Theme park and attraction news, rumors and videos.
Walt Disney World visitors have a few more weeks to experience three park attractions, because The Sum of All Thrills and Stormstruck at Epcot, and “The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic” at Animal Kingdom are all closing soon. [Read more…]
A lot has happened in the Orlando area theme parks in 2009. Some new attractions were announced, some have closed down and some have opened up. One both opened and closed in 2009 (we’re talking about you Stitch.) Below are the top 10 most read blog posts on our site during 2009. Below the top 10 are some honorable mentions. Let’s count them down.
Hilarious Dance-Off with the Star Wars Stars 2009 at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends – Video and Photos
Photos from the new Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Hidden songs confirmed on Rip Ride Rockit coaster
A look at the new Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Club Penguin Characters Arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pictures from within Disney’s new Bay Lake Tower
Halloween Horror Nights 19 scare-by-scare review and video
Halloween Horror Nights 2009 Dates and Official Web Site
New construction may add truth to ‘leaked’ Fantasyland refurbishment plans
It’s hard to tell which stories are really the most popular during a year since a story posted in January obviously has been online longer than one posted in December. So here are three we feel are worthy of an honorable mention.
Video, Photos: Wizarding World of Harry Potter construction update for November 10, 2009
The latest on the early-morning crash between two Disney monorails
Concept art for The Sum of All Thrills, coming soon to Epcot’s Innoventions
KUKA Robotics Corporation has announced that their RoboSim 4-D Simulator ride system will be part of the upcoming new Innoventions attraction at Epcot called The Sum of All Thrills.
The KUKA RoboSim 4-D Simulator creates a 4-dimensional experience through 3-D robotic motion and “wind,” by controlling air movements to stimulate the senses providing a more realistic simulation experience involving high speeds, quick direction changes and different climates for a unique sensation. The 2-seat simulator does not fully enclose the rider, but allows the rider’s legs and feet to be suspended.
The spherical carbon-fiber hood features high definition video combined with stereo sound and controlled air motion. The system features 6 axes and 6 degrees of movement.
No date has been set for the opening of The Sum of All Thrills, though it is currently under construction.
The attraction will open to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009.
Here’s another look at the concept art we previously posted:
KUKA currently sponsors Rockin’ Robots – a 2,000 plus square foot interactive exhibit allowing guests to conduct a robotic band located in the Innoventions West building.
Update: Here’s a YouTube video showing what the KUKA arm looks like in action (though this particular installation has nothing to do with the upcoming Innoventions exhibit):
A few months ago, we told you about The Sum of All Thrills, the exhibit that is coming soon to Innoventions at Epcot. The exhibit, sponsored by Raytheon, will feature Innoventions’ first ride in the form of a robotic arm simulator.
Now, we have received some concept art depicting what The Sum of All Thrills will look like (click the image to enlarge):
We had previously been told that the exhibit would feature four simulators, which this artwork confirms. Guests entering the Sum of All Thrills will design a roller coaster, jet plane, or bobsled ride using real-life physics and engineering and then ride it within one of the robot arm-based simulators. Below are sketches of the virtual vehicles featured in the attraction.
The Sum of All Thrills is scheduled to open later this year.
