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Wheels of Progress
The desire for freedom of movement extends back to earliest prehistoric times. The unending quest has been to push back the boundaries of time and space by expanding the horizons and mobility. Indeed, motion seems to have always been part of our basic nature.
Early man was a nomadic hunter, depending for food and survival upon the fortunes of the chase. In this struggle a premium was placed upon physical power. This emphasis carried over into transportation. It was sinew and brute strength against the distance.
Something in man's mind beckoned him on, beyond mere foot power; a spark of genius pointed to a better way. By using the creatures nearest to them, early peoples domesticated them and turned them into vehicles. Civilizations and empires arose, great armies swept across vast territories, all carried by horses, camels or elephants. The need and desire for even greater mobility increased. Animals had become far too slow and limited.
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The World of Motion Experience
The facility housing the World of Motion attraction is one of the most impressive structures in Epcot Center. Standing 65 feet tall, its huge (320 feet diameter) cylindrical form is sheathed in gleaming stainless steel panels. Overall, its circular shape, suggestive of a wheel, is very appropriate for a building containing World of Motion. Passing through the blue tiled entrance area, we are inside. Use of stainless steel is continued here as an interior finish, along with walls carpeted in a rainbow array.
World of Motion features a 22 scene ride through a multimedia presentation including dimensional sets , "Audio-Animatronics" figures, special effects, and extensive use of both live-action and animated film. The show is a lighthearted combination of fact and fantasy that traces the development of transportation from man's first form of mobility, foot power, up to present and possible future methods.
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The World of Motion Story
Capturing the essence of transportation throughout the years has evolved into the largest "Audio-Animatronics" show Disney has ever produced. Within the stainless steel realm of World of Motion, 18 animated scenes, three speed tunnels, Center Core, Transcenter and approximately 140-150 "Audio-Animatronics" figures bring to life the history and future of transportation. In comparison, the Big City scene incorporates more "Audio-Animatronics" than all of the Universe of Energy.
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Sponsored by ... General Motors
General Motors, our World of Motion sponsor, has always had the reputation for excellence in workmanship. CM is still, and always has been, striving to keep pace with technology's advancing progress.
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