Spaceship Earth is a much beloved ride. From time to time Disney overhauls parts of it but the general theme of the ride has remained unchanged since it opened.
I remember when I was a kid I didn't believe that a ride could be housed inside that big globe. After going on it for the first time I wanted to go again. Even as a kid I realized how detailed Spaceship Earth was.
Another thing that I love about this ride is it's connection to the original Epcot. The "edutainment" of the original Epcot is still alive and well when you ride Spaceship Earth. We can thank the structural design for this. Very little can be changed about the layout of the ride. This was discovered years ago when Michael Eisner wanted put a roller coaster inside of Spaceship Earth. Sometimes it's good when an idea fails.
You can see the video here.
Showing posts with label Spaceship Earth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spaceship Earth. Show all posts
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, August 5, 2011
Photo of the Week - The Contemporary?!?
The view of Bay Lake from the tower in the Contemporary is amazing but that's not the coolest feature.
Most people don't realize that the Bay Lake side of the Contemporary offers a decent view of Illuminations. Yes you can not only see Spaceship Earth from the Contemporary you can see a majority of Illuminations.
Finally if you stay on the Bay Lake side of the Contemporary you can watch the Electric Water Pageant from your room.
Considering all of that how can the Magic Kingdom side beat it?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Photo of the Week - Epcot at Night
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Photo of the Week: Spaceship Earth in the Morning
Spaceship Earth is always amazing no matter what time of day you see it. Night might be most impressive but even in the morning it's nice. You know when you see it you are going to have a good day.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wow Moments
Everyone has “wow” moments. “Wow” moments are the times when something stops you in your tracks or you get a sudden rush of emotion. Most of the time these “wow” moments are infused with nostalgia.
Here are a couple of my wow moments:
#1 – The monorail looping around Epcot: I don’t know why but this always amazed me. I guess I knew I was in for a good day when I saw Spaceship Earth go by. It’ll be strange on my next trip. I’m staying at the Boardwalk so I won’t be experiencing this.
#2 – Cinderella’s Castle from Main Street USA: I think this is on everyone’s list. When you walk down
#3 – The Hyatt MCO: Ok this might sound like an odd one but when I see this hotel inside
#4 – The purple and red signs: I bet a lot of people get the wow moment when they see these signs. Nothing says you’re in Disney as when you see the green highway signs turn into the purple and red Disney World signs.
#5 – The atrium in the Contemporary: The atrium in the Contemporary is just impressive. Even if I’m not staying there I always have to find a reason to go there.
#6 – Pioneer Hall: I stayed at
Of course there are others but those are the ones that really stand out for me. Feel free to leave your favorite moments in the comments.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Theme Parks at Night: Epcot
Epcot is one of the most unique theme parks I’ve ever been in. It is nothing like the Magic Kingdom. It really does stand out in a way that Animal Kingdom and DHS never could. When nighttime comes it has some truly jaw dropping sights.
1) Spaceship Earth: How could I not mention Spaceship Earth first? During the day it’s amazing. The way the monorail circles it is awesome. At night it truly rivals Cinderella’s Castle. In my opinion, it’s better. When it’s lighted in the peach, pink, and purple few manmade objects can match its beauty.
2) The Fiber Optics: During the day they are invisible. At night the walkways around Spaceship Earth light up with thousands of pin points of light. Words don’t describe it well. I’ve never seen this in any other theme park.
3) The France Pavilion: The France Pavilion during the day is nice. At night it’s amazing. From the fountains to its location by the river it’s really amazing.
4) Test Track: The end of test track is exciting during the day. Put the in dim light of night and you feel like you are moving even faster. If you scare easy, don’t forget your depends.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Top Ten Disney Music
Everyone real Disney fan owns at least one Disney theme park music CD. Some people own a few. Some people even have multiple versions of the same song, one from before an overhaul and one after.
The key to the music is its tie to a memory. Chances are when you hear that track you can see yourself there. If you played a lot of the Disney music for someone that has never been to Disney Would they’d think it was trash or at least have a lesser reaction.
