Wonders of Life, Eterna

Looking out for Number - Whaaaat?!

2012-03-03T16:59:00.001-08:00

From a screenshot malfunction I picked out the other day...

...this reminded me at this time that when it comes to being alive, there are some tasks on the 'to do' list that aren't really glamorous. Elimination being one of them, and yet, we do it. This sounds TMI to freely admit in a society like this, but what boggles and raises my eyebrows out of humor is, well... Let's look at Bobby's black box and recall a quote from there...

Left Brain: Aren't you forgetting some... functions?
Buzzy: Uhm, Elimination, give me a reading!
Elimination: (checks reading) Bladder reading at 9.9, sir!
Buzzy: We can hold it. Full speed ahead!
Elimination: No! NO!

And yet, we reveal a plothole, primarily done to cleanly cut to the chase. But seriously?! They say if life gives one lemons, they would have to make lemonade. Though speaking of making lemonade from lemons (please don't take it as an euphemism), it would only be wise to mention that of whatever leaves us, somehow, there is always another mind out there willing to take advantage of what we take for granted...
...wait, they did? You mean those video game systems for urinals? Okay, so this is insanity for the average person, but add to the reduction of having to wipe up spilled puddles as a result of failed aim, some would say it could be a good idea, but waking up, this is a life and health focused blog, so what if there was something testing the health of...
...wait, such a thing exists too? Apparently, technology is developing that could, well, hook you up to a medical database during your ten minutes off, which could spell less awkward encounters at the doctors office.
And surely having one as part of the medical oddities showcase exhibit (if we were to be including one) could be a neutral idea (love it or loathe it). But a fully functioning one, I bet, could be the equivalent of, well, spilling and admitting your humiliating secrets to other people in earshot. But apparently, it could give someone something to think about... uhm... it's a long story.
So before the day bursts for all sorts of humiliating information, I'd rather leave that up to you readers to think it over, and express how you stand. And to close this off, let me ask you a question now this topic's dealt with: feeling better now?

STOP PRESS: Habit Heroes defeated. Plan B!

2012-02-25T16:37:00.001-08:00

To date, thanks to an overwhelming response from the public, Habit Heroes has admitted defeat and gone underground. While it was a great exhibit and while it had the technology to heal the wound Wonders left behind, it'll undergo extensive treatment for reasons too heartbreaking to mention. However, for those ready to take the next step, see the previous blog post for another way to take action.

WOL4EVA will remain on the alert on this issue until further notice, due to a shortage of ideas. Please stand by.

STOP PRESS: Discrimination chews fat on Habit Heroes, No sympathy for Brain Pilot

2012-02-24T15:44:00.001-08:00

It seems that while Habit Heroes has the technology to get everyone into getting fit and picking up health habits, it seems that not everyone is enjoying the exhibit for what it's worth.
According to a news article from the Huffington Press, it seems that these 'fallen heroes' may be psychologically hitting kids with bricks. Prognosis? Discrimination. While this was literally uncalled for (I sympathize with the Mouse and they didn't mean to hurt anyone), there are people in the wide belt (no, literally) who have had their feelings hurt thanks to how the exhibit portrayed them. Even this article from Epcyclopedia has picked it up. Even now, dieting blogs, and even health professionals are even prepared to pick up their lighters and igniting an Occupy Movement against the Habit Heroes.
Although if Habit Heroes literally goes flat for body image reasons, I guess this is time for me to send a suggestion to those who are writing letters against the exhibit. Why not go one step further and not just slam the fallen heroes, but have sympathy for one weeping behind covers? You know...

Perhaps the best letter I would like to write on behalf of the Mouse would be as follows. I would urge everyone to open their hearts, just to convince the mouse to do the same. Here's the two birds hit with one stone letter:

Dear Disney/Epcot/Management...
While Habit Heroes appears to have the best of intentions to educate people, it seems it's taken a turn for the worst. While Disney advocates a world where kids of all sizes and qualities are accepted and valued, it appears that Habit Heroes didn't do well as planned.
All I am saying, while the exhibit intentions are honorable in the fight against bad health habits, our kids will be at risk of depression, despair, bullying, disordered eating, and other unhealthy practices unintentionally glamorized at the expense of good health.
For instance, with regards to body image, not everyone has control over body size and shape, let alone make the fatter and wider population take a thinner road, except for a temporary span of time. To discriminate the fatter population gives it a disservice, when all ages can aim to pick up healthier habits (eating more fruits and veggies, nurture our bodies, physical activity). Best port of advice would be to rethink the purposes, consequences and overall future of the Habit Heroes exhibit, and do away with it for now.
And if you simply think there's no hope after the loss of your exhibit, think again! Right now, since the renovations to Epcot's forgotten golden domed structure (which I dub the Wonders of Life pavilion from years past), we still have one more hope. Although honestly having not attended the pavilion, let alone Epcot throughout my entire life so far, (replace according to attendance) I recall a show, 'Cranium Command' in which our hero, Buzzy, uses his wits and experience in the brain of a 12 year old. In my opinion,this show was an excellent dramatization of the brain-body relationship.
It seems that since Wonders has been rerennovated into convention space, this show is clearly all but forgotten. But behind your backs, evidence that Buzzy is backstage inside the dome is slowly beginning to emerge. Just like in 1999 when Figment was ousted from existence, there was a clear fanbase supporting Figment, urging you to bring him back to the fold in 2002. Shouldn't you use your head and welcome Buzzy back into the Disney family - a piece of Epcot history now silenced?
And the reason why I haven't bothered to step foot into Epcot as of yet, please consider your options. Please use your head for once.
Yours sincerely,
(name)

PS: When I first discovered the controversy between body image advocates and even health professionals about the exhibit, irrelevance to its intentions, I was worried sick PSTD style, and noticing that it was as recent as 3 days old, it was an unexpected twist on a possible iodine-swab and bandage solution to follow in the footsteps of the Wonders of Life pavilion. Thanks to the controversy, the wound is a step closer to becoming infected, and even worse, killing all hope of approving a pro-health exhibit in the long run.
Yes, management should have used their head, and yes, this blog post is a hair-triggered way of offering the anti-HH crowd what else management should do (again, I don't condone unsolicited submissions and ideas, so save your best ideas please!), but doesn't EPCOT deserve something reflecting on medicine, health and the human body, something their audience would somehow want?
And thank you, Progress City USA for writing up this article on Habit Heroes and their potential reflection on Wonders of Life, and now I've ironically defeated (figuratively) Drama Queen. Yes, and the official Habit Heroes site is down for maintenance. Is Anonymous getting any ideas?
On a different side note...

...oops.

Epic Brain Fart, or Stroke of Bad Luck?

2012-02-06T01:55:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the title, but behind every Epcot pavilion, there's bound to be something worth raising eyebrows – interesting secrets and mind-boggling trivia (that is), or even 'urban legends' behind the pavilion and it's attractions. In this tradition, the Wonders of Life pavilion is no exception. Of course, some 'urban legend' tales about the pavilion, despite being hard to believe by itself, would prove a little fascinating to even believe that it may have happened.
One example of an 'urban legend' tale from the Wonders of Life was, in a sorrowful ironic twist of fate, the loss of a four year old girl aboard a ride on Body Wars (thanks to an undiscovered heart condition) in May 1995. Seventeen years on, we express our condolences.
Moving on, and we now focus on Wonder's iconic attractions (no brainer to work it out), but this time, on anodyne quoted 'brain fart' mentioned by a few guests and even a cast member during their deployment in Wonders during its heyday (make that 'failday'?) Just because Cranium Command was a successful take of the way the brain interacts with the body, doesn't mean it had done so without a few brain farts along the way...
Apologies. To explain, the unfortunate victim is, of course, Buzzy (and this time we mean the AA onstage). To liken his structure, a commenter recently submitted the following approximate statistics for what constitutes the brain pilot's AA self:

...Buzzy didn't have the usual outer layer [silicon skin] of most AA's, I believe it was more like plastic with rubbery bits at the joints. Buzzy was probably also only [with regards to hydraulic pressure] 100 psi, to 150.
"Lulu"

So, approximations aside, there was urban legend that poor Buzzy tended to end up a patient in his own show as time progressed. Now, keep in mind that this would have been evident during the M. Eisner 'dictatorship' era that put greed ahead of keeping attractions and park places in full working order. While it's normal to say that Cranium Command was dated (with regards to long ago celebrity roles within the body crew), perhaps a forum poster had this to say on this subject

They likely closed it because it was so dated. Or maybe because of that little incident at Cranium Command when the arm fell off and hot oil was shooting out on the guests.
From a DISboards poster

At first, my feeble mind attempted to shrug it off as if the incident were a joke, but of course, there was talk of poor Buzzy in which most of his missions within the mid to late nineties (give or take) would have resulted in a code 101 breakdown. Of course, it was that fateful day when a little anecdote appeared in a tumblr post, with regards to what it was like working when things get out of hand for poor Buzzy...

Oh, my GOD. I worked this attraction to get some OT for a few months when it was just about to close and I was a CM at Body Wars...
This damned thing was ALWAYS going 101 because the AA would literally SPRAY hydraulic fluid all over the place...

So if you can vividly recall the events that would have proved poor Buzzy was prone to some form of hydraulic 'wound shock', then I can safely say that with any other attraction, accidents within performances happen, but I bless the maintenance crew, despite the funding that was left over during Eisner's reign, who would have got their right heads together and went straight to work giving Buzzy some much needed treatment from the unexpected problems on stage.
Anywho, if you have any more information, or just would like to submit your experiences on working alongside poor Buzzy, then don't hesitate to ask. Also please note that this blog post could be serving as a kind of a teaser for one of WOL4EVA's future posts, stay tuned!

Meet and Greet? You Gotta Be Stitch-ing Me!

2012-02-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, readers, and I'm apologising beforehand for readers not accustomed to character invasions in EPCOT (well, ironically after the Wonders of Life started it first!), but a random though popped up in my mind with regards to character meet and greets (that is, if it were allowed in my hypothetical resurrection of WOL) - who we might expect to encounter, and in which location and setting? Still a very touchy subject by broad fan discussion standards, but in this imaginative pondering of this eyebrow-raising thought bubble, let's assume we do so...

...never mind the reactions... But let's start off with a few suggestions, as mentioned in a forum post provided below:

...but if it were up to me, I'd retheme the entirety of the pavilion to appear like you're inside a human body... lots of kinetic blood moving through tubes, electrical impulses moving through out the ceiling, a very low steady heartbeat, exhibits all over the place explaining body functions (not unlike the old hands on exhibits), and a food court in the "stomach". Leave an updated Cranium Command in the "brain" as the headliner and you've got yourself place people would want to visit.
Bathrooms would, of course, be found in the bladder.And a Meet & Greet with Stitch in the colon.

From Krack, "What to do with WoL?", post #3

Sure, sure, that would not be glamorous in a sense... after all, you can appropriately say that Stitch is probably the star with his own right to edge on the gross side (don't get me started on the nose-pick stunt!) However, this somehow reminds me of a cuddly, snuggly piece of concept art done prior to the blog, starring the alien experiment couple, somehow in an Innerspace getaway...

Sneek Peek, piece four by ~RabidLeroy on deviantART

...okay, enough. Now you've got your drift about the only good thing about a meet and greet in this manner, then perhaps it would be far wiser to have him in the exploration suit shown above. Probably a little similar to the slim body-fitting suits that Dr. Cynthia Lair would have been seen wearing, and probably to have a few in the audience drooling... *sigh* "...Braddock, we need a mop."
Aside from the cleanup, we'll focus on another character candidate that could probably raise some ideas. In the past, Body Wars served as the future equivalent of the medical facility, this time for touring purposes. But assuming we give Stitch and the galactic head honchos (if we assume so) the authority to have room for themselves, then it would be far wiser to consider saying hi to someone in charge:

Oh boy...

Apparently, I have my reasons. Assuming that WoL would end up with an Innerspace/laboratory theming area that would probably (and similarly-wise) fill a niche for Body Wars and Frontiers, it could be wise to consider a 'wandering-encounter' with the evil-genius scientist. In a lab coat. Of course, in this way, that would definitely give guests a possible role model in the scientific discovery behind the body's secrets, and yet Epcot management might as well have overlooked Dr. Jumba as a possible candidate for the right character to fill this spot. If done correctly, you would as well find Dr. Jumba mostly in the Frontiers sections at most.
But enough with scattering blue fur all over the topic of meet and greets. According to the What's Next for WOL survey, over half of the respondents don't necessarily approve of having a character play host for the pavilion. Be it lucky that Stitch hasn't gotten his name in the survey, and I hope nobody's getting any ideas about it. Anywho, let's give this topic a little more space and go ahead another one that's plaguing my cranium into confusion until now...

Footsteps - Sportsworks exhibit

2012-02-03T04:22:00.000-08:00

To the bloggers new to reading the blog, welcome. And for those who are here following the blog on its various research and travels, welcome back. In Footsteps, we investigate a selection of exhibits outside EPCOT territory... which, for some apparent inspirational (and unintentional) reason, decided to follow in the footsteps of the Wonders of Life pavilion. And this first article issue will cover a particular exhibit which, must I confess, is apparently one closest to my resident city from where I am writing. Where in the world is the exhibit I'm writing about?

Image at http://recollections.nma.gov.au/issues/vol_1_no_2/commentary/museum_victoria/

It's in here, at a science museum somewhere in the city of Melbourne, Australia, which I'd like to introduce you to ScienceWorks. Basically, the ScienceWorks museum, as with the case of other science and hands-on museums some of you may have been to, appear to be very popular with school children, and I can recall going there within my primary school grades 5 and 6 individually. My last trip so far there was in 2007, when an exhibit on the science of movie special effects and the use of animatronic components in films was going on. Also, for overseas readers in Australia, and particularly the Melbourne area, who can recall visiting the museum as a kid (or most likely a parent) would have took notice at some of the changes in coming subsequent visits. Exhibits come and go, but believably for variety reasons, this could mean that EPCOT is not necessarily alone on the changes (for either negative or positive reasons... either way.) But enough about the visit nostalgia...

This photo appears among others athttp://joeyebbie.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/scienceworks-and-more.html

As part of its array of 'permanent' exhibits, Sportsworks largely focuses on the science of human physiology behind one of our well known pasttimes and current activities - sports. And keeping in touch with the hands-on element that we see in some of Wonder's fitness related exhibits (Fitness Fairgrounds, Coach's Corner...), Sportsworks has manages one step further (and larger) with a selection of various activities related to fitness, exercise and sports in general. For instance, Sportsworks has a selection of fitness test activities, which allow visitors to test their abilities - their balance, lifting, tugging and jumping, etc. abilities. Last time I visited with my family (awww!), I recall picking up a leaflet which allowed you to fill in the results, and what you did after filling them in, you fed them into a computer and it would calculate the results.

Just some of the hands-on exhibits in Sportsworks. In fact, school programs revolve around the museum. Photo seen on http://museumvictoria.com.au/about/mv-news/2010/school-partnerships-at-scienceworks/

Visitors have the opportunity to race against one of Australia's iconic athletic sprinters in sports history, Cathy Freeman.

Also, with regards to the other activities on offer, there are some interesting activities. for instance, the interactive jogging track (while dated by technological standards) allows visitors to test their sprinting skills against well known track athletes. Other hands on activities include the rock climbing wall, and even simulation games to do with kayaking, snowboarding and (last time I glanced), an immersive game where users play 'goalie' and defend their soccer goalpost by catching the soccer balls as they fly by. How's that for stimulating?

From local news article slideshow, "Fun and Chaos at Scienceworks", accessible athttp://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/09/05/3310304.htm

But enough about the description. What I discovered during the research that Fitness Fairgrounds and Coach's Corner, by today's standards, would have literally fainted in comparison to Sportsworks from one of Australia's iconic science museums. It's actually confirmed, thanks to personal experience as a kid (regardless of where it is) that these hands on exhibits are popular with kids, young and old. Had Wonders hung on for much longer, let alone be raised back to life, it would prove plausible to consider a similar setup for the new look Fitness Fairgrounds and Coach's Corner sections.

Of course, apart from the science of the body, the exhibit actually gives visitors another kind of education - mathematics, measurement and the technology behind sports. In fact, the fitness activity tests included a height and weight chart for statistical purposes. From there, visitors have estimated, counted and measured their way into the fitness activities, even making their way into school programs. Oh, the far cry when EPCOT once was graced by local schools in its heyday...

...moving on. However, this exhibit isn't the only one that demonstrates science behind sport, physiology and everything else in this category. Believe it or not, depending on where the last time you visited a science museum was, you may have encountered a sports exhibit similar to this one. The Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh of the US, has a similarly titled sports exhibit in the science center - Highmark Sportsworks, and there is an entire gallery of photos from the exhibit opening if you're curious.

Also, some more information over at http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/highmark-sportsworks/

And that actually is it for the first run of Footsteps, ready for another lap for another type of exhibit. If you're interested in what could have been the next steps to frame up the fitness corner of a WOL gone by, feel free to stop by over at:

Possibilities: A Greater Race Ahead, following the interactive jogging track activity similarly mentioned here

For the visitors on this page, I shall leave you with a question:

"If you have recently been to a sports exhibit in a science museum, where was it, what was its name, and how was it for you?"

