Ellen's Energy Adventure: Must do or skip?

[pa. dad]

We have seen it a few times but the last 3 or 4 times we have skipped it. We do most of the other attractions in Future world and by the time we get done with those, there's not 45 minutes to invest in it and we walk right past it.
It's not a really bad attraction but not worth the time. I'd say keep the dinosaurs and cut the length down to 20-25 minutes.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

It definitely needs an update. DH and I rode it for the first time last fall, but agreed we have to take the kids on it next time for the dinosaurs as ODS loves dinos and Bill Nye right now (they watch a little Bill Nye in class apparently). If it were just me once would be enough, but I'd do it again for a rest/cool down. Seeing Ellen so young and everything "cutting edge" was pretty funny.

 

[ellie05]

Usually a skip unless it is really hot outside or we need a nap.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I love doing this. I wouldn't take little kiddies though. If you do, make sure they go to the loo before the ride part starts, because once it starts there is no getting off.

 

[Mikie]

I like the rest and the nap! I think the Ellen and Jamie Lee Curtis film is funny ("Stupid Judy!") and the animatronics are good. However, last trip after I brought a lot of family for the first time, I kind of apologized for how long/potentially boring it was. I especially thought the kids would have complained. I said I would scrap it from future trip plans - they objected loudly! My kids (13, 9, 7 at the time) all want to do it at least once a trip.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

We've seen it so many times that we skip it now. But if you've never seen it I say go ahead and do it.

For our 2014 trip we didn't skip it only because DD's BF joined us on our trip and he is a chemistry/geology major in college and loves Bill Nye. He had never seen it so I thought he would enjoy it. He did!

"So we're filling our gas tanks with dinosaur soup?!"

 

[mm1971]

We usually do this once per trip. It's a decent ride, the dinosaurs are well done and not scary for little ones. It's a great way to take a break and relax for a little while. It does take up time and you can't leave once it starts so that is a consideration. If you have the time in your schedule, I say a definite yes. If not, I would say only if its raining or you need a break.

 

[cleverdisneyname]

We like it. My son loves the dinosaur part. It's a good place to cool off. Make sure you take your kids to the restroom before you go in!

 

[Crystal824]

I like it, I think everyone should do it once. With that being said, I haven't done it in at least 6 years. The dinosaur part is really cool, but I don't think my kids would deal with the length of the attraction. They are 5 and almost 2. It is really outdated, but I like the nostalgic feel of it.

 

[Catvondita]

Honestly I feel like every Disney fan should try to do every attraction at least once. It's not bad but outdated and long However that long ride can actually be a great thing. Its a good way to be consistently off your feet, and you really can try to sneak a nap in there! Also there is never a wait for it so if you ever have time to kill or say it starts raining you can head inside.

 

[loves to dive]

Another one for if you haven't done it you should. We used to do it when my son was little because it was a good place for him to catch a nap but we haven't done it for years. He is an adult now and would probably enjoy it but he has damaged nerves in his back and can't sit still for that length of time. I'm thinking I'll do it again next time I go solo just because I haven't in a long time and I'm trying to do things I've never done before (been going for over 33 years and there are still things I haven't done) or things I haven't done in over 10 years. I would caution that not only do the kids need to go to the bathroom before but also if AC bothers you, make sure you have a wrap of some sort. Believe it or not, one of the reasons we stopped doing it was because I just get too cold.

 

[Yahweh]

I kind of liked it as well. I entered with low expectations, which always helps but was pleasantly surprised. Sure it's long, but so is waiting in line for Test-Track!

 

[quagmire0]

Is it better or worse than Carousel of Progress? (Although DW and I always tease each other with the song from CoP).

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Please skip it! It is a disgrace!

It is SO terribly outdated that it is full of wildly outdated misinformation! I can't say that loudly enough!

The world of ENERGY has completely transformed since the last time that clunker was updated, and the new ideas are truly exciting! Just for a start:

1. The cost of renewable energy sources is now competitive with carbon based fuels. Adding a solar cell to most homes will SAVE you $$$!

2. For almost 100 years, Edison's basic lightbulb stayed the same. Compare that to cars and televisions from just 10 or 20 years. FINALLY! Our newest bulbs cost less and generate better light.

3. Ellen Energy predates the kind of world dangers our energy grid now faces.

Sigh, it is just so sad to consider the kind of benefit Disney COULD be giving their customers in a part of Epcot called "Future World."

 

[mickeyluv'r]

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I love Bill Nye!

 

[BrianL]

Is it better or worse than Carousel of Progress? (Although DW and I always tease each other with the song from CoP).

Oh, it's worse than CoP...but then again I LOVE the CoP, so....

 

[Quellman]

We did this ride for my son, because of the Dinosaurs, which admittedly, are a very small portion of the ride. Think of it as a tame older version of Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. There also isn't really any information about the dinosaurs, just a ride through of them. The attraction also follows the show jeopardy, so if you don't understand the premise of the game show, I don't know how that impacts the story, I bet not too much.

Is it better or worse than Carousel of Progress? (Although DW and I always tease each other with the song from CoP).

I think they are different. I find CoP interesting to see the transformation of the american home. There are also lots of hidden mickey's to locate. It also is a bit shorter of an experience. I would venture to say the seats are more comfortable too.
The energy adventure is 90s nostalgia and relies heavily on video to advance the plot. But still a neat way to see where energy comes from.

 

[Angeliki19]

FWIW, I'm not sure about that 22-minute figure you mentioned; the Epcot map says it takes 45 minutes, and Touring Plans says it takes 35 minutes.

We did it on my first trip six years ago and I haven't felt the need to do it again. You should be prepared for your kids to be very bored for parts of it, particularly the preshow.

Yikes, that's even longer than I thought! I must be thinking of something else.. I am sure you are right. Yeah, that just seems too long for something I am not sure we will LOVE.

 

[Angeliki19]

I'm glad I tried it once, it was cute.. But with that being said I won't do it again- it made me dizzy and a bit claustrophobic

Really? Can you explain why? We have some people who don't do well with dizzy (my parents) or claustrophobia (me!) I was expecting something like the Great Movie Ride in DHS?