I thought it would be fun to come up with my top ten. Remember, this is my top ten. It’s not in order of historical importance or anything like that. No hate mail please (not that I’ve ever gotten an email from this blog).
10 – Golden Dream from the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot
9 – O’Canada from the Canada Pavilion in Epcot (original - no longer played)
8 – Epcot Entrance Medley from Future World in Epcot (no longer played)
7 – Tiki Room (the original) – The Enchanted Tiki Room – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom (no longer played)
6 – One Little Spark – Journey Into Imagination – Imagination Pavilion – Epcot (no longer played)
5 – Listen to the Land (original) – Listen to the Land – Land Pavilion – Epcot (no longer played)
4 – Impressions de France – Impressions de France – France Pavilion - Epcot
3 – Grim Grinning Ghosts – The Haunted Mansion – Liberty Square – Magic Kingdom
2 – Theme from Soarin – Soarin – The Land Pavilion- Epcot
1 – How Do You Do? – Splash Mountain – Frontier Land – Magic Kingdom
Honorable Mention
Yo Ho a Pirates Life for Me – Pirates of the Caribbean – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom
Swisskapolka – Swiss Family Tree House – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom
There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow – Carousal of Progress – Tomorrow Land – Magic Kingdom
The Tree of Life Theme – Discovery Island – Animal Kingdom
Theme to Honey I Shrunk the Audience – Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Imagination Pavilion – Epcot
Spaceship Earth Medley – Spaceship Earth – Furture World – Epcot
It’s Fun To Be Free – World of Motion – Future World – Epcot (no longer played)
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah – Splash Mountain – Frontier Land – Magic Kingdom
Universe of Energy – Universe of Energy – Future World – Epcot (no longer played)
Electric Water Pageant – Electric Water Pageant – Bay Lake – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
You will notice that some famous tracks are missing. That’s because it’s my list. I think I’d rather listen to a dog bark than listen to “It’s a Small World.” There are also some other oldies that just didn’t make it. Anyone remember – Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit, Veggie, Fruit…
The key to the music is its tie to a memory. Chances are when you hear that track you can see yourself there. If you played a lot of the Disney music for someone that has never been to Disney Would they’d think it was trash or at least have a lesser reaction.
I thought it would be fun to come up with my top ten. Remember, this is my top ten. It’s not in order of historical importance or anything like that. No hate mail please (not that I’ve ever gotten an email from this blog).
10 – Golden Dream from the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot
9 – O’Canada from the Canada Pavilion in Epcot (original - no longer played)
8 – Epcot Entrance Medley from Future World in Epcot (no longer played)
7 – Tiki Room (the original) – The Enchanted Tiki Room – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom (no longer played)
6 – One Little Spark – Journey Into Imagination – Imagination Pavilion – Epcot (no longer played)
5 – Listen to the Land (original) – Listen to the Land – Land Pavilion – Epcot (no longer played)
4 – Impressions de France – Impressions de France – France Pavilion - Epcot
3 – Grim Grinning Ghosts – The Haunted Mansion – Liberty Square – Magic Kingdom
2 – Theme from Soarin – Soarin – The Land Pavilion- Epcot
1 – How Do You Do? – Splash Mountain – Frontier Land – Magic Kingdom
Honorable Mention
Yo Ho a Pirates Life for Me – Pirates of the Caribbean – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom
Swisskapolka – Swiss Family Tree House – Adventure Land – Magic Kingdom
There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow – Carousal of Progress – Tomorrow Land – Magic Kingdom
The Tree of Life Theme – Discovery Island – Animal Kingdom
Theme to Honey I Shrunk the Audience – Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Imagination Pavilion – Epcot
Spaceship Earth Medley – Spaceship Earth – Furture World – Epcot
It’s Fun To Be Free – World of Motion – Future World – Epcot (no longer played)
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah – Splash Mountain – Frontier Land – Magic Kingdom
Universe of Energy – Universe of Energy – Future World – Epcot (no longer played)
Electric Water Pageant – Electric Water Pageant – Bay Lake – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
You will notice that some famous tracks are missing. That’s because it’s my list. I think I’d rather listen to a dog bark than listen to “It’s a Small World.” There are also some other oldies that just didn’t make it. Anyone remember – Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit, Veggie, Fruit…
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Things That Amaze Me Volume One: The Omni Mover System
The Omni Mover System is a ride mechanic that a number of Disney World rides employ. Chances are if you’ve gotten into a line at Disney that actually moves, you’re in a line for a ride that uses the Omni Mover System.