Simply leave a heartfelt, nostalgic or interesting answer, (or even a creative response) in the comments section BELOW. Anywho, for those reading this, I would like to give thanks, and I recommend you stay tuned for the next post within WOL4EVA.

Until next time, readers!

Potential WOL Resurrection Ideas, part 5

2012-01-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

To the readers staving off their post-holiday blues, here I am again, ready to delve into some more possibilities for bringing back Wonders to a whole new generation. I'm sure you've cried off the tears (or hopefully some steam) with regards to your views on things the way they were. Since the last update, here's the list of things that you may have missed prior to the last update:

Now, to start the new year, we might as well suck in that gut and hit two little issues with the same stress ball in one throw...and trust me, they're a lot more controversial than you would think.

2. Pavilion Image

a. Sponsorship

Now before we pull the short straw on a potential sponsor as part of the pavilion's balanced regime, we may need to investigate a little about Wonders and its quest for a sponsor. Now in my second blog post from way back when, I may have included a sample of the below news article for your interest, as accessible below:

New Epcot exhibit (now) healthy Disney's $90 million Wonders of Life pavilion almost died at birth [Orlando Sentinel News Article, written on Nov 12, 1989; SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED for FULL ACCESS]

With regards to the information provided, if you can go as far as the early development plans for EPCOT Center, from drawing board to real attraction-and-monument structures today, you may be surprised that the original sponsor to the pavilion (again, Life and Health) was going to be Humana, Inc. which was a "...hospital-management and health-insurance company in Louisville, [Kentucky]". Apparently, with regards to the failed deal, it would raise a few eyebrows to figure out what the goal of the Life and Health pavilion would have been if Humana accepted the sponsorship deal:

...Humana wanted to stress medical technology instead of health. Humana wanted "heart transplant kind of stuff," Braverman said. Disney didn't feel that would be as entertaining.

...which would have been ironically in tune with the EPCOT Center of the early 80's (and the prime according to some who have grown up during this time). Sure, medical technology would have been what you'd expect to find in Innoventions, but there are those who are thankful that Wonders of Life had chosen to expand to a broader take on living and health. Only drawback? A whole lot of planning and editing and brainstorming amongst the Imagineers and the ranks, to get the Wonders of Life pavilion to where it once were in 1989 and further (a little more appropriate than 'to the way it is today' if you think about it), and from there, they chose Metropolitan Life as their sponsor.


As found over in LOST EPCOT's WoL Photo Gallery	Click on the above image to view contents

Of course, it's a case of 'world's apart' if you compare a typically Disney environment with how MetLife had managed to promote itself within pavilion boundaries... first of all, as seen above, you may recall the MetLife blimp with its mascot, Snoopy. Also, a brochure that went on eBay in late 2011, would have featured Snoopy and friends at parts of the promotional brochure (no joke, click on the brochure cover for what I'm talking about). That seemed a little eyebrow raising if you're looking at it, but on the plus side, according to MetLife's Company Highlights brochure, at least it did give Wonders a functionally, if not a positive back-then name:

The company's "Wonders of Life" pavilion opened at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center in Florida. The pavilion uses the latest animation and simulation technology to make learning about health fun for the entire family.

But let's not forget, that when sponsorship was dropped in the month of May in 2001, it was surprisingly unexpected that Wonders had managed to carry on for 2 and a half years full schedule, as well as for two more annual seasons, until getting its grave in 2007, five years ago from now. For some reason, while it was handy for a health and life insurance company to support a life and health pavilion, it was acceptable that very few were interested in actually seeking the importance of health and life insurance. (Because, how in EPCOT Center would insurance fit in Future World?)

So let's consider some potential sponsors - however, this does NOT mean that I am endorsing them (full stop). For instance, if you're thinking medical technology, we could think of a high end medical equipment and technology company to sponsor it (my head would center to General Electric, but big problem - first it already sponsored Horizons, but now it's literally become a competitor against the Mouse, so I'm not the only one shaking.) Maybe from the full-on pharmaceutical and chemical companies (again, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Monsanto...), but again, it could be TOO risky, and it also would make me shake deep inside. Sometimes, it would be tempting to use a fitness icon for a sponsor, but what's the use in that? Smack, maybe POM might needle up for catering, especially for the audience practically on the other side of the US. But I have no idea, and having any makes me shake inside. So it'll take a sound mind and a sounder consideration if we are to actually figure out the answer.

A potential idea that would be of good use in a multi-attraction pavilion would be, in the style of Innoventions (or Communicore way back when), to have multiple sponsors splitting the bill. Sure it'll be a practically useful idea, but it might be much more complicated than it actually sounds. But on the plus side, it might be a perfect solution in case the Wonders of Life follows the 'multiple attraction route' as before. So let's leave it as inconclusive, and we'll leave it up to you to leave behind a plausible, yet straightforward potential candidate for the pavilion. Moving on...

b. Character Involvement

Love it or loathe it, it seems that parts of Disney World of today are an inch closer to '...visiting the stars homes'. Epcot is face-palmingly no exception - not everyone in the adult crowd would have warmed up to the idea compared to ages past, but some say that this would be an effective way to reach for the younger crowd (either the kid by age, or the kid-at-heart). However, I bet you didn't know that in common memory, Wonders of Life might as well been the first pavilion to lean towards character endorsement by (you guessed it) Goofy, and compare it to further into the future (for instance, Nemo), it's no big deal.

But supposedly if we were to choose another character to side on for the ressurection of the pavilion, we might have to think about it a little carefully. And while I might have bumped up against the answer, I must warn you, refrain from throwing your computer monitor or laptop against the walls or windows... in fact, not everyone in Florida is convinced of having this familiar face in pavilion grounds... ready...

...now you're asking: "How on this forsaken planet will you allow a blue furred monster to have the keys to the pavilion's attractions and interior? I mean, look what he did over there to X-S labs in Tomorrowland..." That's an entirely different story, but there could be a potential reason why Stitch could be a possible candidate for the pavilion. But we need to handle it with caution, or else things would go a little wrong, or out of paw. Does the thought of the following make your hair (erm, coat) stand on end?

...I'd rather see "Stitch's Cranium Command", "The making of the intergalactic federation", and "Experiment Wars"

Put all those together, move SGE there, then let THAT be the place for stitch to be at the theme parks and not let him invade anymore of the parks!

...The new pavilion, sponsored by nobody because it'll be a fail, will be named: "Stitch's Wonders of Human life-forms".

WondersofLife, "Wonders of Life???" at post #36

Then if so, don't worry. If inviting the blue furred alien experiment into the pavilion was done the right way, then it would be made sure that it's the loveable, blue-furred kind that Lilo (or wait, Yuuna) would appreciate to be by her side. Also, as much as Goofy had his own place within the pavilion, then Stitch would likely claim a certain region of the pavilion, a bit like Buzzy being given his own room back then (but to my imagination, hopefully not being roommates!)

But now you're asking, How would Stitch fit into the Wonders of Life pavilion? Yet, how would he have anything to do with it somewhat? Less than a decade on growing up, remember these?

Back then, when Toon Disney had a few more hits on their hands...

These screenshots are from the TV series episode, titled 'Poxy', which for some reason picked up the same plotline as Fantastic Voyage... or even Body Wars, much rather. Still, that makes for some interesting inspiration for an innerspace ride, but that would defeat the purpose altogether. However, suppose that Dr. Jumba Jookiba were to invite us into his genetic experimentation lab, as a means to showcase the medical technology that '...Earth scientists and physicians might be using in the near future...' then I guess it would prove sufficient. In my head, if Body Wars or parts of the body-system related exhibit areas were to be earmarked for takeover, then perhaps the Jumba's lab look and feel might be of good use.

I mean, would you be interested to learn the human body in the laboratory of the evil genius?

Perhaps, if the alien experiments were to be involved somehow, don't just train them as extras, at least involve them a little in the story. Also, it's better to do away with the 'mischief' element that'd repel the crowds, and use them to attract. Some of them might be comical fodder in some demonstrations, perhaps develop some human personality to them. Sure not everyone likes the experiments, but they do have the non-human ability to attract using the element of cute, right?

Your mileage may vary. If you haven't grown with the above experiment pack in the mid 2000's, something's bothering you...

Alright, alright, enough with focusing on Stitch's extended family. In fact, I'm sorry if I dragged you down along the floor with this conversation. But moving on... on the subject of character involvement, there's also a possible candidate that could serve as the potential mascot for Wonders, and for some apparent reason, it's appropriate if the aim is to reflect on a little on EPCOT's history. And this time, let's start off by retaining (or perhaps slightly updating) a classic holed up backstage...

Yes, I know Buzzy is already mentioned in this blog close to several times, but it's apt to mention that he is as EPCOT as Figment is to the Journey into Imagination pavilion. For reasons that both characters have in common, it's the historical significance to what was of EPCOT past. Apparently, it'll be safe to assume that practically nobody (well, outside those with fond past memories of Wonders) would have heard of Buzzy, so it'll be wise to slowly introduce him to the public. (I suspect it's the stage fright the head honchos will have to cope with any stage now!)

Some considerations I must reveal now, with regards to handling characters from bygone days (for instance, Figment), and I have revealed in a previous article (Battle of the Cotrexes) that Buzzy would be someone the next generation might relate to (after all, kids were likely to relate to Buzzy at the time); however, it should be that Buzzy should remain, well, 'in character', for the sake of his previous fans. Okay, so it's acceptable to have him a little experienced with a few things in particular (but let him 'fail' a little now and again).

So, leaving the considerations aside, let's just fixate on two character candidates that would best work hand-in-hand (paw-in-paw perhaps?) with promoting or representing the newly refurbished Wonders of Life pavilion for now... Stitch and Buzzy... in my head it could sound logical, but to other people, they may have entirely different views on having character involvement to invite visitors into the pavilion. Also, a few of us may not really approve of character-centering a pavilion area at all. Of course, the character involvement date is still a very strong brawling one, even in an Imagineering project. All in all, there's one thing in common with sponsorship and character involvement... you either love it or loathe it. Depending on who we're after.

So now we're done with this part, feel free to tell me what you might think of these takes in presenting the pavilion... or perhaps representatives behind it. Sure it's a particularly long article, but a comment would certainly be of great appreciation. Also, don't forget to stop by on the What's Next for WoL survey if you have anything else of what you thing about Wonders in general. Until next time!

Epic FAIL Mealtime, and from Armchair Imagineering

2011-12-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

Hello again, readers, and almost in time for the holiday season, a little sketch tribute all the way from my fan-art account, showcasing somebody iconic, but one step closer to causing a heap of trouble for the classmates...

Epic FAIL Xmas Meal Time 11 by ~RabidLeroy on deviantART

Of course, after all the fuss and stress over getting everything ready for the holiday season, I'm sure most of you might agree that there is one adversary we end up facing throughout before and after the season - stress. And I'm sure it's beginning to fill the air already. One thing most people worry about during the season is, primarily, trying not to mess with the main meal of the year - the iconic dinner. There is a reason why people tend to stress over the iconic holiday dinner, apart from having to cater to specific dietary needs, and probably using the wrong ingredients to mess up an otherwise perfect dish... it is important to note that the holidaqy season is particularly a very vulnerable time with regards to food poisoning, and it'll definitely leave a mark on the rest of the new year.

In other news, another blog I have recently found also has an alternate take on a rehash on the Wonders of Life pavilion. While the list of attractions is somewhat completely different to mine (obviously, because everyone's entitled to their Imagineering opinions), it's also an interesting alternative take on what else attractions might reoccupy the pavilion next. With regards to sponsors, Armchair Imagineering states the following:

Sponsors and attractions to include:
A market for fresh foods by Whole Foods
A germ fighting ride sponsored by The US Army & Clorox
An ESPN broadcasting area and athlete autograph station
Guiness Book of World Records exhibit
Interactive “surgery” center sponsored by Atlus video games featuring touch screen operating tables with multiple surgeries to perform. (not for the squeamish!)
Disney Sports and Running home base
National Geographic presentation about human living all over the world, focusing on culture and extreme living conditions

from Armchair Imagineering article, Wonders of Life

Although the blog entry near concludes that the blog article author is not into health and fitness as I am (which I am alright with), my imagination has literally raised eyebrows with regards to three of the attractions - the germ fighting ride, the interactive 'surgery' lessons and also the human living conditions exhibit. I happily agree with the blog author that these might make great additional exhibits or additions that might change the outlook of Wonders in a much more effective way. You can have a look at what the author's cooked up by the image below, linking to the author's PDF.

The link to the original article is located here.

Surely enough, I can assume that every reader has their different interpretation of what could be done to the Wonders of Life pavilion, but for those who have any throughts that could be of good use, then please feel free to leave a comment.

And please note, that due to the sheer hecticness of the holiday season (in which i might be more active offline), I may be out of action from now until the first week in 2012. But pause for a moment's silence... for most of you, readers, New Year's Day is said to be the very final day that the Wonders of Life pavilion has its doors open for the last of all guests, before its 2006 seasonal period ended forever in 2007. It would be 5 years from that closing date, so for a select few, this might be the most emotional milestone for those revisiting memories from inside the pavilion in its heyday.

I will happily leave now, for the rest of the holiday season, so take care, and here's to a wonderful life, and best wishes in 2012!

Microscopic Organisms and Short Circuits...

2011-12-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, readers, and in this issue of What the 'WT-'? on our blog, here's a snazzy image from a Google+ page which showcases what Body Wars once documented on the 5 minute ride:

What you're looking at is actual footage, taken from a blood sample in a petri dish. According to the image above, the round objects are the red blood cells, the black dotty objects are bacteria and the shape-shifting object going through them is a white blood cell. Sure, some of you may have seen this in biology class, but I have decided to bring this up to the attention of everyone else here.

In the spirit of this blog, if anyone is familiar with the Cranium Command universe, it's basically reimagines our brains as a pilotable vehicle, to typically manoeuvre it through an entire day without overstressing it. Well, in the words of General Knowledge indeed. Of course, I understand the sensitivities between the genders are still raised hackles to some people, but apparently, if the battle of the sexes were literally cut-throat, it won't be literally hard to imagine the control panels as these:

Which was probably an interesting hypothesis in why they chose Buzzy to pilot a 12 year old boy, as it seemed easier, if the above image was true. For those who are familiar with Cranium Command, then spoiler alert... it doesn't go exactly as planned.

And that's it for now for What the 'WT-'? on WOL4EVA. If you have found anything interesting fitting in the category of health and biology related things (that for some uncanny reason might remind you of the good old days in WoL), don't forget to let me know by leaving a comment after this entry, or on Google+.

Until next time, readers!

To the Google+ Users...

2011-12-11T19:40:00.001-08:00

Recently, thanks to a lot of thought and convincing, I have finally decided to give WOL4EVA a fanpage for Google+ users. You may have noticed the G+ icon on the top-left corner of the site below the banner, and it'll take you to that fanpage there. While the intention of this fanpage is to bring in more visitors (groan, well overdone) it's also an opportunity for you all to discuss the content as well as memories, even photos and little anecdotes pertaining to memories of the pavilion.

For those who have a Google+, the link to the fanpage is located here. For the rest who don't have one primarily, don't worry. It's still business as usual for WOL4EVA, documenting the possibilities, Imagineering simulations and even a few bits of interesting things from time to time.

Until then, we now return to normal transmission...

Possibility 6: Running through Veins (and Arteries)

2011-11-30T02:11:00.001-08:00

Oh, hello again, readers! Earlier in Possibilities, we've focused on what possible features could be perfect for the outside, physical aspects of life. Now in this issue, things are about to get much smaller... wait, red blood cell sized small, in fact. However, this article is far from small, and might contain a mouthful of research, so this better be worth it. What we're about to do is have a look back at the staple of Wonder's attraction sphere - the innerspace simulator ride.

Sure, love it or leave it, the Wonders of Life pavilion (wait, Life and Health?) planned to have their guests take a trip through the human body from the pavilion's very beginning dating from the late 70's. One person we would owe it all for such insightful ideas into a trip of this kind would be Frank Armitage, a former Imagineer who, during his prime, had done medical sketches showcasing parts of the body's organs, up close, and in all its anatomically spectacular glory. These formed the humble beginnings of a dark-ride inside the body, which in that time, was dubbed the Incredible Journey Within.

Concept art from the Incredible Journey Within; as found in http://progresscityusa.com/2010/04/20/epcot-origins-1977-master-plan-5/

Mind you, as Disney, in regards to imagineering, was at its height in the 70's and early 80's, such ideas were thought to be possible, with the planned use of the OmniMover ride systems used previously in Disney's previous attractions (Anyone still remember Horizons and World of Motion? Well, Spaceship Earth still uses OmniMovers, don't they?) to be further developed and perfected for this ride. However, the further time progressed, management and guest expectations began to change (again, guests yawning at the thought of learning things on vacation...) not to mention the cost of having to maintain the ride (for instance, keeping the 80 foot tall heart muscle continuously pulsating like a real-flesh-and-blood one?) This proved a major setback for the trip through the human body, but with developments in flight simulator technology (as well as interest in science-fiction and Leonard Nimoy), this led to the development and finally the birth of Wonder's prized attraction, Body Wars.

