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Wonders of Life

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Wonders of Life
File:Epcot Wonders of Life logo.png
The pavilion in June 2007
Ride statistics
Attraction typeSimulator ride (Body Wars)
Theater (Cranium Command, Making of Me, Goofy About Health)
Exhibits (Fitness Fairgrounds & Frontiers of Medicine)
DesignerWalt Disney Imagineering
ThemeLife
MusicVarious New Age music

The Wonders of Life pavilion was an attraction at Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The pavilion was devoted to health and body related attractions. It is located inside a golden colored dome between Mission: SPACE and the Universe of Energy. As of April 2010, the pavilion hasn't operated regularly for over 6 years, and although the space is sometimes used for special events, the attractions within have remained closed, and since been partially removed.

History

The idea of a pavilion devoted to health and fitness dates back to the original concept of the EPCOT Center theme park, but no corporate sponsor could be found to cover the costs. It was not until MetLife signed on that the attraction was finally constructed. On January 4, 2004, Disney made the decision to make the pavilion seasonal operation only. It reopened when the park was projected to hit near capacity during the high spring months and Christmas season. The pavilion's most recent operational phase was 11/26/06 through 1/1/07. While the pavilion is not operational to the public it is commonly used for private and corporate events. On August 5, 2007 the Wonders of Life sign and the 72 foot tall The Tower of Life Double helix DNA structure were removed.

As of 2008, the state of the attractions inside is unknown. Temporary walls were placed around the existing attractions when Epcot hosted the Food and Wine festival in the Wonders of Life building. The "Celebrate the Joy of Life" and "Body Wars" signs have been removed during the last opening in 2009. It is unknown if any of the attractions will ever reopen again, although it is possible that the pavilion will be re-opened with the same theme, or even a new one, if sponsorship is signed.

Currently, the pavilion is open seasonally as the center for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. For these events, the pavilion hosts seminars, videos, presentations, and more.[1] The pavilion needs a sponsorship to continue operation, which includes restoring old attractions as well as developing new ones. Presently all attractions are shut down and their signs removed.

Attractions

  • Cranium Command - A theater show with audio-animatronic actors and a movie. The show explained the functions of the human brain and its interaction with the human body.
  • Frontiers - Listen to stories about medicine and the brain on small televisions.
  • Body Wars - Epcot's first thrill ride, a motion simulator ride taking guests on a Fantastic Voyage-like trip through the blood stream. 40 passengers could be accommodated in one of four, 26-ton simulators. The film shown was directed by Leonard Nimoy, and starred actors Tim Matheson, Elisabeth Shue and Dakin Matthews. Often compared to Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park as its rougher counterpart.
  • Coach's Corner - Guests can swing a bat while a professional player gives tips.
  • Goofy About Health - A multimedia show about healthy living hosted by Goofy, using clips from his cartoons.
  • Fitness Fairgrounds - Tested guests' athletic abilities (this is due to be demolished starting by January 16, 2009)
  • Sensory Funhouse - Interactive playground
  • The Making of Me - Short movie about birth and life starring Martin Short.
  • Wonder Cycles - Stationary bicycles with a television attached. The faster riders pedaled, the faster the video played. The bicycles would take the rider on a short tour, with a selection of:
    • 100th Anniversary Rose Parade Pasadena, California
    • Disneyland in California - The rider could see that day's park patrons watching the camera pass and moving out of the way for the operator.
    • Take a Little Ride: Microworld Bigtown, U.S.A.
File:Epcot Wonders of Life June 2009.jpg
The pavilion at night in June 2009.
Inside the pavilion as of October 2007

Live entertainment

  • Anacomical Players Retired in 2000

Shops

  • Well and Goods Limited (Closed)

Food services

  • Pure & Simple - Various snack type foods (Closed)

References

  • "Wonders of Life". WDWHistory.com. Retrieved June 5, 2006.
  • "INTERCOT". INTERCOT.com. Retrieved December 3, 2006.
  1. ^ 2008 Flower & Garden Festival

See also

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