Some of the rides that employ this system are:
The Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan’s Flight
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Spaceship Earth
There are some others too.
This system was revolutionary when it was developed. Before the Omni, all rides had a vehicle that stopped, unloaded, reloaded and then took off. The Omni on the other hand, does not stop. Well it can stop if someone is being an idiot or if someone needs help getting on the ride but that’s beside the point. To board the ride you have to step onto a moving platform and then on to a vehicle going the same speed.
By loading without stopping you can move an enormous number of people in a short period of time. It’s so efficient that Spaceship Earth is the most ridden ride in the world. Spaceship Earth doesn’t move hundreds of people an hour; it moves thousands of people an hour.
When I was a kid the Omni System scared me a little. I was always afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get on the ride before I ran out of space. I thought I’d be left behind. It never occurred to me that the cast member would just stop the ride for a minute.
The other thing that amazes me about the Omni System is the people who work them. I’m thinking about the poor person who is assigned to platform duty. They can’t just stand there. If they did they’d fall right off the ride. They have to walk in place. How many miles do you think they walk in a shift? They must have legs of steel after working a ride like that after a few months.
It’s a good thing I’m not a supervisor at Disney. I’d get fired faster than you could blink. I’d be walking around the parks and reassigning over weight cast members to the Omni rides. I know that’s just wrong. How can I say that when I’m over weight? Easy! I’d love to do that for a job. I’d lose a ton of weight. Wouldn’t be pleasant but it would be worth it!
Some of the rides that employ this system are:
The Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan’s Flight
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Spaceship Earth
There are some others too.
This system was revolutionary when it was developed. Before the Omni, all rides had a vehicle that stopped, unloaded, reloaded and then took off. The Omni on the other hand, does not stop. Well it can stop if someone is being an idiot or if someone needs help getting on the ride but that’s beside the point. To board the ride you have to step onto a moving platform and then on to a vehicle going the same speed.
By loading without stopping you can move an enormous number of people in a short period of time. It’s so efficient that Spaceship Earth is the most ridden ride in the world. Spaceship Earth doesn’t move hundreds of people an hour; it moves thousands of people an hour.
When I was a kid the Omni System scared me a little. I was always afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get on the ride before I ran out of space. I thought I’d be left behind. It never occurred to me that the cast member would just stop the ride for a minute.
The other thing that amazes me about the Omni System is the people who work them. I’m thinking about the poor person who is assigned to platform duty. They can’t just stand there. If they did they’d fall right off the ride. They have to walk in place. How many miles do you think they walk in a shift? They must have legs of steel after working a ride like that after a few months.
It’s a good thing I’m not a supervisor at Disney. I’d get fired faster than you could blink. I’d be walking around the parks and reassigning over weight cast members to the Omni rides. I know that’s just wrong. How can I say that when I’m over weight? Easy! I’d love to do that for a job. I’d lose a ton of weight. Wouldn’t be pleasant but it would be worth it!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Wow Factor
Disney has tried to incorporate a main symbol that is supposed to wow people in every park. In the Magic Kingdom it is the castle, in Epcot it is Spaceship Earth, in Animal Kingdom it is the Tree of Life, and in Disney Hollywood Studios it is the Wizard Hat.
Disney also incorporates attractions it hopes will do the same thing. Expedition Everest, Splash Mountain, and the Tower of Terror are good examples of those.
Some times Disney achieves their goal. Sometimes they fall flat on their face. Most people say that the castle provides the wow factor. Some people even break down and cry when they see it. I really wish I was kidding. Walk down Main Street USA and you’ll see them. The castle isn’t bad but I wouldn’t put it on top.