Now for those who've never heard of the openly-publicised ride termed as Body Wars, basically the point of this 'once-in-a-lifetime' ride is as a passenger group, you are to tour the body on a probe vehicle. Obviously following in the footsteps of Fantastic Voyage and Innerspace. Apparently, for those who are interested in the technology behind this ride, you may not have known (maybe you did) that Body Wars was powered by the ATLAS simulators. The same kind that made Star Tours possible. Basically, there is a short article on Wikipedia to do with the ATLAS simulators used for these rides, as well as some patent documentation. Below, some information on them:

[The ATLAS Simulators used in the attractions] feature large, 40-person cabins hidden from outside view, arranged lengthwise with four or six simulators per installation. There are four simulators at Disneyland's Star Tours and EPCOT's Body Wars, while the remaining Star Tours installations have six.

Sure, back in the brink of the 90's when a life and health pavilion literally came to fruition, the simulator of this kind was primarily high-tech and innovative. But keep in mind the following considerations with these kinds of simulators, as mentioned in the Wednesdays with Wade article:, Farewell to Body Wars

Since the story of the attraction is that you are in the bloodstream, the Imagineers programmed in movement to mimic the beat of a pulse. That additional movement may be the movement that unsettled me. Or maybe it was just the images of being inside a human body. Apparently, others also had a similar reaction and the film was eventually shortened.
If the film slips out of synchronization even slightly, that can also cause a feeling of uneasiness. Although there is debate as to the exact cause or causes of simulator sickness, a primary suspected cause is inconsistent information about body orientation and motion received by the different senses, known as the "cue conflict theory." For example, the visual system may perceive that the body is moving rapidly, while the vestibular system perceives that the body is stationary. Inconsistent, non-natural information within a single sense has also been prominent among suggested causes.

It was common practice for riders to get motion sickness while riding Body Wars, for several reasons. Firstly and most obvious, from the swerving and bumpy motion during the ride, and adding insult to injury, there's no window to determine which way you're facing in the simulator. Of course, don't get me started on the subject matter, after all, to the squeamish mid-majority (mine included recently), the feeling of being in the blood stream doesn't really appeal to them. Also, the limitations of hitching a ride without any knowledge of having a heart condition (condolences to the loss of a rider in 1994) almost limited the experience to the lucky, healthy guests boarding the ride.

The warning sign, found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usroadtripper/2165283282/

So much for it being overly marketed as EPCOT's first 'thrill ride'. But by today's standards, some of you may have noticed that some of the simulators may have experienced maintenance problems (remember the creaking noise heard in the final seasonal operation in 2006?) and blaming the financial management of a soon-to-be-forgotten part of EPCOT history, it shut down for good.

You readers may be asking, 'what's with you and drabbling on with the negative aspects of Body Wars? Surely that barely has anything to do with the Possibilities section here...' Basically, now we've done some backstory research, let's delve into a scenario with regards to bringing it back (well, not physically, so we'll be happy to brainstorm). with some possible solutions, and even some points of inspiration that would've otherwise mirrored (or followed in the footsteps of) Body Wars somehow.

For instance, with regards to hardware, while some suggest that reusing the simulators could be possible (as rumors of Star Tours testing 2.0 suggest), some of them might be in potential disrepair, and may need a total overhaul completely. But suppose we have different options to choose from, if the simulators are out of the question. Gyrating simulator rides from Mission: Space? Plausible idea, but with the number of people opting for a sick bag over there next door, it just leaves us baffled. Another plausible idea would be a smaller ride simulation system, a little similar to Sum of all Thrills as seen in Innoventions East in the external footage below:

Of course, you're wondering: "That doesn't look like an actual body!", but that's just the bare bones of it all. Assuming the option to take about six or eight riders at a time, it could prove a pleasant surprise for the adrenaline-seeking junkies looking forward to a fantastic voyage. No pun intended.

Also, mentioning that interactive features that could interest the user (for instance, designing a tour covering which systems to go through) this could mean that we may no longer have to start off with, nor be confined to just the splinter area. this means we get to roam through the arteries and veins with the red blood cells, or witness and fight against armies of bacteria in a tag-team of white blood cells. Even, how about an informative tour of the digestive system. Wait, partially scratch that. We have squeamish site visitors reading this, remember?

Moving on, I have also found footage that could prove a superior update to the past footage used in 1989. To begin with, GE has been involved in healthcare-involved innovations that has saved the lives of patients in hospitals and medical facilities worldwide. Surely, this footage is heavily used for advertising purposes, but it could be possible to tweak the footage into an actual demonstrative tour through the body. For some reason, embedding the video into the site isn't easy, but for best results, open the video into a new window, turn out the rights and imagine the whole thing on a simulator ride. Amazed?

Those are just suggestions, however, for something to fill the void left out by Body Wars for the time being. But somehow in time, there will be more innovative solutions and ideas that could be used for a future incarnation of the attraction one way or another. but sure, if you have any ideas of what could be in store for filling a niche for a fantastic voyage, feel free to explain what you think and what might work in the comments section below.

Until next time, readers!

UPDATE: In spirit of this article, I have created an audio-based fan advert for the site, based on the Body Wars attraction. Note that all dialogue is subtitled to help clarify what's said. Critique, comments, or anything else, please ask.

Introducing Footsteps

2011-11-20T15:49:00.001-08:00

Fellow blog readers, welcome to the very first post in the Footsteps series of this blog. Basically, what the Footsteps section is designed to do is to investigate the external exhibits outside WoL's borders (and then even outside the Disney World territory) that by comparative standards, would have taken a leaf from the book and filled the void of an otherwise forgotten aspect of the future. Of course, I am not going to accuse whoever's doing them of blatantly ripping off or 'stalking' the pavilion (no, no, no), but to basically introduce you to some other exhibits, serving as companions to the other exhibits, and basically to allow you to evaluate them.

To start off with, I'm basically going to start you off with something... first of all, I'll be writing about a similar-niche museum, situated in an exhibit in my country and nearest city. As I may recall, you can safely assume my family doesn't have the advantage to go on an overseas holiday, let alone Disney World in its prime. Now, I understand that while the educational side of EPCOT Center was what made it stand out, it just did not go well with some vacationers (the kind who doesn't like learning new things on holiday. Zzzzz...) And hence it changed to cater to new generations, almost to the expense of the educational aspects (well, at least according to the early EPCOT veterans).

For some reason, the rise of 'edutainment' with regards to exhibits designed to entertain is not necessarily confined to Mouse territory. Across science museums across the country, there are already museum exhibits designed to entertain and educate their patrons. A little like following in the footsteps of, yes, EPCOT Center. Therefore, this section of the blog would contain a few written articles on a selection of science museum exhibits, which for some reason, may have followed this principle to a new level. Of course, had the Wonders of Life pavilion chose to follow in their footsteps in a bid to cater to a changing audience (yet still retain the charm), then we would not have lost it in the first place.

And hence this new section of the blog. I have my selections of exhibits that could have currently filled in the niche of what Wonders have left behind in its disappearance, but if you have any other exhibit (well, fitting into this category) that you've currently been into, and which you would like me to write about, then feel free to write a comment after the blog post.

Until next time, readers!

And tonight's post is sponsored by...

2011-11-17T20:10:00.001-08:00

For those of you who are familiar with the Occupy(XandY) movement, here's a similar one with regards to a photographic movement - #OccupyDisneyWorld. Surely it doesn't really involve the actual occupation and fighting for justice, but these photo snaps definitely sum this up. For instance, this:

Emphasize that: Free Buzzy. There's also an entire FaceBook page dedicated to the photo-involved movement, designed to give people the voice. you said right: the OccupyWaltDisneyWorld Facebook page. Also, speaking of Free Buzzy, next time you're in WDW, don't be afraid to weep for him. Loudly. No matter how everyone reacts.

Possibility 5: A Greater Race Ahead

2011-11-15T13:24:00.001-08:00

Welcome back, readers, and hopefully, an eyecleanser after a dose of weirdness on the blog. In the last possibility post, there is a potential idea that would have given the Fitness Fairgrounds a decent resurrection (had it happened), in one way or another. In order to take the idea to the starting blocks, it is only fair to investigate its history beforehand.

As some of you would have known (or not), Fitness Fairgrounds was a selection of recreational activities to get people involved with the joys of fitness, and investigating their role in health habits. Some of those included the Wonder Cycles, and the demonstrative Coach's Corner, as seen below:


These images found at the LOST EPCOT Wonders of Life Picture Gallery

Of course, the lack of changes given to these features (as time progressed) would have thrown a spanner in the works for the Fitness Fairgrounds. Although the fairgrounds have faced the demolition hammer during the years 2008 and 2009 (primarily to turn the pavilion into a festival center), there is no rule against speculating nor dreaming of what could have been done (or what might be done) to bring the Fitness Fairgrounds back into the arena.

One potential feature that would prove useful to 'getcha head in the game' (former commonplace catchphrase reference anyone?) would be an interactive jogging track. Almost immediately, on further inspection of the floorplan, you might have noticed that a plausible (yet complicated) option to add more features is, likely, to extend the pavilion one floor downwards (think of this as the second floor in the Land pavilion).

For instance, the video below is an advertising installation for running shoes. Basically, it is an interactive screen that doubled as a countdown counter before the virtual contender takes off. Basically, this installation gives participants an opportunity to 'run with Ryan'...

For some reason, it would be an interesting feature to have a jogging track as part of a possible future reincarnation of the Fitness Fairgrounds (or something else willing to fill and expand in this sort of niche). One possible add on or feature of the interactive jogging track would, if you were to enter my head, the track won't just limit guests to racing professional sprinters. With permissible thinking, guests could even pit themselves against even the fastest of the animal kingdom (eg. a racehorse, a police dog, even a cheetah).

Again, the advantages of the jogging track is apart from it being an opportunitively competitive activity to do between shows or ride sessions, it could be an activity for anyone of all ages to enjoy. Just think, a parent could even get to race their son or daughter alongside their athletic hero. Or even a furry one from the African savannah.

Believe it or not, the idea of an interactive jogging track is not necessarily new, especially if you look at it with other science museums (give or take a few with regards to your experiences). Now, I must confess that this blog is founded in Australia (really big eye opener!) but big ideas (and even influences) know no distances. From another video below, which was strangely what inspired me to put forth these suggestions, is a home-movie from a science museum in my area.

Basically, the SportsWorks exhibit in the science museum demonstrates the science behind the many aspects of sports and fitness. Again, there is the interactive jogging track, plus there are also some physical endurance tests for guests to interact with. And I don't say things like that, but I know from personal experience (besides, I have visited this museum exhibit somewhere in 2002 and 2007, and apparently have strong photographic memories on some of the hands-on exhibits.)

So if you look at what's in my head, the possible activities in the Fitness Fairgrounds could be a set of physical endurance tests, the interactive jogging track, and if permissible, an updated new set of Wonder Cycles and probably an update of the Coach's Corner testing booth. But still, your opinion may vary.

Also, in other news, the video below is from a technological fair, in which the small spark of three dimensional hologram technology is on display. It's a set of lasers flickering at high speed to produce a three dimensional images of an image. A potential application, so you would think, would be that hologram technology would be used for billboards, but I can see a more virtually 'life-like' application to the technology. If hologram projection technology has improved, then it could give a new meaning to 'race towards the future'.

Now before we take a cool down after this post, it seems only fair to ask a comment-question-of-the-post. And for this question, I ask you:

"If you were to race against someone on the jogging track, who (or what) would it be, why, and whom do you think will win?"

Simply leave your response in the comments section after the post.

And also, at this time, 11 people have taken the English-language survey of the What's Next for WoL survey, with two new languages released - in French and Spanish. More translations of the surveys will be in store soon, to cater for a growing blogger-base. If you haven't sent in your views yet, then now would be the time to do so. And especially in time for the holiday season. So, until next time, readers!

From Japan with... Guts... Flashy Guts...

2011-11-11T00:37:00.001-08:00

Onto now, our journey into the most interesting parts of the internet, whether it's from home grown fanart and in-joke humor, to occasionally our circle of weirdness outside our realm. Especially if it's one that sparks the interest (as long as nobody gets ideas from them!)

For some apparent reason, there's nothing like an educational song-and-dance (no, literally!) with regards to the one focus on human anatomy that gets the kids giggling. The digestive process. I'm sure most of you have been through enough science class to know exactly what's going on through there, from the dinner table to, uhm... no, no... you know what, maybe if I just...

Okay. Moving on. Now, most of you have heard of songs that teach kids about the digestive tract, but as far as finds are concerned, here's one found from Japan, which you can view after the beep!

And now, The Digestion Song - pronounced as Shouka no Uta (しょうかのうた)

And an extended version of the video, this time, on a smaller screen, and graphically explaining the process. TMI warning!

Just in case you have no idea of what they're saying, here's the vocabulary list as shown below:

What's heard in Japanese		What it means
Kuchi	口	Mouth
musha musha	ムシャムシャ	munching, nomnom
Shokudō	食道	Oesophagus
dosha dosha	ドシャドシャ	falling, thud-thud-thud!
I (ee)	胃	Stomach
doro doro	ドロドロ	muddy, slop-slop-slop
Shōchō	小腸	Small intestine
chū	チュ	sucking things (like through a straw)
Daichō	大腸	Large intestine
Zuzu	ズズ	sipping (as in water)

And with a sense of decency, we better skip the last word. Oh wait. Too late, the second video has already been there. We all know what just happens in the end, and well, here's a brutally-honest eye-cleanser (make that an unfortunate event about to happen. Uh-oh...)

And now we return to normal transmission...

Possibility 4: Stepping into the Game

2011-11-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

It's been more than a week since the 22nd anniversary of the Wonders of Life's introduction into Future World, and apart from a drought of scratch ideas (come on, a few armchair imagineers have come upon this one way or another), I have also been interested in a few potential technologies that is quickly becoming commonplace in the world of today. From the various gadgets in our pockets, it's no doubt immersed us into the many environments and scenarios we could only dream of being in. It's even used in many science museums of today, and also as part of a promotional campaign for National Geographic, as seen below:

Live Augmented Reality for National Geographic Channel / UPC from Appshaker Ltd on Vimeo.

You heard right, augmented reality. While most of you remember the era when virtual reality was meant to be 'the way of the future' in video gaming and interactivity with the virtual world, it wasn't without its limitations - you've had to constantly wear those clunky goggles and gloves if you were to constantly explore the virtual world that lay ahead. But aside from those limitations, this provided its users a greater view of what the virtual world had in front of them. Well, make that a world brought to you through your exploration goggles, as you can see:

Of course, in the opposite corner, along came augmented reality, following in the footsteps of virtual reality, but this time, the tables are turned - it's about putting virtual objects into the view of our world, and in a sense, what's it like to react to those virtual objects. As seen in the above advertising campaign footage, the presence of augmented reality is a possible spectacle for onlookers to interact with what's going on in the virtual world. Because you don't really get to interact with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, or an on-duty astronaut, a leopard or a pack of raptors in real life everyday.

On a related subject, perhaps the use of augmented or virtual reality in a selection of exhibits might be a potential ice-breaker (particularly if the aim is to bring Wonders a little in line to reach Future World's initial standards - a little like you're in the future). As you can recall the attraction groups as mentioned in the WoL pavilion featured in previous Operation: Imagineer posts, there are meant to be a series of hands-on exhibits, even following (and expanding on) the footsteps in those before them. For example, if there is an exhibit to do with body systems, then there could be a possibility to have a virtual 'x-ray booth' to do with interacting with other body systems...

As seen in http://marjoriekayesbabylondreams.com/2011/07/29/current-virtual-reality/

A very intriguing concept if you look at it. For instance, imagine stepping into a booth and seeing your entire cirtulatory system in a mirror screen - just look at the possibilities... perhaps being educated on how blood circulates the body, even tracking where it's going. It would even simulate certain conditions (for instance, a blocked artery) when things go wrong. You could even practically spend a minute with your muscles and bones, getting to know how they help you move in any way possible. the multiple possibilities for activities and education sessions from this technology might be endless.

For some reason, the use of augmented reality in the hands-on exhibits actually does more than demonstrate people how it's done, but could likely involve people in on the action. Although this serves as a useful tool for educating and showing people how it's done on the inside, remember - consideration must be taken, because, after all, not everybody trying it out would ever like certain sickly, inconvenient, or even 'cold-hard' truth shoved in their face.

"Aren't you prepared for a crash course in bodily mismanagement?!"

Moving on... perhaps the use of augmented reality in selected hands-on exhibits would probably work, but I'm sure everyone has their own opinions. So if you have any views or other technologies or elements that could be harnessed to their own advantage, please express in the comments section, and I'll get right back to you!

Anyways, to all of you readers, here's to the upcoming holiday season!

UPDATE: This just in, a recently found video showcasing the technology has been found online. GE Healthcare has put this level of interactivity to showcase the human body onto a much more interesting level, and if you're able to see eye-to-eye with me, then I'm thinking this potential addition could be a lot like this:

So if you're amazed, or know of any other technologies that could be of good use for a possible update of the pavilion, then feel free to ask.

