Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Green Loop. Today we are taking a closer look at the fun you can find in Future World at Epcot.
UNIVERSE OF ENERGY
Ellen. The Science Guy. A Game Show. Dinosaurs. And Air-conditioning. How could you not like this attraction?
Unlike many of the rides in Future World this one has a very large capacity which means you will experience one of the shortest wait times in Disney theme park history. So if you see a low wait time on the board for this attraction, please don’t think it’s because it isn’t good!
And it’s in a pretty building
The pavilion is located in the eastern half of Future World at Epcot. It contains just the one attraction, its second since its 1982 opening. The current attraction, entitled Ellen’s Energy Adventure, stars Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye. It features a combination of four separate large-format film presentations and a slow-moving dark ride.
You begin by standing in an outer theater while you watch Ellen in an eight-minute film in which she falls asleep and dreams that she is in an energy-themed version of Jeopardy!, playing against an old rival Judy Peterson (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) and Albert Einstein. After round one, Ellen is losing badly. Enter Bill Nye to save the day with science information! Next you enter the main show area and take a seat in large ride vehicles. Another screen is used to show a four-minute film which sets Ellen up for the adventure about energy. She is taken back into the distance past. Then you are on the move into a dinosaur diorama:
Next is a 12-minute film giving an in-depth look at various current and future energy resources across the United States. Last is a final two-minute film presenting the end of Ellen’s dream in which she uses her new knowledge about energy in Round 2 to unseat Judy as Jeopardy! champion.
This is also one of the longest rides in Future World so sit back and relax and rest your tired feet in air-conditioned comfort! Some find the content a bit dated but the information is still relevant today.
When you exit, be sure to check out the views:
Sometimes the oldest attractions can be the best, and while this energy adventure may not necessarily be the best, it certainly is worth the time! Did I mention it’s air-conditioned?
For more about Future World, check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Green | Discover Future World Loop:
- 1st Stop – My Dreams of Disney | Rediscovering the Imagination Pavilion
- 2nd Stop – Magical Memories with the Mouse | The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- 3rd Stop – Heidi’s Head | Everything You Need to Know about The Land
- 4th Stop – Superheroes and Teacups | Spaceship Earth: The Heart of Epcot
- 5th Stop – Frontierland Station | Test Track
- 6th Stop – Cool Nouns by Lee Beatens | (you are here)
- 7th Stop – The Delightful Life | The Music of Future World
- 8th Stop – My Dreams of Disney | Mission SPACE
- 9th Stop – Rolling with the Magic | Innoventions & Festival Center
Well done, Lee! This is almost a hidden treasure, it seems like so many people just skip on by this one!
It is a shame because it is quite good.
You’re right. Even though we haven’t ridden this in a long time, it’s such a great attraction. Thanks for reminding me about it!
You’re welcome and thanks for commenting!
We go on this every few visits. I actually kinda enjoy it, though I don’t necessarily agree with the science behind the whole thing. I love the dinosaurs and Ellen . . . well, she just makes anything funny! I have heard rumor, though, that this pavilion may be getting a Marvel makeover – nobody seems to know if this is fact or fiction.
Haven’t heard that, but it wouldn’t surprise me! Have to keep an ear out for more info.
Gosh, we haven’t done this attraction in YEARS. In fact, I’m not sure my children ever have! I do know that it’s worthwhile, it’s just so very long to carve out with three little ones. They are probably old enough to work it in our schedule without having to worry about naps, etc next time!
Naps would be fine as I’ve heard some ride this attraction to sleep in air conditioned comfort! Lol
We rode it on our last trip for the first time in a loooong time. Next time you ride look to your left as you enter the first room of dinosaurs. I am convinced there are a couple that look like Jar Jar Binks.
I will do that, thanks!
I haven’t been to this pavilion in over 20 years, so I’ve never even experienced the Ellen version. I think I need to remedy that on our next trip!
You’ll find Ellen and Bill look much different than they do today! I know you’ll enjoy it and thanks for commenting!
I haven’t visited this attraction in years, but it is a good one! Ellen is so funny!
She is entertaining in the attraction!
This attraction has been a favorite since I was a kid. I’ve always loved dinosaurs!