I thought I’d break down some of the wow factors in Disney World just for Kicks.
1 - Spaceship Earth at Night. This one easily tops my list. The way they light up Spaceship Earth is just amazing. This is the only one that really gives me chills.
2 - The Cinderella’s Castle an night during the Christmas season. Ok let me just say that I am not a fan of Christmas decorations. The main reason is that they tend to get in the way and they are EVERYWHERE! The only exception of when Disney doesn’t overdo it is with Cinderella’s Castle.
3 - The standard Cinderella’s Castle. This one is a classic. Most people who visit Disney take a picture of it every time they go to the Magic Kingdom.
4 - Spaceship Earth during the day. It’s big, it’s white, and it’s cool looking. To get the best wow factor ride the monorail for the TTC to Epcot.
5 - The Haunted Mansion – The attention to detail that went into the Haunted Mansion is mind boggling. You hear this attraction before you see it. The howling dog is a classic sound. The outside is a perfect fit for what should be a haunted mansion.
6 - Splash Mountain – By itself it shouldn’t rank this high. What really makes Splash Mountain a “wow” is how it’s built into the park. The two bridges from which you can view the shoot are places you could sit and just watch people scream their brains out. It doesn’t really get old.
7 - The Tree of Life – The Tree of Life is a unique “wow.” I think it’s the only one that gets more amazing the closer you get. From a distance it’s cool looking. As you get closer the details start to come out. You get a sense for its size and you start to make out the shape of the animals. When you’re on top of it you see the stunning detail of every animal. You could blow rolls of film just on the carvings. Well I guess you could if you have a film camera. Wow, who still owns a film camera?
8 - The Tower of Terror – The Tower of Terror isn’t really an awe inspiring building by itself. However, Take that building and put it at the end of a long flat street and add the sound of people screaming as you walk towards it…now you have something. I’ve taken some good pictures of the Tower. The best one was from the queue. There is a great spot that you can shoot the sign through the trees. To really push a picture of this over the edge, convert it to black and white. This and the Haunted Mansion look amazing in Black and White.
Those are just a few. However, you may notice that I did not mention the wizard hat. That’s because it’s never amazed me. I think the Chinese Theater was far more impressive than the hat. The hat has too much stuff around it. You can never get a good picture of it. Even if you did it really lacks what the other symbols have. Don’t ask me what “it” is. I just know it doesn’t have “it.”
Disney also incorporates attractions it hopes will do the same thing. Expedition Everest, Splash Mountain, and the Tower of Terror are good examples of those.
Some times Disney achieves their goal. Sometimes they fall flat on their face. Most people say that the castle provides the wow factor. Some people even break down and cry when they see it. I really wish I was kidding. Walk down Main Street USA and you’ll see them. The castle isn’t bad but I wouldn’t put it on top.
I thought I’d break down some of the wow factors in Disney World just for Kicks.
1 - Spaceship Earth at Night. This one easily tops my list. The way they light up Spaceship Earth is just amazing. This is the only one that really gives me chills.
2 - The Cinderella’s Castle an night during the Christmas season. Ok let me just say that I am not a fan of Christmas decorations. The main reason is that they tend to get in the way and they are EVERYWHERE! The only exception of when Disney doesn’t overdo it is with Cinderella’s Castle.
3 - The standard Cinderella’s Castle. This one is a classic. Most people who visit Disney take a picture of it every time they go to the Magic Kingdom.
4 - Spaceship Earth during the day. It’s big, it’s white, and it’s cool looking. To get the best wow factor ride the monorail for the TTC to Epcot.
5 - The Haunted Mansion – The attention to detail that went into the Haunted Mansion is mind boggling. You hear this attraction before you see it. The howling dog is a classic sound. The outside is a perfect fit for what should be a haunted mansion.
6 - Splash Mountain – By itself it shouldn’t rank this high. What really makes Splash Mountain a “wow” is how it’s built into the park. The two bridges from which you can view the shoot are places you could sit and just watch people scream their brains out. It doesn’t really get old.