PS: Anyone on a Facebook, or a Twitter, or a Google+ or a Tumblr account shouls know that I've fixed up the share buttons on this blog. So if you'd like to spread the word about the blog and what's going on over there, then feel free to share it woth your friends. Don't forget the hashtag #WOL4EVA and the link if you want others to know what you're talking about!

Header Changes and View Counts

2011-10-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, readers, and if you're amazed by the header change, then it's probably because of that cheeky colour scheme toying with my ideas. Sure, those who are familiar with the blog know that the Wonders of Life pavilion grand-opened on October 31st 1989, but there is an interesting fact this blog has to offer. And for some reason, it's just useless information in comparison to everything else on the blog. Ready?

With regards to the Blogger statistics charts (and especially the all time chart), let's have a look at some views-per-nation:

United States, with 1888 views
Australia, with 726 views (sadly, less than a half were from mine while I was testing the blog, before I turned off pageview tracking!)
Canada, with 69 pageviews
Latvia, with 64 pageviews
United Kingdom, with 51 pageviews

Assuming we take North America and Australia out of the picture, it seems that the blog must have attracted a few Latvian visitors, and I didn't know until now. D8 Surprised! And hence, a new addition to the translation pinboard, in which visitors can view the page in Latvian. Again, grain of salt, machine translation doesn't use a brain, use yours.

And now returning to normal transmission...

Possibility 3: Sniffing at the Sensory Barrier

2011-10-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, readers, and after a little research dive into one of the Wonders of Life's greatest hits of all time, it's time we start sniffing out another possibility used up in multiple attractions. No pun intended - we'll be sticking our noses and muzzles into the possibility of harnessing smellitiser technology to enhance exhibition sections. Sure, most attractions take advantage of such technological wizardry, even those that take advantage of our senses, but we might be sitting on a little goldmine here, with regards to how we might enhance the environment a little more.
After all, according to a little passage from Scent Sciences:

People respond deeply to scent, which enhances their experiences andconnects deeply to their emotional memory.

All right. With regards to implementing the power of letting the nose know what's going on, let's start with this little snippet.

...can anyone smell this already?

...and I choose this notable example because (counting myself out of the picture), anyone out there who fondly remembers this scene from Horizons would recall this iconic scene of the Mesa Verde orange grove would've remembered the lorange (lime and orange citrus hybrid conceived at the time) smell at the time. Pleasant, isn't it? It was with the thankful help of smellitisers to help bring home the splendid scent of growing loranges all the way to visitors in EPCOT Center during its glory days... and into the memory banks of numerous visitors.

Of course, just because the Horizons pavilion was lost doesn't mean the citrusy smell left us for good... in some way or another, the citrusy aroma crept its way back to EPCOT, this time, in Soarin'. Soarin included a scene taking guests above the Ventura orange groves... the evergreen forest and mountains... the coasts of Monterey and Malibu with a gentle ocean breeze...

...okay, caught myself imagining this time. Such smells were popular, so much so, it was even possible for people to order candles based on the most pleasant smells. (sorry, all sold out.) Sure, while smellitiser technology can help immerse guests into the scene, there are some trips and slips into, well... when Stitch hits the fan...

...for some reason, according to those who have been on the ride, this will only get worse...

...ask anyone who has been on the attraction show, and what you'd expect from them are a multitude of facepalms or nauseous expressions. While following in the footsteps of the well renowned (yet horribly blamed) Alien ExtraTERRORestrial Encounter, with regards to the hot wet breath of the rogue alien down your neck, guess who tweaked it around and used it for chilli dog breath? Of course, the smell of chilli dog smells nice when hungry, but does anyone appreciate chilli dog breath on a full stomach? No thanks... wait, maybe I should take my mind off the chilli dog breath and focus on...

...look, apologies if I'm triggering any unpleasant memories, but that's what your mind does to you once you've faced the unfortunate prospect of these rides. (Be glad I haven't been on those rides yet, but that's left me uber-cautious of them.) In fact, so much so, deep in the back of my mind, I can picture the PTSD-esque reaction of some poor adolescent (after a traumatic riding of Stitch's FAIL Escape as a kid) after a whiff of a chilli dog stand.

Sure, love it or leave it, the use of smellitiser technology is a sensitive issue, depending on which aroma is used to tantalise (or torture) guests into the scene. But what you didn't know is that while WDI may have pioneered attraction smellitizer technology, there is something interesting with regards to the technology beginning to expand to towards the home base. Take these, for instance:


Found at http://www.behance.net/gallery/SMELLIT- VIDEO-GAME-ENTERTAINMENT-DEVICE/423991

No, they're not home theater speakers... these are in-home smellitisers designed for the home theater or gaming experience - perhaps, who wouldn't like the smell of burning rubber during a round of NASCAR? Or better yet...

Found at http://gearcrave.com/2009-02-13/smellit-stinks-up-your-home-theater/
More information at http://www.mushon.com/spr09/nmrs/03/01/do-we-really-want-to-smellit/

...okay, okay, I guess it's enough for you to make your mouth water. But what I'm on about, maybe, just maybe, if it were possible to use this for a refurb for a long lost attraction, the answer may be divided, but it could break the sensory barrier in many ways more than one (well, as long as it is done right, then the use of smells to draw in crowds might be a good idea.). For instance, considering the food outlets within parts of any Disney park (such as the Main St bakery, as some might have heard), perhaps an eatery might use the power of scent to attract people to healthy offerings.

But it doesn't just stop there... in fact, what else within the Wonders of Life vicinity might deserve that treatment? I personally know... I'll give you a clue...

[XB = emoticon for drooling; ∴ XBBBBBBB = flooding! XC]

Just a thought. What about you, guys? Moment of drool or epic faint? Also, any suggestions on what might come in handy with regards to implementing this possibility into one or more attractions? Extra points if you catch yourself imagining them. Simply leave a comment below, I won't bite.
Now for some crispy bacon... *drools*

Battle of the Cortexes

2011-10-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

This post has been edited due to more research found to supplement this article. If anyone has some clarifications, or just a few brainwaves to help, please comment. It would be of big help.

Welcome again, readers. A week after the birthday celebration season for the Magic Kingdom slows down to normal, it's also birthday season to the blogmaster (that's me!), so on behalf of the visitors entering or passing by this blog, thanks. And now to another 'bet you didn't know' post, centered on one of the Wonders' iconic attractions residing in the majority of visitor's hearts to this day...

Yes, Cranium Command had a great run since the brink of the 90's, and you might owe it all to the then-recognisable stars back in the era (yet come to think of it, the casting for each body part represented is spot-on appropriate, so a win-win situation). But of course, what's very interesting is that there is a considerable amount of history behind one of the attraction's main (yet obscure by today's standards) star of the show...

But for some reason, the poor rookie ALMOST did not end up into the pavilion's spotlight until today. But consider this. Just as plans for EPCOT Center were put together on the drawing board and the modelling floor, plans and patterns for each of the pavilions were also put together. The Wonders of Life pavilion (formerly to be dubbed Life and Health), was obviously no exception.

But there were such things as variations and second-takes, with regards to the state of the attractions. Now consider this: as part of the Life and Health pavilion, there was a show that simulates and dramatically demonstrates the brain's role in managing the body, and it was meant to be named the Head Trip. You heard right - Head Trip. Or so some of us thought...

According to a documentary, distributed on DVD by the recently killed off (due to legal issues) Extinct Attractions Club, and titled EPCOT: Wonders of Life Story,it was from there that some information with regards to Cranium Command's history was mentioned. From the MiceChat forum pertaining to Cranium Command's history, a user under the name Goldenstate5, and he quotes:

...Apparently it was an original planned attraction in the same spot, but there was a Star Trek theme (Trek had become really big in the early-to-mid 80's) and the original title was "Brain Command". It would have many, gnome-esque AAs controlling the brain of a man.

You heard right, it was meant to follow into the footsteps of the Star Trek films (Jean Luc Picard anyone?), with three nominated pilots behind three qualities of the brain: Emotion, Intellect (equivalent of Right and Left Brains) and the Nervous System. Readers, this was back in the 80's, the alleged educational prime of EPCOT Center, and its first grip onto entertaining and educating the crowds at the same time.

For some reason, it was then that the story (although wading in its Star Trek roots) was also beginning to slightly develop a more military feel to it, and fortunately for this future reason:

The idea was pretty similar to what you saw in the Eddie Murphy flop "Meet Dave". In fact, the writers of that movie are lucky that "Brain Command" was re-imagined with a military theme, because there would be a lawsuit from Disney, the similarties were that uncanny.

Also, with the cost of Audio Animatronics back then (given the amount of effort and time to plan, design, build, test and install them back then), the three roles were downplayed to a singular pilot...

The older pilot animatronic, whom was originally to be called Captain Cortex to be exact.

Goldenstate5 explains:

Because of the high cost of Audio Animatronics, the Trek theme was removed and the AAs downplayed to one. (two, if you count the Hypothalamus) Somewhere in this came out the idea of comparing piloting a brain to commanding a military operation.

And so it was heard that Cranium Command was to feature a younger, more experienced, cockier and capable pilot by the name Captain Cortex. He was originally going to be a more experienced pilot, tons of experience, and knows how to get the job done quickly as possible.

But there was a common cause for consideration to the saying that had Captain Cortex been behind the wheel of the 12 yr old boy known as Bobby, then EPCOT would have a facepalm on their hands. According to some online radio playlists (for instance, Utilidors Audio Broadcasting, specialising in Disney Theme Park Audio for enthusiast's listening pleasure), the first version dramatisation of the show (and yes, a demonstration one, played by one voice actor) was also meant to have a theme song, and it was meant to go a little like this:

...We are the Cranium Command,
using our heads the best we can,
if it answers what we need,
we know how to succeed;
we'll solve any problem on demand.
Yes, we are the Cranium Command,
trying our best to understand,
there's no problem that we dread,
as we work inside your head,
yes we are the Cranium Command.

Of course, with regards to the theme song lyrics and Capt. Cortex's character, it was a little bit safe to assume: 'you know, Cortex, I don't think your demonstration of the brain is enough for the audience. And though your theme song is catchy... *sigh* You know, nobody wants to relate to someone who's a showoff all the time.' So this put Cranium Command back onto the drawing board, all these years... long after EPCOT Center opened in 1982, and it was during this time between then and the Wonders of Life pavilion's opening in 1989, that they switched Cortex to someone else we know today...

Buzzy's the one on the right, to get a much better idea of him.

...but who would allow a bumbling rookie klutz to join the ranks? Interestingly, Goldenstate5 explains that hiring someone less experienced is not necessarily new:

The transition from a smart-alecky young captain to a naive and bumbling one mirrors the creative process of Star Tours, in which Rex underwent the same transition during the creative process.

But apart from more creative opportunities to try out the impossible, hiring Buzzy was apparently an advantage. If you compare Captain Cortex with Buzzy, side by side, the comparison is far more eye-widening. While Captain Cortex is seen as the 'Han-Solo' of the brain piloting operation (think Mr. Showoff) with tons of experience from other brains in the field, there was someting notable about Buzzy.

Although Buzzy lacked the experience to consider being a valuable recruit in the ranks, he makes up for it with a quality that gets tha audience to relate to him in some way or another... his naïvety, for instance ("...that's Buzzy sir. Oh yes, you just let me in the controls room..." before being interrupted by the General). Also, in comparisson, Buzzy could fit into the category of people whom we might know in real life. Add to that, he's innocent, and he cannot help ending up in the slip of mistakes (hence adding a little meaning to 'what? nobody's perfect.').

And that's why Buzzy ended up in the spotlight. However, there was one missing element that, if it were utilised (yes, utilised) in the next-generation take on the pavilion... Buzzy would have had different, yes, different jobs in different host bodies, as mentioned by Goldenstate5 once more:

The most interesting thing about this version was that there was to be interchangable shows. For example, one month the team would commandeneer:
the brain of a teenager on a school day (the final result),

the brain of a grown adult on his wedding day,

the brain of a man going through a mid-life crisis

the brain of an old man, withering away to death. (rather morbid for a Disney attraction, don't you think?)

This may have been the plan all throughout, but the eventual unpopularity of the Wonders of Life pavillion may of had something to do with the idea getting tossed aside. (as well as Met Life pulling out earlier than planned)

Unortunately, not so much as time went by. As the Wonders of Life pavilion entered obscurity, Buzzy faced it as well. When the pavilion closed down in 2007, Buzzy was shut away into darkness, and the rest of him, they say, is history. Well, at least for now...

So with regards to how Buzzy was chosen as the most likable candidate for being behind the nerve centers of Bobby, as well as a bumpy history of how and when his star attraction was, and never had been, there is one last little adage that would've summed up Buzzy's initial story in a short line:

Cortex applied first; Buzzy tripped him up and got him fired much later!

PS: To date, 9 people have taken the 'What's Next for WOL' survey. If you can invite as many poeple to the survey as humanly possible, it would be gratefully appreciated. Also, another news article on the Wonders of Life pavilion has been found, and you are invited to have a read at the link below. Happy reading!

'New Epcot Pavilion provides Wonders Of Life' [Article written on October 30, 1989]

Also, as available on our media page:

Happy Birthday, Walt Disney World!

2011-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

As I am writing this blog article, we are officially on our way to WDW's 40th anniversary, and make that the Magic Kingdom's birthday celebration. Surely, the Magic Kingdom has seen many shifts in histories - with certain attractions being dropped off (Alien Encounter, 20,000 Leagues, Toontown anyone?) and with a few more being added onto the list (the Fantasyland expansion, opening to the public in little modules from January to May 2012), but it's no surprise that October is by far the most influential month in regards to Disney's history.

For a few reasons: October 1st is the birthdate shared by two of WDW's most famous parks - Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center, respectively in the years 1971 and 1982. Largely these parks put Orlando, Florida on the map as the theme park county in all of Florida (well, give or take a few), and these were the lasting legacies of Walt Disney since his loss in 1966.

Also, October, in regards to specific attractions, marked the birthmonth of some of EPCOT's icons, and even a twist and turn in its history that changed EPCOT Center forever. October 1st 1983 marked Horizon's opening to the public, and it became an integral part of EPCOT's Future World - it literally tied what Future World back than offered to the park's guests and gave us the known tagline If we can dream it, we can do it. Also, on October 31st 1989 (although a preview test opening happened on October 19th or somewhereafter), the Wonders of Life officially opened to the public, and in success, it changed EPCOT's history forever.

There were successes back then, but as time progressed, we were facing failures and facepaws. EPCOT saw the loss of its prized attractions, thanks to the many changes in science and technology, and not to mention public demand of what the public wanted (you, Body Wars rider, this means you back there!!!), led to a few wrong turns (according to some people attached to the old side of EPCOT) and even some perceived cases of near-neglect for the poor Wonders of Life pavilion. From here, we mourn the loss of these attractions, and especially the Wonders of Life pavilion, for what some of us perceive them as: the most successfuly milestones of EPCOT (and Wonders of Life) history.

So to celebrate, I have opened a Tumblr blog showcasing some good photos of the Wonders of Life pavilion, and it's at WOL4EVA in Pictures. Also, it's your turn for you to mention your most fond memory of the Wonders of Life pavilion at the site. Best wishes for this wonderful month!

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 4

2011-09-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, look at the activity at this blog!!! As we continue on with our walkthrough of ways to improve and ressurect the pavilion to a new generation, here's a list of what you may have missed last update:

1. Pavilion Exterior and Interior

e. Colour Schemes

In regards to bringing back the pavilion back from the dead, one thing we must consider is that if we were to bring back the pavilion from the dead in its exact state, it would fail faster than any fail-oriented website... miserably. Probably because of the ambience. Earlier in this segment of the Imagineering section of this blog, I have covered the potential update to the music playlist that I would picture to be played in the pavilion. In this issue of the segment, I'll be covering the colour and design schemes for this pavilion.
Now consider this, way back in 1989 near the brink of the 1990's, bright colours and fluorescents were attractive due to the fashions from throughout the 80's decade. All those bright colours that marked the 1980's were strongly used in the pavilion, and probably where it started from was an Olympics bid from 1984, for Los Angeles. Note the confetti and bright colours below:

The Los Angeles '84 brightly coloured test poster for the Olympics bid, as found in GINORMUS blog. Click to find out more

Borrowing the design aspects from the test poster and more, within design concepts later for the interior, the design was plastered everywhere... whether from the signs that once graced the front of the pavilion, this was attack of the carnival confetti. The bright colour fever was a well defined epidemic in attraction pavilion history...

...and come to think of it, not even Push the Trashcan was safe.

This was also a potential downside to the pavilion in its ability to keep up with the future in Future World. The design elements heavily rooted the pavilion into the 80s, and hence its popularity plummeted... the graphics (no offence) had become nothing more than an eyesore, in regards to the public. So in pictorial comparisons, here's the colour schemes for the pavilion as they were in the past, and compare it to what could have been if the pav were still here today...

