 Opened October 1, 1999
INNOVENTIONS Plaza is located behind Spaceship Earth and is home to two pavilions, INNOVENTIONS East and INNOVENTIONS West.
Each center features unique exhibits focusing on scientific and technological innovations. By use of imaginative displays that encourage interaction, there's something for all ages to enjoy.
INNOVENTIONS is one of those overlooked treasures where you can get a break from the FL heat and crowds. It does get busy on occassion, but that's rare.
Don't Waste It!
Presented by "Waste Management" this hands-on exhibit teaches you ways to recycle, reuse or reduce "virtual trash." You answer questions about your trash habits, while filling a mini dump truck. When you reach the end, the trash is converted to energy. You can email a cute certificate to yourself when you "graduate".
FANTASTIC PLASTICS WORKS PRESENTED BY THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, INC. (SPI):
This popuar exhibit is divided into three sections. There's the Magic of Plastics, a Design Studio and the Manufacturing & Create Zone.
At the Magic of Plastics you can "connect the chemical dots" that combine to make different plastic compositions.
In the Design Studio you'll "mold the future" and design your own plastic robot that will compete in a virtual roadrace.
The Manufacturing & Create Zone is next. By watching the plastic injecting process, you'll see how robotics are used in manufacturing. The best part, you can make and take your very own plastic robot home!
The House of Innoventions
Tour this unique house that's loaded with latest cutting edge innovations. From a fridge in the oven to product concepts in testing phases, you'll see what's planned for your home.
 TEST THE LIMITS LAB PRESENTED BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL):
Underwriters Labs Inc. has been working for years testing
product safety. At this exhibit, you get a chance to become a UL engineer with some hands on fun.
There are five interactive stations that give you an idea of what's involved in making sure that products are safe for consumers.
 At the "Shatter Lab" you get to pull a rope attached to a large hammer and send it crashing into a TV screen.
The screen doesn't break and it is explained that if it did, it would safely implode. This innovation was a result of UL testing.
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 At the "Impact Lab" you release a 55 gallon drum on a firefighter's helmet. The helmet remains intact thanks to Underwriter Labs safety standards. |
 At the "Slam Lab" you jump on rubber pads causing fire doors to slam. This tests their reliability after continuous use.
The "Drop Lab" drops a safe from a three story building and the "Torture Lab" tests the limits of everyday household appliances.
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 SEGWAYS- Unsure about scheduling a Segway Tour? Try one out for free. Between 1:00 and 7:00pm, you can visit Segway Central where you'll learn about this vehicle and be given a chance to try it for a minute or two. (This does get busy.)
If you ever rode The Tomorrowland Transit Authority at the Magic Kingdom, you've heard them paging "Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow." At Innoventions West, you'll find this elusive character from the future.
SLAPSTICKS STUDIO PRESENTED BY VELCRO:
Game show designed to lead to creative solutions to problems.
The Creative Solutions Studios has you embellish a Velcro Frog that's yours to keep. This area includes a comedy show entitled "What's your problem?".
VIDEOGAME PLAYGROUND
Have fun playing the latest video games
WHERE'S THE FIRE PRESENTED BY LIBERTY MUTUAL:
Learn how to identify and protect yourself from fire hazards in the home. A section of this exhibit is designed to teach little ones how to escape a fire and to 'stop, drop and roll'. Earn "Fire Chief" ranking by answering the "Burning Questions."
THINK PLACE PRESENTED BY IBM: This is where you can send a cute postcard to friends back home. You can choose from several backgrounds that remind your friends that you're in Disney World, and they're not. Other stations let you create a silly "Think-A-Ma-Jig" to gather treasures from under the sea. There's the "Little Thinker Playground" which younger visitors can explore.
THE GREAT AMERICAN FARM PRESENTED BY AMERICAN FARM BUREAU: Through fun interactive exhibits, you'll see what's involved in getting your food on the table. You can play "The Great American Pizza Game", crawl through the "Bug Tunnel" and see what's inside the "Look Closer" machines.
ROCKIN' ROBOTS PRESENTED BY KUKA: Meet Cicerob, Herbot, Delbot and Norbot and help them to create a symphony. You direct four robotic arms that play percussion that ranges from cymbals, gongs, chimes to car horns and crates. At the kiosk, you can learn about the important role that robotics plays in our everyday lives.
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