7 - The Tree of Life – The Tree of Life is a unique “wow.” I think it’s the only one that gets more amazing the closer you get. From a distance it’s cool looking. As you get closer the details start to come out. You get a sense for its size and you start to make out the shape of the animals. When you’re on top of it you see the stunning detail of every animal. You could blow rolls of film just on the carvings. Well I guess you could if you have a film camera. Wow, who still owns a film camera?
8 - The Tower of Terror – The Tower of Terror isn’t really an awe inspiring building by itself. However, Take that building and put it at the end of a long flat street and add the sound of people screaming as you walk towards it…now you have something. I’ve taken some good pictures of the Tower. The best one was from the queue. There is a great spot that you can shoot the sign through the trees. To really push a picture of this over the edge, convert it to black and white. This and the Haunted Mansion look amazing in Black and White.
Those are just a few. However, you may notice that I did not mention the wizard hat. That’s because it’s never amazed me. I think the Chinese Theater was far more impressive than the hat. The hat has too much stuff around it. You can never get a good picture of it. Even if you did it really lacks what the other symbols have. Don’t ask me what “it” is. I just know it doesn’t have “it.”
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Hochberg Conspiracy
A few months ago Matt Hochberg of www.studioscentral.com and the WDW Today Podcast took time off to get “married.” Most people believe (other than the rest of the WDW Today gang) that. After all when he showed up again he was married.
Shenanigans! I declare shenanigans!
What was Matt really doing? After extensive research and a lot of hard work (terms used loosely) I have discovered the truth (if truth means funny fake story).
Matt was supposed to take time off and get married. At the last minute he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He found himself in a real pickle. Should he take the offer and postpone his wedding? Should he turn it down and go ahead with the wedding? Or should he try and do both? Matt chose the third option.
Matt informed his fiancé that the wedding had to be changed radically. He made plans with a local justice of the peace affectionately called “Uncle Bubba” by his friends for that very afternoon. After that, there would be a brief wedding dinner for family only at the local Denny’s where everyone would get a Grand Slam. The honeymoon would be reduced to two nights at the Motel Six and then Matt would be off to take the offer he couldn’t refuse.
The offer was a spot on “The Not so Amazing Race” staring Matt vs. Van of the Netcot podcast. They would battle each other in a brutal death match that makes the recent film “Death Race” seem like “My Little Pony.”
To start each contestant had to ride one ride at Epcot. Next you had to consume one food item before leaving the park. After that you had to use Disney World Transportation to make it to the Magic Kingdom. Whoever arrived first won!
Matt started by hitting Soarin because it’s a short ride. Van started by hitting that awful thing in Mexico because you can walk onto it. Matt cheated. Somehow he got right through the 60 min line at Soarin. I think he beat up an old lady and took her fast pass. Van didn’t cheat but he walked half way across the park for his ride.
For food, Van found a loophole and ran to Club Station Cool and swigged down some Beverly. What people who saw the video don’t know is that this plan backfired. After drinking that swill Van became violently ill and spent 30 minutes paying homage to the porcelain god. Matt decided to get popcorn. Not a bad idea but he had to wait forever in line to get it.
The trip to the Magic Kingdom was odd. Matt did the sensible thing and got on the monorail. Van jumped on a bus bound for Fort Wilderness and then took a boat to the Magic Kingdom. That must have taken forever which ruined any chance he had of winning. Matt beat him to the Magic Kingdom.
Matt won the race and returned to his wife a “winner.” Matt’s wife said winners sleep in the dog house until further notice especially when they have nothing to show for their victory. As the loser Van was dragged outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom and severely beaten by Mickey Mouse. He spent weeks in the hospital which explains why Netcot had no broadcasts during the beginning of 2009.
Matt returned to WDW Today and came up with some malarkey about getting married and going a honeymoon because he was too embarrassed to admit the truth and his wife threatened to kill him if he told people what really happened.