Of course, pictures speak louder than words, and I'm sure some of you guys will get the idea of what I'm getting at right here... it took a lot of thinking and consideration of the design elements that could work for bringing the Wonders of Life pavilion to a new generation, and as you'd see from the bottom rectangle with six potential colour choices, I believe that the design elements would be it... for the following reasons. One of which, obviously, are the inclusion of curves that would symbolise anything organic, and also would pay homage to the DNA double helix that once stood outside the pavilion entrance, once upon a time.
While words for me cannot describe this choice of design for parts of the pavilion, what I could say is that the curves-and-glowing-orbs design could make for a potential greeting mural on entrance of the pavilion, and also parts of the interior where need be. Of course, it's best to use the design wisely, rather than overload it with the same bright colours that the Wonders past once was smothered with. count that, smothered. And that's worst case scenario on repeat.
But on the bright side, remember the photojobs for the Body Wars (or equivalent) queue that I showed you earlier? Here they are, just to show you what I might be onto...

So now that I'm done with this part of the section, it's time that I allow you guys to comment on what you think. Again, comments section, below. You can't miss it. Hope to hear from you guys! ;3

Potential WOL Resurrection Ideas, part 3

2011-09-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, readers, and tagging along with the section of what I would do for the Wonders of Life pavilion to bring it back for the next generation, here are the previous two sections in case you missed it:

And now, the next section, and this time, we're going to start sorting a few things...

1. Pavilion Exterior and Interior

c. Floorplan

I had a variety of different sources of material in regards to figuring out where certain attraction components would go - first up, there used to be a small directions map in regards to where an attraction would usually be, as seen below:

The reference map once present at the head entrance of the pavilion.

For some reason, given that everything is not to scale in regards to comparing the axtual interior architecture with what's on this map, it appeared that there is only one little problem to be had - given that this pavilion was only one floor, it pretty much crowded up the atmosphere. Of course, if it were possible to give the Wonders of Life pavilion an expansion job, I was thinking in particular that the pavilion be expanded one floor downwards. A little similar to how the Land was put together.

While the expansion job in this way would be costly (which means having to demolish the three central structures that once were the theater block) and not to mention having to excavate the floor below to create the basement floor and build the floor and its support beams from scratch (plus don't mention the high risk of sinkhole activity... ugh...) the idea of having two floors in the pavilion can hopefully outweigh the hard work in acheiving this - have a look at this 'before'-type scenario...

...what you'll notice is that every single building is getting in the way of which attraction you would really want to go to, plus not to mention which ones would catch your eye first.

- "Mom, where's the Body Wars ride?"
- "Don't worry, Timmy. It's just behind the 'where babies come from' theater!"

So two floors are better than one, because first up, it would be spacious and desirable aesthetically - rather than bustling and busy on the one floor in earlier years. Secondly, guests from the first floor can glance at the secondary attractions down below and have a look... in this way, no attraction would go missed. Nothing would be blocking the view from eye level as you're walking around, searching for what to do first. The only disadvantage however, you'd probably have to keep walking around for the right attractions (so a few rest benched be providedat certain points of tha pavilion), but at least you'd be able to burn off the calories of the turkey leg from lunch.

Anyhow, assuming that a selection of attractions are retained for the development, and that the excavation effort be possible, and that if it were possible to rearrange the minor exhibits to different locations, here's a first-try idea on how the floorplan might look like at a glance...

The first attempt at the two-floor floorplan, along with an early idea for additional or rearranged attractions. Click on the image to zoom in and have a look around. comments or concerns greatly accepted

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that his is only a computerized first draft of the floorplans, with a few additions to the pavilion exhibits... a body systems exhibit filling in the niche for Frontiers in Medicine, a sprint track and physical ability tests in the Fitness Fairgrounds exhibit, and even some spaces for other external exhibits.

d. Grouping and Categorising

As I have put together the floorplan as you might have noticed at the end of the previous section, you may have noticed that it appears scattered all over the place. In regards to themeing and categorizing of parts of the pavilion, it's a little difficult to summarize life as it is. Sure, the pavilion covered a few components - our body systems and their interactions, as well as how to keep it in good shape.

Innerspace Section	Informative Section	Exploratory Section
Body Wars (or equivalent) Cranium Command Systems Exhibit	Health Habits 101; Health Theater Frontiers in Medicine Lifestyle Revue	Fitness Fairgrounds Sensory Funhouse

In some cases, assuming we're standing at the entrance of the pavilion, we could have the Innerspace section flat out forwards (let's leave the previous attractions as they are), and in the lower floor, you could find the Exploratory and Informative exhibits edging the east half of the pavilion. Facilities (snack bar, souvenirs booth and information booths) could fit in the west half. And that's just what's in my head for the moment. Surely, there's no right or wrong answer on how to arrange the attractions in the right way, but it'll take a lot of thinking and discussing until finally getting the layout right.

So if you have any concerns or enquiries, feel free to say something in the comments section... uhm... yeah, below. Because I'd like some critique or suggestions and what you would like to see in the floorplan. Or if you've thought of something similar that you would like to show me, give a shout.

As Seen in WDWNT Magazine Armchair Imagineering!

2011-09-09T03:38:00.001-07:00

Now most of you haven't noticed as of yet a few potential Imagineering suggestions for the Wonders of Life pavilion, but this one is sure to raise a few eyebrows. As part of a segment written by Michael Truskowski (thanks!), this one focuses on what he would do for reimagineering the Wonders of Life pavilion. Featured in issue 7 of the WDWNT online magazine, just remember to scroll down to the Armchair Imagineering section to have a look.
Once again, thanks to WDWNT for picking up Wonders of Life as a potential armchair imagineering candidate!

EDIT: Link has been updated. Don't forget to have a look at WDWNT The Magazine for some more upcoming issues. You will enjoy them as much as I did!

Take your marks...

2011-09-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

get set...

...okay, okay, not yet. But I am pleased to let you all know about a survey I have managed to post onto the website. Apparently, it is a highly detailed survey, and would take a goof half hour or more to complete. But if you're into contributing some good suggestions for what would bring WoL back into the spotlight (if that were to happen) then this survey would be for you.

It's called "What's Next for WoL?" (although ironically it focuses on everything else but WoL at the start) and basically it's part of a blog-based research project I might like to put together for the blog. The survey takes a look at these components:

Personal details, as in which area you come from, a little about yourelf, and such. These might be used to categorise the data by attribute.
Views on the Disney Parks, literally a litmus test to determine which parks the user has been to (based on either experience or by interest)
Views on EPCOT Center, another litmus test to determine if they've been to EPCOT Center (again, based on experience or interest)
Views on the Future World pavilions, and how you would rank them (based on your experience).
Views on the Wonders of Life Pavilion (the focus for the survey), how you'd rank them, as well as what would you do to improve the pavilion as a whole (including attractions)
Imagineering ideas if the Wonders of Life pavilion were to come back
What you'd think of the Wonders of Life after taking the survey

It's actually a mouthful, but the reason why I'm asking for all this information is, probably, to cater for those outside the fanbase, or perhaps delving into their memory banks. But otherwise, anyone with fond memories, or a strong interest, in any of the parks (including EPCOT and its history) can participate in the survey. Of course, there are some questions where you don't have to give out an answer straight away if you're speechless or indecisive... just leave either a blank or an 'X' and move on to the next question.

As you'd expect, it's my first time constructing a survey (and a colossal one as well!!!) so if you have any queries or improvements (what can be improved to create a much better survey, and hopefully shorter one) please shout to me in the comments box BELOW.

So without further ado, it's either this link, or the 'What's Next for WoL' survey in the links column on the left to get started! Let's go!

The Things of Commandos Past

2011-09-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

For those who might be familiar with Disney theme park history, it is not uncommon these days for people to literally own a piece of the past... now handfuls of you may be familiar with sites such as MouseSurplus or anything else, and even sites such as eBay also serve as the trading post for memorabilia of attractions past. And as with the case of long lost attractions, Cranium Command is sadly no exception.

As I have reported during the blog's first year of operation, some of us may remember the Cranium Command sign that once went up on eBay (as mentioned in a previous article to do with Buzzy's legacy), but recently found a new home. Above was a screenshot of the eBay page selling the display sign, but what's different now is that the seller is now themeparkconnection, but still sells some interesting Disney related curios as well. (Notably, a few pins pertaining to the Wonders of Life pavilion's past - its insignia and one commemorating Body Wars have sold recently.)

Another of which are the interestingly rare patches that appeared to come from the Cast Member costume department - these costume patches apparently are the insignia in regards to the early designs for the Cranium Command uniform (during the days before the pilot's jacket and army pants). One on the left is the insignia as you'd expect, while another is a lesser known accompanying one - the three lightbulbs one above (as obviously synonymous with ideas and thought) and also a simplified Virtuvian man symbol and the expression "Mens sana in corpore sano". Translation? "A healthy mind in a healthy body."

Of course, some long lost fragments of the past have come and gone, and for some reason, due to my limited scope of searching for things, things can quickly disappear before I would ever notice. Even so, those without an eBay account won't be able to find any past evidence of products sold more than 90 days (3 months) ago. So you could say that these are actually a few lucky finds to be ever documented by a blogger.

But reality wise, as soon as the Wonders of Life begins to settle as a convention center for now, it looks like Buzzy might end up under the hammer one way or another. Or maybe not sold at all. But we'll never know, pretty much the same way he'll expect piloting a chicken in his past career... right?

On a brighter note (no pun intended), another blogger has just released a set of wallpapers in regards to the Wonders of Life pavilion, and from my view, I believe that the design elements of past and future (the bright colours from the brink of the 90s and the organic geometric elements as seen in modern computer wallpapers) are definitely an excellent way forward in regards to a totally new design concept (should a totally new WoL happen). And not to mention, a funfact from the site author:

In doing this one, it got me thinking about how cutting-edge the graphics and colors were for the time. You have to remember that even though it opened in 1989 it was in full development a few years beforehand. So the “graphic confetti” and florescent colors, that were so popular (especially with teenagers) in the early to mid 1990s, was actually foretold at the Wonders of Life.
There’s your “History of Color” lesson for the day:)

So, to E82, I salute you!

Anyways, returning to normal transmission in three... two...

Behind the Scenes Treasure Trove

2011-08-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome back readers, and this time with a couple of interesting images never seen before in regards to the Wonders of Life pavilion, thanks to a software application I have managed to get ahold of to my surprise.

Now most of you may have been familiar with the WDW Explorer, and basically, it was a CD ROM explorer activity that gave you some interesting information about Walt Disney World in Florida, and some of its iconic attractions and resort places that now lie with some of us in memory. Of course, only two editions of the CD ROM application were present (only notable difference is the absence of Animal Kingdom in the first edit), and as soon as the Internet became a popular research tool for the next holiday in WDW, plans for a third edition were discontinued.

Now most of you know that to date, the Wonders of Life pavilion has had the same fate of being shuttered (and buried) since 2007. For research reasons, here are a few photos in regards to the behind-the-scenes of some iconic attractions. it's a case of (in memespeak) 'pics or it didn't happen':

Behind the scenes at the Cranium Command theater. The stage has been finally constructed, and if you look closely, a shadow of the Buzzy AA, wearing the cap, can be seen on one of Bobby's eyes. This was taken during programming of the show controls and the AAs involved.

A behind the scenes photo of Elizabeth Shue (playing as Dr. Cynthia Lair) getting to grips with the giant splinter for the Body Wars film component.

Of course, for those who are curious of the construction of the Wonders of Life building will be surprised to discover, in the first picture, a tall spindly tower like structure designed to hold up the framework of the golden dome structure. As soon as the triangular joins of the dome were put together, the spindly tower was taken apart before moving on to build the interior.

Top: Putting together the dome structure.
Middle: Attaching the gold plated panels on the dome structure. Note the excavators inside the dome.
Bottom: The finalised pavilion, before installation of the archway

There you have it, a few shots regards to the Wonders of Life beginning to take shape. Of course, obviously, I do recall finding a photo of the Wonders of Life inside structures being built (the open theaters to house Goofy About Health and the Anacomical Players Arena), but it'll take forever to go through the archives to go find it. Oh well, back to delving

Also, I have heard word of, according to conversational sources, about the pavilion's main gift shop (Well and Goods) selling pavilion specific shirts (example, Cranium Command). So far, it's practically rare to find photographic evidence of those shirts, so for those viewing the blog and having a garment like that in particular, or any similar WoL specific merchandise from the pavilion's humble beginnings that you can recall having, then feel free to give me a shout.

And also, I have released a new set of wallpapers, this time, in daylight edition, just in time for the Southern Hemisphere Spring cycle. Hope you enjoy the new look, readers, and until next time!

Tonight's post is sponsored by...

2011-08-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

...this word cloud, made over at Wordle. I have gathered lots of iconic names of the attractions, and a handful of stars who made it possible.

Please standby as we resume our usual transmission...

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 2

2011-07-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, readers. Now most of you may have read the last potential article that would aid in putting together the pavilion, as mentioned in the previous article. Just when you thought it was safe to slow down after a few opportunities to discuss, here below is the next section in the Imagineering section of the blog, again, served in bite sized morsels...

1. Pavilion Exterior and Interior

b. Ambience Playlist

In our last post, we described what we could physically do to the exterior/interior of the pavilion in order to bring it to the 21st Century (give or take). Of course, we could go one step further and consider looking back at the playlist that was situated for the Wonders of Life pavilion. Sure, some Ray Lynch or David Lanz every once in a while is good, and of course it could bring back memories... but my intentions for building the playlist might be to consider a few new additions (and if possible, a few subtractions.)

So far, we have the existing playlist, and the list of tracks played, in no particular order:

#	Artist	Title	#	Artist	Title
1.	Checkfield	Summer Shuffle	9.	Doug Wood	Hide and Seek
2.	David Benoit	Wild Kids	10.	Checkfield	Sundial
3.	David Lanz	Behind the Waterfall	11.	Ray Lynch	The Oh of Pleasure
4.	Vic Sepanski	Biomass (Heartbeat)	12.	Doug Wood	Leapfrog
5.	Checkfield	Grasslands	13.	Checkfield	Carousel (Day in the Park)
6.	Yanni	Forgotten Yesterdays	14.	Yanni	Through the Looking Glass
7.	Ray Lynch	Celestial Soda Pop	15.	Icarus	Helge/Shroeder
8.	Cirque du Soleil	Ouverture (1989 v)

What I noticed is that at this point in time, most of the songs are almost hard to get, and for some reason, extremely rare. Most of the tracks from Checkfield, for instance, are on albums now out of print and to gain access to them takes a lot of travelling distance and website searching... and a whole lot of sweat and worries. But finding some of the tracks, simply after loads of research, went much more better than expected.

Of course, it's no longer 1989 anymore. Most of the track we have now don't really fit in today's day and age... but however, what we might do is consider picking out a few tracks from the playlist - regards to memories of the pavilion, and get them remastered. So that leaves only a few tracks from the list, love it or leave it...

Checkfield - Carousel (Day in the Park)
Yanni - Through the Looking Glass, Forgotten Yesterdays
David Lanz - Behind the Waterfall

Another notable track loop that could work for the next version of the pavilion, might be snippets from the older Innoventions loop from the early 90's (the plus-50 minute running one)- particularly bits and pieces that are serene and ethereal to the human ear. So perhaps, snippets of the older Innoventions loop might work well for the next generation loop... though between you and me, the Innoventions loop appears to be a little dated and perhaps to incorporate its existing snippets into the loop might take some reorchestration.

But now, another possible addition to the new loop would have to be (sorry, readers!) in the form of compositions from Thomas Newman. Of course, only three or four tracks from the WALL-E album I have decided to select, to be fair:


72 Degrees and Sunny	All that Love's About

Bubble Wrap	Define Dancing

I'll stop before anyone gets cheesed off further...
But anywho, I have also found another potential addition to add to the pavilion playlist, and it's under artist name Tycho. Songs such as Cascade and Costal Brake I have found quite ethereal and pretty much future focused for some reason, so I might consider including them here, for you to see what you think:


Cascade	Coastal Brake

But this is just one of those possible additions or edits I might do to the ambient loop. However, what might happen in between two to three tracks of the loop, a PA system might come on, informing of what attractions are open, as well as its session times. But of course, you fellow readers might like to add some suggestions in what to include in the playlist. So, until then, stay tuned for the next installment!

Readers, if you have any enquiries on this part of the re-imagineering project (UNOFFICIAL, to emphasise), please feel free to leave comments to this blog post (anonymous comments accepted)... or if you have a WDWMAGIC forum account, send me a private message.

NOTE: This blog entry subject to change once all sketches and photo-jobs are put together.

Feeling like Throwing Up...

2011-07-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

In this post's edition of "What the Whiskey Tango...?!", we're exploring the most well known reputation of Body Wars as a ride not suited for the faint of heart. In its heyday, it was not uncommon for people hopping on board the B229 body probe to hop out clouded up with motion sickness five minutes later, after a tour of the heart and lungs. Believe it or not, here's a humorous homage to the long gone ride and this unfortunate reputation as 'the much rougher innerspace counterpart of Star Tours'...

Body Wars - Pilot Sickness by ~RabidLeroy on deviant ART

...of course, this kind of looks like it came straight from a comic book, but this was only a test exercise, and only present for people to have a laugh over the ride's 'motion-sickness-bag' reputation. On the plus side, at least it's not that space shuttle from Mission: Space.

And now returning to normal transmission, readers!

It's Not Pin Season, Is It?

