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The Pig Is The Best Part of This Adventure

Author: Mike

When I tried the new “Great Piggy Bank Adventure” sponsored by T Rowe Price I was hoping to be wowed. Few new entries to the area have brought any new unique experiences.  I was surprised when the first thing I got was a pig. Yes a hefty piggy bank to carry to each of the stations in the new EPCOT Innoventions attraction. That was pretty cool. The premise is that you take your piggy bank around and get money in it to reach a financial goal by completing various tasks. Well… that was pretty much the only innovation in this larger than life arcade game. The games are pretty lame, and do we need more arcade games in Innoventions anyway?  Though promising to teach financial management and encourage discussion between parents and kids, the only thing this ultimately teaches is that you might lose everything to a wolf at the door who you have no control over. Or, you might be able to make money playing video games. 

I got my email certificate when I returned home and an invitation to play an online game. The online game is very well designed with the quality you’d expect from a Disney product. It has excellent 3d environments, but after a couple of levels of teaching me about financial decisions I… lost interest. (Pun intended.)

Tags: Changes at EPCOT, EPCOT Sponsors, Innoventions, New at EPCOT
June 17th, 2009  |  Posted in Attractions, News, Observations  |  3 Comments »

Could GM Be Saved by The Lean Machine?

Author: Mike

Today, when GM announced their bankruptcy filing I had to bring back a post from last year and re-visit the promising vehicle that was presented at EPCOT in the early years. I’m talking about the Lean Machine, a three wheel vehicle concept car that had center stage for years in EPCOT’s World of Motion.

Of all the ideas showcased for millions of visitors, that one vehicle was one that many would have plunked down cash for right there at the gift shop! If just a fraction of us that saw it had bought one, there would be millions on the roads. Imagine how that might have changed things. Sadly, we were never given that opportunity. Zero to sixty in 6.8 seconds, 200 mpg, one seventh of the operating cost, fun to drive… remember that parking scene where it zipped into a space where a car couldn’t fit? (SUVs were trucks driven by construction workers and farm hands back then.)

I found this UC Berkley 1990 Lean Machine Study for the Program on Advanced Technology for the Highway Institute of Transportation Studies by William L. Garrison and Mark E. Pitstick. The report presents a study of the potential for the General Motors Lean Machine in California markets. In particular they were looking at how it could impact congestion and air pollution as well as energy consumption.

So why can’t we buy one today? The report has everything good to say about the potential but one small section may be a key to the demise of this future car concept. It comes down to dealer profits. To quote their findings: ” dealers might not be supportive of marketing. They might see the vehicle as a lower price item than conventional cars and as competing with conventional vehicles in markets. The success of the Lean Machine might negatively affect their long term profit outlook. So one can imagine that it would be in the interest of new vehicle dealers to oppose the marketing of the Lean Machine.”

In other words… bigger cars (SUVs) meant bigger profits. Offering something of that value made the sale of more metal difficult. But that was then. As dealers sit in thier showrooms listening to the sound of crickets, they might think differently now. It may be too late for GM to consider pulling the Lean Machine out of mothballs, but I’d still buy one. How about you?

June 1st, 2009  |  Posted in Attractions, News, Observations  |  3 Comments »

Happy Birthday Bob!

Author: Mike

I took my brother to EPCOT yesterday for his birthday. As the family birthdays  roll around one by one we’re taking advantage of the Disney Celebrations offer. Though he and wife Dolores live in Pennsylvania they’ve visted many times over the years. They are as big a fan of Disney World as anyone anywhere. The attractions have alway been appreciated and enjoyed, but just experiencing the parks is enough. Of course, living near Hershey Park (note the shirt) they have annual passes there, and enjoy those entertainment options too.

EPCOT however, holds one of Bob’s favorite attractions, The American Adventure. Like me he is moved by the experience. This time though the Voices Of Liberty in the pre-show also offered a treat that he had somehow not seen and heard before. They were in fine form. “Battle Hymn of The Republic” in particular was performed in dynamic perfection.

Bratwurst it Germany sparked memories of time they spent there when he was in the army.

Thanks to the button provided along with the ticket, as the day progressed the greetings of “Happy Birthday Bob” multiplied. Cast members, strangers and others who were also sporting their birthday buttons all chimed in. Bob said he had never had so many good wishes on his day. It really was a bonus that I wouldn’t have expected.

We made it to almost all of the attractions and the day was capped with what has to be one of the finest shows in the world. The music and choreographed fireworks of Illuminations brought the day to a dramatic brilliant climax that was eclipsed only by the enjoyment of a perfect day.

Happy Birthday Bob!

Tags: Disney Celebrations
May 14th, 2009  |  Posted in Events, Observations  |  2 Comments »

New Trains In The German Village Have A Sponsor Link

Author: Mike

You may not have noticed, but the trains in the outdoor mountainside village have been brought into the 21st century. The older model diesels and prams have been replaced by sleek high speed trains like those now seen in the European countryside.

Of course if you take a closer look you will see that EPCOT sponsor Siemans is the branded name on the models. If you are really quick (or take snapshot with your digital camera) you’ll see the web address www.dispolok.com. Visiting that site takes you to the source for renting that actual fleet of rail stock.

I don’t know if this is an official sponsorship or not. I also noticed a Lowenbrau beer boxcar. As we know, product placement can be very profitable and the subliminal message powerful. I just got thirsty for a trainload of beer.

Tags: EPCOT Sponsors, Things to look for at EPCOT, World Showcase
May 1st, 2009  |  Posted in News, Observations  |  No Comments »