If I had been in that race I’d have whipped both of them. First of all you ride Spaceship Earth. It moves a ton of people an hour and in the off season it tends to be a walk on ride. It’s also right at the gate. For food I’d use the same loophole as Van. If you only need to drink something I’d run to the nearest water fountain and take a few swigs. Next I’d highjack a tram and drive to the Magic Kingdom (what?!? It’s Disney Transportation). Beat that!
(DISCLAIMER: Please do not take the above seriously. It is mostly a joke. Matt and Van were not involved in a death race and no one was injured in during the filming of “The Not so Amazing Race” that I know of. I’m also 99% that Matt did not blow off his wedding to partake in the race (I hope). Again, the above is meant to be funny. If you don’t think it’s funny go to the doctor and ask for some happy pills. Or go to Disney World. They tend to have the same effect.)
Shenanigans! I declare shenanigans!
What was Matt really doing? After extensive research and a lot of hard work (terms used loosely) I have discovered the truth (if truth means funny fake story).
Matt was supposed to take time off and get married. At the last minute he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He found himself in a real pickle. Should he take the offer and postpone his wedding? Should he turn it down and go ahead with the wedding? Or should he try and do both? Matt chose the third option.
Matt informed his fiancé that the wedding had to be changed radically. He made plans with a local justice of the peace affectionately called “Uncle Bubba” by his friends for that very afternoon. After that, there would be a brief wedding dinner for family only at the local Denny’s where everyone would get a Grand Slam. The honeymoon would be reduced to two nights at the Motel Six and then Matt would be off to take the offer he couldn’t refuse.
The offer was a spot on “The Not so Amazing Race” staring Matt vs. Van of the Netcot podcast. They would battle each other in a brutal death match that makes the recent film “Death Race” seem like “My Little Pony.”
To start each contestant had to ride one ride at Epcot. Next you had to consume one food item before leaving the park. After that you had to use Disney World Transportation to make it to the Magic Kingdom. Whoever arrived first won!
Matt started by hitting Soarin because it’s a short ride. Van started by hitting that awful thing in Mexico because you can walk onto it. Matt cheated. Somehow he got right through the 60 min line at Soarin. I think he beat up an old lady and took her fast pass. Van didn’t cheat but he walked half way across the park for his ride.
For food, Van found a loophole and ran to Club Station Cool and swigged down some Beverly. What people who saw the video don’t know is that this plan backfired. After drinking that swill Van became violently ill and spent 30 minutes paying homage to the porcelain god. Matt decided to get popcorn. Not a bad idea but he had to wait forever in line to get it.
The trip to the Magic Kingdom was odd. Matt did the sensible thing and got on the monorail. Van jumped on a bus bound for Fort Wilderness and then took a boat to the Magic Kingdom. That must have taken forever which ruined any chance he had of winning. Matt beat him to the Magic Kingdom.
Matt won the race and returned to his wife a “winner.” Matt’s wife said winners sleep in the dog house until further notice especially when they have nothing to show for their victory. As the loser Van was dragged outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom and severely beaten by Mickey Mouse. He spent weeks in the hospital which explains why Netcot had no broadcasts during the beginning of 2009.
Matt returned to WDW Today and came up with some malarkey about getting married and going a honeymoon because he was too embarrassed to admit the truth and his wife threatened to kill him if he told people what really happened.
If I had been in that race I’d have whipped both of them. First of all you ride Spaceship Earth. It moves a ton of people an hour and in the off season it tends to be a walk on ride. It’s also right at the gate. For food I’d use the same loophole as Van. If you only need to drink something I’d run to the nearest water fountain and take a few swigs. Next I’d highjack a tram and drive to the Magic Kingdom (what?!? It’s Disney Transportation). Beat that!
(DISCLAIMER: Please do not take the above seriously. It is mostly a joke. Matt and Van were not involved in a death race and no one was injured in during the filming of “The Not so Amazing Race” that I know of. I’m also 99% that Matt did not blow off his wedding to partake in the race (I hope). Again, the above is meant to be funny. If you don’t think it’s funny go to the doctor and ask for some happy pills. Or go to Disney World. They tend to have the same effect.)
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