2011-07-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

...probably not, readers. Surprisingly, something as small as the humble Disney pin has expanded to a diverse hobby shared by enthusiasts the world over. And what's more, the best part of pin trading and collecting is the prospect of getting some particularly rare ones. Pins that have never been noticed by the public. And especially a few of them that a humble few would wish to have by now.

of course, there's not a lot of pins or buttons that have been sighted by people just bustling in and out of WoL in its heydays, but little by little, people have taken an interest in these pins. For example, the pavilion insignia as it was on EPCOT Center's 15th anniversary/birthday (give or take). Although retired from mainstream distribution, it's readily available over on eBay by pin traders, but alas, lack of decision skills lead to burning your wallet.

The WoL Insignia as part of EPCOT Center's 15th anniversary

On a different subject, there are also pins that reflect sponsorship of the pavilion at the time. In this case, MetLife has been featured on at least two pins in regards to the Wonders of Life pavilion - including the obvious smaller sign mentioning it from the late 1990's until 2001.

The MetLife Corporate Pin

The newer WoL sign mentioning MetLife

Also, there are pins that gave you a good idea of some of the pavilion's most iconic attractions, big or small. And what's the most well known attraction with the only pin and badge ever in existence? You guessed it...

...because what better way than after a motion-sickness inducing voyage through the heart and lungs than to show it off with a pin or button. The one on the left features the B229 body probe through the blood vessel, floating along with its red blood cell brethren.

Of course, between me and you, the reader, the only attraction that hasn't got a pin at this stage is, sadly, Cranium Command. For some reason, poor Buzzy hasn't got a lot of recognition lately in regards to the pin world... or has he? I'm half suspecting that someone out there might have a potential pin or button or whatever that is hiding somewhere. But otherwise, there might be some possibilities of how a pin might be released for fellow enthusiasts of the long gone attraction... perhaps a replica military medallion with the attraction insignia? Sounds fitting...

Of course, if the Wonders of life were to have new and updated pins as a token of memory, then perhaps starting with the design of those pins, it could happen. So readers, if you were to design a pin as a memorial for Wonders of Life (and some of its attractions), how would you do it? What would it feature? Simply leave a comment in the comments section, and I'll be happy to have a look.

Until next time, readers!

Belated 1st Anniversary for WOL4EVA

2011-07-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

To all of you fellow blog readers,first of all, I would like to apologise for, well, missing the first anniversary date of the blog. I'm sure the blog has gone through lots of changes, fixes, add-ons and even subject to some well-deserved publicity in many ways more than one. So for the visitors, as well as followers of the blog, thankyou so much. I'm sure you're looking forward to the rest of the blog as I am right now.

Of course, for those who are new to the blog, and would like some more information, I still have those starter posts in the blog.

The first post in the blog can be accessible here: it basically gives you readers a basic idea of the pavilion, how it came to be in its early stages, and what happened when the pavilion was sentenced to an unfortunate demise.
Also, a post in regards to the early concepts for the pavilion can be accessible here.
And also, a general essay for some of the pavilion's iconic exhibits can be found here.

Also, for visitors who have a DeviantArt account, feel free to have a look at the WOL4EVA group. More information about the group can be found here.

Plus you also didn't know, this blog has also all sorts of Imagineering ideas for potentially restructuring the Wonders of Life pavilion (if permissible). You'll most likely find these kind of posts under the tags Possibilities or Imagineering.

So far, the blog has undergone many changes, including the addition of some downloadable wallpapers, as well as a section used for showcasing merchandise (practically rare as far as the eye can see) from the forgotten pavilion (you'll find more information, as well as how to submit any photos regarding to your collection, can be found here.)

And that's all I've got for this blog post. Thanks again for reading, fellows. Now to pick up where I left off with the long list of refurb suggestions... oh wait. Which reminds me of a question that pretty much might lead to the next stage in the refurb project on this blog:

Assuming we're keeping the 'life' theme and the building structure to work with, what attractions would you want to add to the pavilion as part of a refurb?

Simply comment on this blog article after reading. In fact, I can't wait to read what sort of wonderful answers I might get from the comments. And remember to share this blog with a friend - they might like it!

Until next time, readers!

For all you fellow WOLnuts out there

2011-06-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute little badge, for those who like lame puns but still can't help to declare remembrance of a successful pavilion in its heyday:

Okay. So not everyone likes lame puns. But I actually like it, given that it's a quick photoshop job I have put together. Most of the pav. exterior elements I put together were done in Illustrator, and then after finding a walnut photo, I photoshopped it together.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, on with the segment...

First up, while I was on a photo search in regards to my research for my pavilion, I have come across an interesting photo of, well, a lone corridor somewhere in the Body Wars probe loading area. This one is 'staff only' - and because it's in the style of a MET testing lab facility, it's meant to be a staff area for maintenance of the B229 probes. Well, although I do not condone spelunking or trespassing into property to gather any shots for all manner of reasons (besides, the photo was taken a long time ago before the pavilion gave up the ghost), all that I can say is that there are many people out there who have a twisted sense of humor. For those people out there reading this...

...uh uh. Don't take it as an instruction.

Next on the list is actually a photoshop job I put together, from nothing more than scraps of photos, as well as images from the inside of my head. What you didn't know is that this job was done a a little earlier, probably in memoriam of our beloved Cranium Commando... Of course, for the very few fascinated by the concept of rapture events (people disappearing for no reason at all), well...

...I wonder what would General Knowledge say after this?

Okay, rest assured that if he were looking at this right now over my shoulder, I might like to let him know that YES, the whole thing is photoshopped.This will save the amound of worrying over one recruit going AWOL without his, well, knowledge. As mentioned, I've scoured the net for images of typical Commando attire (the hat, boots and even the aviator's jacket) and after finding a convincing interior photo of the WOL pavilion, I got right to work placing the objects, even adjusting the shadows and even enhancing the colours to make it look like the loss of our iconic brain pilot a litle convincing. Okay, so it's a little amateur-ish by the looks of things, but I guess this is what I tried to convey in regards to poor Buzzy.

Now to resume transmission of potential Imagineering plans... please stand by, readers!

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 1

2011-06-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hello there readers. I have finally gotten on the WDWMAGIC forums under the username RedFurredCadet. Basically, a discussion is underway of a possible replacement of the Wonders of Life pavilion (okay, so it's only unofficial discussion at the moment, but THIS is an imagineering blog, so I'll include them here.) Of course, I have found some more interesting ideas from other threads on the site, and with the user's name in consideration (as they might not be my ideas), they are quoted as indicated.

It's in the thread titled What to replace WoL with? and you can find the entire post from this link here. So, let's get down to some explanation, and we'll start by breaking it down into bite sized morsels. Let's go!

1. Pavilion Exterior and Interior

a. Design Elements

To be fair, we might keep the dome structure as the main building for the pavilion. In my view, it's taken a licking for being used for nothing but a festival center. So let's assume we're going to bring it back from the dead. But we'll have to do a few design alterations.

First, we'll have to consider a much better colour scheme. Consider this: the pavilion was designed as according to what worked in the early 90's. Bright hot colours, confetti shapes and neons. Not to mention the pavilion dressed up with a carnival theme.

*headdesk*

Let's be timely honest here. These design elements worked back then, but if we were to bring back the pavilion to Future World, the result would be quite lame. Of course, the pavilion design for the 21st century might deserve a new look and feel. Perhaps the use of abstract elements (curves, waves, etc) could work? Some examples of the kind of artwork that would decorate the interior:

from 123RF, for royalty free stock photos.

They may sound like nothing much, but come to think of it, this kind of artwork would reinforce the theme for a life-science pavilion. In fact, this kind of artwork definitely illustrates the theme of biotechnology, much better than confetti. Some might say that these abstract curves might bear a representative resemblance to blood vessels and nerves, if once can imagine that far. Just imagine these beautiful curves dressing up an otherwise drab queue to, say, Body Wars, as shown below...

...and now for the photojobs I have put together to show how I think it might look like, if the artistic direction gets the green light...

Of the three designs featured, pick out what are your favourite colour schemes from the three photojobs and tell me why in the comments box _BELOW!

See what I'm onto here? I'm sure whoever supports the idea would definitely approve of a design change for the pavilion to fit in line with the 21st century. Colour scheme, perhaps, would be dependent on the location, so for example, for an inner-body thrill ride, it's shades of red; for a hands-on sports exhibit, it's shades of orange or green; for biotechnology, it's shades of blue and teal... so on.
On the subject, you may be familiar with the pavilion's theming as a 'carnival to celebrate life'. Again, not thinking too long term, and if you look at it in Future World, it's a case of sticking out like a sore thumb. Consider these two photos for evidence below:

And while it's nice to look back at those wonderful scenes as they were in the pavilion's prime, there are times when you have to snap out of daydreaming in the context of bringing the pav back to the 21st century. A potential suggestion would be to make the pav feel like a futuristic laboratory complex; think of an architectural throwback to The Living Seas, for instance. Have a look for instance:

Which reveals a potential advantage for the pavilion, which would be to expand it lower, and give it a basement level. But that would prove tricky and costly; after all, we might have to gut out the spare basement and even the three theaters in the middle of the pavilion to make that possible. But as we'll get through different portions of the potential reimagineering brief, there'll be some explaining to do.

And now an (unofficial) EPIC FAIL suggestion...

2011-05-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to a segment I'd like to call...

Yes really. From the corners of the Internet they lurk, you'll never know when something interesting can be found on the Internet. Sometimes, with the quirky help of my right-brained mind, I would submit a few things for some of you to either raise a smile (or even cringe with shock horror). I got the name of the segment from an interesting way of abbreviating (into NATO Phonetic) the expression used for shock-horror situations, "What the-?!" (and for some reason I sliced the last part to conceal what the expression really means.)

To start that off, we've obviously heard enough about having a blue-furred alien experiment running loose around Tomorrowland (make that Stitch's FAIL Escape, anyone?), but I just found an interesting quote from WondersOfLife over there at the WDWMagic forums. For some reason, being a Stitchfan myself, but also aware of how CHAOTIC things would end up had Stitch got the keys to the golden dome, I've decided to post the quote up myself, and this is what he said:

...I'd rather see "Stitch's Cranium Command", "The making of the intergalactic federation", and "Experiment Wars"

Put all those together, move SGE there, then let THAT be the place for stitch to be at the theme parks and not let him invade anymore of the parks!

...The new pavilion, sponsored by nobody because it'll be a fail, will be named: "Stitch's Wonders of Human life-forms".

WondersofLife, "Wonders of Life???" at post #36

For some reason it's totally reminded me of this

Unexpected Guest - 2010 by ~RabidLeroy on deviant ART

And believeably I just posted this because apart from the fact WOL was a little lucky to be put out of its misery before being subject to having the blue-furred exp. have free roam of MET's labs and Buzzy's working space. And while I have an appreciation for the blue furred experiment (for, ugh forbid, 6 years running?) as much as my recent appreciation for a long-lost brain pilot, you can easily guess what my expression would end up had Stitch somehow be hired for the pavilion.

As you can see, readers.

Of course, that sparked a thread in the ChitChat section of the WDWMagic forums, in which I decided to put up a voting experiment.
"If you put Stitch and Buzzy in the same room, what would happen?"
Of course, voters wouldn't be able to vote on the poll without a WDWMagic Forum Account, but from the forum post there are seven possible reasons to choose from. Here they are below:

Stitch would annoy/scare/pester Buzzy to no end. (Obviously so.)
Stitch and Buzzy would become fast friends (Awww!)
Stitch and Buzzy would avoid each other. (Hmmph!)
Buzzy would be asking Stitch questions to no end. ("S-so I was asking, how come you're...")
Instand brawl/fight/argument between the two (Bites, scratches and one angered General!)
Buzzy would be planning an escape to get away from Stitch ("Where's a teaspoon so I can dig myself out of this room?")
Nothing. Hopefully, nothing. (Or probably up to your imagination. *shrug*)

Commenters, I think it's much better to see the poll results and perhaps figure out your own conclusion.

What an amazing 11 months!

2011-05-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know, readers, this blog was opened almost one year ago on June 30th, in the tradition of future Imagineering blogs. While the blog was intended to become a box of essays, it has become a filing cabinet of possible Imagineering ideas if the pavilion be opened up to its former glory once more.
So to celebrate, I have found a photo gallery with some of the photos of the Wonders of Life pavilion taken somewhere in the 2005 or 2006 holiday seasons (or earlier).

And a whole lot more accessible if you click the photo above!

Enjoy the offering, readers!

Artist Concept - Buzzy Cortex

2011-05-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

So it was at least two days ago when I was pawing around with Photoshop, as part of providing my fellow blog readers with this little addition from my deviantArt gallery. Here it is below:

Artist's Concept: Buzzy Cortex by ~RabidLeroy on deviant ART

So basically, what I was doing is a potential design concept of our brain pilot Buzzy, for a handful of selected reasons -

in the event that the animated preshow be overhauled (as suggested in previous post Possibility 2: Try a Time Warp)
in the event that Buzzy's career be destined toward the silver screen (personally I might like to have that happen, but it's a 'don't-know-yet' moment at the moment.

It's also the process involved in building the artist's impression that also might interest you. I have built this image entirely from scratch in Photoshop - starting with the basic shape and structure sketch on one layer, through to the basic lineart on the next, and all the way to the finalised line and colour layers that you see right now.

For some reason, I like the look and feel of the artist's impression as it reminds me of selected artwork made by the artists over there at Pixar, whom I might thank and bless for the source of inspiration that I adopted for this impression.

For those who are surprised by the amount of words covering up Buzzy in his professional brain-pilot glory, here's why - I have applied a watermark for security purposes. Even if the image is shared online, the name of the artist responsible for this design is still there. So, bloggers, what do you think of this little design sketch? Let your voice be heard in the comments _BELOW.

Until next time, readers!

WANTED: Merchandise and Souvenir Photos

2011-05-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back readers. For those of you who have been to the Wonders of Life pavilion during its heydays, you may have known of a small gift shop named Well and Goods Limited. Basically what it does is provide not just athletic gear, but also souvenirs and mementos specific to the pavilion (be it shirts, hats or even pins).

Now, I know that for some reason, some of you may have a few souvenirs hidden somewhere in either the closet or the bottom of your backpack, or the attic. There may also be cases where people may have picked them up from markets of thrift stores, and felt curious on where it once came from. Or perhaps there are those who would like to get a good idea of the interesting collectibles and souvenirs from the iconic pavilion of its time.

That's why there is the link to the page From Well and Goods Outlets, a page dedicated to not just souvenirs from the pavilion, but also souvenirs from the site as well - wallpapers, and in the meantime, buddy icons, and if you're lucky, ringtones for your portable device or cellphone. You can click over to the link, and then navigate to the section Merchandise Photos for more information about sending information on merchandise.

Until next time, readers!

Possibility 2.5 - Try a Time Warp

2011-05-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

In which I continue on with the subject, hands up if you recognise the quote and these two people of note:


"In those years we have some successes...	...and some failures..."

Yes, at the brink of 1989, it's not uncommon for the audience to raise a laugh at the appearance of Ernest P Worrel as branded one of the failures in brain piloting history. But nowadays, it's a case of 'bro, who is that guy, and what's his photo doing in there?'
Of course, the definition of failures has now changed rather dramatically between then and now, so perhaps a possible idea to illustrate the definition of 'failure'. Here's a possible candidate:

Okay, so it's not who is it I'm talking about, but a potential action that defines what General Knowledge means by 'failures'. This image, in which I explain why I chose this, is one of the most viral over the Internet, and in my opinion, I bet the next generation will react well with the image.
Of course, if you have any ideas for hilarious photographs that could serve as potential candidates for the 'failures' category among the brains, then feel free to post a suggestion here!

Possibility 2: Try a Time Warp

2011-04-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, readers. So I hope you've shook off your chocolate-hangovers from this weekend, because this week I have done some tweaking for this blog - this time, adding an extra page for all Wonders of Life related videos and media, as accessible from this page. It's under the Related Media tab on the left hand page.

So I was surfing the internet for as much information (let alone what's to come and what's left) as humanly posible, especially towards on of the most iconic attractions in the Wonders of Life pavilion. Let's start with Cranium Command, for instance... I've done some comparisons between the year of its debut (1989) and the year of its demise (2007), I've made a startling discovery to why this fate was so:

While Cranium Command can be considered still a relevant show in terms of its unique and entertaining approach to educating the masses about stress and its effect on the body, its only limitation is that it was heavily rooted in the late 80's/early 90's. Due to an unfortunate time warp effect in regards to today's 21st Century lifestyle, poor Buzzy has been relegated to obscurity in his own prison he once used to interact with the masses.
{personal quote based on the fate of Cranium Command}

So it seems that when Cranium Command reached excellent attendance numbers since its debut in 1989, little do they know that the numbers won't remain high up forever. And sadly it was true when its home pavilion closed down in 2007 (yes, need I say more!!!). There is a lot of (chicken) feathers flying over two things to do to poor Buzzy in regards to the fate of the pavilion:

Dissect him and dig him a grave (No!!!)
Box him in a glass case for a museum exhibit
Restore as much as humanly possible (film reels included) and get the whole thing professionally filmed (less than likely.)

