
Approximately 6 minutes
Guests must transfer from ECV to wheelchair and then to ride vehicle
FastPass available
Video captioning and translation devices available
Park admission required
Neon Nights – Blue Skies
Photo by Jeff Bergman
Character Reference – Pluto
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Pluto
AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup
Favorite Sayings: “Bark! Bark!” “Grrrr” “Sniff, sniff, sniff”
Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”
Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time
Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun
Facebook Friends: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
- EPCOT, American Adventure
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
Character Dining
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
- EPCOT, Garden Grill
- Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
- Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
- Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
- Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show
Shows
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub
Character Reference – Goofy
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Goofy
AKA: Goofus D. Dawg; Dippy Dawg
Favorite Sayings: “Gawrsh!” “A-hyuck!” “Well, whaddya know …”
Prized Possession: green hat
Qualifications: optimistic, good-natured, kind
Facebook Friends: Max, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabelle
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, World Showcase, American Adventure
- EPCOT, International Gateway
- EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Barnstormer (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A., Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
Character Dining
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
- Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
- Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
- Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show
Attractions
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown, Goofy’s Barnstormer (subject to change)
Shows
- Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square, photo op with statue sitting on a bench
Now Taking Flight
One of California’s finest exports, Soarin’ has been a star attraction at EPCOT since it debuted in 2005 as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth event that marked Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.
Experience some of the most memorable sights, sounds, and smells of the Golden State enhanced by a deeply-moving soundtrack from composer Jerry Goldsmith.
Technology delivers a series of stunning illusions as you glide over ocean, mountain, and desert, buzz the deck of an aircraft carrier, and swoop through the night and into Disneyland.
Enjoy the fragrance of sun-warmed oranges or the crisp scent of a pine forest; the rush of ocean breezes as you skim the waves, so close to the water that you lift your feet to keep from getting wet.
More than four years after its introduction, Soarin’ remains a hugely popular attraction. While interactive games have been added to the stand-by queue to help pass the time, it can be a very long wait; head directly to The Land upon entering EPCOT and pick up a FastPass.
Soarin’
The Land, EPCOT Future World
Continuous performances daily
Approximately 5 minutes
Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride seat
40″ minimum height requirement
Park admission required
