|
Written by Louis Mongello
|
- Even park guide maps from the 1980's promised that "It's Fun to be
Free" as you took a ride through the evolution of transportation in
Epcot's "World of Motion" pavilion. The theme of this 15-minute
(quite long by Disney standards) ride was obviously transportation, and was
created in large part by classic Disney animator, Ward Kimball.
-
It was narrated by legendary voice-over artist Gary Owens, and featured the
classic theme song, "It's Fun to be Free," with lyrics written by
Xavier Atencio, and music by Buddy Baker. There were several versions of this
song played throughout the queue line and the attraction itself, with slightly
different lyrics in each area.
- The TransCenter was a post-show display area in the World of
Motion pavilion, which included two shows and exhibits. Besides the "Water
Engine Show," there was the popular "Bird and The Robot" show.
-
Viewed by over 7 million guests per year, the comedy and music show was hosted
by an Audio-Animatronics toucan called, "Bird." He and the
assembly-line robot called "Tiger" demonstrated the importance of
robots in modern automobile assembly.
-
"Tiger" performed a variety of tricks for guests, including
"rolling over" and "playing dead," and conducting a
symphony orchestra. "Bird," meanwhile, continued to entertain the
audience with silly jokes.
-
Did you know that "Tiger" the robot was the first Audio-Animatronic
figure to actually pick up objects? He was able to retrieve certain items that
were located in his bag.
-
-
General Motors, who sponsored the World of Motion pavilion throughout its
tenure in Epcot, was the first corporate sponsor to sign on with Disney for
EPCOT, having signed a 10-year contract in December, 1977. (This is somewhat
ironic, as GM had declined Disney's requests to create an attraction for the
1964-65 World's Fair. Ford Motor Company later accepted Disney's invitation,
and created an attraction for the Fair).
-
"World of Motion" centered on the history of transportation, and the
post-show "TransCenter" showcased General Motors' newest cars and
technologies in interactive exhibits.
-
General Motors' initial contract with Disney expired in 1992. Due to a slumping
economy, GM struggled with the decision to renew its corporate sponsorship of
their current "World of Motion" attraction. After signing a one year
contract, a new deal was reached which would keep World of Motion open while
Disney Imagineers developed a new attraction to be sponsored by GM.
-
As part of the agreement, GM insisted that the new ride focus on automobiles,
rather than just the general concept of transportation. Clearly, GM wanted the
new pavilion to be a marketing tool, as well as a thrill ride for guests.
Imagineers recalled visiting GM's "Proving Grounds" almost 20 years
earlier and decided to use that as the starting point for their new attraction
- Guests would become the "crash test dummies."
-
World of Motion's building design was circular in shape, so
as to resemble a wheel (more like a very short cylinder). The 60-foot tall
building had a diameter of 318 feet, and its exterior was covered in stainless
steel. The 15-minute ride portion of the attraction contained 22 scenes
populated by about 150 Audio-Animatronics figures
-
"It's Fun to Be Free'" was written by Disney
legends X. Atencio and Buddy Baker (the same two who wrote "Grim Grinning
Ghosts" for the Haunted Mansion). The song was actually repeated
continuously throughout the ride, but was modified to reflect the style of the
period being depicted in the scenes, from Egyptian to Renaissance to modern
times. Because the loops were so accurately synchronized, they sounded like one
complete song.
-
World of Motion closed for good on January 2, 1996, and the
building was completely gutted to make way for a new attraction. While
construction began on the new attraction, including assembly of a new, outdoor
track, The GM Test Track Preview Center opened just a month later, in February
1996.
Tags: Epcot Future World World of Motion (Closed)
If you would like to contribute to this entry, or have photos you would like to share to be used here, please send your trivia or contact us using the contact form here |