Okay, so my discussion has taken a turn for the negative. But I did come across a blog post in regards to 'hey bro, if we greenlight the return of Buzzy for his newest show, what would it be?'. Here it is, straight from the words of a WDWMAGIC.COM forum user, WondersOfLife:

"I'd like to see a new Cranium Command with a new story, and perhaps the cartoons could look similar to the style of Pixar Characters. Also updated sound on the preshow and a new video with the pixar-styled cartoons instead of the classic-style cartoons.. perhaps change it from Cranium Command: Special Engagement to a new story called Cranium Command: The Bullied VS. The Bullies, about Buzzy getting a group of friends (humans) to get pay back on bullies... "
[WondersOfLife, post #39 under forum topic "The End of Cranium Command?"]

So what we just figured out from this little quotation, is that one of the potential ideas to bring back Buzzy from total obscurity would be to build a new storyline. Not to mention a potential style facelift that would turn 'relevance' into 'welcome home!' for Buzzy. If done and executed correctly, it'll do wonders.

(Okay, for those who lived and cherished the old show, I know what you're saying - 'bro-ooo, it won't work! The whole thing will end up an EPIC FAIL within two minutes into the attraction!' Other Imagineers in the past have gotten that alot. Well, do you know what? In terms of what the 21st Century generation wants, it does seem to be relevant on paper, but I'm going to leave this up to other viewers and readers on this blog. They can feel free to comment on this article to show their support (or blame) for this little idea.)

IN OTHER THOUGHTS...

But other's opinions aside, in regards to the possible idea, since the Mouse has decided to focus on new films based on theme park attractions (Jungle Cruise Ride film, anyone?) in this day and age, maybe... JUST maybe, they'll rediscover Buzzy's potential to return to greet a next generation. This is just a suggestion, and NOT a rumor or fact. However, the issue is, 'bro, will they stay true to the actual attraction?'

Which brings this to the consideration - to ensure the whole thing is a good idea, it'll need the right people, as well as the right minds (great minds think alike) to ensure this project goes the straight and narrow path of welcoming back another generation (not to mention bring back the charm of the original exhibit). Because make one wrong mistake with one minor CRUCIAL component, and there's a risk of losing the attraction's past integrity it once had in its prime.

So, a cinematic homage to the Wonders of Life it could be, and of you can dig through the thoughts running through my head, I'm already beginning to get an idea on how well it would turn out. Yes, yes, yes, it could be possible.

Speaking of cinematic, another idea has just ran through my head... after a recent virtual stumbling on this:

[Soarin' (over California), as seen in EPCOT's The Land, and also California Adventure park]

...this also sparked another approach to an old favourite. While Body Wars bears its focus on retrieving an immunologist from the perils inside the human body, I'd rather take the concept of Soarin', regards to the experiences it brings, and preferably execute it to a tour of inside the body. Okay, it's not necessarily that glamourous to think of it that way, but one can dream, right?

Anyways, I've finally spilled all my ideas out from that creative right-brained mind of mine ;3 (wink) and I'm sure that there are some good ideas that might, one day, bring back the Wonders of Life's unsung attractions to the next generation... provided someone listens and finally approves!

Until next time, readers!

A Change in Layout

2011-04-20T01:14:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

You may have noticed that the blog layout has changed recently. Amazed? Here's how:

The header has been redesigned. Simply, I have kept the elements of what the Wonders of Life pavilion was since its birth in 1989, but I opted for a silver medallion look, as a possible logo redesign should the pavilion be given a reboot, one way or another.
The background was also designed from scratch, thanks to my digital artwork skills. of course, the wallpaper is sadly covered up by the rest of the blog articles, but fortunately, I have included it here for use as a personal wallpaper:

WOL4EVA Wallpaper - 1024px by 768px

Right now readers, it's time for a little feedback on the look of the page. What do you think would have been done better? Do you have anything else WOL related that you would like me to share? Anyone?
Anyways, feel free to post your comments below. Until next time, readers!

And Another 'Did You Know' Post

2011-04-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hello there again readers. Now, what I'm about to tell you is something from the Wonders of Life that you did not know existed. Now, some of you readers have known about this when they were younger, and even so, some may have only a small idea of what it's about. Ready...?

Okay, so I've looked up the French translation of the Wonders of Life article on Wikipedia, and I noticed part of the following article in French. With some rough translation skills, it feels a lot like this:

Educational Film Series
Associated with the pavillion, Disney Studios have made additional educational films in January 1990:
The Bone and Muscle Get Rhythm (26 January 1990, 11 min) explains how the bones and muscles work together, in this case, during the school dance.
The Brain and the Nervous System Think Science (26 January 1990, 11 min) explains how the brain and nervous system work, such as in thinking skills.
The Heart and Lungs Play Ball (26 January 1990, 11 min) explains how the heart and lungs work, in this case, during a football game.

You guessed it, the interesting fact the Mouse himself is set on hiding from the rest of us... an educational film series inspired by the Wonders of Life actually exists!There are numerous library and sale catalogues that mention the educational series, and you might be able to find it here (you need a PDF file reader to view the file though! The catalogue is last updated in 2007)
Another library catalogue I have found on the web (referring to WOL: Heart and Lungs Play Ball) also features another interesting little fact... the name "Captain Cortex". Hmmm...

...of course! Captain Cortex was the original name given to our bumbling brain pilot, until being colloquially named 'Buzzy'. (So I guess it's safe for me to refer to him as Captain Buzzy Cortex at the moment.) Though I am not practically SURE if he himself actually appears in the series... interesting coincidence?

Of course, the film series is currently out of print - at this point, it's very hard to set foot into a thrift store and find the videotape in its entirety. And in contrast to the renowned Bill Nye the Science Guy series being released on DVD, I highly doubt the WOL series might be released this way.

So right now, I'm depending on all of you readers, either having vivid or withering memories of being shown the series in class, to submit your comments below after reading. And for those who have managed to 'rescue' the tape,then please post a review for others to get an idea on what it's about, and what it's like. Or, if someone has decided to risk all by posting a video clip of part of the film series, let us readers know!

Until next time, readers!

The Unluckiest Post in the Blog...

2011-03-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

... well, make that the most fortunate post in the blog, because, this week, another piece of Wonders of Life history, albeit bitesized, has been posted on YouTube. For all of you subscribers, sit back and relive those good old Wonders of Life.

Hopefully, the video will also be placed on the right side of the blog's page so you can easily refer to it (but it's just not the same as watching it here in its nostalgic glory).

Until next time, readers!

That Fateful Day in 2007...

2011-03-12T23:15:00.000-08:00

...was the 1st of January, and it was when the Wonders of Life, after caving into the loss of a sponsor and patron decline, closed its doors for good.

And for some reason, this unsuspecting patron learnt this the hard way. His testimonial is illustrated with the help of some novelty internet candy, known as the world of Cheezburger.

"....UUUUDGE IT'S CLOSED!!!!!"

While some people would come by his side and tell him, stop crying, it's only a dumb attraction, but face it. There are countless people who have never heard what it's like to approach a set of underappreciated obscure gems somewhere in an ever Disneyfied Future World.

Of course, there is a possibility that something wonderful will be on its way. Take the long gone Horizons, for instance. While the pavilion may no longer be with us, a much more compact and more interesting simulator paying tribute to the pavilion might soon be. It's all possible thanks to the wonderful team at WEDCon (despite unnoficial status). If that is possible, then perhaps the Wonders of Life might deserve a similar, yet interesting ressurection of its kind.

And when I mean ressurection for, ie: Cranium Command, I don't mean this.

Seriously, Buzzy. Don't.

Possibilitiy 1: Three Dee Vision

2011-02-13T03:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, fellow readers. So far, there has been some interesting publicity happening with this blog, especially with the link being posted on a forum, for others to have a look. I have mentioned earlier that this blog will contain handfuls of *ahem* UNOFFICIAL Imagineering possibilities that might spell a reboot for the Wonders of Life pavilion.

...Or should I have said 'might have'?

Once upon a time, before this blog went to air, I did a lot more 'what-if' scenarios for bringing back the Pavilion to its former glory. I had scribbled in some notes, comparisons and even the odd comment on how the Wonders of Life would have been treated, if brought back correctly. Had you came to my place and had a look at the pieces of paper that contained them, you'll just shrug and pass this off as 'meh, nothing special'.
Until today, this fateful day...

For those who would like the technical details: it's over here

Believe it or not, it's actually a 200-inch 3D TV Screen, and surprisingly, it operates without the need for 3D spectacles. The reason why I brought up this post is, as with the case of any other EPCOT Center pavilion, it's all about the technology... technologies which, in the early days, enabled people to become immersed into the world around them, and even satisfy the imagination. After all, because the Wonders of Life Pavilion is an integral part of EPCOT Center, it's not uncommon to encounter the kinds of technologies used in the edutainment factor.

For instance, take Body Wars, for instance. While it's nothing more than a mechanically-dependent simulator ride by today's standards, it was the most popular and astounding thrill ride in its prime. Then throw in 3D vision. Are you beginning to imagine this, readers?

Love it or hate it, what once would've been a mechanically bumpy ride suddenly becomes the next best thing to boarding the body probe and enjoying the thrilling (and nauseating) experience. Of course, 3D vision, although fad-worthy as it sounds, could be applied to anywhere else.

Of course, 3D technology today appears to be expensive by consumer standards, but think... we have come a long way from the era of red-and-green-tinted glasses, all the way to the era of 3D movies in cinema screen, and now Blu-Ray players in our own homes. It's even beginning to be picked up in amusement park rides, and if we're lucky, JUST lucky, this technology might change the way whatever happens at EPCOT dramatically.

Which reminds me of a quote pertaining to one thing that might give EPCOT Center a compund fracture in the World Showcase... and this is directed to Stitch (I adore the blue-furred guy, but surely he's beginning to feel the pinch of appealing to a wider audience), regards to his career in a Japanese anime (named after himself, exclamation mark), and because the Japan pavilion is as enjoyable and unique as it is, sadly one day this will happen:

"What happens in Japan... ends up in EPCOT"

[EDIT: due to the emergency situation in Japan, it is with a heavy heart that I take the comment back. But for those even thinking about thinking about (etc.) bringing the blue furred experiment over to World Showcase - I don't recommend it highly.]

In other news, long ago I made a memorial blog post on Buzzy's legacy, long after his claim to (obscure) stardom had gone, so you might be surprised for me to mention that the Cranium Command sign has only two more days until its sale period times out. Again, those interested in a piece of EPCOT Center history, you'll find it here.

Until next time, readers, feel free to leave a comment after this article. ;3

Another 'Did You Know' Post

2011-01-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

Another day spent on surfing the web, as well as checking my DeviantArt group - some wonderful photos to do with the pavilion, as well as some fanart (including a selection of my own) have been posted on the group. There was an interesting surprise, as I had found the link that only a handful of you are aware of...

Photo found on IMDB Article

...ladies and gentlemen, it's Jerry Rees!

You may have known him as the director of iconic films such as TRON, and another obscure classic the Brave Little Toaster, but an interesting fact is that he's the man behind some of Walt Disney World's attractions, love them or leave them... and to make the best of a forgotten classic in EPCOT, Cranium Command (make that the AA theater) is one of them!

The page in relation to some of the attractions he has directed is found over here. Feel free to browse the site, as well as encounter some more treats, for now and in the future.

Until next time, readers!

PS: What's interesting to see is that of the posts online, this one is primarily the most viewed post anywhere on the blog. Once again, a really big thankyou for the reception, and if you are interested, feel free to have a look at the many different areas of the blog!

New DeviantArt Group OPEN!

2011-01-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

Now that the silly season has begun to wind down, I am ready to recommence work on one of the first milestones since the blog's inception somewhere in June. You see, there are only a handful of people who know about the blog at the moment, and given that I am on a social networking site all of my own, I've decided to do something that no other blogger would have done...

The Wonders of Life, Eterna Club and Blog Banner

WOL4EVA has officially opened its first DeviantArt group, and basically, it's the main center for those who have been to the pavilion in its prime.. or maybe not. Here's just a description of what the club is all about:

In October 1989, the Wonders of Life was opened within the grounds of EPCOT Center, with an entertaining yet hopeful emphasis on health and life.
But before 2007, the most captivating pavilion has shut its doors forever.

Hence, this group WOL4EVA, named after the blog "Wonders of Life, Eterna"'s link.

This group is basically the gathering place for fellow deviants bearing strong memories of the EPCOT's Wonders of Life pavilion and its attractions during its prime, as well as those who not just see the potential in reopening the pavilion, but also taking a lot of imagineering work to bring it to the 21st century once more.

However, this club is only open to DeviantArt users only, and mind you, I'm not necessarily the person you'd find on FaceBook or Twitter, unfortunately. But by all means, this club is in its infancy, so if you have a DeviantArt accound, feel free to contact the club administrator here.

And that's not all: here's a music video to celebrate, because after all, readers...

Until next time!

"From All Of Us... To All Of You...

2010-12-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

... a Very Merry Christmas!"

- Jimny Cricket

Unexpected Guest - 2010 by ~RabidLeroy on deviant ART

Yes, being the FanArtist I am, I have decided to compose an optimistic yet interesting scenario pertaining to poor obscurely-forgotten Buzzy... and what would happen if he ever set foot out of the pavilion this holiday season.

In this scenario, I've chosen Stitch, the now commonplace-present blue furred alien experiment furball, to be in charge of gift-giving to the Commando (now in charge of guarding the deserted pavillion-now-convention-center). Of course, Buzzy's training since 1989 hasn't prepared him for this situation... so what would Buzzy do?

Anyways, for those young and all, have a wonderful, healthy and happy holiday season, and here's to a safe and happy new year!

Until next time!

PS: And for those who think Stitch would make a great recruit for the Cranium Commandos, think again! Hiring an alien experiment would may as well result in... uhm... *ahem* It won't be pretty.

Buzzy's final salute? Or next mission?

2010-12-14T02:04:00.000-08:00

So far, you would have expected the blog to gather any dust and cobwebs without any fresh posts... well, ironically like the props and signage once present for the Wonders of Life pavilion, currently locked away out of public eye, never to be seen again.

So the other day prior to this post, I decided to search for some random things on eBay (for example, god forbid, Stitch merchandise sold in Japan thanks to the booming anime stardom and reception amongst Japanese adorers), and that fateful moment, I decided to figure out what was selling under "wonders of life epcot", or "cranium command"...

...guess what? The latter actually revealed a goldmine! A user, who we'll refer to as 'sellandship' specialises in goods from the Magic Kingdom, as well as EPCOT. I was quick to take a screenshot image, as well as the product details, and if you're interested in saving a piece of WOL history, it links to the actual eBay page:

So, in the instances of six-feet-under attractions (remember Horizons, please), some of the props and models (the model 'mulapples' and 'flavor grapes', if you quite recall) actually get sold to interested collectors. Of course, many opportunities to grab the slice of that pie have come and gone, but for those looking forward to put aside a spare room as a personal shrine to what once was the Wonders of Life, get your wallets ready.

Of course, I have stumbled across a few forum posts determining Buzzy's current fate. One, which would have been dated recently, was found at Subsonic Radio, under the title "Wonders of Life Memories UPDATE - Buzzy Lives!", with the money shots at page 2 of the forum topic. However, because of the legal boundaries dedicated 'spelunkers' have crossed to get a monitoring glimpse of what once was Buzzy's demonstration arena, I suggest you visit the link at your own risk.

Speaking of which, there's another blog post of the 'Then and Now' of EPCOT Center between the past and the present, showing the changes done to each pavilion, as well as what's become of the now-forgoten brain-pilot-recruit, alone and lonely, and sadly a little worse for wear. :c

Of course, even though there's nothing the majority of us can do about poor Buzzy since his final salute in 2006, all I can say is that rather than being destined for a six-foot-burial-plot, perhaps Buzzy would likely be sold off to a good home. Or perhaps restored and retained in a museum, for the next generation to find out what a great recruit Buzzy was.

"BUZZY"

1989 - 2007. We miss you.

PS: Of course, the news is hopefully not all bad... perhaps, Buzzy could have a second chance at one point or another. Given that the Wonders of Life is slowly being turned into a general purpose convention center (for the "Food and Wine", as well as the "Flower and Garden" festivals respectively), there could be one more convention event that could hopefuly bring the Wonders of Life back on its feet...

...although not intended to be a park-wide festival, perhaps the 'Health and Life' convention could be adopted. Not only would there be potential for the rides to be restored, or perhaps updated to today's standards, then maybe the convention space could invite another health-exhibit for others to enjoy. And just like the 'Making of the Flower and Garden festival' and 'Seasons of the Vine' films have played in there, perhaps there could be a 'Health Film Festival'. But of course, not everyone would appreciate the idea. So, if the Wonders of Life pavilion were to be revived one way or another, what do you think could be done?

Until the next post, I wish you all the best this holiday season! :3

STOP PRESS: Another Interruption To Bring You...

