In Bed with Imagination, Currently Ill

Massive yawn at this hour, and after a rollercoaster of uncertainty for this blog, there is a rumor going hot off the press about the Wonders of Life's right brained ally (yes, I meant ally in a sense), the Journey into Imagination pavilion. Of course, you may wonder why a Wonders of Life centered blog is writing about the Journey into Imagination pavilion, but out of respect, there are a lot of issues at stake in which I will provide one of Epcyclopedia's articles explaining what's to come.
Apparently, the renovation job is not due until somewhere in 2014, but already, there is a discussion in both sides pertaining to the fate of the pavilion; it is asking a whole lot of questions altogether - what should go into its place? Who should run the show? Is Figment coming back? Dreamfinder? Unfortunately, no answers are revealed at this point, but there is another question that is bugging us too: will it end up being abandoned?
As scary as it may sound, some pavilions and locations within Epcot have actually been abandoned for many reasons - sponsor walking out, maintenance problems or just too few to stop by - and to have Wonders of Life (as a pavilion in this case) hanging in the balance between closure and its status as a festival center apparently stuffs the situation right into its seams.
While things may as well yet to be finalised on what will take the place of Imagination later on (to the Imagineering department, we hear you! Good luck!), there is likely a different story pertaining to the Wonders of Life pavilion. While it is too soon to speculate, there is a reason why the Wonders of Life Eterna blog exists in response to events like this. It is in inspiration of the various memories held by many guests who have actually been into the pavilion - young and old - and it is in the interest of these people, no matter how variable they are, who would be interested in
If you are brave enough to look back, it is quite interesting to figure out how many possibilities (even from my own thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others) exist if the pavilion were to actually come back. However, the only (and likely, futile) way would be to put the pressure on management to finally look into brainstorming different ways to treat an ailing patient in Future World East. And, yes, I meant that as an architectural metaphor.
On a different side, for some odd reason, one of the servers for the informational site appear to be down, so the most likely thing to do is open up a mirror site to serve as a backup operator in case. However, some interactive components are building up offline, especially the pavilion articles and the interactive map. (Did you hear that? An interactive map!) So hopefully, as soon as the site situation is rectified, then expect the site to return with these wonderful features.
So until next time, if you have any possible thoughts on whether management (whether they are done with the Imagination refurbishment or not) should focus on Wonders of Life, feel free to leave a comment (it's always moderated), or even feel free to share the petition, or complete the survey online, or even view the results corresponding to the pavilion. I'm all ears!

Potential WoL Ressurection Ideas, part 6

Welcome back, readers, and moving on from our issues with regards to the fallen health habits experience now undergoing the scalpel, it is far wiser to get back into the hypothesis and armchair imagineering theories that Wonders would have needed. From past issues of Operation: Imagineering, here are a few articles that you might have missed:

1. The Interior (Design, Structure at a Glance)
2. Music Playlist
3. Floorplan, Attraction Categories
4. Colour and Design Schemes
5. Sponsorship and Character Involvement

As life from the other side of the blogosphere is beginning to become hectic, you may experience a slight slump in blog updates, but I must assure you that doesn't mean all operations have abandoned ship. Keeping in line with the pavilion image, we'll continue delving into pavilion image by a few things coming...

Potential WOL Resurrection Ideas, part 5

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:

1. The Interior (Design, Structure at a Glance)
2. Music Playlist
3. Floorplan, Attraction Categories
4. Colour and Design Schemes 

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.

Possibility 6: Running through Veins (and Arteries)

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/

Possibility 5: A Greater Race Ahead

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

Possibility 4: Stepping into the Game

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.

Possibility 3: Sniffing at the Sensory Barrier

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 and connects deeply to their emotional memory.

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 4

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. The Interior (Design, Structure at a Glance)
2. Music Playlist
3. Floorplan, Attraction Categories

Potential WOL Resurrection Ideas, part 3

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:

1. The Interior (Design, Structure at a Glance)
2. Music Playlist

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

As Seen in WDWNT Magazine Armchair Imagineering!

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...

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!

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 2

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...

Belated 1st Anniversary for WOL4EVA

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!

Potential WOL Ressurection Ideas, part 1

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!

Possibility 2.5 - Try a Time Warp

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

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. And now, we decide to take a peek in the head of Wonders' prime attractions and the unfortunate fate it met... or so we think...

Possibilitiy 1: Three Dee Vision

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...

Another 'Did You Know' Post

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!

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!

Buzzy's final salute? Or next mission?

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