The Science of Survival Pavilion
Coming the summer of 2018 to Future World East, replacing the Universe of Energy Pavilion will be the Science of Survival Pavilion! The idea of The Science of Survival is a completely new take on how to celebrate what EPCOT has always been about human discovery and innovation, always pushing forward together. This new theme will be incredibly more exciting to many more fans than the former concept, while not completely pushing away its roots, pleasing the hardcore fans.
The pavilion tells the story of mankind in a similar way to Spaceship Earth, in that it travels through time to see just how we have progressed to the modern age, but the difference being this shows how we were able to keep going forward, rather than what we have done along the way. In addition, another difference is that it travels backwards in time, rather than going all the way back and then going forward. Yes, humans are an incredible species when looking at just what we've been able to accomplish, but do many people know what some of the truly important accomplishments are that kept us alive? Of course, the world is full of threats, many of which have harmed people significantly, and now guests can have an ultimate in-person experience to see the journey of mankind in a whole new way. Looking at how the technological/intellectual advancements were used with the way man has fought the physical world, here at WDI and EPCOT, we have crafted the story that combines these two, in The Science of Survival Pavilion!
Much like Universe of Energy, this pavilion is more or less just a single ride, however now with an additional structure built onto it as a post show exit, the EvolutionLabs. As you might have guessed, the old moving theater ride system is gone, replaced with something just as innovative though! Below is an outlined blueprint of the pavilion, showing off its massive, glorious show scenes, the long ride path, and new-build post show building.
While it may not appear to be a huge layout, remember, the Universe of Energy building is massive! This was capitalized on, and rather than trying to squeeze as much as possible into it, the ride will take a bigger approach to make insanely grand show scenes in each scene, to truly capture the scale and magnitude of what the ride represents. In addition, it should be noted that the beautifully designed exterior will remain the same (aside from the signage change).
As noted above, the ride will make use of a brand new ride system, one that is much more efficient, has one of the most fantastic capacities ever, and creates an experience that isn't as...mild...as the former Energy moving theaters to appeal to the crowds that don't like such as long rides but still is amazing to the purist EPCOT fans too. This new system is the Omnitheater, which is a combination of the moving theater and omnimover systems. The vehicles hold larger groups of people at a time, and is constantly moving. In order to handle the exiting and entering of such a large group of people, a) the speed is significantly reduced at this time, and b) the layout of the vehicle allows for a very good, organic flow of the entry and exit without much hassle.
As you can see from the diagram above, there are two exits and one entrance, designed in a way to keep a continually moving flow going. As people enter, the first part that the riders fill up is the section to the right. These riders that are currently exiting from the right exit on the other side of the seats. Once that area is filled up, the larger seating area has had most of its guests exit, and now the riders that enter start filling up this section.
Scene Description:
Scene 1- The ride starts out in an urban, ultra-modern city. The narrator sets up the story of how mankind nowadays has a very luxurious life, but it hasn't always been the case.
Scene 2- As this ride travels backwards through time, the next scene is on how recent human achievement has actually affected our survival negatively. It highlights the 2011 disaster in Fukushima, and while nature was to blame, the main focus is on the nuclear power plant. In tying into UoE with references, it covers how nuclear energy is something that was a great advancement, but the impacts of something like it going wrong are huge.
Scene 3- The weather aspect of scene 2 transitions into a scene that focuses on natural disasters of recent years. With massive show scenes and sets on display, you are really feeling the message and impact as you are put right in the middle of the action. From devastating tornadoes to even Hurricane Katrina, the narrator considers to riders how weather was one of the greatest variables of human survival. However, don't worry! This ride isn't set in a dreary and gloomy note, as what this ride is here to do is not depress, but show how humans overcome all obstacles in their way and push through it.
Scene 4- This scene jumps way back, and now focuses on disease. The scene is set in old Europe during the plague, and gives the riders a very eery feel. This was way before modern medicine, and the impacts of something so awful are shown. Again, the goal isn't to depress though, but rather to acknowledge the past and how it led to such a great modern day with such sicknesses wiped out. For some of the younger guests, it informs in a way that they potentially didn't know about before, but not at all in a boring way, as these massive scenes are incredibly exciting and immersive.
Scene 5- This next scene also jumps back quite a bit...this time, way, way farther back! We are in the age of the dinosaurs! That's right, energy fans would be delighted to know that the dinosaur diorama has been salvaged! This grand diorama now also features animatronic neanderthals, just discovering the world for themselves and understanding how to survive in it, with discovering fire, cooking food in this old world,building a shelter, and even trying to fight back against the dinos!
Scene 6- The transition scene as we head back to the modern day. First, we head back a little more, before there were even any humans or animals, to a dark earth set. It looks like a very hostile place, with intimidating natural phenomena happening all around you, but humans were somehow able to master it!
Finale- This scene salvages one of the massive omniplex theaters from UoE, with a grand finale that immerses you with a successful screen effect of being in a new world, with a grand horizon. The narrator reminds us that we were only able to get to where we are today by coming together as a species, and only imagines what we can do more together as we continue to advance forward the human race!
The EvolutionLabs post show will have many scientific exhibits and displays about the future of furthering to strengthen the human race, from advancements in Biotechnology to different sponsored organizations with causes to help feed the hungry around the world and provide housing and medication to the under privileged.
Overall, there is going to be a lot to see and experience at the new Science of Survival pavilion, and it is one that truly fits the theme of Epcot in a way that doesn't look back, but pushes forward in completely uncharted territory for Imagineering! Thanks for visiting this announcement exhibit at the D23 Destination D, and be sure to check out what we have planned next for The Seas!