So, as Disney veterans, (my whole two visits - three including the 10 year old me who was forced to ride SM
), we frequently tell others, "You can't do it all in one visit; so don't try!"
Knowing that well, I want each trip to afford us new experiences with the well loved ones! This trip I've decided that Innoventions(East and West) at Epcot need to be explored. I am not sure if I will be able to put it into the itinerary. It might be a last minute "Oh-my-goodness-it-is-so-hot-detour." I might tentatively put it in though...not sure.
So, I determined that I would know more this trip, and I wanted to share my research with my Dis friends! We entered through Innoventions West during our first trip, Aug. 2008, and we didn't find too many exciting options. I think in part, it had to be my lack of knowledge. However, since that trip, many changes have occurred.
I don't have pics of Innoventions from our last trip, so here is an Epcot shot to add some visual interest to the post:
Innoventions East:
Left side facing Spaceship Earth/ Electric Umbrella side
>Don't Waste it! This exhibit will be totally up my one daughter's alley! I try to reduce, recycle and reuse. This will allow us to answer questions to play with virtual trash to see how well we do!
Tip for readers: one way that I help the environment is by not taking bags from stores unless I have to. For example, if I buy a couple of items of clothes, I tell the cashier that I will put them in my purse. (I carry hobo style or a tote style bag usually. Some cashiers are rather insistent that I take a bag, and I am insistent right back. I have a receipt if questioned- I don't need a kohl's bag.
I always say, it is a little thing I can do for the environment. Sorry for slipping focus here.)
>Test the Limits Lab! What 8 year old wouldn't be thrilled with an interactive way to learn about how products are made safe for consumers. (What happens if this hammer hits a television?)
>Sum of all Thrills - Okay, this might be the whole reason anyone should checkout Innoventions East. Make your own rollercoaster and test it out in a simulator! So, cool. If you add inversions, though, you must be 54" to try them. I am not sure if the girls will be quite tall enough. It will be close. They were 51" and 50" in early Oct.
>Storm Struck - Another cool experience for kids who enjoy learning. This simulates a hurricane and for my Pennsylvania family, this is a great way to learn about them!
>Enviromentality Corner - learn more about preserving the environment - you can make paper here which sounds cool. I can't confirm that it is still open though. Someone did confirm that it was there last summer.
Let me take us to Norway briefly before heading to the West:
Innoventions West:
Right side (well, if it isn't on the left
.)
>Slapsticks Studio - Game show for problem solving where kids walk away with a frog they've decorated using velcro. Sounds mildly interesting for my 8 year olds?
>Where's the Fire? Anything I can do to increase my kids' knowledge of fire safety. I am a bit concerned that it might be too young for my daughters, but since my younger brother is a fire chief - we will give it a shot!
>Club Cool - Try out the soft drinks from around the world. I am embarrassed that we have not checked this out. However, we don't allow our daughters to drink soda (with the exception of a special occasion, i.e., wedding Shirley Temple or two or three...) I am not sure if we will do this; I have to check with DH. Otherwise, it will be fun to get pictures of everyone trying Beverly. (My dds have not had cola - maybe I should tell them this is what it tastes like.
)
>Think Place (Smarter Planet presented by IBM - one side is test your knowledge about saving the planet) other side, allows you to create your own avatar and play games using it to learn about having a "smarter planet"
>Video Game playground - new gaming consoles. Although this might be of total interest to our girls, I don't think we will send much time here. (We have a Wii-no need.
)
>The Great Piggy Bank Adventure - Interactive Game to teach financial planning. We try to instill the importance of budgeting and discuss money with them. It will be interesting to see how this works and how our daughters relate to it.
> Also in West, you can email postcards and if you have a Disney Visa, you can get a free 5X7 character photo. I have the Visa (but I don't ever use it). Not sure if we will take advantage of this or not.
Interactive PTR opportunity:
Please share your experiences or additional information regarding Innoventions!
If they only knew the half of it.
I couldn't figure it out.
)