2010-10-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

...oh, I'm sorry for the monthlong absence, and I'm still stuck on wondering what to write on this blog. Of course, there are those searching the information highway who may, or may not, have heard of Goofy About Health, as I basically have mentioned in my last blog post^. I've been searching around the Internet and found the lyrics to this musical number, sung by none other than Kal David (more on him at the end of the post)

So without further ado, let us delve into... those Unhealthy Living Blues! XC

Health is your responsibility.
Your doctor's your friend, so listen to me.
Running around town is what made you crack.
Blood pressure's up near a heart attack!
You got those unhealthy living blues.
Oh, yeah.

Overeating has added those extra calories
and cholesterol clog up your arteries.
Your body ain't used to those dangerous drugs.
You just can't survive on coffee slugs.
You got those unhealthy living blues.

And if you keep inhaling that cigarette smoke,
you could get emphazema or cancer or stroke!
Drinking too much just ain't that much smart.
It hurts your liver, your brain and your heart.
You got those blues, baby.
You got those unhealthy living blues.

And that's the unhealthy living (high-pitched) blues!

Of course, what's not to like about explaining the shock-horrors of unhealthy living than breaking into song? Anyways, let me get into some more detail about the song's artist. You see, Kal David is well known as a US blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. During his teenage years, his singing career began in 1962 in the form of frontman of his local band Kal David and the Exceptions (he left the band in 1965)
At the late half of the 60's, he formed a duo with another guitarist Paul Cotton, and they recorded two albums - Illinois Speed Press (the name of the duo) and Duet.After David and Cotton went their separate ways, David formed a new group, called the Fabulous Rhinestones, and throughout the 70's, recorded three more albums: Fabulous Rhinestones, Freewheelin', and Rhinestones.

But enough with the history lesson... triviawise, David is responsible for the voice of Sonny Eclipse, one of the singing alien audio-animatronics at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom, as seen here:

. I bet you blogreaders didn't know that, did you?

Anyways, this week marks (surprise) my birthday (I won't go into all details, hopefully), but unfortunately it'll sound like a busy one. So blogreaders, I'm wishing you all the best, till next time!

^ - (Out of the loop? The last blog post covered a few of the attractions that placed Wonders of Life on the map in its heyday).

Let me start with some statistics here...

2010-08-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

To all of you blog readers, I am ready to start with a general essay of the Wonders of Life and the exhibits that used to be present there. Basically, the theme of the exhibit is basically on the bright side of life, health, medical technologies and everything in between, explained in an imaginative and attention-catching manner. And that's just the summary. I'm going to start with a few explanations of each attraction within the pavillion, as listed below:

The Making of Me:
This film is devoted to the miracle of how we all came into the world - the miracle of reproduction and birth. of course, normally people shy away from the topic (due to the fact it's sensitive, and there is definitely a sign that advises parental discretion), but according to those who saw the preview before the pavillion opened, it was described as "delightful", and is the educational film "required for elementary schools across the country", as well as a good conversation aid for parents to explain reproduction to their young.

Martin Short, who stars in the film, plays a young man in his 20s - representing the soul of a person who hasn't been born yet - he tells the story of how he came into the world, as he covers topics of how his parents were born - how they met, and how they decided to have their first child - him. The film also explains the biological scale of repriduction - the thousands of sex cells on the race to meet the egg cell (portrayed as very attractive), as well as actual footage of foetus/fetus-en-utero, complete with his experiences during nine months of development. All in all, this is brilliantly executed in terms of educational films, and in my view, this one worthy of being released on DVD (if that happens!)

Body Wars:
One of EPCOT Center's first thrill-rides was this on-the-fence-sitter - Body Wars, directed by Leonard Nimoy (you may remember him as Spock from the Star Trek series), and starring three actors well known at the time - Tim Matheson, Dakin Matthews and Elisabeth Shue (who also stars in Pihranha).

Body Wars is basically a hybrid of a theatrical-experience and a simulator ride, explaining one potential future of medicine - that medical professionals (and crew) would board one of four mentioned Body Probe Vehicles and, a la Fantastic Voyage, miniturized and beamed inside the bloodstream of a volunteer. The mission featured on the ride would be to bring Dr Cynthia Lair (immunologist played by Elisabeth Shue) on board the vehicle, but however, what starts as a simple mission becomes a ride through the heart, lungs and the brain.

According to the countless visitors who once experienced this bumpy ride, you would have to put your seatbelts on, as the seats would jerk and jolt during the experience (hence the boarding precautions). Sure it is not uncommon for motion sickness to happen during the ride, but for those who enjoyed the ride, it's an experience they'd wish they would get over their motion sickness to ride again!

Cranium Command:

Another instant classic found at the pavillion - the military-operation equivalent of how the brain works, as explained by Commanding Officer General Knowledge (sounds toungue-in-cheek), who explains some well known facts about the brain to the sudience in the preshow. That is, until Buzzy enters the theater late, and is called up on stage concerning his punctuality.
In the next scene in the preshow, there is an interesting portrayal of the brain as an advanced machine - most likely as in the Air Force fleet, to juxtapose this correctly. In this case, Buzzy has been assigned to monitor a day in the life of a 12 year old adolescent boy - by piloting his brain! Of course, the adolescent brain is very iunpredictable, and it's definitely going to be a bumpy ride being the bumbling rookie pilot Buzzy is!

Photograph of Buzzy at Cranium Command: 2006 by Allen Huffman.

The show theater, which is basically a screen theater-cross-animatronics display, made to resemble the inside of someone's head. Of course, the show mixes some great facts of the brain, as well as dealing with the effects of stress on the body - in what clever way than to portray each organ in the body as a person doing a certain job (and the hypothalamus as the sadly overlooked robot, as he quotes 'No one ever wants to talk to me.') The show's significance is that the workers are played by actors who have previously starred in Saturday Night Live (successful back then in the brink of the 90s). No matter how dated you would think of this now, Cranium Command is definitely an instant classic, one that if the pavilion were to be reopened, would need special care to win back the hearts of those who lived Buzzy's antics of piloting the brain.

Goofy About Health:

What this show is about, it helps explain the scenario of adopting healthy habits, as shown in a scenario of Goofy, playing a victim of the stress of urban living, and prone to illness. This is definitely a throwback to the instructional videos (think How to Swim), especially with the narrator explaining every bit of the story (including the quote: “The doctor diagnoses our friend’s illness as the dreaded, but all-too-common, unhealthy living.” ) There is also a song featured in the exhibit - the Unhealthy Living Blues, in which I don't have the lyrics nor the actual (restored) song itself. (Oh wait, now I do!)

Of course, the theater diaplays excerpts of the classic short film featuring Goofy, made during a period of 28 years, so it's not common to encounter the various roles (and design changes) Goofy played during the time!)
This was also the opportunity for those who could not be able to ride Body Wars to wait for the rest who were at the ride.

So I guess that's about it for the summaries for each of the attractions, each with the photographs taking you to another site - Yesterland, explaining the bygone days of EPCOT center's prized attractions, and what had just happened when the pavillion became a convention center... Sad to see a treasure gone!

But no fretting please, because it's my challenge to write an article on each attraction, and with all the information sources I am gathering right now, it'll take a lot of time (considering that I am a busy person searching high and low for information!) Of course, for those who have intormation, and would like to contribute for the essays, then feel free to leave a comment!

Speaking of which, there is a poll on the blog site, which would help select which attraction from the exhibit I should write an essay on first. For readers who subscribe/follow this blog, please tell your blog-friends, because the more votes, the better the decision on which to write first.

In the meantime, I would like to show you an interactive exhibit, which frankly, a similar approach be incorporated in the pavilion should it be opened. The exhibit, showing at the Museum of Science and Industry is called You! The Experience. This would kind of remind you of one attraction I have not covered - Frontiers in Medicine, but this one I would happily speculate is an up-to-date attraction hopefully trying to fill in the void where the 'future' part of the Wonders of Life would've been.

Until then, catch you later!

*This article being written by a blogger, whose writing language is in Australian English, but also caters to American online readers by adding a word in their own country.

STOP PRESS: We Interrupt This Blog To Bring You...

2010-08-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

...a little something that a few blog visitors may remember from EPCOT Center's birth (okay, far from 1982 as its birthyear). For those who has been on Spaceship Earth since EPCOT Center between the years of '86 to '94, you may have heard the iconic song "Tomorrow's Child". Thanks to a few internet sources, as well as an audio sample, I have reconstructed the lyrics for you to look back for your nostalgic glory (note the bracketed verses are actially from the childrens choir):

Tomorrow's child
(Tomorrow's child.)
Gathering gifts from our past
Tomorrow's child
(Tomorrow's child.)
Shaping a world that will last

Holding the spark
As we embark
On a great journey
Together we're learning to
Reach for hope and desire
Building a world to inspire

Tomorrow's child, Tomorrow's child
Charting a brand new way
For the Future World is born today
(Born today)
Tomorrow's child
Lighting the path as we're going (Tomorrow's child)
Tomorrow's child
Seeing that knowledge keeps growing (Tomorrow's child)

Searching through time
Longing to find
Answers to guide us
And dreams to unite us
Helping us unlock the door
Showing us ways to explore
Tomorrow's child, Tomorrow's child
Charting a brand new way
For the Future World is born today
(Born today.)

Tomorrow's Child, (Tomorrow's child.)
Helping us unlock the door
Tomorrow's Child, (Tomorrow's child.)
Showing us ways to explore
Helping convey
Ideas of today...
Where we will find
inspiration forever to

Reach for hope and desire
Building a world to in-spi-re...

Tomorrow's child, Tomorrow's child
Charting a brand new way
For the Future World is born today
(Born today.)

(EDIT: Thanks Ortens for finally figuring out the missing lyrics for the Walter Cronkite version! Almost a year after publishing the lost lyrics for fellow bloggers to figure out, we've finally confirmed that the missing gaps in the lyric work are finally filled!) To celebrate, I have found the audio source for your listening pleasure, but I can only give you links for the time being:

Spaceship Earth, late Walter Cronkite version from '86 to '94 - part one, and part two, for your listening pleasure

(Thankyou to Ortens for your sharp ears and wonderful assistance for picking up the lost lyrics! The rest of us who have been on that ride (unfortunately not myself) will have searched through our memory banks or sifted through home videos for the missing video. For the memories for everyone else in this boat, thanks, and best wishes.)

...And now, next post we'll be returning to normal transmission.

WOL4EVA Video Advert Live on YouTube

2010-08-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

Today, I have managed to set up a video advert for the blog. Having received some inspiration from the 'scroll-one-way, scroll the other' videos (such as the 'Lost Generation'), I decided to work in the style of one of these adverts, and most likely in what some of us think of the "Wonders of Life".

But sure, the wording may be a little off, as I was playing around with the applications involved in making this video - Flash CS4 to be exact. Any critiquing may be of big help, fellow readers.

Fortunately, some of my efforts paid off, and here is the video (without narrations). If you like the video, then I recommend that you send the link to others. Till then, I'm off gathering some essay information for a few attractions. So, which one would you like me to do first?

The "Wonders of Life" that Never Was...

2010-07-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Twenty eight years. Twenty eight long years since EPCOT Center opened its doors to the public.

A panorama of inside the pavillion during the brink of the '90s

And twenty one years since the Wonders of Life pavillion opened its doors to greet a generation of park visitors, with almost $90 million spent on construction since 1988. But you see, the Wonders of Life hasn't always been what it was at its prime, believe it or not.

In fact, let's flash backward to 1975, at least four years before EPCOT's birth as an attraction park. There were so many ideas generated for the park, especially one for a life and health themed pavillion. Then in 1978, the pencils were sharpened, and some prototypes were made, showcasing how the pavillion would have been constructed... like this:

[above image links to http://progresscityusa.com/2010/04/20/epcot-origins-1977-master-plan-5/]

There would be a lot of history to do with the pavillion, when it was during its early stages, but here are the attractions that would have been included, and their equivalent niches:

The Joy of Living (a presentation which explains and shows the beauty, the dignity and strength of man and woman, from birth and growing up to adulthood and the golden years),
The Sensory Funhouse (which strangely was included but as an open space exhibit)
the Tooth Follies (which unfortunately was not included),
The Head Trip (early equivalent of Cranium Command),
Good Health Habits (non-Disney equivalent of Goofy About Health),
The Incredible Journey Within (which was the OmniMover equivalent of Body Wars)

Although I do not have access to actual images or research, I can happily say that someone else has done some research, and put it together in video form. This is why I have put this video here:

It contains practically some of the concept images, as well as the blueprints that would have been part of the pavillion, plus the official WED Promotional Video for the Life and Health pavillion at the time. It even shows exactly, and I mean EXACTLY, where the exhibits were, both then and currently. (It starts at the 1:50 mark)

The video was made by Martin Smith, in which his videos were made for the purpose of preserving this fantastic attraction.

Wonders of Life – Ultimate Tribute - Part 1 of 2 from Martins Videos on Vimeo.
So, proof that there's a lot of history behind such a formidable pavillion, now long lost (but hopefully never forgotten). It's very wonderful how many people would choose to hang onto relics of past events, to one day share with others close to them (or even the world).
In the next coming posts, I would get started with researching and reviewing some of the attractions that once lived in this very golden dome.
Peace for the Future!
RabidLeroy

PS: Honestly I would not close off this blog article with a few others some articles from the news, as well as other weblogs that may capture your interest...

PLUS a Newspaper Review Article of the Pavillion held on Google News, which you can view here.

What is "Wonders of Life, Eterna" anyway?

2010-06-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Let me start things off, fellow blog readers... this is my very first post submitted to this web-shrine dedicated to everything that once was the Wonders of Life pavillion - a former top attraction that once stood at the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow... which you may know as EPCOT Center from the 1980's... or simply Epcot in today's day and age.

For those not very familiar with what I'm talking about, I'll drop you a little piece of history here and there... so, once upon a time, on October 31st 1989, the Wonders of Life opened its doors loudly for the first time (but some say it opened its doors with a gradual 'soft' opening on October 18th in the same year.) The video below shows us a few glimpses of the pavillion's first hours...

Now any of you readers who have been there during the pavillion's heyday might remember the Metropolitan Life blimp with Snoopy on it... want to know why? In EPCOT's early years, the pavillions used to get by with the help of corporate sponsorship, and in the case of Wonders of Life, Metropolitan Life was the ideal sponsor during the years from 1989 to 2001. Thereafter, sponsorship was dropped, and the Wonders of Life pavillion managed a further 2 or 3 years by itself, before mainstream operation ceased in 2004.

But the Wonders of Life's final curtain calls were during the busy holiday seasons (the holiday periods in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year) of 2005 and 2006, and then finally giving up the ghost on the date January 1st, 2007. At this point, almost all of the components of the pavillion were gradually gutted out. Sad! :(

And here it was now, as of June 2009... a forgotten desert dome, now re-used as a convention center.

But there's an interesting side to the blog... I have never personally set foot on EPCOT center during its heyday (because the park was born way before my birthdate, obviously!), nor was I there on the opening of the Wonders of Life pavillion, nor have I been on their signature rides... ever! But I side with those who have fond memories of what it's like to be on board the good ship probe Bravo 229 on a bumpy journey through the heart, lungs and brain...

...or witnessed what it was like to work as a brain pilot of a 12 year old adolescent boy...

You can find him at: http://www.lostepcot.com/craniumcommand.html

...or listened in on a tale of where we biologically came from, and how we were born. Some of us have memorabillia, photos, soundbites, that we may have hung onto for others to share. While all may seem to be lost, it would be rather courageous for us to share them together.

But there are a sufficient few who believe that the pavillion may face the following fates:

Scrapped entirely,
Refurbed with a full-on overhaul (and full-on heartbreak!)
Restored in its former glory

And despite my age, my view on the pavillion's fate (if allowed) would be restoration, for all to see. Yes, it's costly in monetary terms, but I can happily justify the cost, using this as a reason...

In my view, my generation, as well as the generation after that, is inhumanely deprived of what makes the Wonders of Life pavillion the most successful (and secondly missed after Horizons) pavillion during the prime of EPCOT center, educating visitors on the body, as well as good healthy habits, while entertaining patrons in the most memorable ways possible... in the kinds of ways you would not expect to find in a textbook. Although some of the atractions were 'frozen' in time since the brink of the 90's, I believe that in response to health issues popping up in the media, the Wonders of Life pavillion still has relevance today... it's just that it's been bottled up for too long.

On a more optimistic note, this blog also bears links to the most fascinating facts on EPCOT center, then and now, plus there's also an opportunity for webguests, or veterans of the original EPCOT park (whether you used to work here or come here or even read about it in a book) to post a comment, or potentially some suggestions!

But this blog also has a hint of Imagineering ingrained in this blog... just imagine, what would happen if the pavillion were to re-open... should the classic attractions be restored (or updated as close as true-to-heart can be)? Maybe some interactive exhibits? Or what's the worst that could happen to the poor pavillion? Plus guess what - commenters can also join in on the fun and submit potential ideas for bringing the great Golden Dome back into the public eye... and more hearts.

And if you're wondering who's this, then surprise! It's RabidLeroy! You may remember me the most from my DeviantArt account, as the artist-Stitchfan-genius I am! But due to this nature, I might want to warn you that if you're not accustomed to further Mouse-fication of poor old EPCOT, or you're not fully immersed with Stitch-related references, read this blog with caution.

You have been warned.

Got it?